Page 64 of Nanny for the Bodyguard
Outside in the hall, I offer Hazel a smile. “Oh, well, that was a better idea in theory than it was in practice.”
I stretch, the crick in my back slowly starting to fade.
“Yeah, that was less than comfortable. God, what time is it?”
Glancing down and realizing that I never took my phone out of my pocket, I pull it out and turn on the screen.
“It's only a little past ten. It's not even late.” Awkward energy churns, and I grip the back of my neck. “I'm kind of awake now. Do you want to go downstairs and grab a drink? We can stay up for a little while before we're tired again?”
I don't know what gets it in my head to ask her. I know it's not a good idea. I know that, in theory, we're supposed to be trying to maintain our distance from each other.
But after everything that happened the other day, all I want is another taste of Hazel, and I mean thatliterallyand figuratively.
Hazel stares at me; the questions and concern lingering on her face are obvious, but after a moment, she sighs and releases a heavy breath.
“Yeah, yeah, sounds great. Let's go.”
We head downstairs to the kitchen, and I go for the beers in the fridge. I know a conversation about what went down in my office is required if we're going to be able to stand being around each other.
But I can't tell her if I do or do not want it to happen again because I'm not sure, and I think that, honestly, the best thing to do right now is to get a drink and relax.
Maybe we’ll just chat a little bit and then head our separate ways to bed. Though, if I’m honest with myself, I know the chances of me staying away from Hazel are slim to none.
Ugh, you’re such an ass.
I can’t seem to help it, however. Hazel is like a magnet, pulling me in and holding me tight.
“Beer, okay?” I hold up a bottle for her as I straighten, shutting the fridge behind me because I know she’ll say yes.
This is one of her favorite types.
“Yeah.” Hazel walks over, taking the bottle from me and twisting it open. I do the same, and we’re both taking a sip at the same time.
“Wanna go out on the porch and watch the storm? I bet it smells great out there.”
Grinning, Hazel nods. I remember how she once told me that she loves storms. I hadn’t thought about it before, but after all this time—together and apart—I love them, too.
As I slide open the patio door, Hazel walks to the side portion of the porch under the awning. There’s a swing on that end, and she takes a seat. I know I shouldn’t crowd her, so I lean on the wooden post directly across from it.
The air is cool as it rushes over my skin, and it has that particular smell.Petricore.
Someone once told me that’s what it’s called, and now that I stand here, I think that person was Hazel.
My heart beats heavily against my ribs. I can feel every single pulse of it. When I look up at her, trying to hide my discomfort with a sip of beer, Hazel's eyes are pinned down to the ground as she swings idly on the cushioned seat.
Her knees are pulled up to her chest, and she's not looking at anything in particular. I can tell she has a lot on her mind.
Suddenly, I remember all the things I've been protecting her from, namely Neil. In all of this chaos, I almost forgot why she was here in the first place, and now I feel like a royal ass for not helping her like I should.
I breathe out, letting my arm hang as I hold on to the cold beer, slick with condensation.
I glance over at her, keeping my voice level. “Are you okay? I know there's been a lot going on. And I'm sure that getting settled has been a lot more difficult than it would be if you were moving here for some nice reason, like being next to Jade.”
Hazel chuckles, taking a sip of her beer before setting it down on the wooden slats of my porch and meeting my eyes.
“I'm fine. I'm nervous. I'm really,reallynervous. Hell, I'm downright scared. Going to the hospital because of that attack took me by surprise. I can barely put into words how I feel about that experience, and I don’t know if it's going to happen again, or if Neil is going to send someone else after me. The idea that he has people watching me is terrifying, and I worry that should something happen, Jade will get caught in the crossfire.”
“Hazel,” I step forward, crouching in front of her and taking the hand she has resting on her knee, “that wouldn’t be your fault. None of this is. I asked you here, and I don’t regret that.”
