Body Swap by Sylvia McNicoll

Author:Sylvia McNicoll
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2018-08-06T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

Susan

CHAEL’S EARS STICK OUT JUST like Ron Senior’s, my ex-husband, so I find myself more irritated by him than I should be, young and handsome as he is. His big grin is knowing and teasing all at the same time, and his laughing eyes make me feel like I’m part of one of his inside jokes. When Chael calls out that insult about my legs, it takes a moment for me to figure out what to do. Then I stroll toward him, flashing my best smile.

May as well take advantage of Hallie’s beautiful teeth and lips.

Chael’s ears will be sensitive; Ron Senior’s always were. If I blow air gently against one before I whisper into it, Chael will feel a light tickling sensation.

I touch his shoulder and lean in; he leans in, too, anticipating … I sigh into my cupped hand at his ear. “My legs …”

He smiles.

“… are perfect the way they are!” I step back and lift my right leg, feeling the vigour of youth. Then I push my heel up and connect with his derriere, kicking him into the pool.

Emerging from the water, sputtering, he curses. “What’s the matter with you?”

I don’t dignify that question with a response. Instead, I shake my finger at him. “Don’t you ever comment on my body again!”

Hallie just stands there, covering her gaping mouth with her hand. I wink at her.

I know I’m supposed to win this young man over for her, but I remember, too often, letting Ron Senior get away with little put-downs over the short while we were together. It didn’t help. Keeping quiet and taking insults seemed to goad him into more. Maybe what he really wanted was more reaction from me. But I was busy with my two babies at the time. I didn’t have time for one more big baby.

Hardeep smiles at me. Perhaps he’s not as confident as Chael, but he has long eyelashes that curl up and around. Eyes that glow warm. “You look … um … nice today. Different somehow.”

Chael climbs out of the pool, still with an angry glow. “Hey! Kick him into the pool, too. He’s commenting on your body.”

I lean toward Hardeep and place my hands on his young chest, pretending to go along with Chael’s demand. I can feel his heart beating quicker. It’s been so long since I’ve had this power over a young man. I give him a gentle push, and he laughs, taking a couple of steps back toward the pool. Then he just jumps sideways. Falling for me. Showing off for me.

I laugh, too. Flirting, such fun! Something I also haven’t done for a long time.

When I turn to Chael, I notice a change in him, something subtle. His mouth straightens and his eyes darken.

Hallie walks over to me. “Should we work on our project after swimming’s done?”

“What about the people you drove here?” I know Margret never likes any changes in her plans.

“They will have to wait. Linda already has a good book to read.

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