Page 19 of A Convenient Secret
I swallow.
One of us must have taken another step or two, because suddenly he’s looming over me. I have to crane my neck to maintain the eye contact, and damn it, I’m not breaking it.
His jaw is tense. His gaze is burning. His presence is overwhelming.
“What was the question?” I croak.
He closes his eyes with his next deep breath and then bores his gaze back into me. “Why are you here?”
“I’m your nanny.”
He furrows his eyebrows and looks almost menacing. I guess the answer isn’t satisfactory. Oh hell, I know it isn’t. If he knows who I am, then he must be wondering why I am here. I should just confess.
I spent the day calling the agency, but nobody can get a full-time nanny here before next week. They can send a temp, but I may as well stay myself. Before Iwent to pick up the kids, I panicked and called in sick at Summit Solutions.
I only have three sick days without a doctor’s note, but with my days off this week, it may give me enough time until a real nanny is available.
I allowed myself a minor breakdown, because the idea of childcare scares me. I love kids and can play with them for a moment or two, but being responsible for two human beings seems daunting. Hopefully, as long as I keep them safe and entertained, I should be okay.
“Why?” he growls, losing patience.
“I work at Summit Solutions. You spoke with me on Friday, and I… well, I fucked up. The soonest I can get you a full-time nanny is next week, so here I am.” I spread my arms and smile like I’m a true gift to him.
His jaw ticks, but that’s the only movement. He doesn’t even blink, I think. A solid statue, he’s glaring at me like he’s trying to catch up for all the times he didn’t even glance my way.
Not that he had a reason to; that’s always been just my fantasy. One I need to bury rather fast if I don’t want to lose my job. Summit Solutions doesn’t tolerate client dissatisfaction.
After what feels like several lifetimes, he nods. Before I even exhale my relief, he turns and walks toward the kitchen.
Before he disappears, he looks at me and grunts. “Follow me.”
What? I rush behind him. He opens a door in the kitchen’s corner and beckons me in with his head.
I stop abruptly, shelves with cleaning supplies in front of me. “You can’t lock me in the closet,” I blurt.
I swear his lips twitch a bit before he tames them back into his usual scowl. “I wasn’t planning on it, but interesting where your mind went. You said you’ll tidy up the mess.”
Oh. I step in and reach for a broom.
“I’d use a vacuum.” He sighs. “And please don’t rile up the kids before my arrival again. I work long hours, and I need the kids well-behaved for the only two hours I can spend with them.”
What a prick. I pick up the vacuum.
“Am I understood?” he demands, and goose bumps sprout on my skin. My body is making fun of me with these reactions.
“Yes, sir,” I mock, but the joke is on me.
As soon as the words slip out of my mouth, while I’m passing him and my arm brushes his jacket, we both still. I chance a look-up and almost drop the vacuum.
Until today, Declan Quinn has never looked my way.
Today, he already looked at me with an intensity that probably scares the people he deals with.
Right now, he’s looking at me with burning curiosity. Yearning, even.
It reverberates through me, catching my breath. My cheeks are aflame, and I look away, regretting it immediately. Because now, my gaze lands on the tent in his pants.
I should walk away, but I can’t move my legs. I stare at the outline of his very hard cock, and it takes me several moments before I will my feet to move. I practically run to the living room, the large vacuum banging my leg, probably leaving a bruise.
