I stand to shake her hand.
"They had quite the time at camp this summer."
"They're good kids," I reply, smiling.
"Jacob's talked about nothing but becoming a Marine like Captain Mathis when he grows up. You helped them through a rough patch. I appreciate it." She smiles at her kids.
"It's my pleasure," I respond.
"Are you coming back next summer?" Jenna asks, large eyes on me expectantly. "You can sneak us bacon."
"More bacon, more laps," I remind her.
She sighs.
"I'm okay with that," Jacob says. "As long as you're there."
"We'll see," I reply. "It'll depend on my schedule."
They don't seem too happy with that caveat. I can plan my career up to retirement but nothing outside. I'd like to say yes. I'm not about to give them false hope if Katya wants me gone for good.
"Are you going to see the animals?" Jenna asks.
"Yes."
"We'll go with you." She takes my hand.
It still feels weird holding the soft, tiny hand of a kid. The three walk with me towards the petting zoo, stopping to marvel at the rabbits wearing Santa hats. I spot Riley, Petr, Carson and his plus one, and the small shape of Katya on the balcony. Her back is to me, and she's wearing a maroon, crushed velvet dress that falls above her knees and a Santa hat.
Seeing her makes me want to hurry the kids. My gaze skims down her feminine shape. Warmth races within me.
It's like I just saw her. No part of me believes it's been a few months since we last interacted.
It's not the sign I was hoping for. Or maybe it is. It'd be nice to have a conversation with her that doesn't end in one of us upset. I don't know if that's possible when I always have such a strong reaction to her.
"Jacob, keep an eye on Jenna," I say to the boy. "I've got to say hello to Ms. Khavalov."
"Okay."
I'm not certain he heard. His attention is on Christmas rats pulling a miniature sled. Not too concerned, I make my way to the group on the balcony overlooking a Christmas maze. My adrenaline is spiking the way it does in battle and around Katya.
"Hey, Sawyer." Petr grins. "Good to see you."
I nod and join the circle.
"I see they found you." Riley indicates the spider.
"Yeah, they did."
Katya is watching me. I glance at her.
Fuck me. She's more beautiful every time I see her. I always tell myself I'm not going to let her gorgeous hazel eyes draw me in. And every time she does. Her delicate features are lightly flushed, her gaze unreadable. For the first time since meeting her, I have no fucking clue where I stand.