She pauses, then leans back on the sofa, placing her bag on her lap.“It’s a new Aussie thriller calledMerrick’s Farm.The story is set in Northern Queensland, which I love, and follows a group of foreigners who arrive to the country on working visas. They’re assigned to this remote farm for six months of regional work. However, as time goes on, they begin to encounter a series of sinister occurrences on the farm, uncovering some of the most disturbing truths about the owners.”
“Well, damn. That sounds pretty dark and twisted. Are you even able to sleep after reading something like that?”
“Probably not.” She laughs. “But the book is so good, and I’m only several chapters in.”
“Apart from reading gripping thrillers, what else does Mila Rivera like to do in her spare time?”
She looks at me with a quizzical gaze. “Is this the part where we play twenty-one questions for the fun of it, or are you just trying to size up your babysitter?”
“I’m not trying to evaluate you, smartarse,” narrowing my eyes at her, teasingly, “I’m just trying to get to know you. We’ve known each other for what, nine or ten years now? And I still don’t know much about you.”
She sets her bag beside her and pulls her legs up onto the sofa, crossing them. My gaze lingers on her smooth, toned thighs, staying there just a beat too long.Christ almighty.She’s Skylar’s little sister, you bloody idiot!
“Uh… Jason? You okay?” Mila asks, quickly interrupting my thoughts.
“Huh?”
“I was saying that I don’t really have much free time since all I do is either study or work.”
“Oh, sorry. I must’ve missed that. I think the exhaustion is hitting me,” I lie.
“Should we continue this conversation another day?”
“No, I’ll be fine.” I wave my hand dismissively. “I know what you’re saying, though. Running a small business and being a single dad doesn’t leave much time for myself either. But hey, if you’re free Sunday mornings, Jake and I usually go hiking in the Blue Mountains. You’re welcome to join us.”
Her eyes widen, as if my offer were the last thing she ever expected. “Uh... sure, that sounds like it would be fun,” she replies, as she nervously picks at her nails.
“Great! I’ll text you the next time we’re going, and you just let me know if you’re free.”
She nods slowly and smiles, then rises to her feet, grabbing her bag and carefully adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. “Well… it’s getting pretty late, so I should probably head off.”
I push myself to my feet and offer to walk her to her car. Along the way, we exchange a few glances, but remain completely silent until we reach her white Corolla. “Thank you for your help, Mila. Jake has really warmed up to you, and it’s good to see him enjoying himself.”
“To tell you the truth, it doesn’t even feel like work at all,” she says. “I get to spend time with a fun little whiz who keeps me entertained with his nightly bug talk.”
Laughter bubbles between us, the moment surprisingly feeling natural.
I open the door for her, and she slips right into the driver’s seat. Seconds before closing the door, an idea suddenly strikes me.
“How about this,” I propose. “What if we start a game of twenty-one questions? Each night you’re here, we answer one question—sharing something about ourselves that very few people know. We can alternate, so next time you’re here, you get to ask the question. What do you think?”
She bites the inside of her cheek, her eyes darting to the side as she considers my idea carefully. A short minute later, a slow smile curves across her lips. “That sounds like it could be a lot of fun… and maybe a little risky,” she teases.
“Only share what you’re comfortable with. There’s no pressure.” I assure her.
“Well, alright then. Count me in. I’ll make sure to ask the itty-gritty questions—the real stuff,” she says with a playful challenge in her tone.
“I’ll be ready, Rivera. Can’t wait to get to know you better.” And with that, I close the door and step back, giving her space to reverse out of the driveway.
As her car slowly fades into the night, I can’t help but think I’ve just agreed tothe most ridiculous, riskiest, and dangerously tempting idea I’ve ever had—one that, if I’m not careful, could very well alter the dynamics between us—forever.
CHAPTER 6
Mila
It’s the end of my second week babysitting for the Hawkins, and I have to admit, spending time with Jake has quickly become the highlight of my days. With uni wrapped up for the year and more free time than I know what to do with, his energy and curiosity have been a welcome change of pace.
We’ve bonded faster than I anticipated, with Jake never missing a chance to share more quirky facts about insects during each visit—something that’s been both entertaining and surprisingly educational. Meanwhile, Jason and I have been slowly connecting through our game of twenty-one questions. Tonight, will be question number five, and I can’t wait to see what he’ll ask me next.
