Page 77 of Worth Every Risk

Seb crosses his arms. “You’re underestimating my powers of perception. Put me out of my misery and admit it. You got laid, didn’t you?”

I shake my head and blink to conceal my eye roll.

Seb laughs. “I’m taking that as confirmation. You fucked the hot nanny.”

“Stop saying that. Her name is Aries,” I snap.

Nico’s eyes widen, and his strong jaw goes slack. “Fuck,” he mutters, looking away from me to stare at Seb. “You’re right. How the hell did you know?”

Seb gives a smug smile and crosses his arms. “I’m a genius.”

Nico shoots me a serious look. “You realise you just shat on your own doorstep? That was seriously dumb.”

“Says the man who slept with a colleague,” I throw back.

“That’s different. I’ve known Kate all my life. It’s different,” he repeats, as though it’s really important to him to make thisdistinction known. “I want to marry Kate. You’re not going to marry the nanny, are you? You hardly know her.”

I feel a pang in my chest at his accusation. I might not have known Aries long, but I feel more of a connection with her than I have with anyone… probably ever. Certainly more than I felt for Gemma and I ended up married to her for over fifteen years.

I sigh. “Aries. Her name is Aries.”

Seb laughs. “Next he’s going to be telling us he didn’t fuck her. He made love to her.”

Nico stiffens, looking at me. “Are you?”

“I’m not going to tell either of you anything.” I stand and usher them back towards the door. “Get the fuck out of my office and go back to work.”

“Okay, okay,” Seb says. “But when am I going to meet this woman? If I’d known you were going to bring her to Speech Day, I’d have come along.”

I frown, unsure whether I want Seb to meet her at all. She’s still my employee, first and foremost. “Do you just want to ogle her, or do you want to meet her like a woman that’s of interest to me?”

“Jesus,” Nico says, running a hand through his hair. “You need to sort your shit out. This is going to get messy. And Gemma will find out and cut your balls off.”

“Gemma’s not getting near my balls. Ever.” I blow out a breath.

“What is this nanny to you? This” —Nico blinks, looking confused— “Aries, sorry. What is she to you? An employee you’re messing around with, or something more?”

My heart thumps so hard it’s choking my throat.I don’t fucking know. Why is Nico pressing this? Do I need to know the answer to this right now?

I clear my throat. “The boat. I’m taking the kids on holiday. Why don’t you both come?”

“We can’t all take time off like th—” Nico begins.

“Of course we can.” Seb replies. “I haven’t been on the boat in way too long. Email me the details, and I’ll clear our diaries.”

“You can't do that,” Nico begins. “We—”

“Fuck, Nico. Chill out,” Seb admonishes. “This place will still exist if you take a break. Get Jack Lansen to cover. You’re always going on about how great he is. He’s more than capable of filling your shoes for a week or two. And God knows, we deserve a break.”

Nico considers this, his head to one side. “I could use some sun. Kate would have to come too, obviously.”

“Obviously,” Seb says, with mock sincerity. “And I’d bring… probably no one. But maybe I’ll find someone at the last minute.”

“No last minute dates on a holiday where my kids are involved,” I warn. “That’s where I draw the line. If you want to come, you come solo.”

Seb looks irritated for the first time since he entered my office. “Fine. Solo it is. You aren’t getting rid of me that easily.” He slaps a hand on Nico’s shoulder. “Let’s leave lover boy to his daydreams.”

“Fuck off,” I bark, watching as the two of them disappear out into the hallway. I close the door and lean against it.

---