Page 54 of The Billionaire & the Nanny: Vol. 3

Logan

I can’t rememberthe last time I was this nervous .

I don’t do nervous. Not my style. But there’s so much riding on tonight. I so want to impress Paisley. It’s sad to think that we never even went on a date, and when we finally do, it’s to dedicate a whole building to her. I kept her in a closet like a dirty secret .

But my therapist has said I can’t think of it that way. I must think of it like this: Paisley showed me the kind of man I want to be. Living with her was only the beginning of that process. Now, I’m ready—literally and figuratively .

My tux fits nicely, a tiny bit loose since I’ve lost weight, but no time to tailor it. The kids are mostly ready, and Aunt Viv has agreed to take them down to Battery Park while I go pick up Paisley. Aunt Viv’s heels click-clack along the floor toward me. “My, my. You’ve always looked so handsome in a suit, Logan. Back to breaking-hearts status?” She winks. “Love it .”

Not exactly. My head and heart both know who I belong to. I’m only sorry it took me so long to figure it out .

“Thanks, Aunt Viv. See you there ?”

She nods and kisses my cheek. “Good luck, darling. Come on, kiddos !”

“Bye, Daddy!” Becca and Price look back at me and wave, each of them taking one of Viv’s hands, and skipping out of the house. I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they see who I’ve brought to the event .

Not long after that, I’ve made the drive to her apartment .

I knock on the door and wait nervously .

Feet shuffle across the floor on the other side of the door, and I hear the locks open. The apartment door cracks wide… Paisley stands there in a soft yellow dress, her hair loose down her shoulders, like sand molded by waves. “Holy shit.” Not the most gentlemanly thing to say, but… “Holy shit. You look stunning, babe .”

She’s wearing makeup, which is a first. Not heavy makeup, just glowing gold and brown touches that highlight her eyes and make her look like a summery living painting. Paisley has always seemed this way to me—a moving, breathing work of art—only this time, she’s elevated to goddess level .

I can’t believe she’s coming out with me when she has every right to hate me .

“Come in while I finish getting ready?” She kisses me on the cheek, smelling so delectable, the fires inside of me ignite, and points to the roses I got her, now in a glass vase on the kitchen counter. Whew. Thought she might toss them in the garbage, which I totally would’ve deserved .

I close the door and hold back my urges to take her before the event. Not that she’ll let me. Winning her back will be a slow process and there’s no guarantee. But I’m determined, as I’ve always been .

I watch as she puts things inside her small purse—lipstick, a compact, keys. “Do you think I’ll need cash for food and drinks? Since you’re driving, can I pay your parking ?”

“Um, no.” She’s so adorable. How do I tell her I practically own this part of the city without sounding like an egomaniac? “I think I’ve got it covered.” Sadly, I muse how we’ve never been in this position, never gone out together in a couple sort of way. That’s my fault, but it’s also a new beginning .

“Alright, then I guess I’m ready.” Between the dress, the heels, the purse, and the smile she gives me, I have to say this evening will go down in my hall of fame as most memorable. Even if she denies me at the end of this night, even if she never wants to see me again, I can say I got to see her one last time. I got to take her out, show her my love by dedicating the building to her, and die a heartbroken but happy man .

In the car, she nervously wrings her purse with her fingers. “Who’s going to be there ?”

“Everyone.” I laugh, reaching for her hand. She lets me take it a moment before I have to change gears on the transmission .

“What if people recognize me? What if they talk about us ?”

“Of course they will, babe. They know about us, but things are different now. Aren’t they ?”

Light eyes reflecting the setting sun glance at me. “I hope so .”

My head practically spins. Does this mean she’s forgiven me? Has she thought about what I said and agrees to start anew? Because that would be a dream come true for me, the first of many she doesn’t know about yet .

When we arrive, the paparazzi begin with their questions and their cameras and their invasive trickery to get you to look and answer questions. “Don’t talk to anybody,” I mutter in Paisley’s ear. “Just smile and wave. Tonight’s not about them .”

“Mr. Raider, what can you tell us about the building’s design? Is this the woman you had an affair with during the trials ?”

“This is the woman I love,” I give them that and that only, then show Paisley to her seat right as Aunt Viv and the kids are coming down the aisle, looking for their seats next to Paisley .

“Daddy!” Becca runs up to me, and Price follows suit, and they both jump into my arms. I lift them like the 30-pound barbells that they are and kiss them each .

“Hey, guys, look who I brought to see you.” I lower them right in front of Paisley who stands and covers her mouth like she’s about to cry .

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