Page 35 of Nanny for the Firefighter

It’s not, of course, and I don’t feel any better for giving it the stink eye.

I give the push button start a firm press, letting my head fall to the steering wheel as I curse.

After a moment, I lift my head only to slam my fist down onto the thing, the radio playing some too-happy tune in the background.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I look at my eyes in the rearview mirror. “You need to pull your shit together, Mason. You got that? No more. No more close calls. No more near misses. You let that shit go.”

A rough sigh escapes me, and I hang my head as I grip the shifter and maneuver it into reverse.

I know exactly what I need to do. Still, I’m not sure if I can anymore. Every day with Bridget, it gets harder and harder to keep myself away.

I know it’s not her fault, and she needs the money, so I don’t want to look for a new nanny.

Unfortunately, it might be inevitable if I can’t get ahold of myself.

“Come on, Mason. It’s just a high school crush. You’re a grown man, and you donotstill love her.”

Maybe if I say it enough, it’ll be true.

TEN

Bridget

I tried everything to get out of coming to this party. But Meredith, Hudson’s wife, was having none of it.

She told me that I need a break, to feel like a human being and not just a nanny, and as much as I know that’s true, there’s just one problem.

This is a party at Mason’s.

There will be drinking and crowded rooms and way too much going on for me to keep track of my surroundings.

Aside from the fact that it’ll be that much harder to keep some space between Mason and me—which is entirely necessary if we want to avoid another kitchen incident—I won’t be able to keep an eye out for Jai.

I hate that fact, and as much as I’m probably being paranoid, I can’t help but feel like this is the perfect opportunity for him to make a move.

“Come on, Bridget. Cheer up. You look like you’re going to a funeral.”

Meredith’s kind voice interrupts my thoughts, and I try my best to shake them away and give her a smile.

She really is the nicest person, and it’s so wonderful to finally have met her after all these years of video chats and phone calls.

It’s like coming home to a friend already waiting.

Over the years, she’s been an ear to listen to my vague stories, and there’s something about a neutral third party.

I don’t feel like I’m burdening her with my baggage.

“Sorry.” I shake my head again, releasing a long exhale. “You’re right. I need to take a minute to enjoy myself. Even if it’s at the boss's house.”

Rolling her eyes, Meredith knocks me with her shoulder.

“Dude, he’s hardly your ‘boss.’ I mean, sure, he’s paying you to watch Mia. But you make it sound like he’s got you on the payroll.”

Narrowing my eyes, I give Meredith a hard smirk. “You’re only saying that because you’re as bad as my mother about this whole Mason thing. It’s in the past, and you both need to let it go.”

As we walk up the steps to Mason’s house, which I already know is an impressive sight, I can’t help but notice the decorations and strings of lights that have been hung up across the backyard.

“Damn, I’ll hand it to Hudson. He really made this place look amazing in such a short time.”

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