When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 357

Mamie just stared at him, honestly speechless. “Are you sure this is okay? We already promised Garth he could come with us.”

Scott just smiled, cool and easy. “He’ll just get in the way. He can come tomorrow.”

Calling his own son a third wheel felt weirdly flirty. Was he still holding a grudge because their kid had interrupted them that night?

Mamie thought about making a run for it, but boarding was only minutes away and escaping was impossible now. Not that Scott would ever let her go. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close as they walked to the gate.

“Come on. Time to board.”

At home, Garth felt as if his world had just ended.

“Grandpa, Dad is the worst! He took Mom away from me!”

“I don’t care, I want to go too! Grandpa, buy me a ticket. I need to find Mom!”

Ladd pressed his lips together so he wouldn’t laugh, then soothed him gently. “Garth, be good. Your parents haven’t even had their honeymoon yet.”

“Your dad said someone will pick you up tomorrow afternoon. I’ll take you to the airport myself. Aaron will fly with you. How about that?”

“I don’t want to! I want to go tonight!”

Garth burst into tears again. “Dad is so mean. He’s just bullying me!”

Muttering through sobs, he said, “Tomorrow I’m telling Mom everything. She should dump Dad!”

...

Sunset poured into their luxury oceanfront suite, turning the giant window into a living painting of sea and sky. The view really was unbelievable.

A soft breeze played with Mamie’s hair as she sprawled out on a lounge chair, letting herself sink into the peacefulness of it all. If it were up to her, she’d never leave that balcony.

“Want to go for a swim?” Scott asked from behind her.

Mamie shook her head. “Swimming at night isn’t safe. Maybe pass.”

Scott’s gaze darkened, just a hint. “I’ll go with you.”

She hesitated, but curiosity won out. “Really?”

He grinned. “Sure. I was the junior swim champ as a kid.”

Okay, that was kind of hot.

Mamie went inside to change. But when she opened her suitcase, she nearly choked—a tiny, almost scandalous bikini was sitting right on top.

She stood frozen for a second.

The moment they stepped out of the water, he was all concern. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, just a cramp,” Mamie said, rubbing her calf. “It’s nothing, really.”

“Lucky it’s not too bad.” Scott squatted next to her and started gently massaging her leg, completely focused.

“Better?” He looked up, his voice warm and soft.

Mamie felt her skin flush hotter than the sunset behind them. “Yeah, thanks.”

She was barely covered, skin glowing in the falling light.

Scott’s self-control only lasted a few seconds. He cradled her face and kissed her—not a soft kiss, but one that demanded everything she’d been holding back. Her hands drifted to his shoulders, her body moving closer on instinct.

He deepened the kiss, trailing from her lips to her cheek, from her nose to her jaw, slow and wanting. His kisses traced down her neck, and lower still.

Mamie gasped, catching his wrist. “Wait… We can’t, not out here.”

But to Scott, even her protest sounded enticing. He chuckled low in his throat.

“Then let’s pick this up inside.”