Page 35 of Blue Sky

Canapés

Ilicked my lips, savoring the taste of Paloma. She was even sweeter than I had imagined. Our kisses had been everything that I had fantasized they would be—innocent, warm, loving, yet passionate, and hopefully a hint of what was to come.

“Bye, girls.”

Mónica shot me a dirty look, probably suspicious of Laurel, but Ana María ran over and gave me a hug. A lump grew in my throat. I was not only crazy about Paloma, but I adored her sisters. My new life as the lone male living with four women felt right. It had only been a few weeks since Paloma and her sisters moved in, but I already couldn’t imagine living without them.

Laurel waited for me by the door. Her perfume overpowered me, and I couldn’t help but think about how different she was from Paloma. My stomach tightened with guilt. I didn’t want to go out tonight, especially with Laurel. But I didn’t have a choice. As I had told Paloma, this was a work function, not a date.

Laurel touched my uniform. “Beck, that baby of yours is so cute. I’m so sorry she’s feeling sick.”

“She wasn’t sick earlier. She had just tried peas for the first time.”

“Oh. I don’t know anything about babies. But I could learn.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and make a smartass remark. I didn’t care if she knew anything about babies or not. I had no desire to date her.

I only wanted Paloma.

We all climbed into Charlie’s SUV and to my dismay, Laurel sat in the middle seat right next to me.

Ah, hell. I didn’t want to be rude to her, but the only woman on my mind was Paloma.

“So Beck. Your nanny seems nice. I think she has a crush on you,” she teased.

I didn’t appreciate her passive aggressive way of trying to find out what was going on with me and Paloma. I fought the urge to tell Laurel that the crush was mutual, that my lips were still burning from Paloma’s heat, that I wanted to fuck the shit out of my nanny. But I didn’t want to start any gossip.

“She’s an amazing woman. I have never met anyone like her. She has such a positive attitude even though she’s had a rough life.”

Her face contorted, and I could see that my response didn’t satisfy Laurel. “Well, she must be special. So, who’s going to watch Sky when you go back to Pensacola?”

With any luck, Paloma will come with me.

Man, was I being interrogated? I was done with this conversation. “I’m just taking everything day by day.” I turned my head and looked out of the window. Thankfully, Charlie arrived at the banquet hall. Good, time to get this event started so I could get back home to Paloma.

I exited the vehicle and didn’t even bother opening Laurel’s door. I wanted to make it clear now that this wasn’t a date.

We entered the banquet hall which was decked out. There was a ridiculous ice sculpture in the center of the room, expensive linens and designer silverware on each table, and elaborate flower arrangements adorned every corner.

In the past, Catherine and I would appreciate the elaborate set up. But now, it seemed gaudy. All this wasted money, especially knowing that many of the residents of this town were hungry.

For some reason, I thought that I would be the one to show Paloma a whole new way of life. But she was the one who was opening my eyes up to the world.

I greeted our fellow pilots. Sawyer was flirting with tall redhead and Declan was nursing his drink while making small talk with the commander’s wife. Yup, another fun night.

I walked over to a table of food and grabbed a plate. But nothing excited my taste buds. The spread consisted of smoked salmon on cucumber slices, shrimp on rice crackers, caviar on puff pastries, and sausage stuffed mushrooms.

I would rather be home feasting on one of Paloma’s meals.

Hell, I’d rather be feasting on her.

I quickly said hi to the commander and engaged in thrilling small talk about the weather. Luckily, another pilot stole him away from me.

Laurel walked up to me. “Do you want to dance?”

I winced. I didn’t want to turn her down, but I didn’t want to lead her on either. “I’m really not in the mood, Laurel. It’s nothing personal.”

Her face tensed up and she bit her lower lip. She gave me an understanding nod and then walked away.