Page 17 of The Nanny's Bossy Billionaire

“Yeah, sorry.” I apologize, shaking my head to dispel the unpleasant memory.

“I was saying Lisa can have cereal—it’s in the pantry, or have a sandwich—toppings and dressing in the fridge.”

“Okay.” I nod.

“She does have a bit of a sweet tooth, and so does her uncle for that matter, but she gets the most horrendous sugar high, so be mindful of when she has her cakes and lollies, otherwise, she could be up till midnight.”

I smile. “Wow, noted then.”

“Mrs. Locke comes in on Wednesdays and Saturdays to clean and I expect Titus to drop in this evening, possibly tomorrow as well to bring in some groceries. If you need anything else just tell him and he’ll have it delivered the next day.”

I nod again.

“I think that’s everything…let’s see, we’re not expecting any deliveries or guests—Careful babe!” she says to Dan, who is carrying two suitcases toward the elevator.

“I’m fine, sweetheart, don’t worry,” he calls back.

“It’s his shoulder,” Zoey explains to me. Lisa enters the living room with an armful of about fifteen miniature dolls.

“Darling, have breakfastfirst—”

“Mommy, it’s the princesses, they want to play with Brooke now.”

“Great.” Zoey sighs. “Well, I’ll leave you to it then. I’ve left a sheet on the counter for you. All the numbers you might need are listed.”

“Lisa, give Mommy a kiss,” Zoey says. Lisa does that and then goes back to the princesses.

“Right.” Zoey checks the time again and turns to leave.

Just then, the smaller elevator opens and Xavier fills the doorway. He’s changed into gym shorts and a tank top. His shoulders and biceps are on display, and I avert my face to keep from ogling.

“You’re running late, Zoey.” Xavier pulls Zoey in for a bear hug.

“Xavi! I thought you’d sleep till noon considering you were out so late.”

Out late clubbing and having wild sex, no doubt. My mind is about to wander to the night we had but I violently yank the traitor off that path.

Xavier shakes his head. “Not a chance, not with all the racket you lot are making.”

“Sorry, Xavi. Well, this is Brooke, she’s great. Brooke, Xavier, Lisa’s uncle.”

There’s an awkward pause. I’m not sure if I should admit that we’ve met or hold out my hand.

Before I can decide, Xavier pulls me in for a hug. I shut my eyes against the onslaught of sensations being enveloped in his arms evoke and hold myself rigidly. It’s over in a heartbeat although it felt like an eternity.

Zoey does not bat an eyelash.She’s used to this? Him embracing strange women?Something tightens in my stomach, and I tell myself it’s disgust.

Dan returns with the doorman, who takes out their bags, and Xavier leaves without a backward glance at me.

Lisa is hugging her dad when Zoey pulls me away. “Listen, I think Lisa has taken to you. You’ll be fine. And Xavier is great with her. Any issues, you can speak to him or call us.”

I have no worries about Lisa, I think.It’s her uncle I’m not so sure about.

One way or another, I’ll find a way to get through this weekend.

Lisa finally settles down for a nap after hours of playing dress-up with her princess dolls and the apartment looks like a tornado has torn through it. Toys, books, and clothes litter the floor and the furniture.

There’s a trail of stuffed toys and brightly colored clothes leading to the small elevator.

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