Page 45 of Hidden Truths

“Cal?” I ask, looking up into those soft brown eyes and seeing fire behind them.

He walks closer as I back up into the door, but he doesn’t stop until he’s pressed against me, and I can feel every hard line of his body.

“Cal?” I ask again, but this time it sounds more like a squeak.

He places his hand around my throat. His grip is gentle, barely there, but the heat from his palm sets my body on fire. Cal leans close, his breath hot against my ear.

“I don’t beg, Firecracker. I lick and nip and suck and kiss until you’re the one on your knees begging for me. Begging for me to touch you, to fuck you.” My breath hitches in my throat as my pulse races. I know he can feel how fast my heart is beating at his words. “Be careful, baby. You have no idea who you’re playing with.”

With that, he lets me go and heads for the stairs, taking two at a time. I watch him go, trying to calm my heart rate and wrap my mind around what had just happened. I was questioningsending that text to him, but not anymore. He’s right though. I had no idea who I was playing with.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to find out.

sixteen

CAL

That was stupid.So fucking stupid.

Having Harlow against the wall like that? Her soft body pressed into mine and her pulse beating beneath my hand? Fuck. I could come in my pants right now just thinking about it. I thought the memory of her begging me to let her come was hot. But I think my dick could cut glass right now.

I can’t fuck the nanny, right? That’s taboo. Or cliche. Or something.

I’m fucking thinking about it though. Nonstop. Every time my dick has been in my hand for two months, it’s been Harlow I’ve pictured.

I’m so fucking screwed.

Because I know her being the nanny isn’t the problem. It’s because she’s Harlow. She takes my breath away while making my heart beat. I can blame my position as her boss, or how taboo the situation would be all I want, but I would be lying.

I’m barely controlling myself around her now as it is. Her sassy mouth makes me want to kiss it. Her curves make me want to grab them. And if I’m honest, she’s really fucking interesting to talk to. She’s fun and smart and observant in a way that’s bordering on creepy. I like being around her. I like talking to her.Fuck, I even like the stupid reality shows she makes me watch. And if all that wasn’t enough, she’s amazing with Cora. My daughter fucking adores the woman. She loves her. And Harlow loves her right back.

As if she was summoned, Cora lets out a wail, and I’m rushing to her room. I see Harlow peek out of hers when I’m at Cora’s door.

“I’ve got her,” I whisper and Harlow nods, then shuts her door.

I scoop my baby girl up from her crib and bring her to the rocking chair to snuggle her. She still wakes up at night sometimes, but it isn’t from hunger. She just wants comfort. So I spend a lot of nights rocking her while she’s curled up against my chest.

I don’t mind it. I know I’ll miss these small moments.

Cora smiles up at me as her eyes slowly close. This is why nothing can happen between Harlow and me. This perfect little girl right here. She needs Harlow in her life right now, and I will not be the one to take that away from her. And it would be my fault. I’m not good with relationships. I don’t know how to be in one. I don’t know that I could ever be. Harlow deserves better than that, and so does Cora.

For Cora, I would do anything.

Give up anything.

seventeen

HARLOW

“I really thinkone of us should’ve gone with him.”

Cora blows a raspberry in agreement.

“See? Cora thinks so too.” I point out. Jo and Willa both roll their eyes at me, but Jason laughs. At least Cal’s dad is on my side.

“Maverick will be fine. He’s meeting her at a restaurant. In public,” Willa says.

“I know. I just don’t like it. Cal, Kai, Belle, and my dad are all in Maine. Now we’re sending Maverick to New Hampshire alone,” I groan into my hands. Mav’s mom offered to meet him halfway between here and her house for lunch and she could only do today. So he went.

---