AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Lia all but floated from one arm to the other as he shifted her and then held out his hand. "Anthony, actually," he said, confirming Kaylie's suspicions. "I'm pretty sure I gave you the day off."
Kaylie jumped into motion, reaching for her daughter. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Olson. I know you said not to come, but I knew there was some laundry to do, and I thought I would leave you some meals for the next few days since you're back home. I didn't expect..." she trailed off, lifting her eyes to meet his. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. Maybe if she begged, he wouldn’t fire her. He was her best paying client, and she really enjoyed the added cooking.
Anthony Olson's eyes never wavered from their inspection of her. They were so dark, they were almost black in the dim light of the closet, his jawline sharp and severe. Kaylie was entirely certain she was about to be fired, judging by his expression.
"It's Anthony," he said.
His voice was still soft, and Kaylie could have sworn there was almost a lilt to it. But there was no warmth in his expression. Somehow, he looked like he wanted to hurt someone, but his words were completely normal.
"It's okay, I understand. I'm so sor–Wait. What?"
"I said, my name is Anthony. Please, don't apologize. Sorry if I scared you." He shifted back and forth, like he wasn’t quite sure what to do with his body.
Tentative relief filled her. Maybe he wouldn't fire her after all.
She fumbled for words. "I mean, it is your house. I'm the one intruding."
Lia gasped. "You live here? Do you know the king?"
Anthony twisted to look at Lia's face, and Kaylie's heart skipped. Lia hadn't interacted with many men in her life, and the little girl was clearly enraptured. Of course, Kaylie couldn't blame her. Anthony Olson was a fine-looking man... once you got used to the size of him.
"Do you know the king?" her daughter asked again with innocent curiosity, pointing to the bedroom behind them.
Kaylie's face warmed. "I'm so sorry. We should go."
"It's okay," he said, slowly backing out of the closet and into the bedroom. "This is my room, munchkin."
Munchkin? Oh my stars, Kaylie would never get over the way this sheer wall of muscle just called her daughter munchkin.
"So you're the king?" Lia’s little face formed into one of surprised delight. Her little drama queen even put her hands on her cheeks.
His rough laugh filled the room, stilted and unsure. Kaylie got the impression he didn't laugh very often.
He shook his head. "Not a king, and not a prince. Just a guy."
Lia gave a dramatic sigh. "Fine. I'll just have to find another prince, then."
Anthony's eyes met hers over Lia's head, and Kaylie just shook her head in amusement. "She's got high standards, I guess,” she said.
"As she should," came Anthony's emotionless reply.
Oh, man. He had to stop saying sweet things like that, even if his tone was anything but warm.
"Here." Kaylie reached for her daughter. "Let me take her and we'll get out of your way. You just got home. I'm sure you want to relax."
He nodded, then set Lia on the carpet, gently balancing her with his hands until he was sure she was steady.
"I didn't see a car outside. That's one reason I didn't expect you."
Kaylie smiled tightly. "No car. We just ride the bus."
Anthony's eyes widened, just for a millisecond, but it was enough for Kaylie to see a hint of emotion there. "The bus is no place for you," he said firmly.
She shook her head. She wasn’t ashamed of taking the bus. And if he thought a car made him better than her, then maybe he was just another cocky jerk like every other overgrown steroid she’d ever met. "Oh no, it's fine. Come on, Lia. Time to go. Grab your toys."
Kaylie went down the stairs as quickly as she could, ignoring Lia's protests about wanting to stay for the ball and dance until midnight.
"Let me give you a ride home," Anthony offered.
