Blind Love

Chapter 32 • Ulterior Motives

"Are you finished, love? I can take your plate for you, if you'd like."

I hum in answer while chewing my last bite and I hold out my plate for her, "Yes and thank you, JJ."

"You're welcome. Gemma, Michal, Trish and Emmet are changing in the cabana to get in the P-O-O-L if you wanna get in."

"Yeah, a dip sounds like fun."

"Alright, I'll get Maggie's floaties and hat ready. Here's the suntan lotion for you," she says and the cool plastic touches my hand, "even though you don't necessarily need it since apparently you and the sun are best mates and you always have the perfect sun-kissed tan."

"You and Gem still think I do that on purpose, don't you?" I grin, squeezing a good amount in my palm and I begin spreading it on my arms and legs. As I massage what's left into my neck, JJ says my name and I turn to face her. "Yes, love?"

"Can I fix a spot where you missed on your nose? No one's looking; they're not paying any attention to us right now, and I'd hate for you to burn."

"Uhm, actually, could you just guide my hand to the spot? I'd rather do it myself this time."

"Gimme your hand then," she says, guiding my hand to my nose and I begin rubbing the suntan lotion into my skin.

"Are you upset with me?"

"What? No, not at all. You're a grown man and want to do things yourself. I completely understand."

"Okay, and thank you. Did I get it all?"

"Lemme check . . . yes. Are we ready to get in the P-O-O-L now?"

"M'always ready," I grin in her direction, reaching down for Maggie's harness to take it off of her. "There you go, Maggie. Does it feel good to have a little bit of freedom?" I coo, petting her head. "Are you gonna get in the pool with us, love?"

"Oh I don't know. I don't feel much like swimming right now."

"Aw, c'mon, JJ. It'll be fun . . . and you and I can have a little bit of fun, if you know what I mean."

She gasps in offense, "Not in front of our family and friends. This isn't our honeymoon where we can do it wherever we want."

I make a pouty face, earning a giggle and I huff out a breath, raising my hands in surrender, "Alright, I'll be on my best behavior."

"That's not saying much, but okay," she giggles and I feel her presence close to me. Her hand cups my cheek and I pucker my lips in anticipation of a kiss. "Mm, I like your lips."

"And you were worried about me behaving? Isn't that like the pot calling the kettle black?" I tease, making her giggle.

"Maybe we'll both need a time out later tonight, hm?" she lightly blows on my ear before delicately kissing it. "Okay, Maggie, do you want to go in the pool?"

She barks excitedly from recognizing the word and I scoot off of the counter stool, hoping my sudden arousal isn't noticeable through my swim trunks. I take off my t-shirt to set it on the seat of the stool and I feel JJ guide my hand to her elbow and she starts leading us over to what I assume is the pool.

"Are you two getting in the pool with the others?" Mum asks.

"Yeah. Would you like to join us, Mum?"

"Oh I think I'll stick my feet in. I want to take some pictures to capture all the fun. I'll have Michal show me how to take these pictures from my photo album in my phone and put them on my computer and then I can email them to you."