Page 114 of His Surrender

I shake my head. “Nothing.”

She narrows her eyes. “That’s never true.”

Maybe it isn’t. Because for the first time since she walked into my penthouse, I allow myself to wonder something I’ve refused to even consider.

Maybe this isn’t temporary.

Despite the twelve years between us or every logical reason to slow this down … she could actually be someone I see a future with.

The thought should terrify me. Instead, it feels strangely comforting.

TWO WEEKS LATER

I have never been this nervous about a date, which is ridiculous.

I’ve negotiated billion-dollar acquisitions and stood in front of thousands of shareholders.

I’ve given interviews on live television without breaking a sweat.

Yet, somehow, waiting for Aubrey to come out of her room has me checking the time every thirty seconds.

“You’ve looked at your watch four times in the last minute.”

I glance toward Sawyer. “I have not.”

He chuckles. “You just did it again.”

“I was seeing what time it was.”

He deadpans. “That’s generally what watches are for.”

I reach over and shove his shoulder. “You’re annoying.”

“So I’ve been told.”

Kayla laughs from the living room, where she is kneeling beside Liana’s play mat. “I told you not to tease him.”

“I can’t help it.” He looks back at me with entirely too much satisfaction. “I’ve been waiting for this day.”

“What day?”

“The day Mr. Relationships Are an Inefficient Use of Time finally admits he has a thing for the nanny.”

I smack him across the chest. “Watch your mouth.”

He clutches his heart dramatically. “You hit me!”

“I’ll do it again.”

Kayla rolls her eyes. “You two are exhausting.”

Sawyer ignores her. “You know what the best part is?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I can’t wait to hear it.”

“I knew.”

I sigh. “You did not.”