Page 73 of Nanny for the Bikers

He chuckles softly and steps into the moonlight. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” he murmurs, voice husky with sleep. “I woke up and you were gone. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

My pulse is still racing, but now for an entirely different reason. Clay looks unfairly gorgeous, hair adorably rumpled and eyes heavy-lidded. The sight of him sets off a flurry of butterflies in my stomach.

“I’m fine,” I assure him, setting my glass down with a shaky hand. “I just... got too hot. Needed to cool off for a minute.”

One corner of his mouth quirks upward and he raises an eyebrow. “Can’t imagine why,” he teases, moving closer until he’s standing right in front of me. “It’s not like you were sandwiched between three grown men or anything.”

I feel the heat creeping up my neck, no doubt turning my cheeks a vivid pink. “Yeah, well,” I mutter, trying to play it off. “You guys are like human furnaces.”

Clay huffs out a laugh and reaches past me to open the fridge. The brush of his arm against mine sends a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with the burst of cold air.

“Want some juice?” he offers over his shoulder. “Might help you cool down.”

I shake my head, even as I press my thighs together against the pleasant ache building between them. “Nah, I’m good with water. Thanks though.”

He nods and straightens up, a carton of orange juice in hand. For a moment, we just stand there in the dark kitchen, eyes locked, air practically crackling with tension.

“Come on,” he murmurs, taking my hand. “I want to show you something.”

Curiosity piqued, I let him lead me out of the kitchen and down the dark hallway. His strong hand engulfs mine, warm and reassuring. We pass the other bedrooms, their doors shut, only the soft sound of breathing emanating. Where is he taking me?

We stop at the end of the hall in front of the guest bedroom. My brow furrows slightly. Clay turns and gives me an eager grin. Then he opens the door and ushers me inside.

I step over the threshold and freeze, a small gasp escaping my lips. The once plain guest room has been completely transformed. Soft, glowing string lights drape the walls, bathing everything in a warm ambiance. The bedding is my favorite shade of sage green, plush and inviting. A cozy reading nook occupies one corner, complete with an overstuffed armchair and side table stacked with books. Artwork I love adorns the walls, splashes of color against the cream. It’s like a haven made just for me.

I turn to Clay, at a loss for words, my eyes wide. He’s leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching me with a soft, slightly nervous smile. “Do you like it?” he asks quietly.

I shake my head, trying to find my voice. “I...I love it,” I breathe. “When did you...how did you...?”

Clay chuckles and steps closer. “We worked on it while you were gone.” His eyes sparkle in the twinkling lights. “I hope it feels like your own special space here now.”

My throat tightens with emotion as I look around the room again, taking in all the thoughtful details. They put so much care and effort into this, just for me. After feeling adrift for so long, it’s overwhelming to be surrounded by such love. By a real home.

I turn back to Clay, a shaky smile on my face, eyes shimmering. “Thank you,” I whisper hoarsely. “It’s perfect. I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything,” Clay murmurs, opening his arms. I step into them gratefully, burying my face against his sturdy chest as his arms enfold me. Wrapped in his embrace, in this room that is so wholly mine, I finally let myself believe that I belong. That I am cherished, and safe, and home.

A sudden excited bark makes me jump, pulling back from Clay’s arms with a gasp. I spin around to see Shadow bounding off the bed and racing towards me, tail wagging furiously.

“Shadow!” I scold in a hushed voice, glancing nervously at the door. “Shh! You’ll wake the others!”

But Shadow pays me no heed, prancing around my feet and whining for attention, overcome with joy at seeing me. I can’t help but laugh softly, crouching down to ruffle his silky ears.

“Okay, okay,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to her muzzle. “I missed you too, boy. But we gotta be quiet, alright?”

I can’t believe that I’d just left her when I fled…just so overwhelmed.

Shadow sits obediently, gazing up at me with adoring brown eyes, and leans into my touch as I stroke his head. The familiar warmth of his fur under my fingers soothes me, grounding me.

I really have missed him…missed all of this.

I glance over my shoulder at Clay, flashing him a sheepish grin. “He’s not the best at stealth mode,” I quip.

Clay chuckles quietly and comes to kneel beside us, reaching out to pat Shadow’s flank. “He’s just happy her favorite person is home,” he says warmly, catching my gaze. “We all are.”

My cheeks flush at the open affection in his eyes. At the unspoken promise that this is home now. My home. Our home. Something I never thought I’d have again.

I clear my throat, glancing down shyly as I continue petting Shadow. “I’m happy to be here too,” I murmur, voice thick. “With all of you.”

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