Page 26 of Protecting My Nanny

"Oh, everyone's read it by now—at least the small section of the world that knows who we are," she quips with that familiar wit.

"More your followers than mine, I'm sure," I counter.

"Don't be so sure, Shane Matthews—you've got more fans than you think. How've you been?" Her tone shifts to something more sincere.

"I've been good, actually. A lot better, all things considered."

"That's good. I know I haven't called since just after the funeral, and I feel—"

"Balina, I know you keep me in your thoughts, and you'd be there if I really needed you. Thanks for that."

"As long as you know you can call me whenever you need to, Shane," she assures me.

"I know, Balina. How've you been? Where are you now?"

"Well, technically I'm not allowed to say. The studio is so secretive about these damned superhero movies. All I can tell you is it's really cold."

"Another one of those, huh? Who are you fighting this time—aliens? Robots?"

"This one's actually a team-up," she says, her voice growing excited. "Me and a few of the other heroes form a team to—oh, you know, I've already said too much."

"Sounds fun."

"It is," she assures me. "The cast is great, and I'm so lucky… but that article really got me thinking about some of the fun we had."

"We did have some good times, Balina."

"I was thinking… we're taking a week off starting Friday. I'll be back in the city. Maybe we could… you know, hang out?"

I'd be lying if I said hearing from her didn't feel good. Balina, the lead actress in two of the highest grossing movies last year, had graced the covers of dozens of magazines and won Sexiest Woman of the Year twice. And yet, here she was, asking me out—not her handsome costars, not some athlete or model, but nerdy Shane Matthews. But my heart isn't in it.

"What do you think?" Balina asks.

"I've got Jaime now—not much time to go out. Plus… there's someone else. Nothing official yet, but… you know."

"Ah, I see. Well, good luck. I'm really happy for you, Shane. I hope it works out."

"Yeah, me too."

"So, I guess I'll see you around, and maybe, hopefully, you'll have someone cute on your arm?"

I laugh. "Yeah, thanks. See you around, Balina. Get back to saving the world."

"On the job. Bye, Shane," Balina says before the line goes blank.

The swift strikes of thunder light up the cloudy gray sky as I make the final turn onto the private road leading up to the house. Usually, I'd text Nicole to let her know I'm on my way, but not today. I'm eager to surprise her and Jaime with my early return.

When I walk in from the rain, I find Jaime snuggled under a blanket on the couch, completely engrossed in the singing cartoons on TV. He's so absorbed that he doesn't notice me walking in behind him. I slip off my jacket and unbutton the top few buttons of my suede blue shirt, letting the cool air from the house replace the dampness clinging to my skin. I decide not todisturb Jaime, and instead follow the sound of running water coming from the kitchen.

Nicole stands over the sink, her hands and forearms wet with soap and water. As soon as she hears me come in, she turns, and the smile she gives me is one of the greatest I've ever seen.

"Shane," she says, and just hearing my name on her lips makes me forget all the problems of the day.

All I can think as I look into her green eyes and bright smile is,Why can't we be together?

"You're back early today," she adds.

"Yeah, I thought I'd leave a bit early. Things were slow today."

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