Page 35 of The Billionaire and the Nanny: Part 2

Zayden

Something has shifted.

I know I’m in too deep, but I can’t help myself. It’s like an orgasm when it begins. There’s a moment where you can catch it, prevent it from happening. Then, there’s the moment where someone kicks you over the cliff and it’s too late—you fall. And no matter how much you scrabble to catch earth with your clawed hands, you can’t stop yourself.

It feels toogood.

And so we go out together more often as a couple. In fact, Olivia now sees her babysitter a couple times a week because Bailey and I go out so much. Most nights, we go out alone, checking out new restaurants and bars or just taking walks around the city. Sometimes we go out by car, and I love peeling through the streets in my Bentley, hearing her shriek and laugh her assoff.

I love her laugh.

If there was a sound that could get my ass up out of bed every day and tackle the world when I was feeling depressed, it’d be the sound of Bailey’s bubbly laughter. It even makes Olivia laugh, and when the two of them get going, I’m a goner. There’s no way I can resist both ofthem.

“Do you mind if I stop by the office a quick second?” I ask, as we’re heading down 7th Avenue on one such night. “We’re alreadyhere.”

“Fine by me,” she replies.

It’s seven and near dinnertime, but there was something I had to check on for the meeting tomorrow, and there’s a good chance my team is still there working out the kinks. I’ve never brought a girl into the office before, and I’m bound to get some strange looks.

“Welcome home, sir.” Carlos flashes his bright smile, always good to see him, and it’s been a while, since I’ve been working from home. “And the young lady’s name?” he whispers as I’m sliding him his tip and coming around thecar.

“Miss Rainville. Bailey.”

“Very well, sir.” He opens up Bailey’s door. “Evening, miss. Have a pleasant stay at JetFlash.” He helps her out gently like the gentleman he is, and together, we walk into the building. I suck in a breath. Here goes nothing.

Everyone says hello, left and right. I realize I’m walking way too fast and too ahead of Bailey. Her heels click clack on the tile floor quickly. I know I need to make a decision here—make it look like I don’t know her that well, like she’s just my nanny who’s come along for the ride—or show the world that we’re together.

This will mean everything.

When I glance back at her, she smiles to show she’s fine but I can tell she’s wondering the same thing. Honestly, I don’t want to get an earful later about how I made her feel like a dirty secret. So I reach back for her hand. Bailey takes it timidly. Almost immediately, I hear the whispers of all the familiar people at the front desk, near the elevators, all the way to the top floor where JetFlashis.

When we arrive, I stop to introduce her to a few people, all whom give me knowing looks, as if they’ve suddenly realized why I’ve been out of the office for so long. Bailey greets everyone with her beautiful smile, even though she’s in ripped jeans and obviously wasn’t prepared to be introduced to my co-workers and employees.

I actually don’t feel nearly as weird as I thought I would, bringing her into my world.

Fuck, maybe people do change…

At dinner, we meet up with Carson and Jackie. This is the first time they’ll meet Bailey, and they have no idea she’s even coming. When we walk in, they’re already sitting at a table. They pause in conversation when they see us rolling up, and Carson has to look twice to make sure it’s really me and not some pussified version ofme.

“Well, well, well…look what the cat dragged in. Haven’t seen you in like practically a month, buddy.” He gives me a bro hug, the kind where you pat each other on the back, then he whispers in my ear. “Jail bait? What is she, like sixteen?”

I give his hand a death grip that sends him cursing. Just because Bailey’s got a doll face, and Jackie’s already showing her age, there’s no need to get jealous.

I laugh and greet Jackie who’s looking skinnier and more yoga-like than ever. I used to really be into women with bodies like hers. It was almost a goal for me in my early twenties. Hot, athletic, lean. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade Bailey’s soft curves for anything in the world. I prefer the Baileytype.

“Jackie, Carson, this is Bailey Rainville.”

They say hello and make pleasant conversation, and Bailey is doing really well keeping up with the questions about her life, but part of me deep inside is wondering what they think. Is she too young? Do they think I’m robbing the cradle? I mean, she’s twenty-two—it’s not like she’s a baby. Besides, the age gap seems to disappear when you love someone.

Love someone.

What the fuck is that all about.

I’m going to shelf that for now, because suddenly, my stomach plummets. I don’t have thoughts like that—ever. Dinner and drinks go great, and when it’s time to leave, Jackie gives me that well-meaning tilt of the head and smile that she usually does when she can’t say what she really wants to say, and that’s how proud she is ofyou.

“Zayden, thanks for introducing us to Bailey. She’s…so sweet! Hope to see you again, honey,” she tells Bailey, and I almost slap my own forehead. She may as well have said, “Zayden never brings the same girl around twice. We hope you make thecut.”

Carson just gives me that look that buddies do when they know you’ve been a dog, and you know that they know, but no one’s going to mention it in the presence of a young lady. Still, he leans in and says, “Good for you, bro. Good foryou.”

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