Page 39 of Only You

“Of course not,” Ana said, swinging her legs off the bed and standing up.

“Thank you,” his mum said awkwardly, shutting the door behind her.

Ana stood unsure what the protocol was for your employer’s parent standing in your room. Ana motioned to the chair in the corner and Linda made her way across, smiling. As she took a seat, she waited for Ana to sit down.

“Sorry,” she said, “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Ana shook her head and smiled. “A welcome relief. It’s the history of silk. A little dry in terms of literacy.”

Linda smiled at her. The warmth of that smile, taking Ana by surprise. “We are leaving shortly, and I just wanted to come and say ‘goodbye’. I also wanted to apologise again. This trip has left me feeling nervous, and I took it out on you.” Ana watched as Linda took a deep breath. “I wanted to let you know how happy I am that Andrew and Olivia have you in their lives. I am truly sorry about my earlier behaviour.”

Ana felt her mouth open in shock. Okay, this is not what she was expecting.

“I’m not saying I haven’t had my reservations. I have. Why wouldn’t I? Your sister broke Andrew’s heart and no mother wants to see that. Olivia has also had a hard time, especially recently.” Ana went to speak, but Linda held up her hand, stopping her. “What I want to say is... Olivia is happier than I have seen her in a long time. She needs a female figure in her life, someone she can look up to, talk to. You are closer to her age than either Andrew or I. Plus, for all his brains ...my son is a man and not aware of all the issues a little girl is likely to have in her life. I see how much you care for Olivia, and I hope whatever happens going forward, she will always have you in her life.”

Ana swallowed against the lump that had formed in her throat. She blinked hard as her eyes burned. When Linda had entered, she had feared being read the riot act. Although they had called a truce after Andrew had spoken to her, their interactions had remained awkward.

“Thank you,” Ana choked out.

Linda rose from the chair and made her way towards Ana, who rose to meet her. Ana froze as Linda wrapped her arms around her, pulling her in for a hug. “No, thank you. I am really sorry. I was out of line. You’re nothing like your sister, and I had no right to compare you. Look after my precious family while I’m gone.”

Ana pulled back. Linda had tears in her eyes. “I promise,” Ana said.

“Thank you.” With that, Linda left. Ana collapsed onto the bed and stared at the ceiling, a tirade of emotions flooding her system that only stopped when another knock sounded and a tearful Olivia entered. Ana immediately scooped the little girl into her arms and hugged her tight.

“I’m going to miss them,” Olivia said, sniffing.

“You will, but they will be back before you know it.” Ana said, grabbing a tissue and wiping Olivia’s tears.

“Granny said she’s going to bring me back lots of Australian presents. That way, I’ll have lots of things for ‘Show and Tell’ next term,” Olivia said, a little more excitement entering her tone.

“And you’ll be able to speak to them on video call,” Ana said. “They can send you photographs. Maybe this term you’ll be able to use those for show and tell?” Ana watched as Olivia cheered up. She knew it was going to be hard for the little girl. Her grandparents were a huge part of her life and now everything she knew was changing. Ana knew she had to take each day at a time, but she would be there for them both. They had opened their home and life to her. The least she could do was make the transition as painless as possible.

Chapter Twenty-seven

Andrew

November flew by.

Andrew could not believe his parents had been gone for nearly a month. His life had fallen into a new and, if he was honest, better routine. Ana had slotted into their lives effortlessly. His days and nights ran like clockwork, but most of all, Olivia was happy. There had been no more calls from school. Olivia had been invited on several playdates, which Ana had accompanied her on. Life was good.

The new furniture for the annexe had turned up, but Andrew had not pushed Ana to move. He had found the presence of another adult in the house to be a relief. He had forgotten what it felt like to have an adult conversation outside work, and despite their age gap, Ana was interesting and mature for her years.

Andrew headed down to his gym. The annexe was in the basement. There was a storage room, the nanny’s room, and a fully equipped gym.

He took good care of himself and was proud of his body. He might be thirty-six, but he refused to let himself go. Healthy body, healthy heart.

As he approached the gym, he heard a whirling from the running machine. Looking at his watch, he saw it was six-thirty. He liked to get his workout in before work, as he never knew when he would get home in the evening. Opening the door to the gym, Andrew froze, his hand gripping the door handle. Every muscle in his body tensed as he stopped and stared at Ana pounding on the running machine. She had headphones in and was staring straight ahead. Her focus locked, completely unaware of his presence. Andrew’s heart rate jumped as if matching hers, his breath coming in short bursts. He’d only ever seen her in ripped jeans and shapeless t-shirts. He would never have imagined... her toned legs and bottom were clearly outlined in tight lycra leggings. A tiny sports bra exposed her toned back and shoulders. Sweat dotted on her skin, making it glisten in the light. Andrew swallowed hard as his imagination took him to places he had no right to go.

Throwing himself backwards, he left the room quietly, shutting the door behind him. He leaned against the wall, hunched over. He had to get a grip on himself. His heart raced, and his pulse quickened as every cell in his body hungered for Ana.

What was he thinking?

He’d obviously been without a woman too long! He was not some old pervert, a cliché boss lusting after the nanny. Andrew drew a shuddering breath, his body hot and feverish. The door to the gym opened suddenly. Without thinking, Andrew ripped off his t-shirt, bunching it in front of himself, to hide the tenting in his shorts. Ana came out and drew up short, her eyes flying to his bare chest. Her cheeks were flushed from the exercise, but Andrew watched in fascination as the deep, rosy hue spread and darkened. Maybe taking his t-shirt off hadn’t been the best option. Ana’s eyes were drawn first to the detailed pattern of the tattoo on his upper arm and then to Olivia’s name tattooed over his heart. Andrew watched as the tip of Ana’s tongue slid out before she pulled her full bottom lip back between her teeth.

“Sorry,” Ana muttered, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I’m usually finished by now. I hope you don’t mind.”

Andrew took a deep breath before answering. He was glad she was no longer looking at him. “You are welcome to use the gym anytime,” he said, his voice sounding huskier than he had hoped.

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