Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Patrice Lewis (best large ereader .txt) 📕

Four lifeguards were stationed high on their perches, two per pool at each end, totally focused on their jobs.

“This place is really something.”

“Until a few years ago, only guests at the dude ranch could get in. But the owners opened the activities to the public and expanded since. The indoor pool is new, along with outdoor bowling and putt-putt.”

“And you like putt-putt.”

“I stink at it, but it’s fun. The twins get bored with it before we get through the whole course.”

“Maybe we could come sometime without the kids.”

The dreamy look on her face said she was tempted. But then she frowned. “I don’t have time and besides I like spending my time outside of work with the twins.”

Minutes later, the twins exited the changing rooms. Mason started to run, but obviously remembered her orders and slowed his pace. Both handed Stacia their clothes.

“Thank you.” She folded the clothes, slipped them in her bag.

“Can we go in now?” Mason begged.

A sudden panic filled Ross’s chest. “Don’t y’all need life vests or something?”

“We know how to swim,” Madison assured him. “Aunt Stacia got us lessons here when we were three.”

“In that case, I can watch them while you change, then we’ll swap,” Ross suggested.

“You go ahead. I’m not planning to swim.”

“Why not?”

“Don’t worry about it. Go change.”

“You have to come swim with us, Aunt Stacia.” Mason tugged on her hand.

“Did you bring your suit?”

“Yes.”

“But you’re not planning to swim.” He peered at her. “Let me guess. You think I might abscond with the children while you’re in the dressing room.”

“What does abscond mean?” Madison looked from Ross to Stacia.

“Come swim with us, Aunt Stacia.” Mason tugged toward the changing rooms. “Please.”

“Three against one.” Ross raised one eyebrow at her. “The twins can get in and I promise I’ll be right here watching them when you get back.”

“Please, Aunt Stacia, please,” both kids pleaded in unison.

“I promise.” He tried to muster up all the sincerity he could.

She scrutinized him, her gaze narrowing to a warning slit, then glanced at the twins and back at him. “Right here.”

“You have my word.”

“Y’all can get in. But be careful and watch for other swimmers and sliders.”

“Yay.” The twins headed to the pool and Ross turned to watch them.

“I’ll be right back.” She watched until both kids were safely in the water, then glanced at both lifeguards. “And you better be here.”

“I will.”

She scurried over to her friends and spoke. Probably something like, “If that guy tries to leave with the twins, nab him.” Then she hurried toward the dressing rooms. If she wasn’t careful, the lifeguard would put her in the corner for running.

He focused solely on the twins, intent on nothing happening during his watch. Maybe Stacia would trust him if he nailed this task.

* * *

Even though she’d enlisted Rance and Clint’s help in watching the kids, Stacia changed into her one-piece as fast as she could and didn’t even take the time to fold her clothes. In a wad, she stashed them in the bag, opened the door and scanned the pool. Mason and Madison were climbing a ladder to one of the tube slides and Ross was right where she’d left him.

What would she have done if they’d been gone? Her heart sank to her stomach. She still didn’t trust Ross, but with Rance and Clint on notice, he wouldn’t have gotten far.

Even though her suit was modest, she always felt strange wearing it in public. She wrapped a towel around herself, tucked it in under her arm and headed toward him. Though she was slim, she always felt self-conscious since getting a sunburn that never turned into a tan was her best event. It simply peeled away leaving permanently milky white skin with more freckles. Thankfully, with the indoor pool, she wouldn’t have to worry about sunblock until they went outside later.

“Your turn.”

“That was fast.” He pointed a finger at her. “You have trust issues.”

“Only where you’re concerned.” But in truth, she trusted few. She focused on the kids, ignored him until he sauntered away.

Madison slid down the slide, screaming all the way and ending with giggles when she entered the pool with a splash.

“Come on in, Aunt Stacia,” Mason hollered, as he entered the tube.

She waited until he came out the other end and surfaced. “I’m waiting for your uncle, so I can put all our stuff in a locker.”

“At your service.” Ross strolled up beside her. “Want me to get the locker?”

Blue jean cutoffs. No shirt with his clothes rolled in a bundle under one arm. Muscled arms and chest. Not from the gym, but hard work. What would it feel like to be safe in those arms?

“Stacia?”

“Hmm?”

“The locker.”

“I’ll do it since I’ve done it before. You have to fill out a form.”

“And you don’t think I can handle that?”

“Just go on in. I’ll be back in a minute.” She forced her gaze to stay on his as he handed over his clothing, boots, keys and wallet. Tried to ignore the tingle caused by his hand grazing her arm, as she headed for the booth. By the time she filled out a form and stashed all their possessions except for their towels, her heart was still hammering.

Ross was in the water up to his shoulders on one side of the tube slide. Since the pool was only four feet deep, he must be squatting or on his knees. At least, she couldn’t see the rest of him. What was wrong with her getting so distracted by him?

“Come on in, Aunt Stacia,” Madison squealed as she slid down again.

Stacia walked over to the side, slipped off her towel, sat down and dipped her toes in the water. Not too hot, not too cold as usual. She slid into the pool with a relaxed sigh.

“Watch me slide!” Mason disappeared into the tube. Seconds later, he popped out the other end with a splash. “Did you see?”

“I did.”

“You have to come closer.” He was always convinced she couldn’t watch unless she stood