Page 53 of Knot Just Their Nanny
Liam nods slowly. “I get it,” he says, releasing my arm gently, respecting my space. “So, do you want to cancel?”
I’m on the verge of saying yes, but looking into his soulful green eyes that are portraying a genuine fear that I might say yes, I gulp. “No,” I say more firmly than I feel. “But let’s keep it low-key tonight.”
His eyes light up. “Well, it’s a good thing you said that because low-key and I are old friends. I’ve got just the thing.”
“Okay,” I say and head into the kitchen where Ben is putting away the groceries with that methodical nature of his that tells me he likes order even when his world is spinning out of control around him.
“I’ll finish up. You go and get changed and see Mia.”
He nods and, without saying a word, heads upstairs.
I crack on with putting away the rest of the shopping, sliding vegetables into baskets and stacking yogurts into the fridge. As I work, my mind wanders, and I think about tonight with Liam—our attempt at a low-key date is what can only be described as an abnormal situation. But what is normal anyway? I feel like I’ve lost the plot on that one.
Chapter 29
Zara
“Go and get ready,” Liam says to me, coming into the kitchen with another bag.
“Here, I’ll put that away first,” I say, reaching for it.
“I’ve got it. You go up.”
“What about Ben’s dinner?”
“All sorted, just go or you will give an alpha a complex.”
Giggling, I nod. “Fine, I’m going. What do I wear?”
“Warm and comfy.”
“I can do that.” Relieved that this is going to be a low-key date like he said, I head upstairs to my room to get ready. Pulling on some black jeans and a long-sleeved black tee, I put on my socks and a black jumper, grabbing my boots and a coat from the wardrobe.
Once downstairs, I sit on the bottom step and put my boots on, then rise to slip into my coat. Hearing a noise from the kitchen, I enter and see Liam heading out the back door.
Following him curiously, I step out onto the back lawn, my feet sinking a bit into the soft grass, watching as Liam, all smiles and casual grace, unfolds a blanket with one hand. He’s got a basket beside him and my heart clenches with more feelingthan I used to for this sweet, kind alpha. The sight of it all, so unexpected and charming, makes me stop in my tracks.
“Surprise,” he says, looking up at me with those eyes that seem to twinkle with some secret joke between us.
“Is this for us?”
“Yep, I thought we could use some fresh air and good food while staying close to home.” He pats the blanket like it’s an invitation I can’t refuse.
My heart skips a little with excitement. He’s put together a picnic right here on the lawn, where we can still keep an eye on the house—and, by extension, Ben and Mia.
“This is so thoughtful of you,” I say, and I mean it. It’s not every day someone plans something so considerate. It’s just a simple spread on the grass, but it feels like so much more because he’s taken them into account, too.
“Come on, then. Have a seat.” He gestures to the blanket, now spread wide, with plates and cups set neatly around a mysterious, covered dish in the centre.
“Okay.” I smile, walking over and carefully taking my place on the blanket. The grass is cool under the fabric, the dying sun warm on my skin in this small patch of the garden before it disappears. It’s perfect picnic weather, and just like that, I’m buzzing with happiness at the surprise, at the thought he’s put into this, and at the evening that stretches ahead.
Liam sets out all sorts of goodies, but I snicker at the pre-packed sarnies.
“Hey, I was on a short timescale,” he says, not offended in the least.
“Oh, I know, and this is perfect, absolutely perfect. Ham and cheese,” I add, picking up a boxed sandwich.
“Same as you made me that first day you arrived.”
