Page 50 of The Accidental Nanny
"That's very thoughtful of you, Gemma," Mum says. "But don't give in too much or you'll end up with..."
"With someone like me." I finish the sentence for her.
"You're not a bad girl, Gemma, just a little misguided," my father says, kissing my head. "And look how you've turned yourself around. You've proved all of us wrong."
I blush from the compliment and want to say more about Alex. I want to ask their advice, but I don't want to ruin the moment. Brody comes back with Eden, who has a packet of chocolate chip biscuits.
"She insisted," he says. "And she's very convincing."
"Come on, Eden, let's get back home so you can spend time with Daddy," I say, putting my hand on her shoulder.
Mum stops me as we are leaving. “We’re going out for dinner tonight. It would be nice for you to join us,” she offers.
“That would be lovely, just message me.”
"Bye," Eden says to my parents, waving goodbye.
Once we're in the car on the road, I decide to speak to her. "You need to stop telling people that Daddy and I are getting married, Eden."
"Why?" she asks. "Do you not want to marry Daddy?"
"We're not dating. I work for him, Eden. My job is to take care of you and Ace, not make Daddy happy," I try to explain without telling an outright lie.
The thought of marrying Alex has crossed my mind, and I’ve dreamt about it. What a perfect little family we would make, constantly squabbling and having passionate make-up sex.
"Just stop, okay?" I ask her.
Eden looks sad but nods. I reach out and stroke her hair. "Hey, just because I'm not marrying Daddy doesn't mean I don't love you guys. I do. You're my best friend, Eden. How could I love anyone more?"
"Are we best friends?" she asks.
"The best of besties," I say with a nod. I pull into the driveway of the house and park next to Alex's car. Alex is out in the garden measuring something, and we walk over. "What are you measuring for?"
"Something for Ace," Alex says, scribbling down his findings. "I went ahead and ordered pizza as a treat. I wasn't sure which one you'd like, so I got three different ones to pick from."
"Thanks," I say with a big smile.
He hasn't got a shirt on, and I can't help but stare at his chest. He has a garden path of hair down his belly leading lower. I have to avert my eyes when I realise Alex is watching me.
“Come on Eden, it’s Gemma’s day off.” She runs to her father, hugging him. “I’ll shout you when it’s ready.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Alex
Pink isn't my colour—not a hot pink Lamborghini. I need a different car for Gemma because this situation isn’t working for me.
I decide to walk to work today. Once I'm there and loaded up on coffee, I look through some adverts on my phone until something catches my eye. I push away from my desk and head out of my office.
Fern has just placed the phone down on the receiver. She is the complete opposite of Gemma: responsible, sensible, and professional. I don't think I'd like Gemma if she were any of those things.
“I’m going out,” I tell Fern as I walk past.
“James is coming to see you. There is another issue with the new app,” she says.
“Fine. How long will he be? I need to be back here by twelve.” I look at my watch, I should get going.
“Two minutes. He said it won’t take long.”
