Page 29 of Nanny for the SEAL

“Sure, sure.” Jasmine sighs, and the background noise gets quieter, making me think she shut the door. “Look, I’ll let you know if I hear anything from him, but please. Just call the cops. Maybe if you harass them, they’ll get off their asses.”

I laugh, pouring the noodles into the pot of water as it starts to boil. “Yeah, we’ll see. So, aside from rushing, how’s school? Are you at least keeping your grades up to maintain that scholarship?”

“Yes,Mom. I’m doing fine.” She grumbles incoherently before I hear her again. “You know, it is fully possible for me to be in the sorority and also going to classes. I am well aware that I need a certain GPA to keep my scholarships; thank you very much.”

Holding my hands up in surrender, I stir the macaroni occasionally as it cooks. “Okay, okay. I’m laying off.”

Just as Jasmine starts to tell me about all the good, non-drinking-related things that the sorority can be, the front door opens, and Xaden walks in.

I straighten, offering a little smile, and then turn off the water as I walk to the side of the room with my phone.

“Hey, Jas, I need to go. I’ve got lunch to serve to a four-year-old, and her dad is home.”

“I’m sorry. What now?” She sounds so shocked, and abruptly I remember, I didn’t tell her I was a nanny.

“It’s not like that. I’m the nanny. But really I have to go. We’ll talk soon, okay?”

“Umm, details! Is he cute?”

I sigh, rolling my eyes again. “I’ll call tonight. Bye, Jas,” I offer in a sing-song voice and hang up.

Sliding the phone back into my pocket, I walk back into the kitchen to see Xaden stirring in the cheese packet for Daisy’s lunch.

He’s left his coat and briefcase near the door on the console table, and my mouth goes dry for a moment as I see him in the fitted henley.

When he turns my way, my brows are at my hairline as I offer an exaggerated smile, awkwardness crawling up my spine.

“You okay?”

I clear my throat, nodding as I keep up that stupid grin.Not even remotely. “Yeah, fine.”

Not for the first time, I can tell that Xaden doesn’t truly believe me. But what am I supposed to say?

Actually, I’m freaking out because my ex-con father is out of jail and harassing me constantly. I’m worried that he’s going to find and hurt me and potentially my sister, too.

Oh, yeah, I have a sister. She’s in Texas, and she’s just a college junior, and I love her. Oh, and also, I’m constantly panicking that we’re going to be pulled back into the darkness because of our father, or you know, maybe killed.

Fun times.

But as I stand there with a mind tornado in full swing, Xaden just smiles gently, scooping up the macaroni and putting it in a little bowl.

“Okay.”

I sag with relief, which I’m sure he notices, but then he’s grabbing a fork and walking up to me with the food.

“How was she today?”

Smiling genuinely this time, I take the bowl from him. “Amazing. As usual. You really don’t have to worry about Daisy. She’s an angel. And so smart!”

Xaden grins, and I can see the relief and pride in his expression.

“Thanks, Ivy. Really. You’re so good with her, and it is such a relief to know that Daisy is with someone like you. I appreciate it greatly.”

My chest squeezes as my cheeks heat. The compliments hit home, and I can’t deny that hearing Xaden so appreciative is nice.

A lot of parents just expect you to be perfect and never so much as offer a “thanks.”

I feel seen by Xaden, like he understands how hard I’m working and how much I care.

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