Page 77 of The Nanny Tenure (Single Dads Club)

I could basically hear my sister’s silent thoughts as she huffed next to me.See?she said to me through brain waves.You’re in love with him.

So?I mentally shouted back.So what if I love a man who makes me feel confident and seen and has never once treated me like I’m a burden or like I owe him anything? Of course I love him.

Instead, I placed my bag on my shoulder and offered both Taylor and Dean quick hugs and thank-yous, before taking Finn’s hand in my own when Liam put him down so the three of us could walk out of the auditorium.

“What was that about?” Liam asked once we reached his car.

“Nothing.” I smiled at Finn as I strapped him in the car seat. “Just my sister not minding her own business.”

When I shut the car door, I pivoted, finding Liam leaning against the driver’s side, watching me. “Got a bit flustered about it.”

“No, I didn’t.”

His mouth quirked. “A bit. Especially when your director thought Finn was your kid.”

I didn’t know what to say. Because I was flustered by the assumption—and the recognition that Ididwant to be part of their family.

He shrugged, closing the already short distance between us. “It is hard to tell the difference,” he murmured, his fingers finding mine. “Anyone can see how much you love Finn. It’s an easy mistake to make…thinking you’re his mom.”

“But I’m not, so…”

“Doesn’t make what you feel any less true or real.”

I blinked rapidly. God, I was so emotional tonight.

“I’ll see you at home,” he said and kissed my temple. “We have some talking to finally do.”

I lowered my chin, fighting a laugh at his stern tone. “Yes, Professor.”

“Kennedy.”

I met his gaze, innocent. “Hm?”

He rubbed his thumb over my lower lip. “I hope this smart mouth is still as brave when I get you alone tonight. No more hiding from me.”

I swallowed past the sudden rocks in my throat, knowing whatever was going to happen later would change everything.

There was no going back now.

TWENTY-ONE

LIAM

Kennedy arrived home not long after I did with Finn. As I got him ready for bed, she showered, then popped back into his bedroom to say goodnight. She was dressed in loose black-and-red plaid pants and a tight long-sleeved shirt, her wet hair in a braid down her back. I was already in Finn’s bed, lying on top of the covers, and she had to bend over me to kiss him on the head, the sweet weight of her on top of me for a too-short moment, her breasts and belly brushing my thighs before she straightened. And since she wasn’t wearing a bra, I could make out the shape of her hard nipples through the black cotton.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” she whispered to Finn then started to turn away, but I caught her hand, and when she glanced at me, I tipped my head in the direction of the hall.

“Go to my room.”

She shot her gaze to Finn, but he wasn’t paying attention, already halfway to sleep. It was way past his bedtime.

After she nodded at me, I released my hold on her, watching as she walked out of Finn’s bedroom and swung left to my room, instead of right to hers.

“All right, guy. You need to sleep now.” I curled my arm behind Finn’s head and tried to relax. I held still, even as my fingers ached to move, as my legs threatened to take me up and away, toward Kennedy.

Who was waiting for me.

It was excruciating.

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