Page 14 of Tangled Trust

"Great. See you downstairs in a few minutes."

I wish my spine would stop tingling every time my boss smiles at me. What am I? Thirteen? I really need to focus.

* * *

The beach is magical this time of day. I cannot think of a better place for a child to grow up. The air is clean, the weather is superb…it’s no wonder little Jagger has such a healthy glow about him. I’m used to seeing children with translucent, pale skin. Light blue, I believe.

I must say, he is the sweetest little boy. His enthusiasm for life is quite contagious. Speaking of enthusiasm. Everything about my life has changed for the better. I feel like a new person. It’s crazy what a change of scenery and circumstances does for the soul.

I haven’t thought of Sebastian for at least a full day now. I was at the store a few days ago, and I suddenly felt panicky when I smelled his cologne. It was as if someone slapped me across the face. I was cemented to the spot for a minute, staring out at the free-range eggs in the large wicker basket as if they were going to somehow protect me from danger. Clearly, I’m suffering from PTSD. I’m a doctor, so I recognize the signs. I’m hoping the Malibu sun will burn away the awful memories of London.

"Look, Ella. I can do a cartwheel!"

Jagger interrupts my thoughts by kicking up a whole bunch of sand, baptizing me from head to toe. I laugh at his attempts to do a full cartwheel while Dash is digging his way to Middle Earth.

"They’re a handful, aren’t they?" Carter chuckles as he takes off his shirt.

H…O…L…Y…

It’s hard to sneak a peek at his chiseled chest without him noticing, but I give it a go anyway. His olive skin is without blemishes, and I swear I can feel the heat radiating off it. I wish I could run my fingers over the ridges of his six-pack. I can’t help wondering what it would be like if he and I had met under different circumstances. Would he see me as more than an Au Pair with a London accent?

"Jagger’s a treat," I manage.

"Do you swim?"

An odd question.

"Yes."

"Sorry. I forgot to ask you that earlier."

"Do you two come down here often?"

"Jagger and I practically live down here in the summer. The private beach access is one of the reasons I bought this place. I love the ocean."

"Who can blame you? It’s a damn sight warmer than the oceans I’m used to," I smile. "I spent a summer learning how to surf on the coast in Eastbourne when I was a teenager. I’d love to try that here."

"Oh, there are a few surfboards in the bungalow. You’re welcome to use them whenever you like."

"Thanks. That will be fun. Do you surf?"

"I do. I pretty much do anything that has anything to do with watersports. Jagger and I are spending some time on our yacht before summer is over. You’ll see what I mean then."

Hmm. A yacht. Nice.

"Is it moored here in LA?"

"No. She’s in the Bahamas."

Of course.

"Daddy. Can we swim now?" Jagger calls from the shallows.

"Coming, my boy! Excuse me. You’re welcome to join us if you like."

"I think I’ll stay here and keep an eye on Dash."

Carter gives me one of his sensational smiles, then runs towards Jagger, scoops him up, and rushes into the waves. Lucky little boy. I wouldn’t mind a dose of those guns around my waist.

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