Page 20 of Military Daddies' Nanny

"Gee thanks, I'll be sure to only imbibe at the fanciest, most high-class establishments from now on," I shoot back dryly, feeling oddly giddy at his unexpected appearance despite myself.

Up close, his easy confidence and little crooked smirk are incredibly attractive. Not to mention his glorious hazel eyes framed by a few stray locks of that soft auburn hair falling over his forehead. My fingertips practically itch with the urge to brush them back.

Get it together, Nancy. This is why you're here in the first place!

"So, is this a regular haunt for you then?" I ask, trying to push aside my heated thoughts as I take another sip of wine. "Scopingout places to rescue damsels in distress is just your average evening pastime?"

Nathan lets out a low chuckle that sends a delicious shiver through me.Damn, I'm in trouble here.

Nathan takes a sip of his beer, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Not exactly. This place is just close to home, and sometimes I like to unwind here after a long day. The company can be...interesting."

I laugh softly, feeling some of the tension easing out of my shoulders. "I guess it is a good place to people-watch."

We sit in comfortable silence for a few moments, just sipping our drinks. I steal glances at Nathan, taking in the strong line of his jaw, the way his shirt stretches over his lean frame. My thoughts are spinning, but I feel a strange sense of calm just being near him.

"So, what brings you out tonight?" Nathan's voice is gentle, genuinely curious.

I hesitate, swirling the wine in my glass. "I needed some air. And...I needed to clear my head."

"Clear your head, huh?" He gives me a knowing look. "Something on your mind?"

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah, you could say that. It's just...this whole situation with you guys. Drew, Carlos, you. It's confusing."

Nathan's expression softens. "Confusing how?"

I take a deep breath, deciding to just lay it out there. "I find all three of you incredibly attractive, and it's driving me crazy. I mean, I know it's not professional, and I keep telling myself I need to get a grip, but... here we are."

He looks at me for a long moment, tapping the bar with a finger, then smiles. "It’s not the craziest thing I’ve heard in the world. Besides, it makes me glad to hear you feel this way.”

I raise a brow at him, curious and confused. “What do you mean?”

"Nancy, you're gorgeous. Smart, funny, and great with the kids. It shouldn’t shock you so much to find out that I’m also very attracted to you too. And judging from the looks Carlos and Drew were giving you all evening, I’d bet a fortune they probably feel the same way too." His eyes lock onto mine, serious and intense. "Honestly, I think you're amazing."

The sincerity in his voice makes my heart skip a beat. "Really?"

"Really." He reaches out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch sends a jolt of electricity through me. "And there's nothing wrong with you for feeling this way. It’s unusual, maybe, but definitely not unnatural."

His hand lingers near my face, and before I can overthink it, I lean in, closing the distance between us. Our lips meet in a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepens, fueled by the mutual attraction that's been simmering between us.

When we finally pull apart, we're both a little breathless. Nathan's eyes are dark with desire, and I can feel my own pulse racing.

"We should probably get you home," he says, voice husky. "Before we do something we'll regret."

I nod, though every part of me wants to stay right here with him. "Yeah, you're probably right."

He helps me off the stool, steadying me with a hand on my waist. As we walk out of the bar and into the cool night air, I allow myself to process the kiss we shared, my insides still all squishy from the sweetness of it.

It’s chillier than it was earlier, and I wrap my arms around myself to keep back the chill. Nathan walks in step with me, his hands thrust deep into his jeans pockets. The silence between us is oppressive, and I resist the urge to fill it with a thousand words.

As we approach the house, Nathan stops and turns to face me. "Nancy, I know this isn't easy. But give it time. Get to know us, and let us get to know you. I promise things will make more sense."

I smile up at him, grateful for his understanding. "Okay. I'll try."

He leans in and kisses me again, softly this time, as a promise of more to come. "Goodnight, Nancy."

"Goodnight, Nathan."

He holds the door open for me and then locks up behind me. “Headed off to bed?”

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