Page 27 of Nanny for the Athletes

“Before I forget, I want to thank you,” I said.

Christian cocked his head. “For what?”

“For helping push my business. And for inviting me along in the first place. The last month…” I trailed off, unsure if I should unload on them emotionally.

“What?” Braden insisted.

“The last month has been tough on me,” I explained. “First, my grandma died. I inherited her property and was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to afford the property taxes on it. Then I took the leap and started my own business, which has been a lot more stressful than I expected, since I quit my day job to do it. And then my personal life…” I smiled. “Let’s just say it was really nice to get out for a night.”

“We’re glad we pestered you into coming,” Christian said.

Braden scoffed. “I didn’t pester her. I persistently reiterated our invitation.”

“And I’m glad you did,” I replied, hefting the champagne bottle. “Cheers.”

I took a swig, then offered it to Christian. He reached his hand out, but we were too far apart, so I stood up and leaned toward him. At that exact moment, the limo made a right turn—which threw me forward. Caught off guard, I very nearly went flying into the tinted window.

But Christian caught me first, and I fell down into his lap.

“Woah now,” Christian said. “Careful.”

Feeling foolish, I giggled and started to apologize. But Christian’s blue eyes were piercing me, and he was just so damndashingin his tuxedo, even with the jacket removed. Maybe especially because the jacket was off, revealing the dress shirt fabric pulled taut by his bulging muscles. I gazed back at him, and we shared a moment.

And instead of letting the moment pass me by, I leaned in to kiss him.

12

Beth

Christian met my kiss halfway, lips grinding hungrily against mine. Champagne bubbles moved from his mouth to mine as the kiss deepened, little pinpricks against our joined tongues.

Oh my God. I’m kissing a member of the Colts. I wasn’t even a football fan, but after spending the evening watching a room full of donors fawn over the quarterback, it added a layer of excitement to what I was doing.

Christian pulled back and smiled at me. “I ought to give the driver an extra tip for that sharp turn.”

I glanced at the front of the limo; the privacy screen had been raised. Embarrassed in spite of that, I said, “I’m so sorry! I’m tipsy, and—”

“No,” Christian said, the word a command. “Don’t apologize. I’m the one who kissed you.”

“I think you kissed each other,” Braden said.

I had forgotten about the other player next to us. “Sorry! This must be really awkward for you, sitting there while we make out…”

His grin somehow deepened. “Awkward? Fuck no! I like watching.”

“He likes joining in, too,” Christian said.

“Hell yeah I do.”

It took me three heartbeats to realize what they meant.

“Oh.Oh!”

“Do you want to kiss Braden?” Christian asked.

I glanced at Braden, and the answer was an overwhelmingyes. Both of them were so gorgeous, and fun, and had helped my business get running. The only thing stopping me was the fact that the three of us were together. No matter what they said, it seemed strange to kiss one in front of the other.

I bit my lip. “I…”

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