Page 53 of Nanny for the SEAL

“You’re my friend, Xade. I want you to be happy. Between the three of us,” I know Mason is talking about himself, me, and Hudson, the other local with a kid, and his wife’s brother, “you’re the only one who hasn’t found it yet. You need to seize this opportunity.”

I’m nodding my head before I realize it. “I know, I know. I want to. Really. But I’ll admit that it’s a little weird to be attracted to my nanny. Though, I suppose you know how that goes.”

“Hey, don’t look at me. I was into Bridgetbeforeshe was my nanny. That was just this weird thing we did in the middle.”

“You never felt weird about being a stereotype? I mean, I’m banging the nanny. That’s a whole thing.”

Mason laughs. “Well, maybe don’t say it around Ivy like that, but I see your meaning. And sure, it felt weird. It’s not like I was looking to gain some reputation for bedding the help if Bridget had chosen to leave again. Thank God she didn’t. But…”

He lets the word hang, finishing off his drink as his brows go up again.

“I will also admit—just to you, I might add; this is a bro thing—it was kind of hot.”

I burst out laughing, nearly choking on my own spit. The confession is exactly what I needed, and as we chuckle like idiots together, it’s several seconds before we can regain composure.

“I really needed that. Thanks, man.”

“Any time.” Mason eyes me, pointing. “But I’m serious. Don’t tell Hudson or Bridget I said that. I’m not looking to get my ass kicked.”

“Your secret is safe with me. Actually, on that note.” I adjust in my seat, remembering the other thing that’s been bugging me. “I’ve also noticed something weird with Ivy. Well, not her exactly, but the situation. I mean, she’s not weird. It’s this thing I’ve noticed when she’s working.”

Mason leans back in his chair. “Spit it out, dude.”

“Ugh, Ivy has been getting texts or messages or whatever. They seem to…upset her—a lot. The look on her face when another one comes in…it’s not good, Mason. I want to help her, to understand what’s going on, but I don’t want to push her. Scare her away, you know?”

He blinks pointedly, swallowing hard as his eyes fall to the floor. “Yeah, I recall some nasty messages in my time. She got an ex?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t been able to ask. Ivy hasn’t mentioned anything. I know she has a sister. She was on the phone with her the other day, and it sounded like she was worried about her. Which, I know, that’s what you do for siblings, but yeah. It could be related.”

“Well, as boring as my advice might sound, there’s really only one thing you can do.” He meets my eyes head-on, not pulling any punches. “Talk to her. Ask. But, you know, you don’t have to make it an interrogation. Go on a date, a real one, not just a bang-fest, while Daisy is with me.”

“A date?” I raise my brows before they dip down in a deep furrow as I consider his words. “Seriously? Your advice is to take Ivy out on a date.”

“Yup. It’s good for talking. And you’ll find out if there’s more to this than just the sexual chemistry. Dates exist for a reason, Xade.”

“Jesus,” I laugh, shaking my head. “A date. Okay. I guess I’m making a call.”

“It’s good when you listen to me. And I owe you for the outside clarity you delivered when Bridget and I were getting together.”

“Apparently,” I cock my head, smirking, “it’s what we do for each other.”

We both chuckle lightly, and then I wrap things up with Mason. He’s more than happy to head back home and allow me the chance to call Ivy.

I haven’t dated in actual years, and to say that I’m nervous is a vast understatement. Still, Mason claps me on the shoulder and offers his support.

“I’ll be here, dude. Let me know how it goes.”

Nodding, I open up the door for him. “I will.”

Alone once more, I peek into the living room to see how Daisy is doing. It’s only been like fifteen minutes, and she seems plenty entertained with acting out her TV show with her dolls.

“Daddy’s going to make a phone call, honey. Then we can get some snacks.”

She doesn’t turn around. “Okay!”

Daisy makes me smile, and it’s that comfort that I try to bring with me as I step into the kitchen again to call Ivy.

It rings a few times as I stand by the counter.Ring, ring, ring.

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