Page 17 of Beneficial Misfortune

Shit.

I quickly begin soothing her hair again, and she settles, her breathing turning into adorable little snores that fill the now tense silence of the limo.

“I—I um… she,” I stumble over my words, trying to explain her comment but failing as my embarrassment continues to grow with every beat of silence.

“Relax, Kat,” he says with a chuckle, no doubt seeing my panic. Judging by how warm my cheeks feel, it would probably be impossible to miss.

“She’s always wanted a mother. It’s been on the top of every one of her wish lists for every holiday for as long as I can remember.” He turns to look out the window at the city as it passes, and I can see that this is a sore subject. “Unfortunately, it’s the one thing money can’t buy, or at least shouldn’t buy,” he says, shaking his head.

“I’ve given her nannies, but none of them ever stick. I’m unsure what it is, but despite dozens of them, she never really cares for them or forms any kind of relationship the way I had hoped. Dating is hard,” he pauses, glancing at me, and I sit silently, waiting to hear more about them, about him. “A lot ofwomen want me for my money, status, or a number of other things. I don’t have much time to give between work and her, and while most say they don’t mind that in the beginning, it never fails to be an issue later.”

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip and nod because I can understand that. Even with my job, squeezing dating in would be a bit of a stretch, and I’m sure I’m not nearly as busy as he is, with him running an entire company and having a young daughter.

“I’m unsure what you have done to tame my little monster, but she really likes you, which is more than most can say.”

“She told Emily she wanted me to be her mother today when I brought her into the office,” I admit with a chuckle. “I didn’t do anything. She’s smart and polite and full of life. I’m unsure how anyone could resist loving her, but I don’t think it was me who did it. She’s just impossible not to gravitate to. The way she sees the world is refreshing.”

He smirks at hearing that, and somehow, looking at it, knowing what I know now, I can see why she would say that. I was embarrassed when she said it, but now I feel honored. The idea that she would pick me to fulfill her dream is crazy, but children often don’t have filters, and that proves it.

We fall into silence once again, though this time it’s comfortable.

The rest of the car ride passes quickly, and before I know it, we’ve arrived outside of my apartment.

Vincent unbuckles, but before he can exit the car, Nathaniel tells him to stay with Addison.

Wait what?

He’s out of the car in the blink of an eye, moving much more fluidly than should be possible, considering his size. He stands just outside the door, and I realize he’s probably waiting for me to get out.

That makes sense. He was blocking me in.

As carefully as I can, I move out from under Addison, soothing her hair when she stirs until she settles again.

Scooting across the seat, I make it to the door, looking out to find Nathaniel’s hand outstretched to me. I know he’s just being polite, but I can’t help the way my body lights up when I reach up, resting my hand in his.

His fingers easily engulf my much smaller ones as I pull myself out to stand beside him.

We're so close that I can smell his cologne. I can’t place the smell, but it’s rich and so very fitting that I can’t help but take a deep breath.

Oh my god, please tell me I did not just sniff him.

“Your cologne smells wonderful,” I say, feeling the need to explain my strange behavior.

“Thank you,” he says, still holding my hand up between us.

Why is my heart beating so fast?

Get a hold of yourself, Kat!

I move to pull my hand away, but he doesn’t let go. Instead, his thumb rubs over my knuckles gently, and I can feel his gaze on me, but I can’t make myself look up at him.

“Might I walk you to your door?” he asks, and my eyes snap up to meet his.

“That’s not necessary. You’ve done more than enough, really.”

“Please, this is nothing compared to what you do for Addison daily. It would make me feel better if I took you to the door. Humor me.”

I don’t have an argument for that, so instead, I nod despite feeling self-conscious.

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