Page 44 of The Accidental Nanny
She looks over to the side of me to a man in his early thirties who seems to distract her for a moment, she’s telling me something, but I can’t hear her properly. It’s not that I don’t want to listen, I just have my own issues to deal with. When she finishes speaking, she looks at me for help. I’m now having to guess what the problem is as she waits for an answer.
“Oh well, shit happens.”
Her eyes pull so tight together, she will stay like that if she doesn’t move them soon. “That’s all you have to say?”
Did I say the wrong thing? “Better luck next time?”
Her head is now shaking; I feel kind of bad.
“Sorry. Just Alex.”
“Yeah, I know.” She wanders off to the bar, far away from the man she pointed at before.
I glance around. None of the men in the club are doing it for me. They are too young and don't have greying hair or the moody persona I am after. There is only one man I want, and if I can't have him, I’m going to become a nun. I don't even know what it is about Alex that draws me in, whether it's his commanding presence or his love for his children. He's just so damn sexy.
We have a few more cocktails and dance some more. The club’s dance floor is sticky from everyone spilling their drinks. When two guys hit on me, I decide it's time to go. The Uber drops me off first.
“Text me when you’re home.” I kiss Fern’s head. “Make sure you see her get inside,” I warn the Uber driver. “I’m tracking you.” I pause to send a message to Wesley, making sure he is aware that his sister is coming home very drunk. He replies with a thumbs-up; ever the conversationalist.
She opens the car window, calling to me, “Love you.”
Opening the front door, I scoot my arse inside. I'm trying to be quiet, but I don't know if I'm managing that. I definitely don't want to wake Eden and Ace with my drunken state. I walk to the living room and I find Alex asleep on the sofa, with soft snores. I don't even mind that he's snoring. He looks cute, I want to pinch his cheeks.
I switch the television off and move to the sofa that Alex is sprawled across. “Alex.” I give him a little shake.
“Hmm, hey, what time is it?” He rubs his hands over his face.
“Three. You’re not waiting up for me, are you?” I giggle. He looks embarrassed, which leads me to believe he was.
“No, no, I was watching an interesting film about…” He can’t think of anything. “Yeah, okay, I just wanted to make sure you got home safe. I’m a dad. I worry.”
I look into his eyes. In his sleepy confusion, he seems to have forgotten that he is avoiding me.
“That’s sweet of you, but I’m a big girl. I’m going to bed.” I head towards the stairs.
Alex follows me up and goes into his room. Before he shuts the door, I stop him. “Alex.”
“Yeah.” He looks over at me, still half asleep.
“I need help. I can’t get out of this.” I stand on the landing, moving my hair out of the way of the zip.
Alex
Shit.
I stand behind her, smelling the booze and her perfume. It's as though she's torturing me on purpose. I've been trying to avoid her all week after our kiss, but avoiding Gemma isn't easy. She’s wearing her favourite scent today; it’s the same as the one she wore shopping and on the picnic. The fresh rose smell hits my nostrils and intoxicates me, and even the smell of alcohol can’t dampen the effect it has on me.I always loved Julia's perfume, but now it's like poison to me. Gemma smells like a new beginning.
She stands still so I can unzip her. I feel her soft skin as the straps fall off her shoulders, showing her delicate body. She holds onto the top part in front.
“How did you get it on?” I murmur, unable to stop looking at her. I need to walk away, but I can't.
“With a coat hanger.”
My hands pull down the zip. I’m taking far too long, she must sense it as she shivers underneath my touch. Her silky body is so tempting, more of it becoming visible as the top half of the fabric starts to fall. I can’t stop staring at her.
“You’re done,” I manage to say.
She turns around, still holding the top part to her chest. There’s no bra to be seen.
