Page 21 of One Hot Daddy

I lift my head, noting the uncertainty flickering in his eyes.The vulnerability there makes my chest tighten with something that's dangerously close to affection.

"Do you want it to mean something?"I ask."We're both adults.We both needed this.If that's all you want..."

Fletcher traces his thumb my jawline, his touch so gentle it makes me want to melt into him all over again."Is that what you want?For this to be purely physical?"

The honest answer terrifies me.I want so much more than just physical pleasure with this man.I want lazy Sunday mornings and shared jokes over breakfast.I want to be part of his children's lives as more than a nanny, to help Henry with his art projects and listen to Charlotte's feminist theories.I want to belong here like I've never belonged anywhere before.

But wanting those things too dangerous, too vulnerable, especially when I'm just beginning to find my footing in this household."No idea what I want.But I know I don't regret this."

Fletcher's eyes search mine, and I feel naked in a way that has nothing to do with our lack of clothes."I don't regret it either.But Jennifer---"

A soft thud from downstairs freezes us both mid-conversation.We lie perfectly still, barely breathing as we listen for any sign of children stirring.

"Probably the house settling," I suggest, but Fletcher is already disentangling himself from me, his movements quick and efficient.

"Can't risk it," he says, gathering his scattered clothes."If one of them wakes up and finds their way to the attic stairs..."

"You're right, we should be more careful."I scramble to locate my underwear in the tangle of bedsheets.Fletcher's already stepping into his jeans, the muscles in his back flexing with every movement.I want to run my hands over every sinew one last time, to experience the strength beneath his skin, but the moment for that has passed.

"Time for me to go," he whispers, ditching the condom and buttoning his shirt with nimble fingers."Thank you for this, Jennifer.It was unexpected yet bloody brilliant."

"Mm, it was amazing," I say, pulling my blouse over my head."I hope things won't get awkward between us."

"Don't worry about that."Fletcher pauses, his hands stilling on the last button.He veers his gaze to mine, becoming abruptly serious."We must be cautious, Jennifer.The children---"

"I know, I know."They come first, always."As I smooth down my skirt, I experience aduhmoment.This is my room.I don't need to leave."See you in the morning."

He smiles tightly, hesitating.Then he steps closer to cradle my face in his hands with a tenderness that makes my heart stutter.

And he walks out the door, shutting it softly.

I swallow against a lump in my throat, incapable of forming words.

Stripping off my clothes, I collapse onto the bed and curl up under the covers.The sheets smell like us---like amazing sex and sweat and something uniquely Fletcher.I press my face into the pillow and inhale deeply, trying to memorize his scent.Then the truth hits me like a cannonball.

What have I done?Screwing my employer?If Fletcher doesn't fire me, I'll hand in my resignation myself.Jeez, I've slept with my employer and crossed every professional boundary imaginable.Though I should feel shame for what I've done, somehow, I can't muster any disgust at my behavior.

Okay, this was a onetime thing.We were both stressed out and hadn't gotten any in so long that we were bound to erupt.I refuse to regret our encounter, but it cannot happen again.

Nope, never.

Unless Fletcher sneaks into my bed tomorrow night...I'll never summon the willpower to turn him away.Not if he aims that steamy smile at me.Or he kisses me.Or...anything.

Yeah, I'm doomed.

Chapter Eleven

Fletcher

Somehow, I manage to sneak back into my bedroom without waking any of the children.I also fall asleep quickly.Two miracles in one?My luck can't be that powerful.Thoughts of Jennifer naked plague my slumber, so yes, my good fortune has disintegrated.My dreams involve her writhing beneath me, shouting my name while I fuck her.Despite my tortured sleep, I still awaken refreshed.A bloody fantastic shag will do that to a bloke.I drag myself downstairs at half-past six, hoping the children haven't noticed my tardiness.The smell of bacon and eggs hits me as I round the corner into the kitchen, and I stop dead in my tracks.

Jennifer stands at the stove, her hair twisted up in a messy bun, wearing jeans that hug her curves in all the right places and a billowy peasant blouse that for some reason arouses me even more.She's humming cheerfully as she flips bacon, completely at ease in my kitchen.The sight sends heat straight to my groin and brings back vivid memories of last night.

I keep a discrete distance between us as I say, "Morning, Jennifer."

She glances over her shoulder, and our eyes meet for a brief, charged moment."Good morning, Fletcher.I hope you don't mind that I started breakfast early.The kiddos will be down soon."

"I don't mind at all."