“I can take care of them, Mrs. B.” Her bikini thong left her bronzed, rounded bottom completely exposed. I blinked fast and looked away. “That’s what I’m here for, right?”

The kids stopped at their mother’s warning and treaded through the sand toward us. They really were great kids. I wished sometimes my sisters and I got along as well as they did.

“Why don’t you two go inside?” Mrs. Baumgartner said as they approached. “There’s lunch on the counter, and Daddy hooked up the X-Box.”

“Woot!” Henry whooped, kicking up sand as he headed for the doorwall. Janie didn’t look as thrilled, but the promise of lunch was enough to lure her into the house.

“You know, watching the kids isn’t all you’re here for, Veronica.” Mrs. Baumgartner turned her face to me after they went in, resting her cheek on her folded arms. “Doc and I were just talking last night about how much you’ve done for us over the years. The kids adore you. You’re like part of the family.”

I flushed. “Thanks.”

“You deserve a good vacation.” She smiled, her eyes creasing at the corners. I wondered how old she was. It was hard for me to judge how old people were-to me, they just seemed either old or young. Mrs. B wasn’t really either. “It’s the least we can do.”

“If I can get a tan, that will be reward enough.” I grabbed the oil next to my towel and poured some into my hands. I worked more of it into my thighs and over my smooth, flat belly. I noticed her watching me. “Do you want some?”

“Sure.” She took the bottle and sat up to squeeze a pool of glistening liquid into her palm, rubbing it over her shoulders and arms. I slipped my boy short bottoms aside, checking for a tan line. I actually had one, which was thrilling, although it wasn’t as dark as I wanted it to be.

“You can take it off.” Mrs. Baumgartner untied her black bikini top around the neck and I stared as she started to spread oil over her full, naked breasts.