Page 35 of Forbidden Hearts
How I watch the color of his irises shift from deep blue back to light as he tracks his gaze to my chest for just a moment. I wonder if he’s remembering what he saw that first night when I accidentally flashed him.
I’m not imagining this. He wants me, and God, I want him too.
“I need to go to work.” Only he doesn’t move.
“I have to go too.” The tension mounts, and my heart is pounding so hard that I might pass out.
Asher’s eyes travel down my face and stop at my chest again. “We . . . are both busy.”
I nod, knowing I can’t speak with the tightness in my throat.
He finally steps back, running his hand over his face. “I’ll be late, so don’t wait up.”
I manage to swallow and force the words out. “I won’t.”
Hell, I’ll be in bed before Olivia if I have to.
He walks out, and I crumple against the counter, using my arms to hold me up. Yeah, about that problem . . .
eight
PHOEBE
“Do you miss your mom all the time?”Olivia asks from her seat in the pedicure chair next to mine.
She had a rough morning. Sara hasn’t been able to call in two days because she’s in an area where she can’t get reliable reception, so she’s had to rely on email. When Olivia was crying, I held her, and then she asked about my parents.
Talking about my mother is never something I like to do. Not because I don’t think about her or miss her, but because it’s so hard because I miss her so much.
“I do.”
“I miss my mom.”
I give her a sad smile.“I am sure she misses you more. I know it’s hard, but your mom will be home before you know it.”
Olivia looks down at her feet, swishing them in the water before looking back at me.“I am sorry.”
“For what?”I sign.
“Making you talk about her.”
I reach out, resting my hand on her arm, and shake my head before signing,“Don’t be sorry. I always want to help you.”
In such a short time, I have gotten attached to this little girl. She’s so smart and vibrant. I enjoy spending time with her, and the more time that passes, the more I really hope Asher doesn’t find a replacement nanny.
I want to be her friend, and being her nanny has given me this one thing that I seem to be good at.
I wish, more than anything, that I could give her the gift of sound. I asked Sara a few days ago about her hearing loss, just so I had a better grasp on it.
Technology changes so quickly, and I have to hope we will have something for her one day that will help.
“Thank you for being my friend.”
“I am the one who is grateful,”I tell her.
The technician starts the feet part and Olivia giggles relentlessly. I laugh because I know there’s no controlling it when you’re ticklish. She squirms in her seat, head back and laughter so loud that people are turning to look. She has no idea of her volume, and it’s really adorable.
One of the women beside me scoffs. “Inappropriate.”
