Page 42 of Tangled Trust

"Well, to be fair, I did have all my childhood illnesses when I was supposed to have them."

"Unlike me, you mean."

"Uh-huh."

"You’d think an overachiever such as myself would have taken care of those, wouldn’t you?" he chuckles.

"You’re being very brave," I encourage the poor man. "Getting the virus as an adult is serious business. I’m glad you haven’t had any complications."

"Aint’ nobody got time for complications," Carter says. "Not when you have a ton of work to get to."

"There will be plenty of time for that. Rest. Au Pair’s orders."

"Yes, ma’am."

My hands are as warm as the feeling coursing through my body. I’d better get the hell out of Carter’s space before I do or say something stupid. This man makes me forget myself, and that’s not a good thing.

"I’d better go check on Jagger. Who knows what damage his little nails are wreaking on his spotty skin?"

"Thank you, Ella," Carter smiles. "For taking such good care of the Moore men."

"It’s my pleasure, Carter."

Yeah, a little too pleasurable, I think.

12

CARTER

Normally, I’d be overcome with cabin fever. But, strangely, this time around, I’m content working from home. I’d like to think that it’s because I’m treating this virus with the respect it deserves and being as careful as I can be. But I suspect that’s a bunch of baloney. The truth is that I’m enjoying having Ella in my space.

What the hell is happening to me? My heart beats a little faster when she enters a room, and I find myself watching her every move when she isn’t looking. Have I gone completely soft in the head? This woman works for me. She is not here for my sexual desires. She’s here for Jagger. If I mess this up, I’ll be furious with myself.

I haven’t seen my son so settled since before the divorce. Ella is good for him. Hell, she’s good for me, too. So, why can’t I stop imagining her with her stunning legs wrapped around my waist? Not even chickenpox can dull the sexual tension that rages inside me when I’m around her.

I’ve been working from home for a few days now. Thank God I have that to keep me occupied, or the Au Pair would be in trouble. Jagger is much better, so he and his trusty sidekick, Dash, are getting on with doing whatever it is they do around here to amuse themselves and occupy their days.

Amanda is coming around this afternoon to fetch him, so I decide to stay out of sight. I’m too irritated to talk to her. I’m afraid if she says one skew word to me, I’m liable to bite off her head, and that’s not good for our perpetually tenuous standoff. Poor Ella will have to face the dragon’s wrath this time around.

Jagger pops into my office just before 6 p.m. to say goodbye.

"You look funny, Daddy," he giggles.

"Uh-huh. And whose fault is that, you little stinker?" I smile and ruffle his hair.

"Ah, there you are," Ella says, taking him by the hand. "We’d better get you cleaned up before your mum gets here."

"Would you mind doing the handover, please, Ella? I’d prefer to keep my spotty self out of sight."

"Of course."

"Thanks."

"I’m going to miss you, big guy," I say and kiss my Jagger.

"I'm going to miss you too, Daddy."

"You’d better. I’ll see you in a week, my love."

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