Page 11 of Sinful Nanny

What had I done?

I bathed Delilah and read her three books before tucking her in. As I slipped out of her room, Edward slipped in and I took that as my cue to leave.

I snuck out the door like a dirty little secret and into the waiting car.

My phone buzzed and I saw his name.

Edward

Where did you go? I wanted to see you

Me

Book club, then home. To my boyfriend. This should never have happened.

Edward

It was inevitable.

Me

Screw you.

I shoved my phone back into my bag and thanked Edward’s driver as he dropped me outside where Hallie worked. Moving quickly across the pavement, I am grateful to be inside and spot them sitting in our usual spot.

“Hey,” I wave, plonking myself down in a winged armchair as Hallie passes me a cocktail.

“How’s work going?” Lily asks me and I feel everyone’s eyes on me.

Do they know?

Harper gives me the eye and Bella just sits looking as beautiful as ever with her cute baby bump.

“Good, I think,” I give a nod and take a mouthful of my drink.

“Thirsty?” Lily’s brows raise and I nod.

“Gasping.”

“Is the infamous Edward really that bad to work for?” Harper asks and I shake my head from side to side.

“He is actually really kind,” a smile paints itself across my lips.

“See, not all bad then,” Hallie places her hand on my knee and gives it a gentle squeeze.

“Nah, I suppose not,” I sigh and reach forward for our book club read. It’s a short but very spicy Halloween novella; masks, degradation… it has it all.

After our session, Lily gives me a ride home and I look up at my apartment. All the lights are off. Another lonely night for me.

“You seemed a little preoccupied tonight, everything okay?” she asks me, cutting the engine and I can see the concern on her face. Lily is older than us, but she is such a beautiful person inside and out. She calls herself themumof the group.

“Yeah, I’m just tired. Feel a little out of routine but that will come,” I nod as I open the passenger door. “Thanks for the lift, I’ll see you next week,” I smile as I step onto the pavement and close the door behind me.

She gives me a wave through the window before disappearing into the night.

A heavy sigh passes my lips once more as I trudge my way into our apartment block. Riding the lift, I fish for my keys out of my bag and push them into the lock.

“Hello?” I call out, and smile deeply when I see candles scattered around.

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