Page 19 of The Nanny's Bossy Billionaire

When I get home, Stella takes one look at me and cancels her plans to go out.

“Brooke, what happened? The girl can’t be that bad.”

“Oh no,Lisa’s great. A normal, albeit very energetic, little girl. It’s Xavier.”

“Xavier? Xavier Bennett?” I nod. “He contacted you?” Stella asks.

“Stella, he’s the girl’s uncle.”

“Shut the front door! How is that even possible? Ivy’s sister works for Xavier Bennett’s sister, and she hasn’t broadcast the news to everyone and their dog.”

I shrug.

“So, what happened with Xavier? Was it awkward?”

I cover my face in mortification. “He was awful, Stella. He was mean and smirking and said I was trying to get his money and into his pants.”

“Eww, douchebag much.”

“I know, I slapped him,” I say.

“Good on you. So why are you all torn up? He deserved it.”

“He’s also playing these seduction games, and I hate that I’m so attracted to him. He knows it, too, so he’s toying with me. I don’t know what to do, Stella. He turns me on, then does something mean, and then he’s nice again. I’m like a puppy on a string, and it’s so exhausting.” I take a breath.

“And he said I’m not his type.”

“There’s two reasons a man could behave in that way. Either he likes you or he doesn’t like you.”

“Wow, Stella, that’s deep.”

“Hear me out. You know in middle school when you have boys pick on you constantly, and it turns out they always liked you but just didn’t know how to behave around a girl they like. Or it could be that he’s just a mean and dumb kid.”

“Xavier Bennett doesn’tnotknow how to act around women.” I remember his smooth seduction. In less than tensentences, I was against the door, on the floor, on the couch begging and screaming—No, it wouldn’t do to linger.

“So you think he’s just a dickhead?”

“I don’t know!” I throw my hands up.

“Well, in that case, avoid him. He’s a playboy, he likes to play. Right now, it’s with your feelings it seems. Step out of the ring until he makes it clear what he wants. Unless you also know how to play the game, which I know you don’t, stay away from him before your heart gets bloodied in the tussle.”

I take a deep breath. “You know, Stella, that was actually deep.”

“I try to revive a few brain cells every now and then for my best girl.” We laugh.

Okay. Simply avoid him. I can do that.

Chapter Eight

Xavier

I’m a complete asshole.

I run my hands through my hair and grab hold as I stare at the information on my office desktop.

It’s been only two hours since she left. My gut twists as I remember the sheen of tears and the hurt, stricken look on Brooke’s face. She’s not the type to play these games with. I’d refused to believe she didn’t somehow orchestrate her employment as Lisa’s babysitter. It was just too much of a coincidence.

Ever since middle school, I have had girls throw themselves at me, and the lengths some of them have gone to get my body and money has turned me into a cynic when it comes to fate and chance.

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