Page 78 of Forbidden Hearts
“Because!” I say as though that reason is valid in every way.
He shifts, tightening his hold. “Just close your eyes.”
I huff because I can and then do as he says. I listen to the steady beat of his heart and let the rhythmic motion of his hand going up and down my back lull me into a hazy calm. Asher moves, draping my leg over his and resting his hand on my bare ass.
I am in that pre-sleep state where I am not fully there but not really awake either. The deep timbre of his voice rumbles against my ear. “I am in so much trouble with you.” His lips press against my forehead. “So much trouble.”
* * *
I wake, and it isn’t one of those peaceful, eyes fluttering slowly mornings. No, it’s a sit straight up in a panic as I pat myself to make sure I’m alive kind of awakening.
My breathing is labored as I look around, noting the subtle differences from when I passed out.
One, Asher is gone.
Two, my lights are off.
Three, it’s freaking eleven in the morning, and I needed to be up at six.
And four, everything is back in my purse, which is now hanging from the hook on the door.
Well, that was sweet.
I get up and throw on a pair of leggings. There is sound coming from the living room, and I rush out, pissed that I am clearly an asshole and horrible nanny. It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours since I screwed my boss, and I’m already messing up on the job.
Olivia is sitting on the couch watching a show and eating popcorn, which I am sure is not in the binder.
I walk around her, throwing my hair up, and she smiles at me.“Morning.”
“Good morning, why didn’t you wake me?”I ask her.
“Daddy said to let you sleep,”she explains.
Right, well, that’s great.“I’m sorry.”
She shakes her head.“I’m not a baby anymore. I can watch television.”
This is true, but still, as her nanny, it’s my responsibility to make sure she doesn’t burn the house down. I look at the coffee table where there is evidence of her breakfast choices. KitKats and a bag of Doritos.
Not that I wouldn’t eat that, but I know for a fact that Olivia isn’t allowed.
I crouch down, hand extended.“Popcorn.”
She grumbles and hands it over.
I sign for her to go brush her teeth so we can get stuff done today. First thing I need is my car so we can go food shopping again, buy more condoms because I only had one, and stop by my house to grab my bag.
My phone pings, and I nearly jump at the vibration.
Asher
Are you awake yet?
I am. Why did you let me sleep?
Asher
You were exhausted. Olivia can handle herself for a few hours.
