Page 5 of Curvy Wives of Willow Creek 5-8

Chapter 3 - Sophie

Breathing in deeply, I try to steady my heart, which feels like it's pounding against my ribcage like a caged bird. I can't believe I passed out right here in Damien's house.

It's a good thing I hadn't started the nanny job yet, or I would've had his adorable little daughter witness my embarrassing spectacle. I mean, I hope she hasn’t seen me like this.

I can’t remember anything. Yet, the memory of those moments after I woke up flutter around my mind like a butterfly.

His closeness. His concern. His touch.

I can still feel his rough fingers against my skin, their gentle pressure like a tangible ghost upon my flesh. His eyes, so serious yet filled with worry, held mine, and, for a moment, I thought I saw a hint of something more.

My imagination, most likely. But then his lips... Oh, those thick, perfect lips, just inches from my face, had distracted me from everything else.

Pulling myself together, I snap back to the present, my cheeks warm with the remnants of that memory. My chest still heaves slightly, but I force myself to quieten down, not wanting to cause any more of a scene.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Damien asks again, his voice sending shivers up my spine.

How could any man's voice have such an effect? But then, Damien is no ordinary man. He's a cop. A single dad. A vision of masculine perfection.

My tiredness battles with the desperate need for this job. I know I can't afford to lose this opportunity. Pushing a few strands of hair out of my face, I put on a smile that feels more like a grimace and nod.

"I'm better now," I assure him, hoping my voice sounds steadier than I feel.

The room still spins slightly, but I grit my teeth and maintain my gaze on him. He studies me briefly, and I can see him wrestling with his concerns.

"I can stay if you need me to," he offers, and for a moment, I'm tempted to accept just to have him around a little longer.

But I can't be a burden. Not now. Not when I need to show him that I'm reliable.

"No, thank you. I'm good," I say, forcing another smile onto my lips. "I can take care of your daughter."

He finally smiles back, and I swear, my heart threatens to beat out of my chest. I imagine what it'd be like to be enveloped in his big, strong arms, to feel his warmth radiating against me.

My skin burns with the thought, a delicious warmth spreading through my inner thighs. But, as I remind myself, he's my employer, and I'm the nanny. That's as far as it goes.

I get up, determined to put my best foot forward.

I don’t want to be the damsel in distress, the poor fainting girl that needs to be coddled.

“I’m fine,” I declare, putting on the brightest smile I can muster.

At my attempted movement, Damien extends his arm, his veiny and strong hand catching my elbow to steady me. The contact sends a rush through me, my knees turning to jelly under his touch.

The room suddenly feels warmer, the air thicker. I force the words out, stuttering slightly.

"Wh-when are you leaving?"

Checking his watch with a quick glance, he replies, "In about twenty minutes. Is it okay? I need to be at the station."

I nod, a bead of sweat trickling down my forehead. God, I hope he doesn't notice. I hope he doesn’t see my nerves on display. What must he think of me? A sweaty, curvy girl desperately in need of a job.

A man like him, so perfectly put together and strong, would never look at me as more than a kind neighbor and a potential nanny to his daughter.

Then he calls for Lucy, and the adorable little girl comes sprinting into the room. Her blonde pigtails bouncing with each step, her rosy cheeks flushed.

The image of father and daughter standing side by side is enough to warm my heart. He ruffles her hair, and she looks up at him with pretend anger, a playful pout on her lips.

Damien grins at her, asking, "Are you going to behave for Sophie, your new nanny?"

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