Page 60 of Nanny for the Bikers

After we enjoy the cake, Teller clears his throat as he stands up and leaves the room looking suspicious. Clay and Kip try to act innocent but I know their expressions too well and know something is going on. Teller comes back a moment later with a birthday bag. “This is our actual gift for the birthday girl.”

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Oh? What might that be?”

Clay steps forward, holding a beautifully wrapped box. “We know you’ve been wanting to make your room feel more like your own space, so we put together a little something to help with that.”

My heart swells as I accept the gift, my fingers trembling slightly as I untie the ribbon. Inside, I find an assortment of items: a soft, cozy throw blanket in my favorite color, a set of string lights to create a warm ambiance, and a collection of picture frames waiting to be filled with memories.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I look up at the three men who have become such an integral part of my life. “This is... it’s perfect. Thank you, all of you.”

Kip grins, his blue eyes twinkling. “We just want you to feel at home here, Ayla. Because that’s what you are to us – family.”

As I hug each of them in turn, grateful for their thoughtfulness and care, I catch Lila’s eye across the room. She’s watching the exchange with a curious expression, a mixture of surprise and something else I can’t quite decipher.

I wonder what she’s thinking, how she’s processing this glimpse into my new life. But for now, I push those thoughts aside.

As the night gets later, I look around at the laughter and conversation flow easily. I watch as Lila engages with the others, her earlier reservations seeming to melt away. She compliments Teller on his cooking skills, jokes with Kip about his latest project, and listens intently as Clay shares a story about Piper’s latest adventure.

Slowly, I feel the tension in my shoulders begin to dissipate. The light-hearted atmosphere is infectious, and I find myself smiling more than I have in a long time. It’s a relief to see Lila making an effort, to feel like we’re finally taking steps towards repairing our fractured relationship.

As the evening winds down, exhaustion begins to settle in my bones. It’s been an emotionally charged day, and the weight of it all is finally catching up with me.

“I think I’m going to call it a night,” I announce, stifling a yawn. “Lila, you can split my bed with me, if that’s okay?”

She nods, a grateful smile on her face. “That sounds perfect. Thank you, Ayla.”

Clay stands up, scooping a sleepy Piper into his arms. “I’ll put this little one to bed. You two get some rest, okay?”

I feel a rush of affection for him, for the way he always seems to know exactly what I need. “Thank you, Clay.”

The bedroom door clicks shut behind us, and a heavy silence settles over the room. Lila sits on the edge of the bed, her fingers idly playing with the frayed hem of her shirt. I busy myself with gathering extra pillows and blankets.

“So,” Lila begins, her voice deceptively casual. “Those guys downstairs... Teller, Clay, and Kip. What’s the deal with them?”

I freeze, a pillow clutched tightly to my chest. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and my heart starts to race. “What do you mean?”

Lila arches an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. “Oh, come on, Ayla. I saw the way they look at you. And the way you look at them. Is there something going on there? Something... romantic?”

My mouth goes dry, and I swallow hard. The truth is right there, on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t bring myself to say it. The thought of admitting to Lila that I’m dating all three men, that I might be in love with them... it’s too much. Too vulnerable. Too scary.

“No,” I lie, my voice barely above a whisper. “We’re just friends. That’s all.”

Lila’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, I’m sure she’s going to call me out on my bullshit. But then she shrugs, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.

“Well, that’s good to hear. Because damn, those men are smoking hot. Maybe I’ll have to take a turn with one of them myself.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I feel a wave of nausea wash over me. The thought of Lila with any of them... it’s too much to bear. I don’t want her to know Teller’s softer side, or how protective Clay can be or how funny Kip can be. I want to scream, to tell her to stay away, that they’re mine. But I don’t. I can’t.

Instead, I force a smile, my voice tight and strained. “Yeah, they’re... they’re great guys.”

Lila flops back on the bed, her arms stretched out above her head. “I’m really glad we got to spend this time together, Ayla. I’ve missed you.”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The conflicting emotions swirl inside me – relief at having smoothed things over with Lila, but also a deep, aching anxiety. I know I can’t keep hiding the truth from her forever. Sooner or later, something’s going to have to give. Her words echo around my head about living with three men and the implications it would bring. If she knew the truth she would rip me apart.

But for now, I push those thoughts aside and climb into bed beside my sister. She grabs my hand, intertwining it with her own. As I close my eyes, I try to focus on the positive – on the fact that, for the first time in a long time, Lila and I are in a good place.

Even if it is built on a foundation of lies.

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