Page 43 of Paging Dr. VanRyan

I rolled my eyes and pushed him away. We got cleaned up and changed and headed to the pool. We held hands, and in the elevator, he tucked me close, his large hand spread wide across my hip in a protective manner. I liked it.

Outside, the pool was mostly deserted, one man doing laps, while a woman watched over her kids in the shallow end. Their laughter was loud and happy as they tossed a ball and splashed around. I had to smile watching them. Their mother made sure they stayed on one side of the pool so as not to interfere with the lap man.

The sun was warm, and we had taken turns slathering sunblock on each other upstairs before coming down. I’d brought it with me to add once we’d been swimming. We chose loungers in the shade, and Matthew pulled some cold drinks from his bag, offering me one. We sat and enjoyed the sunshine and breeze, then jumped in the pool, the only ones in it. The mother and kids had left shortly after the lap swimmer had finished and headed to the hot tub.

We swam around, and I admired Matthew as he did some laps, his stroke powerful and clean as he cut through the water. I did a few lazy lengths, simply enjoying the cool of the water and the relaxation it offered.

Matthew came behind me, encasing me in his arms. “Doing okay?” he asked, making me shiver as he dropped a kiss to my neck.

“I am. This is lovely.”

“Yeah, I like it here.”

“You’re a natural in the water.”

“We had a pool, and Dad taught us all how to swim from when we were little. Plus, being this close to the ocean and on boats a lot, I was in the water often.”

“Hmm,” I hummed, slowly drifting my fingers over his arm. He tightened his embrace.

“You?” he asked.

“No pool, except the public one. I took swimming lessons at summer camp, and Sue used to take me to the YMCA when she could. I like swimming, but today, I’m just happy to feel the water and cool off. Enjoy some downtime.”

He rested his head on my shoulder. “My parents are moving soon.”

I turned my head to look at him. “Moving?”

“Dad decided to retire, and they want to spend more time in Ontario.” He took a deep breath. “They told me yesterday. They’re selling the house.”

I turned in his arms, and he moved us to the deep end, holding me close as he kept us afloat.

“How does all that make you feel?” I asked, examining his face.

“I’m not surprised. I knew one day they would want that. They’re buying a condo to have here, so it’s not as if I won’t see them…” He trailed off.

“But it won’t be the same.”

“No. And it’s the oddest feeling, knowing someone else will live in the house I grew up in. Mom and Dad both admitted the reason they’re buying a condo is because I’m here, which is great, but—” he swallowed and met my eyes “—I’m going to miss having them around.”

“I know,” I soothed, cupping his face. “They’ll miss you too.”

He nodded. “They deserve this. They love Port Albany, and Dad’s best friend is there. All his good friends. My adopted cousins. I always love going there.”

“Would you consider moving?” I asked, my heart suddenly beating faster at the thought of him leaving.

“No. I don’t want to live in Toronto. I like it here. I just have to make more time to go see them. Take time when they’re here. Gramps and Grams are going to miss them too. But at least I’ll have them.”

“And me,” I whispered. “You have me, if you want me.”

He moved us to the side, lifting his hands to grip the edge of the pool and caging me in. He stared at me, his gaze intense and serious. “I want you,” he said simply. “Now. Tomorrow. Next month. Past that. That is a non-question for me.”

He lowered his head and kissed me. It was tender, sweet, and said so much. When he pulled back, he frowned. “You understand, Madison Tate? I want you in my life.”

“You’re very open with your feelings, aren’t you?”

He looked thoughtful before responding. “With the right people, I am. Some people I work with think I’m closed off.”

“I disagree. You’re quiet. Reflective. Not closed off.”