AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Yeah," I concede, retrieving my laptop from its case. As much as I'd love to spend the afternoon exploring the city, I know there are pressing matters that require my attention. Besides, I remind myself, I'll have time later to join Maddie and the kids once Carmen wakes up from her nap.
We dive into our respective tasks, the clacking of our keyboards providing a steady rhythm amid the hum of conversation around us. I quickly lose myself in the world of emails and reports, pausing only to take occasional bites of my meal.
"How far we've come, huh?" Brett muses between mouthfuls of his hearty stew. "Just ten years ago, we were a couple of dreamers with an idea and a whole lot of ambition. And now, we're sitting in Frankfurt, having made millions from those ideas."
"Feels surreal," I agree, pausing my work to indulge in the nostalgia. "I never imagined we'd grow this big." I can't help but feel a sense of pride as I reflect on our accomplishments–the long hours, the setbacks, the victories. All of it has led us to this moment.
"Here's to the future," Brett raises his coffee cup, a wicked grin spread across his face. "And to making even bigger dreams come true."
"Cheers to that," I reply, clinking my cup against his.
Closing my MacBook two or so hours later, I glance at my watch and realize it's time to meet Maddie and the kids.
"I gotta go, Brett," I say.
"Sure. Just leave me to do the heavy work, will you?"
"Yeah, I never put in extra hours," I say with a laugh. "See you tomorrow, man." I collect my things and stand up.
"See ya. Enjoy your time with Carmen." I nod, realizing that Brett knows nothing about my flirtations with Maddie and I figure I might as well keep it secret till things with Sofia have been finalized in court. There's nothing to talk about till then anyway. It's just a fantasy.
I head out and hail a cab to the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, my heart swelling with anticipation as I imagine their excited faces.
"Roland!" Maddie calls out, waving me over to where she stands with Carmen and Damien, and Neil, the security guard. They're huddled around a massive dinosaur skeleton positioned just at the entry to the museum, eyes wide with wonder. "You made it just in time, we were about to explore the marine exhibit."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I reply, joining them as we make our way through the museum. The air buzzes with excitement and curiosity, children and parents alike marveling at the impressive displays.
"Look! A Megalodon tooth!" exclaims Damien, pointing at the enormous fossil behind protective glass. His enthusiasm is infectious, and I find myself caught up in the thrill of discovery alongside him.
"Amazing, isn't it?" I say, crouching down to his level. "Did you know that Megalodons were one of the largest predators ever to exist on Earth?"
"Really?" he asks, eyes wide with fascination.
"Yup," I confirm, enjoying our shared moment of awe.
As we continue exploring the museum, laughter and chatter fill the air. Maddie expertly navigates us through the exhibits, her warm presence making everything feel even more special. As I watch her interact with the kids, I can't help but admit to myself how much I've grown to care for her—not just as our nanny, but as a woman who has brought me a sense of companionship,. which is ironic, as I've done my best to avoid her, but just knowing I can text her to check in on Carmen during the day... it feels like I have someone to share Carmen's "moments" with.
Our whirlwind tour comes to an end, and we decide to have room service for dinner. Back at the hotel, the kids eagerly devour their meals before sleepily crawling into bed.
"Long day, huh?" Maddie says with a soft smile, settling down next to me on the couch.
"Definitely," I agree, my mind teeming with thoughts of our day and the future that lies ahead. "Maddie, I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you've done for us. You've been a godsend."
"Thank you, Roland," she replies, her eyes meeting mine with sincerity. "I love being a part of your lives."
As we talk, the night deepens around us, and I find myself drawn even closer to her. At first, we're just goofing about, but then we share some stories from our pasts that make me feel more connected to her.
Maddie's laughter fills the room as she shares how she and some college buddies played a prank on one of their more insufferable college professors. I can't help but be captivated by the way her eyes light up with each word. The distance between us on the couch seems to shrink as our conversation flows easily, like water over smooth stones.
"Roland, have you ever done something so spontaneous that it just completely took you by surprise?" she asks, her gaze locked with mine. "I never thought I'd prank a professor like that, but I did. And it was brilliant." She giggles, which does something weird to my insides.
"Once or twice," I admit, my voice a bit huskier than intended. "And does this count?"
I lean in, my lips brushing against hers in a tender kiss that quickly ignites into a passionate embrace. Our hands explore one another, fingertips tracing heated skin and igniting a fire within me that I've long denied. Fuck, I want her.
"Are you sure about this?" Maddie whispers, her breath hitching as I trail kisses down her neck.
"More sure than I've been about anything in a long time," I confess, the weight of my desire for her spurring me on. "We won't be able to tell anyone till the trial is over, but fuck, Maddie, I'm gonna be insane if we don't do more than talk soon."
