Page 24 of Nanny for the Bikers

But even as I force a smile and nod along to Clay’s words, I can’t ignore the way my skin still tingles where Kip touched me, the way my heart races at the memory of his nearness.

And how he’s not the only one my body seems to be affected by.

“You know,” I say, glancing at Clay and Kip with a mischievous grin, “you guys should really consider replacing all the carpets in your place with hardwood floors. It’d make cleaning up after Piper so much easier.”

Clay chuckles, shaking his head. “I don’t know, Ayla. I kind of like the carpet. It’s cozy.”

I raise an eyebrow, placing a hand on my hip. “Sure. I doubt your landlord would appreciate you making changes without permission anyways.”

“We don’t have landlords,” Clay corrects me. “We own it.”

“You…own it?” I don’t know much about home ownership…it’s not like my mom could ever own a house. But, I guess it makes sense, considering how much they’re paying me weekly. They clearly have the money.

“Yeah,” Clay nods. “It was built for us.”

“Built for you?” I frown, understanding failing me.

Clay’s smile falters for a moment, and he exchanges a quick glance with Kip. There’s something in their eyes, a flicker of...what? Uncertainty? Hesitation? But before I can dwell on it, Clay clears his throat.

“Well, actually...” he begins, but Kip cuts him off with a sharp elbow to the ribs.

“Nothing,” Kip says smoothly, his tone leaving no room for further discussion.

I narrow my eyes, curiosity piqued by their odd behavior. What was Clay about to say? And why did Kip stop him?

But as I open my mouth to press the issue, Clay quickly changes the subject, holding up a set of colorful wall decals. “What about these? They’d really brighten up the nursery.”

I hesitate, torn between my desire to know more and the realization that now might not be the time to push. We all have our secrets, our histories we’d rather keep hidden.

They’ll tell me when they’re ready.

I force a smile as I take the decals from Clay. “These are perfect,” I agree.

We go to the checkout line, and Kip begins unloading the cart onto the conveyor belt, his strong hands deftly handling the delicate baby items. “Don’t worry about this, Ayla,” he says, flashing me a warm smile. “Piper’s our responsibility. You shouldn’t have to spend your first paycheck on nursery supplies.”

I feel a flicker of indignation at his words, my independent streak rearing its head. “Kip, I appreciate the thought, but Iwantto contribute,” I insist, reaching for my wallet. “This won’t be the last time I help with expenses for Piper.”

Kip’s brow furrows, a hint of concern in his eyes. “Ayla, you don’t have to-“

“I know I don’t have to,” I interrupt, my voice firm but gentle. “But I want to. Piper’s a part of my life now, too. And I intend to be there for her in every way possible.”

For a moment, Kip looks like he might argue, but then his expression softens, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. “Okay,” he agrees, his voice low and warm. “If that’s what you want.”

As I hand my card to the cashier, a sense of fulfillment washes over me.

The cashier hands me the receipt, and I tuck it carefully into my wallet, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips.

As we make our way back to the truck, the weight of the bags in my hands feels like an anchor, and the sun beats down on my shoulders, but I barely feel the heat.

I’ve never spent so much money in one go, but it was worth every penny.

I glance over at Kip, noticing the way his muscles flex as he hefts the heavier bags into the trunk. There’s a quiet strength to him, a steadiness that I find myself drawn to.

As if sensing my gaze, Kip looks up, his eyes meeting mine before a sly smirk finds his lips. I look away quickly, my breath hitching as I try to remind myself to keep it together. This is my chance to start fresh. I don’t want to mess it up. I need to focus on what’s important, this job, Piper, and my newfound freedom this job will allow me.

12

AYLA

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