Page 37 of Nanny for the Firefighter

Mason raises his brows, gesturing in a broad sweep toward the rest of the room. “Well, you’re here. Start entertaining your guests so I don’t have to.”

My brother takes the hint, hurrying with Meredith to start making the rounds and mingling with his business associates.

That leaves Mason and I standing there—alone.

I smile, fiddling with the strap of my clutch.

“So, where’s Mia for the evening?”

Sucking in an inhale, Mason finishes taking a sip of his drink.

“Next door. Juniper and Mia are both there with their kid, Daisy. They all get along well, so…”

“Oh, that’s great. I’m glad Mia could be with a friend.”

An awkward silence fills the space around us, and even in a room crowded with people, I can feel Mason’s presence press down on me.

The past few days have been tense, to say the least, and I’m really regretting this stupid dress now.

I know it’s nothing too outlandish, but the deep v-neck created by its halter top reaches quite far between my breasts, and I can practicallyfeelMason trying to keep his eyes level with mine.

Feeling exposed despite the full skirt of soft, flowy fabric, I stare down at the floor.I need a fucking drink.

“Umm, is there…” I gesture at Mason’s glass. “You know, a bar or something?”

He refocuses, nodding and pointing over at the door that leads to the backyard.

“Yes, out there. It’s open, so get whatever you want. Your brother’s paying.”

A half-hearted chuckle leaves me, and I nod back at Mason.

“Well, if it’s on Hudson’s tab, maybe I’ll go for another scotch.”

I point at Mason’s glass, and he smirks. We used to sneak the stuff when we were younger, and it was only ever Mason and I who could actually drink the stuff.

Hudson hated it, and to this day, I still think he prefers a Cosmo.

Turning toward the door, I hold my tiny bag in front of my chest and point at the back.

“Well, I’m going to…”

“Yeah. I’ll see you around, I guess.” Mason’s voice sounds so fucking tight.

“Yeah.”

We both stand there like idiots for a moment, but then I manage to get my feet moving and head to the bar to get a very large drink.

As I wait in the long line, however, I know that it’ll likely be the only one I have. I can’t keep an eye out forhimif I’m trashed.

About an hour and a half later, and I’m really starting to feel that alcohol. I haven’t ordered another drink, and I don’t intend to.

Tension clings to me as I watch the numerous guests around the room, steering clear of Mason.

All I want to do when I see the guy is kiss him, and there is absolutely no way I can allow that to happen.

Jai is out there, and it’s only a matter of time before he shows up. He’s done it too many times for me to even think I’m safe for a moment.

My skin feels hot as I sit outside on a ledge near the unused pool, and my ass is starting to go numb.

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