Page 3 of Tied and Tangled

“I don’t know. It’s never been a big deal,” I shared carefully. But I knew by the way Aiden was looking at me, he wasn’t going to drop it. “I’m one of six girls, Mr. Star—"

“Aiden,” he corrected quickly. I licked my lips.Is it just my imagination or did his eyes darken when I did that?

“Aiden,” I repeated softly. “One of six girls and a single mom.”

“You’ve mentioned them.” His lips twitched, and my face heated. I had mentioned it. The twins loved the fact I had so many sisters. They’d all met my crazy family.

“Having your birthday so close to the holidays when the…resources aren’t overflowing, you know... it’s better not to, you know, get your hopes up,” I shared.

I felt kind of exposed as I did. Like I was being unfair to my mom.

“She tried. My mom,” I clarified. “But… it was hard.” I shrugged, and his jaw clenched.

“What didn’t you want to put your hopes up on?”

“What do you mean?”

“What’s something you always wanted to do on your birthday?” he asked. I leaned against the door of my bedroom and thought about his question. My lips twitched, and a giggle bubbled through me.

“What is it?” His voice dropped an octave as he leaned in closer.

“Honestly?” I made a face, and he nodded. “You gave me that.”

“What?” His body stood stark still, and I smiled, pointing behind me. “My own room. My own space.” I watched as he processed my words, and instead of looking proud of himself, he frowned. Lines formed over his brow. Lines I wanted to gently smooth out. While straddling his lap. Naked.

Damn my dirty thoughts and hormone-fueled brain!

“Now you have to leave.”

“It’s okay.” I smiled. “Part of the job, right?”

“Job.” He cleared his throat. “Correct. This is a job,” he repeated, taking two more steps back. Even though we were nowhere close to touching, I felt the loss. “Well,”—he cleared his throat again—“have a good time off.”

“Thank you.” My voice was way too soft, too sad. Again, wearing my heart on my dang sleeve! I swallowed hard trying to come up with something witty. Something, anything not to have to leave just yet.

“When you return, we should probably talk about the upcoming year.” The slow way he’d announced that had the hairs on the back on my neck standing on end. There was something in his tone I didn’t recognize. Something I didn’t like.

“About?” I asked, now taking a step back of my own.Is he going to fire me?

“Next year, the girls will be older and—" He swallowed hard, shaking his head. His gaze dropped to the tops of his feet then came back up to meet mine head on. “We’ll talk about things after Christmas,” he repeated with a tight smile. Something in the pit of my belly felt heavier than lead.

“Okay. Have fun on your break as well,” I unsteadily said.

“Right.” His jaw clenched as I walked past him making sure I didn’t brush against him, no matter how much I wanted to.

I hurried out of the penthouse apartment emotionally tangled up and my heart left behind with a man who didn’t see me as anything but his kids’ nanny.

2

AIDEN STARK

Iwatched her scurry away, and despite every molecule inside of me telling to go after her, I stayed where I stood.

Facing her bedroom.

What are you doing, man?a voice asked. I shook my head, trying to brush away the question.

I had a plan.

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