Page 38 of Curvy Nanny for the Nerd

“Fine,” I said a little too brightly, punctuating it with a too-bright smile. “Just got lost in thought for a second.”

“What’s on your mind?”

I sighed and turned to face the water, black except for the moonlight glittering off the waves. I could’ve given him my usual snark and a flippant answer about how we don’t share intimate details about our thoughts and lives, but I didn’t want to do that. It wasn’t a bad thing that he was wary of people. I got it. So I turned back to him with a smile, wrapped my arms around him and pressed my lips to his.

Brady responded instantly, his hands gripped my waist before sliding down to cup my ass. He moaned like his hands belonged right there on my ass, squeezing and pulling me close enough to feel just how much he was enjoying this kiss.

My eyes fluttered shut and I gave myself over to the moment and to the kiss. I gave myself over to this man.

But only temporarily,my brain reminded me. Brady wasn’t mine, not to keep anyway. So I would enjoy this—whatever it was—for as long as it lasted.

And I wouldn’t, under any circumstances, give him my heart.

Chapter 21

Brady

“Want some company?” I found Toni in the kitchen after I got Layla settled for bed. She stood at the counter island with her back to me, giving me an excellent view of her small waist and round ass in her uniform of jeans and a fitted tee.

“Sure,” she said without any emotion.

“What’s going on Toni?” She’d been aloof since our date, our date which I thought was pretty wonderful. Toni was funny and smart, she had opinions on everything, and I just wanted to hear them whether I agreed or not. She read a lot and loved to travel even though her job make it next to impossible.

But since then, she’d been quiet. She pulled back as if she was no longer interested in getting to know me.

“Nothing’s going on, just making a sandwich.”

Of course, because she hadn’t eaten with us for the last few days either. “You’re upset.”

She turned to me, sadness in her eyes. “I’m not upset. Why would I be upset?”

“I don’t know, but you’ve been quiet and aloof. You’ve stopped eating with us and Layla has noticed.”

“I told her that you two need time together to find your footing. I just work here, but you and Layla will be family forever. That time should be for you two. Just the two of you.”

Just work here.

“Is that how you see it, you just work here?” My nostrils flared and anger coursed through my veins. I got in her personal space because I wanted her to feel as uncomfortable as I felt.

She nodded, her expression indignant. “I work here. And we sleep together. That’s it. Right?”

“Back to this again?”

“No,” she sighed. “I’ve given up on getting to know you, Brady. That’s not what you want. Long ago I also gave up on forcing myself on people who don’t want me. I’m sorry if you don’t like it.” She skirted around me, rinsed her plate and sat it in the sink with a frustrated sigh.

“Toni.”

She didn’t stop as she made her way out of the kitchen.

“Toni!” I called out again and then went after her. “Wait.” I gripped her arm and spun her to face me. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Sadness swam in her eyes, but she was far too tough to show it. Instead, Toni arched a brow, a challenge replaced the sadness in her gaze.

She was so beautiful. Tough and vulnerable at the same time. Beautiful and sassy. “Toni,” I growled and cupped her face, kissing her slowly. Deeply. She tasted like heaven and sunshine, like leather and lace. She tasted like everything I ever wanted in this world, and I poured it all into the kiss, hoping she understood.

Toni gave herself over to the kiss the same way she did on the beach, pressing those delicious curves against me while I devoured her mouth. She moaned and gripped my shirt in her fists, silently begging for more.

Here, like this, she was all mine, and I wanted to stay in the moment forever. I hurried her in my arms and in seconds we were in her room. Seconds later, I had her completely naked and laid out on her bed. “You’re so sexy, Toni.”

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