Page 38 of Worth Every Risk

“That’s everything?” I ask.

“Everything. Hopefully no cause for alarm? No need to call Alec for backup?”

“Nope.”

“Good.”

The stilted conversation feels like it’s hit a natural end, so I hold up the phone and wave the box in the most awkward farewell gesture known to man. Mr Hawkston half smiles and gives the tiniest nod, which I take as permission to leave the room.

When my hand strikes the door handle, I realise there’s one thing I do need to know. I turn back, but Mr Hawkston’s eyesaren’t there to meet mine at eye level. He’s most definitely staring at my arse.

He raises his gaze, one eyebrow tripping up, inviting me to speak. No sign of embarrassment whatsoever that I just caught him checking me out.

“Where am I sleeping?”

His brow creases. “What do you mean?”

My heart leaps at his confusion.Does he think I’m propositioning him?“Am I staying in this house, or are you moving me to the staff block?”

“Ah. Here. Stay here. As you rightly pointed out, it’s best if you’re in the house. For Lucie. And then you can keep the bed.” There’s definite heat in his gaze and a teasing uplift to his lips when he adds, “For your back,” and I know I need to get the hell out of this room before I take him up on the unspoken offer I can read in his eyes.

I excuse myself, and when the door closes behind me, I tune into the racing of my heart.Does Mr Hawkston have any idea what he’s doing to me?

11

MATT

Ibarely see Aries for the next week. I’m in the office most of the time and I’m certain she’s avoiding me when I’m home. I get back after Lucie’s asleep. I always go to her room to give her a kiss goodnight, but Aries is never there.

Tonight, the light is on in Aries’ room; I see the strip of it beneath the door. I don’t know why my heart thuds so fucking awkwardly when I walk past.Two weeks. Two weeks of this woman living in my house, and I’m like a hopeless kid with a crush.

I shake my head, determined to put the nanny out of my mind. What happened last week outside the sauna was unfortunate. She’s over-familiar. Not my type of woman at all. Far too open, unguarded… and yet I can’t get her out of my head.

It’s Friday night and I have no plans. Really sliding into that sad divorcé stereotype. Nico asked me if I wanted to have dinner with him and Kate, but I don’t really want to hang out with them when they’re so smitten and happy. Not that I mind. I’m pleased for him, but sometimes it hits home just how fucked up my situation is. All the years I wasted in a miserable marriage.

After a lonely meal at the kitchen island—one of Alec’s frozen lasagnas—I head upstairs to bed, but I can’t fucking sleep. I keep thinking of Aries, upstairs, that peek of light from beneath her door.

What’s she doing right now?

Sleeping, you idiot. That’s what she’s doing.

I bring up my phone, scrolling through emails. Most are dull, work-related items, but one snags my attention. It’s from Charlie’s Housemaster, an old family friend called Barney Wentworth, at Marsden College.

My heart sinks. If Aries thinks I’m lacking empathy when it comes to Lucie, she’d have a field day with Charlie. I don’t even know where or when it went wrong, but the subject line sinks like a metal weight in my gut.

Charles Hawkston: Disciplinary matters.

I open it.

Dear Matt,

Some matters have arisen in relation to Charlie, which are best discussed over the phone. When might be a good time to talk?

Best,

Barney.

Barney Wentworth must be nearing retirement. He’s a contemporary of my father, and he was teaching at Marsden College when me, Nico and Seb were at the school.

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