Page 25 of Military Daddies' Nanny

I'm just grateful Nathan seemed to take my drunken outburst with relatively good grace…even if he did kiss me right after with that smoldering heat.

Drew, though…I have a feeling he's going to be significantly less pleased if word of my depraved interest in him and his closest friends ever gets back to him.

The guy is basically a human personification of stubborn chivalry and iron-clad morals, after all. Openly expressing desire for not just him, but his own brother and best friend as well?

Yeah, there's no way a stoic, rigid hard ass like Drew is going to let that slide without a massive tantrum about professionalism and appropriate boundaries.

Which is why I need to put the whole mortifying incident firmly out of my mind for now. I'm here for the kids, not to untangle the messy knot of turbulent lust and utterly inappropriate cravings those three incendiary men have awoken in me.

Squaring my shoulders with a resolute inhale, I unbuckle my seatbelt and twist to face Bella and Jason. "All right guys, let's go have some fun!"

The brilliant grins they both shoot me make my heart swell. I’m spending the day focused solely on them, helping boost their sense of individuality and self-confidence. This is the kind of pure, simple pleasure that reminds me why I was so drawn to the nannying profession in the first place.

No matter how irresistibly attractive certain people in this household may be, the kids' emotional needs have to come first.

At least, that's what I resolutely tell myself as I step into the mall, doing my best to ignore the persistent whispers of want still swirling through my restless mind.

When we get out of the car, Bella practically drags me toward the trendy clothing stores, her eyes shining with delight. I laugh as she darts from rack to rack, pulling out different tops, skirts, and dresses to show me.

"Oh Nancy, isn't this skirt just the cutest?" She holds up a floral mini-skirt, her expression pleading. "Do you think Dad would let me get it?"

My heart squeezes at the hint of insecurity in her voice. Drew really needs to lighten up and let his daughter explore her own style. Keeping her stuck in children's clothing isn't healthy.

"You know what?" I say, looping an arm around her shoulders. "Your dad put me in charge of getting you two outfitted with some new looks today. So I'm giving you full permission to get that skirt if you love it, okay?"

Bella throws her arms around me in a tight hug, and my chest tightens at the affection. "Thank you, Nancy! You're the absolute best."

I spend the next couple hours following Bella around various stores, giving my honest opinions and feedback on all the different pieces she tries on.

She has a delightfully bold style, choosing bright patterns and shorter hemlines that I know Drew will likely have a conniption over.

Once we've hit all her favorite shops, it's Jason's turn to lead the way towards the Game Zone. He wastes no time making a beeline for the latest releases, his eyes going wide behind his glasses.

"Nancy, look!" He points at a game behind the display glass. "This is the one I've been dying to get! Can I...can I please get it?"

My heart melts at his adorably hopeful expression. "Of course you can, hon. Your dad told me to get you whatever games you wanted today."

Jason lets out a little whoop of joy, making me chuckle.Boys and their video game obsession.

By the time we finally make our way home a few hours later, the backseat is filled with shopping bags brimming with our spoils from the day. I can't wait to see the looks on Drew and the guys' faces.

As soon as we walk through the door, the heavenly aroma of spices and sizzling meat greets us. Carlos is in the kitchen, his back to us as he tends to something on the stove.

"Mm, smells amazing in here!" I call out, drawing his attention.

He glances over his shoulder with a crooked grin. "Ah, you're just in time. Dinner is almost…" His eyes widen almost comically as they land on Bella. "Well, well, would you look at that! You look beautiful, Bella!”

Bella blushes scarlet at the compliment, but she's also glowing with pride. I feel a rush of affection for Carlos' ability to make her feel so confident.

"Carlos made his famouscarne asada tacosfor dinner," Nathan chimes in, wandering into the room with a cold beer in hand. "Did you guys have fun shopping?"

Before I can respond, Bella is already bouncing excitedly towards him. "Nancy let me pick out a whole new wardrobe! Well…not a whole wardrobe. But like, definitely a few really cute outfits! Oh, and Jason got the newCall of Battlegame he wanted!"

Nathan arches an eyebrow at me over the top of Bella's head, and I shrug casually.

"What? You guys told me to take them on a fun shopping trip, so that's what I did."

A small smile curves his lips, and I feel warmth slowly blossoming in my chest. God, he's unfairly handsome, even in a simple T-shirt and jeans.

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