AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Why?” Most kids try at least some of those sports at one point.
“Well, when I was little, my mother wasn’t exactly the ‘sports ball’ kind of mom.” She makes air quotes with her fingers. “Then when I moved in with Lily, I figured out how clumsy I am. I’m not good at running, doing anything with my hands, and thinking at the same time. You’ve seen me dance. Just picture that, but add a stick or a projectile of any kind.” She shivers. “It’s pretty scary.”
I laugh. She isn’t wrong about her dancing.
We stand there for a moment, looking at the basketball hoop. I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Maybe it’s the fact that we’re doing something together, or maybe it’s that there’s something about being with her, something almost hypnotic that makes me want to stay with her. I should head inside, but I linger.
“You should join us tomorrow. For pizza night,” I blurt out, surprising even myself. “I mean, of course you should join us for dinner. You live here. But usually, on Fridays, Tabby and I get pizza, and we watch a movie. It’s a chance for me to catch up with her about school and everything. I thought maybe you might like to join us. For the movie, I mean.” I grit my teeth. I swear I was smooth at one point. At least, I thought I was. Maybe not, though. Sonya and I married very young.
She blinks at me, obviously surprised. Perhaps my invitation was unexpected. Usually, if I’m home, June leaves us alone so Tabby and I can spend time together. But I want her to feel like she’s welcome, that’s all. It’s not like this is a date.
“Really?” she asks, her face lighting up. “I’d love to join you guys. It sounds like fun.”
Relief floods through me, even though it’s really not that big of a deal. It’s not like it’s an actual date. Still, I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face. “Great. I’ll order the pizza. Any preference for toppings?”
“How about we make homemade pizzas?” she offers. “I can make them with whole wheat flour. It’ll be healthier. Just tell me what you guys like, and I’ll pick it up at the store tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to—”
She stops me. “I’ve already told you. I like to cook, and making pizza is fun. We’ll do it together.”
When she says it like that, with her eyes bright, I believe her. Hanging out with her always seems like fun. “Okay, then. If you’re sure.”
“I am,” she says decisively. “So what movie are we watching?”
I shrug. “Who knows? It’s Tabby’s turn to pick.”
“Ah.” She nods. “Should be riveting, then.”
I laugh. Together, we pick up the packaging for the hoop and throw it in the trash. I call to Tabby that it’s time to come in and get ready for bed, and she hops off the swings and races for the back door.
As we head inside through the garage, though, June pauses in front of me. “Oh, I forgot.” She stops so short at the bottom of the stairs that I almost run into her. She spins. “I picked up Tabby…” Her voice cuts off, though, when she lifts her head to make eye contact.
Only a few inches are between our faces, and I feel as if my body has curled itself around hers. Her eyes widen, and her pupils dilate, and it takes all of my self-discipline to keep from reaching for her. I’ve never wanted to touch someone so much in my whole life. I try to remember that she’s my daughter’s nanny, but it’s hard to think with her so close. And when her lips part, I want to capture the breath that escapes from them.
The tension between us is so strong I’m not sure I can hold myself steady. I want to touch her, to taste her lips. My body urges me to close the space between us, and I hold myself still to keep from reaching for her.
June doesn’t move. She only stands there, staring at me. She’s breathing faster, and I can feel her trembling. I’m shaking too. Is she feeling the same need burning through her? Need for contact, for comfort. A raw ache for connection. I have no idea, and I can’t ask her. The gap between us stretches wide. I’m her boss, she lives in my home. But also, it’s been so long since I’ve felt anything like this, and I don’t trust it. I can’t afford to. There’s too much on the line.
The moment stretches, and then June steps back. “Oh. Um, I’m sorry.” She shifts back from me and glances away, tucking strands of her copper hair behind her ear.
“It’s fine.” I take a deep breath and try to steady myself. “What was it you were going to say?” I ask, my voice rough as gravel. “About Tabby?”
She waves me off and steps backward up the garage stairs. “You know what? We can chat about it later.” She executes a spin on the stairs that’s almost graceful. Considering I’ve seen her dance, it’s pretty impressive. She scurries through the door, calling out to Tabby that she needs to tidy up before it’s time for her shower, and leaves me standing in my sweltering garage, wondering what the hell just happened.
Whatever it was, I need to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I was inches from touching her, from pulling my nanny into my arms and covering her mouth with mine. From blowing everything.
Shaking my head, I follow her inside and do everything I can to tuck my chaotic emotions away where they belong.
June
WhenDukegetshomefrom camp Friday night, he takes in the kitchen. “Are we expecting people?” he asks. As always, he’s gorgeous, freshly showered and in sweats after practice. I’ve been trying to forget the awareness that sparked between us yesterday in the garage. But faced with him alone in the kitchen sends all the heat rushing back.
I do my best to keep it cool. “No,” I reply, wiping my hands on the apron I’m wearing. “Why?”
“Daddy!” Tabby comes running into the kitchen and wraps her arms around her father’s waist, stepping on the tops of his feet. He walks with her on his feet without missing a beat, and the sight of them takes my breath away. After he deposits a brown bag on the counter, he sweeps his daughter up into his arms and lifts his eyebrows.
“Who’s eating all that pizza?” He motions to the balls of dough I’ve stashed all over the room. “Tabby might have two pieces, and I can’t eat all that.”
