Page 46 of Nanny for the Protector

“Mmgh.”

Lucy stirred in our laps, stretching her body out long.

Wesley welcomed the distraction. “Sleeping beauty awakens.”

Lucy didn’t open her eyes, burying her face into Wesley’s abdomen. “Did I fall asleep?”

“Yes, and I think that means it’s time for bed.”

“No…I’m not tired…”

I giggled. “Says the girl who’s snuggling up to her dad and hasn’t even bothered to open her eyes.”

I felt Wesley look at me and smile. I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze again. “Okay, kiddo. It’s bedtime.”

Wesley hauled himself and Lucy up off the couch, holding her at his shoulder as if she weighed nothing.

“Why don’t you say goodnight to Cara?”

“Goodnight Cara…” Lucy limply waved her hand at me as Wesley carried her out of the room.

“Goodnight, Lucy.”

Wesley took her up the stairs without another word. I sat awkwardly for a minute, debating whether I should go. The thought of being alone with Wesley terrified me. If we were alone, if he made another move, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to refuse.

I rushed to the front hall to get my boots and coat on, fumbling wildly. I was shaking, my nervous system on high alert.

“You’re leaving.”

I froze and turned to the stairs. Wesley stood on the bottom stair, hand on the railing. “It’s getting late.”

He nodded. “I’m sorry I kept you.”

“No, please don’t be sorry. It was…” I tried to stand up straighter. “It was a really nice night.”

Wesley smiled sadly. “I’m glad you thought so.”

Even at this far distance, my body called to him.Go to him, Cara. Kiss him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You’re good to drive?”

The wine was no longer making my head spin. But my nerves were. I grabbed the doorknob and with one foot out the door, I called over my shoulder, “Y-yes. I’ll be fine. Goodnight.”

As I drove home, I thought about the kiss that almost was. Wesley’s full lips looked soft and luscious. I imagined his strong arms wrapping around me as he kissed me deeper. How would it feel to have those lips on my neck or nipping at that sensitive spot behind my ear? I probably never would have left. Who knows what would have happened then?

Maybe I would have had another peek at that beautiful bedroom of his.

For half the drive, I regretted not kissing him. The second half, I tried to convince myself I was glad I had resisted.

Then I came to a precarious realization.

No matter what I did, Wesley and his money would always have control over me. Damned if I do and damned if I don’t.

I might as well do exactly what I please.

Chapter16

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