Page 52 of Nanny for the Damaged Ex-SEAL

"I got a text from Jake today."

I turn to face her. "Jake? Your ex?"

"Yes, he called me twice. I was surprised because he stopped contacting me way back after I refused to hear his side of the story. As if there's any explanation for him fucking another woman and letting her use my scarf that I’d want to hear."

"I never really asked you what that was like for you. I know it must have hurt, but you never really went into details."

"Holding my ground and breaking up with him was the hardest thing I've had to do. And then I lost my job and my whole world turned on its head."

"I know how that feels. I know. It's the worst feeling."

She nods. "It is."

"If your dad and Amy won’t accept us being together and your ex shows you he's changed, would you go back to him?"

She turns sharply. "WHAT! No. Never. I will never go back to him. We’ll just have to keep things the way they are. We'll never tell anyone. They’ll never know."

I gather her in my arms. "They'll never know."

Chapter 19

Aria

I’mworriedaboutseeingBria today. I might accidentally say something I’m not supposed to say. I’m not known for keeping my happiness hidden. Of all the emotions in the world, I think happiness is the one that demands to be seen. You can mask sadness, but happiness bursts through with fervor.

Bria has invited me over to lunch at her house, and I’m on my way there. I'm apprehensive. I'm worried I'll say something that'll give my status with Connor away, but I also really want to tell her. Something good has finally happened for me and I want to share my joy with her. But Bria is one of the most unpredictable people I know. She's open minded, but…I don’t finish the thought, but sigh and open my handbag to bring out a small mirror. I tuck the last of my flailing hair behind my ear as the cab comes to a stop.

I thank the driver and exit the vehicle, making my way up the driveway.

Bria appears at the door with a toque on her head and an apron that looks like it’s never been worn. "I almost burned down the house cooking for you," Bria says hastily as she opens the door. She leaves it open and runs back inside.

As I step in, I'm greeted by the smell of garlic. I shut the door and walk down the hallway to join her. The first thing I notice is she's changed her sofa.

I drop my bag on the sofa and plop into it. "Something looks new here. It's soft and comfortable, too."

"I had to change it. The old one’s color was fading," she says, and puts a spoon to her lips. "Oh my God, Aria. You're going to love this." She dips the spoon in the pot, scoops up red-colored soup and comes toward me. “Ahh,” she directs me.

I open my mouth and take a taste. I let it sink into my tastebuds. "Mmm. You're a better cook now."

She smiles and goes back to the kitchen. "I've been learning. Chad loves that I cook now. I think it makes him love me more. You know he cooks, right? I really enjoy being in the kitchen with him."

I'm tempted to tell her that I enjoy cooking with Connor too, but I press my lips together. Instead, I ask, "What are we eating that with?"

"Couscous," she answers, and opens another pot next to the pot of soup. "It's ready."

My phone pings in my bag. I pull my bag closer. When I pull it out, I see Connor's name.

Thinking about you. I love you. *Heart emoji*

I smile and quickly type him a text.

I was just thinking about you. I love you too. Can't wait til you're back home. *Heart emoji*

Before I can put the phone back in the bag, he replies.

You were just now thinking about me? Here I've been with you on my mind since I left home this morning. And I'm only just coming to mind now? I haven’t been on your mind all day? *Sad face emoji*

I reply,Silly goose. Of course, you've been on my mind all day.

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