Page 31 of The Nanny's Bossy Billionaire

“Smart mouth.” I take her mouth in a kiss. “We should go back upstairs.”

She groans. “Everyone’s going to know what happened. The way you dragged me off…”

“That was entirely your fault, beautiful girl; besides, who doesn’t love a little wedding scandal?”

“Xavier!”

“And just in time to meet the boys,” I continue. “Your timing is impeccable, Brooke. To think I won’t even need to warn them to back off of you.”

“Oh, God.” Her cheeks turn pink, and I laugh out loud, shaking my head. Brooke Lewis. The woman who ten minutes ago literally decimated my composure and reduced me to a smoking pile of want, is now blushing prettily.

Taking pity on her, I say, “I’m joking, okay. Apart from Vanessa, I doubt anyone noticed. It’s not like we made a scene. You’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

“Can I at least fix my makeup?”

“I kind of like you all mussed up, but yeah, take your time.”

Chapter Twelve

Brooke

It’s the morning ofthe wedding, and Bonnie and I are on the terrace of my room, dipping in the infinity pool and enjoying the breakfast feast Xavier ordered for us.

“This view is sick,” Bonnie says, taking a photo of me in the pool against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. “You’ll love this set.” She takes a few more shots, then puts my phone down and wanders to the breakfast table to grab another bunch of grapes.

I met Bonnie yesterday at the rehearsal dinner. I’d been feeling self-conscious and underdressed in Stella’s simple emerald silk dress, another one she’d bought on a whim despite it being a size too big for her. The dress was simple, with a halterneck bodice and figure-skimming skirt.

Seeing Vanessa, who’d been dressed to the nines and sending sneers in my general direction, had made me question my choice of outfit until Bonnie strutted toward us with the grace of a queen, dressed in leather and lace-up boots. Her black curly hair was in an asymmetric pixie cut and streaked with purple.

Her style did nothing to detract from her exquisite features though. She made a beeline for me and we’d hit it off immediately as she reminded me so much of Stella.

She’s a freelancer in IT security, mainly working from her home in Long Island, and we were pleased to discover we don’t live very far from each other. We’d already made plans to catch up once we returned to New York.

When I suddenly disappeared with Xavier and then returned half an hour later, she’d calmly taken my arm and whispered, “Holy hell, girl, your effect on that man needs to be studied in university, and until you give me the source of that elixir, I’m latching on to you like a baby octopus.”

I’d laughed, thinking surely she’d meant his effect on me.

I’d later met the bride and groom, Jordan, his wife Sabrina, Ethan, and Xavier’s best buddies Ryan, Wyatt, and Lee. Despite dark looks from Vanessa, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and even texted Stella to tell her I was having fun.

Bonnie had booked herself into another hotel when they arrived in Cancun. She’d been happy to hop on Jordan’s jet but said she would never allow him to pay for her hotel room. I admitted I didn’t quite understand her logic but could respect it. Then I’d invited Bonnie to stay overnight in my own room.

I was confused about what was developing very quickly between Xavier and me. I knew unless I did something drastic to put brakes on it, there was only one way last night would end. In Xavier’s bed. A prospect that scared me shitless because somehow I knew it would be impossible to spend the night in his bed and remain unaffected afterward.

Stella had said to ghost him after the wedding. I desperately hope that ship hasn’t sailed. As it stands, I may already be in too deep if I’m being honest. The man makes me feel and giveup way too much. He told me he needed a date. For all I know, he might only have brought me along to deter Vanessa from chasing him. Not to mention he’s still a cocky jerk and a playboy who I’d be wise to stay away from once this “date” is over.

I decided I had better keep my head for a bit longer. Since I couldn’t very well keep Lisa with me, nor could I run to Zoey and Dan’s room, I begged Bonnie to stay.

Bonnie knew exactly why. She’d smiled. “Babes, I don’t see why you’re cockblocking yourself from that prime piece of man cake, but I’ll respect it.” And then she sighed. “And here I am, in need of a proper fuck… but hey, who said there was any justice in the world?”

It turns out Bonnie understood the assignment. When we went over to speak to Zoey, Dan, and Xavier, she made a production of gushing over how nice this hotel was compared to hers and how she’d kill for a nice view of the sea. Xavier had asked if she’d like a room in our hotel, and I, of course, then offered to share my too-large room. I’d expected Xavier to be disappointed, but he was gracious and seemed happy even. His reaction stung, making me question what exactly I wanted.

“What time do we need to be there?” Bonnie asks, munching on the dark juicy grapes.

“Around ten thirty, the wedding starts at eleven.” Xavier had sent me a naughty text first thing this morning about what time we needed to be at the venue.

“Right then, we’ve got a couple of hours. Having completed my task, I’m going to run to my hotel and get dressed—and give you some Xavier time. I’m sure the man is gagging to see you.” Bonnie wags her eyebrows suggestively.

I laugh, watching her leave in the thick dressing gown. “Bonnie, surely you don’t mean to go across town dressed that way?”

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