Page 56 of Nanny For My Brother's Best Friend

The conversation flows as we eat, but I just listen to everyone, checking on Lola regularly. Miles does the same, and our eyes lock a few times before I make myself look away. Everyone is right here with us and if we slip up, someone might notice something.

I look around to see if anyone has noticed, but I think we’re safe.

The doorbell rings; Brynn stands to get it and voices fill the air. I’d know one of them anywhere and my brother walks in behind Brynn with a smile on his face.

“You’re here. Sit down and eat.”

He’s here. Was he invited? Linda’s tone suggests that, but I just smile as he joins us, filling a big bowl. I glance at Miles, and he looks as surprised as I feel.

“I invited him earlier, but Andrew didn’t know if he’d make it.”

Linda smiles at my brother and I want to shrink, though I’m not sure why. She adores him like a son and while she likes me, I feel like it’s not enough. They praise Andrew on the wins and the subject easily turns to hockey and I eat slowly just for show, though I want to run to the bathroom.

Lola finishes and asks to go to the bathroom, and I quickly offer to take her, standing up as Miles protests.

“You’re talking shop. I’ve got it.”

I walk with her to the bathroom in the hallway just to get away. Lola is independent and wants to do a lot on her own, but she needs help sometimes. I’ll be here for that.

What’s bothering me? Miles’s family is amazing, and I couldn’t ask for more. They treat me so much like my family does. More importantly, they adore Lola. That should be what matters.

I know I want more from Miles, not just his family. I want to be open about us and grow to love Lola like she’s my daughter, not just the child I’m caring for.

“Lilah?”

I open the door and help Lola, praising her for letting me know in time. We begin the walk back to the table, but she stops, saying she’s done and wants to play some more in her room.

“Let’s go. I’m finished, too.”

She wants me to read to her and I cuddle with her on the oversized sofa, watching as she reacts to the story she knows so well. This is the best feeling, though I never knew I wanted it before now. I was always about college and my career, but now the future feels so fuzzy.

“What are you guys doing in here?”

I looked up to see Miles and tell him Lola wanted to play. His eyes suggest he knows there’s more to it, but he tells me they’ll call when it’s time for dessert.

I am off the hook for now, but not forever.

We’re driving home after enjoying some chocolate cake and Lola’s head is bobbing in the back seat. I know she’ll be asleep soon and should be happy about that. Miles glances at me at the stoplight and I frown at him, pretending nothing is wrong.

“What happened back there?”

His voice is low but clear in the night and I break down everything in my head.

“I don’t know. They’re all there, including Andrew, and I have to hide us.”

“For the record, I didn’t know Mom invited him, but they are close so I’m not surprised. You did great apart from hiding for part of the night. Lola doesn’t need someone back there with her the entire time, you know.”

“She wanted books, and I knew she’d probably miss them later. You know I can’t tell her no.”

“I hope that’s how you feel about me.”

Of course, it is.

We get her home and Miles puts her to bed while I load the fridge up with the leftovers. As I stand, arms wrap around my waist, and I smile. Miles turns me to face him, kissing me with the same intensity I felt towards him all night.

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

---