Page 25 of The Nanny's Bossy Billionaire

In another twenty minutes, my phone rings. “Hello,” I answer, trying not to sound as nervous as I feel.

“Brooke.” The rough timbre of his voice washes pleasantly over me.

“Sorry to disturb you at work.”

“It’s alright, what can I do?”

“I… um. Xavier, I know you paid the money. Steve’s debt, I mean. Why did you?”

“Why not?” he says, “I really meant to help you whatever else you may think of me. It didn’t seem fair that you were being made to pay back a debt you knew nothing about.”

He sounds warm and so very kind. I find myself relaxing.

“But I said I wouldn’t go on your date.”

“I know.” Xavier chuckles. “Did you call to remind me of that?”

“No,” I say. “Of course not. I called to say thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I hesitate. “So…did you still need a date?”

“Are you asking me out now?” Xavier’s tone is playful.

“Never mind, I’m hanging up now.”

“Okay, wait! Yes, I’d very much like you to come with me but only if you want to. Do you really want to, Brooke?”

“What I want is not the point. Take it or leave it,” I snap.

“I see. Well, don’t get too excited on my account,” he grumbles.

“I know. I’ll try not to break a leg jumping for joy,” I reply.

“Smartass,” he murmurs. I can hear the smile in his voice. “By the way, the wedding is in Cancun, Mexico.”

“Are you kidding me? You expect me to follow you to Mexico?”

“Well, seeing as that’s where the wedding is happening, I don’t see how you won’t follow me there.”

“And you tell me that just now?”

“If you’d given me a chance to breathe before leaping on the offer, I might have mentioned it.”

“You—” I stuttered. But I’m not really annoyed. I’m just surprised because I’d assumed it would be in New York.

“Too late to back out now.”

“I thought the date was for a couple of hours, not a whole day. I’ve got plans, Xavier.”

“The weddingisfor a couple of hours. Although there’s the rehearsal dinner on Friday, the reception, and the four-hour flight each way to think of as well. I can have you back on Saturday evening.”

I’m speechless now. What did I just agree to? A whole day and night away in Cancun?

“What plans have you got?” he asks.

Actually, I don’t have any plans except to stay home, do laundry, and clean. Maybe some artwork. “I can’t just leave.” I search my head for a plausible excuse.

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