Page 31 of Arrogant Arrival

Jim sits down next to me and tickles Georgina under her chin. “She never leaves her alone with anyone. Must say something about you?”

I roll my eyes. “We’re not really alone, Jim. They’re right there.” I point to them as Bianca climbs on to Dex’s back laughing. I smile, but it doesn’t reach my eyes. “That’s what love looks like.”

“Yeah, they’re pretty crazy about each other.”

I look to Jim, “Have you ever been in love?”

He keeps his eyes on the ocean when he answers. “In the Greek language, there’s different words for different types of love. I’ve experienced some forms of love, but the kind you’re describing…no.”

I notice a difference in his eyes. They’re not playful and full of mischief anymore. No, now they’re sad. I reach over and take his hand and give him a squeeze. “My friend’s tell me that my Mr. Right will arrive someday, so I’m sure your Mrs. Right will too.”

Jim gives a humorless laugh. “Unfortunately for you, you’ve got to deal with this arrogant Greek bastard until then.”

I quickly cover Georgina’s little ears. “Sshh, a child is present.”

He laughs, “She’s not even talking yet.”

“Geek Bas-ard”

Oh no, no, no! This is bad!“Jimmy…did she just say…”

“Hey…you called me Jimmy.” He grins widely.

I roll my eyes. “I’m more worried about what nameshecalled you!”

“Geek Bas-ard!”

Jim shushes her. “No, koukla mou, Greekmustard.” He nods. “Not bas–”

“Jimmy!” I hiss.

“Mustard,” he continues.

She giggles. “Greek…” Jimmy nods encouragingly. “Greek bastard!”

Of course, right then, Bianca and Dex would walk up. They could’ve swam for another ten minutes but nooooo. Dex grins proudly, “Is Georgina speaking her first word?”

Bianca beams and kneels down. “What is it baby? Did you say Ma-Ma?”

“Greek bastard!” I cringe when I hear the sweet little voice speak. To my surprise, Bianca jumps up and swats Dex’s arm.

“I told you to watch your language! I knew she was listening when you yelled at that driver.”

“He cut me off!”

Jimmy and I look at each other and give a single nod. We’ll be taking that little secret to the grave for sure. I hand Georgina back to Bianca. Jimmy and I stand together. “I wasn’t for sure if that’s what she was saying.”

“Yeah, it just came out of nowhere.” He shakes his head as he feigns disappointment. “What are you teaching your child, you two?”

Bianca fusses over baby Georgina, encouraging her to say Ma-Ma, but it’s useless.

“Greek bastard.”

“We’re gonna go now,” Jimmy says as he throws an arm over my shoulders. I nod in agreement.

As we walk away, we both burst into a fit of giggles. Instead of removing his arm, Jim wraps the other one around me. Without words, he brings his lips to mine and I welcome them. When he pulls away, I smile…an authentic, genuine smile.

“I’m really glad to know it wasn’t my fault her first word was Greek bastard,” he whispers.

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