Page 21 of Knot Just Their Nanny
“Doubtful, but good of you to say.”
“No, really. I’m getting bored of my life.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yeah.” He slumps back, holding the phone up. “It’ll be nice to have the company.”
I glance around my empty space and sigh. “Yeah, I know what you mean.”
“I’ll let you know what Ben says then,” Liam states, clearing his throat. “Hopefully, he doesn’t expect me to live in a box on the side of the street. Maybe I’d better wait to tell Vic and speak to Ben first.”
“I doubt he will make you live in a box, but do what you need to do. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”
“See ya.”
We hang up, and I sit back, feeling relieved. My approach with Liam was harsh, but he responds better to being told what to do rather than leaving it up to him. He’s a bit wishy-washy at decision making and we’d still be here next year if I’d left it to him. Sitting back, I rub my hand over my face, tiredness pulling on me. I need sleep before I look through Ben’s finances again. I don’t want to make a mistake that could end up costing him.He’s dealt with enough setbacks to last him a lifetime. I won’t be the cause of anymore.
Chapter 12
Liam
Ishove my phone into my pocket and flop down onto my bed, staring at the ceiling as I contemplate this new twist in my so-called ‘boring’ life. Yeah, I’ve dated plenty, had fun, enjoyed the perks of being an alpha without the constraints. But this moving in with Ben under the pretence of losing my place is a whole new level of plot twist in the drama that’s been dull up until now.
Of course, I want to help out my friend, but the thought of Zara under the same roof is a pull I can’t let go of. Her voice is like a melody that’s stuck in my head.
I push myself up and start packing a few things into a duffel bag—just essentials for now. I can’t arrive at Ben’s looking like I’m moving in permanently straight off the bat, even though that’s the ultimate goal.
Losing myself in the rhythm of pulling stuff out of the drawers and wardrobes, I end up packing up most of the room when the clock strikes midnight. I’m not a hoarder. I like things minimal and clean. It will make the move easier as I can probably fit everything in this flat into one room anyway. Minus the furniture, obviously, but I won’t need that.
I glance around the mostly bare room. It’s funny how a place can simultaneously be full of memories and yet feel so empty once you’ve decided to leave it behind. Crawling into bed, I close my eyes and try to get some sleep. I’m going to have to approach this carefully with Ben, not spring it on him. It’s out of the blue, and I don’t want him getting all flappy about it. But I’m glad Henry came to me about it. We need to help him all we can now, and while I’m as useless as a chocolate teapot with Mia, I can help out with other stuff apart from the bills.
When day breaks, what seems like only moments later, I’m up and stretching the sleep from my limbs. It’s going to be a weird day. I’ve got that antsy feeling like I’m on the verge of something significant – new starts are always like that, aren’t they?
I shower quickly, thoughts of Zara filtering in again with the steam. There’s something about her that’s different, refreshing. She’s not like anyone else I’ve dated or messed around with. She’s here for Ben and Mia, but there’s an edge to her, a fire that makes my inner alpha sit up and take notice.
After dressing for work in a dark grey suit and white shirt, I grab a protein bar for breakfast and head out for the short walk to Ben’s. The air is crisp, with that Lake District bite that wakes you up faster than a double shot of espresso.
Arriving at Ben’s house, I let myself in and head to the kitchen, where things are already a hive of activity. Zara is making toast again, and this time doesn’t try to attack me with the butter knife. Her hair is up in some artless bun thing that looks like it shouldn’t work but utterly does on her, and she’s wearing one of those floaty tops that suggest rather than scream her curves.
“Liam,” she says, not turning around.
“Morning,” I say, aiming for nonchalant but probably hitting awkward instead. “Ben here?”
She giggles. “Well, he does live here, so yeah. He’s upstairs with Mia.”
“Thanks.”
I turn to leave as she gives me a curious stare. “Everything okay?” she asks, her brow furrowed with concern.
“Yeah, just some shit going on. Need to talk to Ben.” It’s casual, not setting off alarms, I don’t think.
“Oh, okay,” she says and goes back to the toast.
Heading up the stairs, I make my way down the hall to the nursery. I knock lightly, and he looks up from the chair where he’s feeding Mia. He frowns. “You’re early.”
I stride in, all purposeful. “Yeah, got something to discuss with you, mate.”
Ben’s eyes narrow a bit suspiciously. “Alright,” he says slowly. Mia gurgles in his arms, oblivious to the tension that’s suddenly whirled into the room along with me. He passes her off to this contraption that rocks her gently, and she seems right chuffed with the swap as he straps her in.
