Free Caught in the Current (Pacific Shores Book 2) by Lynnette Bonner Page B

about taking her home.
    Dakota was teaching Alyssa a hand-clapping chant, and they were both giggling together.
    Marie eased down in front of her untouched plate.
    Dakota looked over and smiled, flickering a glance to Reece’s T-shirt for only a moment before her focus returned to Alyssa.
    “Where’s Dan?” Marie twirled her fork in the fluffy green pistachio salad mound.
    Alyssa shrugged. “He askded me to stay here and went away.”
    Dakota offered a wrinkled nose of sympathy. “He did ask me to stay with her, if that helps. But I’m not sure where he went.”
    “I’m sorry, but thanks for staying with her. Feel free to mingle now.”
    Dakota tapped Alyssa on her nose. “Actually, we’ve been having a blast, haven’t we, Alyssa?”
    “Kota’s fun!” Alyssa nodded emphatically and spoke around the large bite of burger in her mouth.
    “Don’t talk with food in your mouth, please.” Marie felt exhausted. She really just wanted to go home.
    “Everything alright?” Concern traced the edges of Dakota’s question.
    Marie forced a smile. “Yes. Fine. Just been a long day.” She needed to deflect the attention off herself. “Your work with Convoy of Hope sounds like it was very rewarding. Are you glad to be home? Or still wishing you were back in Africa?”
    Dakota traced the grain on the tabletop. “A little of both, I guess. I love my work, and miss it. But it’s been nice to see Mom and Dad again. And I really did need some rest. I feel like I’ve done hardly anything but sleep since I got here.”
    Marie smiled. “Well, I’m glad you are home for a bit.”
    Dakota reached over and clasped her hand. “I have a feeling we’re going to be great friends.”
    Something went soft inside Marie. She didn’t have many friends. Taysia was her best friend, but she was more like a sister, really. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more welcoming back in high school.”
    Dakota made a dismissive sound. “We all had a lot of growing up to do.”
    Dakota was being kind, but Marie just smiled and was thankful for the beginning of a new friendship.
    Then a thought struck. Maybe the woman could be the answer to her prayers? Marie tasted the salad, debating whether to forge ahead, then decided she had nothing to lose. “Dakota, do you have a job yet?”
    Her eyes sparkled. “Yes, actually. I’ll be working at a local battered women’s shelter this year.”
    “House of Hope?”
    “Yes. Why do you ask?”
    Doing her best to curb her disappointment, Marie waved her off. “You’ll be perfect for that job. Starting next Monday I’m going to need a sitter. The woman who’s been watching Alyssa is moving. But I’ll figure something out.”
    Footsteps sounded from behind her. “I’ll watch her till you find something more permanent.”
    Marie’s stomach dropped at the familiar masculine voice.
    Reece slid onto the bench between her and Dakota.
    If he watched Alyssa, she’d be forced to see him every day. His knee brushed hers, and a pleasant sensation curled through her. Would that be so bad? She gave herself a mental shake. “Oh, I couldn’t ask that of you. You’re going to have plenty to do around here. The last thing you need is a little girl to watch.”
    “But I want him to watch me, Mommy! Me and Tawny can play together all day!”
    Marie glanced over to see that all Alyssa’s fears where the dog was concerned had apparently vanished. She was currently standing next to the panting golden retriever with her arms wrapped firmly around its neck.
    “It’ll be fine,” Reece assured.
    Marie chewed her lip, studying him. “I can only pay minimum wage.”
    He rubbed a finger over the stubble on his upper lip. “I’ll take it out of your paycheck.”
    There was a way he wouldn’t have to pay her at all! Excitement bubbled up in Marie, and before she could stop herself, she blurted, “We could just trade. I’ll decorate the cabins for you in exchange for you watching her while I’m at work. And in the