Page 15 of Knot Just Their Nanny
Liam and his date proposition can wait.
Chapter 9
Liam
Leaving the house with Ben as we car share to the office; I’m glad he’s making the move to go back. I highly doubt on any level that he will stay all day, but it’s a start. The poor dude has been through the wringer, facing something no one should ever have to. If it had been me, I’d have folded like a cheap tent, but he’s holding up behind these mile-high castle walls he’s built around himself. Never really an open guy, he is so much more closed off now, and it makes my heart hurt for him. Zara is little Miss Ray of Sunshine, though, and I knew she would bring a spark back to his life, even if it was to piss him off. It’s a start. Sue and Peter consulted me and Henry before they even told Ben about Zara. We all agreed she was perfect. In person, she is even better than I could’ve imagined. Her scent, her tight little body and peachy ass, that face that could launch a thousand ships – not that I’m the kind to objectify omegas, mind you, but credit where it’s due. She’s bloody gorgeous, and it’s doing my head in a bit.
I can’t help but tease her; it’s like she’s this unwrapped lollipop, and I’ve always been one to poke at the world to see what happens. I sprung the date on her because I genuinely want to know what she’ll say. It’s not just about getting in her pants,although I’m an alpha drawn to her, so yeah, it’s there, but she’s got this air about her – like she knows exactly who she is, and that’s fucking attractive.
Benjamin hasn’t seen it yet, or if he has, he’s pretending not to. The bloke’s got more walls than a fortress, and for good reason. His heart was torn out and Zara is touching on edges that haven’t felt warmth in ages. Then there’s me, the alpha with a sense of humour as subtle as a house brick, wondering if there could be something more between me and Zara.
In the car with Ben now, driving towards the daily grind at the office, he’s got his game face on as he keeps his eyes on the road—all business and determination. But he barely says a word.
“Thinking about Mia?” I venture.
He nods stiffly. “Always.”
“And Zara?”
That gets his attention. He turns his head slowly toward me, eyes narrowing slightly. “What about her?”
I shrug nonchalantly. “She’s good with her.”
“How would you know?”
“If she weren’t, you’d have her out on her ass quicker than lightning, so I’m making assumptions. Sue me.”
Ben’s jaw clenches, and he stares back at the road. “She’s fine,” he says in a clipped tone.
It’s always ‘fine’, ‘okay’, or ‘alright’ with him. No fluffy words, just plain, to the point, bordering on rude.
I let the silence sit, only the sound of the car engine and the occasional squelch of tyres through puddles still sitting there from the downpour of Friday, filling the space between us.
But as we pull into the office car park and go about our day, my thoughts never stray far from the tiny omega nanny. She’s a conundrum wrapped in an enigma and draped in a cashmere cardigan that hugs all her curves in all the right places. I catch myself wondering what her answer will be to my proposition.I’m not letting it drop. Not yet. Iwillask her again if I don’t hear from her. Not in a creepy, stalker-y way, but I need her to know I’m interested and that I’m not going to let Ben stop something that could be really awesome.
My hand reaches for my phone to text her, but maybe that’s being too eager. I slide the phone back into my pocket and focus on the pile of paperwork piled up around me. It’s not just about playing it cool; it’s about timing and respect. I need to show her that I’m serious, not just chasing a whim or a fantasy of my best friend’s nanny.
It’s like my mind’s split in two – one half on client portfolios, the other on Zara’s soft laugh, the way she challenged me without a single hint of fear this morning. It’s refreshing, and while I can see she has that softer omega side, she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.
The day drags on, and finally, it’s time to call it quits. Ben looks like he’s about to drop from exhaustion, stress, or both. I’m shocked he made it to this point and didn’t cave and go home at lunchtime. Sure, he’d have had to come back and pick me up, but maybe that’s why he stayed. He doesn’t say much as we head back to the car.
As we drive home, we pass by rolling hills dotted with sheep, the landscape bathed in the golden hues of late afternoon sun. It’s strikingly beautiful here in the Lake District – tranquil, serene – yet it feels like we’re stuck in a bubble of tension that even this view can’t dissipate.
I clear my throat. “You did good today.”
He snorts. “Gee, thanks, Dad.”
I chuckle. “No, seriously. I mean it. You went the distance.”
“Only because I had to drive your sorry ass back home.”
“Ha! I knew it.”
We share a laugh, and his tension eases a bit.
“Zara texted me updates. It made it easier, you know.”
“Yeah, I can imagine.”
