Page 8 of Nanny For My Brother's Best Friend

“He lost someone as much as she did. Her mom helped him, and he must have trusted her even though they split up. He became a single father overnight, Del. That’s got to be tough.” Allison shrugs when I glance at her. “Just saying.”

“You’re on his side?”

“I am not on his side, Delilah. I just sympathize with what he’s going through. I have trouble having someone watch Lily when I travel and she’s a dog. He’s leaving his daughter for nights at a time.”

“Why did I call you?” I shake my head and look around the mall to see what stores are around.

“I also know how amazing you are with kids. We used to babysit together. You’re also smart as hell, and if anyone can get Lola ready for school, you’re it. Your mom did such a good job with you that you’re destined to do the same.” Allison hugs me and everything feels okay again. “I think we need some ice cream. You had breakfast, right?”

I check my phone at the table where we’re waiting for ice cream. There’s been nothing from Miles, though I worry I’m out too long. Am I supposed to wait until he calls me back to the house?

We didn’t talk about that.

“Do you have the entire day off?” Allison asks me, and I frown. “Didn’t he tell you?”

“I just knew he wanted to spend the day with Lola, so I stepped out. He’ll be on the road a lot soon and it’ll just be me. This was a pretty good day until I called you.”

Allison laughs and takes a bite of her sundae.

“It’s always a good day when you spend it with me. Do you have the night off? We can have a sleepover like the old days.”

Spending the night anywhere other than that house sounds amazing, but that might take advantage of Miles. Lola has a lot of energy.

“I don’t think I have that much time off. Miles might want to get a break this evening.”

“Why do you look that way every time you say his name?”

“What way?”

“Uncomfortable. Did something happen? Something other than the usual?”

Allison can see right through me, and I hate that right now.

“He just pushes my buttons. That’s all.” I shrug.

“The way you are turning red, I’d say he really pushed a button. Did you guys hook up?”

Allison leans forward and her eyes light up as she stares at me. I feel my skin flush more and close my eyes.

“No. I’m not going to sleep with my boss, who also happens to be my brother’s best friend. Do you know how stupid that would be?”

“But something happened between you two. It can see your expression.” She narrows her eyes. “I’ve seen you with guys before, Del. This is the look.”

“Ugh. We almost kissed last night.”

“Almost? What stopped it?”

Allison is bouncing in her seat and I think about the night before.

“We were arguing about what a jerk he is. The man infuriates me so much and I just couldn’t hold back. I want to understand why he’s like this and then he stepped closer to me. He was so angry and I wanted to slap him, but then I knew he wanted to kiss me. I just felt it in the air. You know?”

I look at Allison and she nods, reaching out for my hand.

“I ran to my room, Allison. That couldn’t happen.”

“So, there’s some tension there. Sexual tension. That makes sense, given the situation.” Allison contemplates me. “Are there any feelings there?”

“Feelings? No. I can’t stand the man. I love his daughter, but he’s a mess.”

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