Page 53 of The Alpha's Stolen Mate

During our meal, Gabriel asked Grayson questions like his favorite food—my potato salad—his favorite color—black like Goose’s fur, and his middle name—Theodore.The last question I’d had to answer for him.

My son became more chatty the longer the two of them talked. An hour after we’d finished eating, Grayson was concluding a long-winded story about the time one of Aunt Mia’s horses gave birth and how he wasn’t allowed to watch.

“Don’t you think that’s unfair, Dad? That I wasn’t allowed to watch?” Grayson asked. He had stood up and was now bouncing on his feet, hyper from the sugar in the lemonade he had been drinking.

“Oh, I think it's completely unfair,” Gabriel agreed, then subtly winked at me.

I rolled my eyes and suppressed a smile.

Grayson beamed in reply, and the two of them bumped knuckles.

“See, Mom?” Grayson said, turning to me. “Dad agrees with me.”

“Honey, I didn’t even want to watch that. It would have grossed you out,” I said gently.

“Nuh-uh!” Grayson’s brown curls bounced as he shook his head. “I don’t get grossed out.” He stopped bouncing and then looked back at the pool. “Can we swim now?”

“Yes,” I answered and stood up to get the blue swim floaties Gabriel bought along with mine and Grayson's swimsuits. “Come here, sweetheart.”

As I put the floaties on my son, Gabriel stood up, rummaging around in a shopping bag.

“Remember, you need to keep these on at all times,” I told my son. “You’re not the strongest swimmer yet, and these will keep you safe.”

“Mom,” Grayson whined and looked back at his dad, who was coming back toward us. “Not too loud. Dad might hear you.”

I grinned, and my heart lifted.

“I got goggles and sunscreen, too,” Gabriel said and proudly showcased both items.

My smile widened.

Was it strange that Gabriel bonding and taking care of our son made my former Mate even more attractive to me?

The two boys stepped away, and Gabriel sprayed sunscreen on our son, making sure he was completely protected. Once they were done, I walked over to them.

Gabriel’s eyes shot down and studied my bikini-clad body. His pupils dilated, and his mouth dropped slightly open.

It seemed like he had been momentarily stunned.

By me.

His reaction caused desire to pulse down my spine. The way he was studying every curve of my body made my confidence rise, and I had to stop myself from smirking.

“Why don’t you two swim without me?” I suggested. “I’m going to clean up lunch.” I put on my black swimsuit cover-up.

“Are you sure?” Gabriel said. “I can help you clean up, then we can go swimming.”

Grayson got bored with our conversation and crept back over to the table to sneak more lemonade, even though I told him he couldn't have any more. I didn't know who that kid thought he was fooling. The squeaking of his floaties gave him away instantly.

“I think that it will be good for you and Grayson to spend some alone time together,” I said. “Just please make sure that he keeps his floaties on and just keep your eye on him. He isn't the best swimmer.”

“I promise to protect him. You can trust me with him, Summer.”

I grinned and stepped an inch closer to him, our eyes meeting.

“I know I can.”

***

---