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Rob walks over and helps me get the glass, his body flush with mine and that scruff brushing up against my hair as he effortlessly gets me what I need. I press my butt into his groin as I lean over and grab the pitcher of lemonade, pouring myself a glass.
I know Rob won’t make a move on me again with the kids in the house. He has a ten-year-old girl who could pop up at any time. It doesn’t stop me from rolling my body over his so we’re chest to chest. I jut my hip out and lift my breasts as I take a long drink.
My eyes are on Rob’s as I politely ask him, “How was your day?”
“I know what you’re doing.”
With a long, lingering swipe of my tongue, I clear the moisture off my lips. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You’re trying to tempt me with that dress.”
I drop my jaw, acting wildly insulted. “As if. Have some decorum, Bronson. There are children in the house. Including one I told I’d take out driving before it gets dark, so if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere to be.”
I hand him my glass and walk out of the room with an extra sway because I don’t have to turn around to see he’s looking at me.
* * *
After taking Jesse out driving, I’m working in my room when Rob brings me wine in a stemless glass that he places on top of a coaster. I think he wants me to join him for a cocktail. Instead, he slides his hands in his pockets and appears almost bashful.
“The kids and I are going to rent a movie tonight. If you want to watch it, too, we’ll be in the living room.”
I slide off my glasses, lean back, and run my teeth over my lower lip, assessing the way he shifts from one foot to the other. “Mr. Bronson, are you asking the nanny if she’d like to join you for a movie date so we can play footsie under the blanket?”
“The kids will be there,” he warns.
“When are you going to realize when I’m joking and when I’m not?”
My question catches him off guard, and he furrows his brow and looks deep into my eyes, to the point that I inhale a shallow breath.
“You scare me,” he breathes. His tone is deep and serious, and it has me releasing my breath and nodding.
“How so?”
“I’m not ready to explain.”
My shoulders fall as I look up at him. I rise from the chair and stand before him. “Until then, stop looking at me like I’m a ticking time bomb or like I’m asking you for more than you’re willing to give. I know the ground rules.”
“Only one we ever set was no swearing and you’ve broken that ten-fold.”
“When it comes to us there was only one rule.We can’t happen.”
“Broke that one, too. Nice to know you listen, though.”
“I’m a smart cookie. You should consider hiring me.”
“Shit. I haven’t paid you.”
I pat him on the chest. “Too late for that, buddy. First of all, if you start paying me now, I’ll feel like a prostitute. Second, I make a whole lot of money, doing what I do. And believe it or not, I’ve been having a really great summer with you and the kids.”
His eyes soften. “We like having you here.”
I want to say something witty or sarcastic or weird. Instead, I just smile.
I take my glass and head into the living room with Rob. Jesse and Molly are arguing about what film to watch. Since I’m the guest of the house, they let me choose. I select the filmHousesitter, featuring Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin. The four of us settle on the sofas. Jesse spreads out on the love seat. Rob, Molly, and I take the sofa with Molly sandwiched between us. Our feet are on the ottoman, and blankets are over us.
As the movie plays, the kids chuckle at a few lines, and I only have to cover Molly’s eyes for one scene that feels a little inappropriate. I slide my hand on the back of the couch and use my other to shield her view.
We’re laughing at Steve Martin’s antics when I feel Rob’s hand on mine on top of the sofa. The tender gesture catches my off guard. I lace my fingers with his and bask in the heat of them. We stay like this for a fair amount of the film.
