Page 26 of Knot Just Their Nanny
I switch the call to video in time to see Mia attempt to roll over from her tummy but not quite making it.
“It’s early!” Zara chirps in that infectious way she has. “I was taking a video when you rang, but you get to see it live.”
“Not in person, though,” I grumble, and there’s a pause.
Zara’s face comes on the screen. “I know, but you’re doing what’s best for Mia by being there, and we’re here having fun. She will show you what a big girl she is when you get back.”
“Thanks,” I say, my throat getting thick with emotion that I’m sick of feeling now. Hurt, guilt, misery. When will it end?
Zara’s shoulders slump and she looks like she’s about to cry, which makes me feel even worse. “I was trying to help, not make you feel worse. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s not you,” I’m quick to reassure her, as I don’t want her to leave. I need her and not just for Mia, I’m starting to realise, but for me. She stops me from falling into a pit of despair with her energy and cheer. “I truly appreciate it. Thank you.”
She smiles, a bit wobbly, but it’s genuine. “We’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon.”
We hang up, and I feel oddly better about life in general for a few moments before reality bitch slaps me again, and I sink down from the momentary high. Heading back to my desk, I sit down, purposefully ignoring Liam as I get stuck into the latest project, but my thoughts don’t stray far from the weird timing of Liam suddenly needing a place to stay. The more I think about it, the more I think Henry put him up to it. Not that I’ll call either of them on it. It’s a much-needed gesture, and if they want to play along like I’m helping Liam out of a shitshow, then I’ll gladly do that. Truth be told, it’s a fucking relief to know that, at least fora while, the bills won’t be quite so tight. It makes me feel bad for growling at Liam. I turn in my chair and catch his eye, giving him a smile. He grins and laughs, shaking his head, knowing this is the best he’s gonna get for an apology from me.
But then I realise it isn’t good enough. Not if he’s doing this to lighten the financial load.
Before I can second guess myself, I’m up from my chair and making my way over to where Liam is sitting, buried in a mound of sketches.
“Hey,” I say, the word feeling foreign as it dangles awkwardly in the air between us.
“Hey yourself,” he responds, leaning back in his chair, one eyebrow arched in a silent question.
I rub the back of my neck, feeling awkward. “Look, I was a twat earlier. About everything.”
Liam’s face softens, and he leans forward, elbows resting on the cluttered desk. “We’re all twats sometimes, Ben. It’s part of our undeniable alpha charm.”
I snort, unable to hold back a smirk. “Yeah, well, thanks for sticking around—even when I’m being particularly charming.”
“My pleasure,” he says with mock seriousness before a chuckle escapes him. “Get back to work, asshole. I don’t want to stay late when I’ve got Zara’s cooking to look forward to.”
“If you’re lucky. I have a feeling, since we threw this at her with no warning, it’ll be cold soup and stale bread.”
We share a snicker, and it’s… nice. It feels normal, and that has been something I haven’t felt in a really long time.
Chapter 15
Zara
Ihadn’t intended to make Benjamin so upset with the video call, but sometimes, you have to yank on the reins when an alpha is getting stubborn and broody.
I know he’s got a lot resting on his shoulders, but Mia needs him to be sensible right now. I’m just trying to push him in the right direction. He might not like it, but someone’s got to do it. The man could use a break from worrying every second of every day. I need to be more proactive. I’m here for Mia, yes, but I need to be here for Benjamin as well. Make his life a little bit easier.
I glance around, considering what to make for dinner tonight.
With everything that’s gone on, I reckon comfort food is the order of the day. Something that’ll give him a break from all the stress when he gets home.
I pull out my phone and start scrolling through recipes. Stew? No, too heavy. Pasta? Maybe it’s a bit unimaginative.
“Ooh, nice.” Cottage pie. I spotted another pack of mince in the freezer yesterday, so I quickly grab it and place it in a sink of cold water to defrost quicker. In the meantime, I set about peeling potatoes and prepping vegetables while feeding Mia and playing with her. She is babbling from her play mat, trying to tellme something very important in baby speak and honestly, who am I to ignore such an enthusiastic conversation partner?
“Really?” I say as I tickle her tummy. “And you think adding a bit of cheese on top of the mash would be even better?”
Mia giggles and flails her arms about as if to say ‘obviously’. Wise beyond her months, this one.
