Page 16 of Knot Just Their Nanny
The rest of the ride is quiet, but there’s a kind of peace between us, a momentary truce in the silent battle Ben’s got going on inside. He’s a fortress, alright, but every stronghold has its weak spots, and I reckon Zara is one for him. He just doesn’t know it yet or won’t admit it.
When we get back to the house, I come in for a quick beer before heading home. It’s lonely in my flat; even though it’s only a short walk from here, I’m still alone when I get there. We find Zara and Mia in the garden. Mia is bundled up in her pram as Zara feeds the ducks that have waddled their way over from the small lake at the back of the estate. The sight does funny things to my chest, like maybe I want something more domestic than my bachelor pad and string of meaningless dates.
Zara looks up and smiles at us. God, that smile floors me. “You’re back.”
Ben grunts a reply, scooping Mia up from the pram with an expertise only a parent possesses. But his usual stoic face softens just for a second as he kisses his daughter’s head.
Zara’s gaze lingers on me, a secretive smile on her face that tells me that she is thinking about the possibility of a date. I run my hand through my hair.
“Yeah,” I say, voice casual, my gaze never leaving hers. “Looks like you’ve had a productive afternoon.”
“You have ducks! No one told me about the ducks.”
“You’re a fan of ducks?” I ask, making a mental note for some reason, just cataloguing things away.
“Who isn’t?” she responds. “Ducks, deer, cows, sheep. You don’t get those in the middle of London. Pigeons, yes. Lots and lots of pigeons, but no ducks.”
I laugh, and I’m glad to see the corners of Ben’s mouth twitch upwards, too. It’s a rarity these days. “We’ll have to make sureyou’re fully briefed on all the wildlife around here then,” I say, still watching Zara.
She laughs, the sound light and airy, like it could lift the lingering shadows in the corners of the garden. “I’d appreciate that. Countryside newbie here, remember?”
I raise an eyebrow and tap a finger to my lips, pretending to consider something deeply important. “Might require several guided tours. Deep immersion in the local culture, and all.”
Her eyes dance with amusement. “Sounds very comprehensive.”
Ben clears his throat, looking between us with an unreadable expression for a moment before fixing his gaze on Mia, who’s starting to fuss for attention. He bounces her easily and diverts the conversation back to safer ground. “We should get inside before it gets too chilly for her.”
Zara nods, her attention shifting back to her charge. She grabs the pushchair as Ben heads into the house and follows, pushing it along and getting it through the back door with ease.
I linger by the door, watching as Ben heads toward the stairs with Mia cuddled close against his chest. Zara hangs back a bit as she folds down the pram.
Once Ben is out of earshot, I lean in a little closer to Zara. “About earlier,” I murmur, keeping my voice low.
Her cheeks colour just a tad, and she looks away briefly before meeting my gaze again. Her scent, that gorgeous lavender with honey undertones, wafts in my direction and I’m a lost alpha.
“Hmm?” she murmurs.
“Did you give it some thought?”
She bites her lip, a hint of a smile teasing at the edges. “Maybe I did. A girl can ponder her options, can’t she?”
“Absolutely,” I agree with a nod. “Options are important.”
“We are talking about the same thing, right?” There’s a playful glint in her eye that says she knows exactly what we’re discussing.
“Of course we are,” I flash a grin. “I wouldn’t be so forward as to assume you’ve thought about anything else.”
Her laugh echoes in the small space between us. “You’re confident. I’ll give you that.”
“I try,” I reply, my voice as smooth as I can make it. “So, should I take that as you’re considering saying yes?”
She tilts her head, casting a thoughtful glance towards the upstairs where Ben has disappeared. “I am considering it,” she confesses. “But there’s a lot to think about, you know?”
“I know,” I admit, “but sometimes overthinking can steal away the fun parts.”
“Mmm.” Her gaze meets mine again, full of promise and caution mixed into one beautiful package.
I take a step back, giving her room to breathe. “When you’re ready to stop considering and start experiencing, let me know. My number’s on the fridge.”
