Page 2 of Nolan

I scrub a hand down my face. "I didn't plan it, okay? It just happened."

"What exactly happened? You said a kiss?"

The memory floods back instantly,Annabelle's soft lips against mine, the surprised little gasp she made, how her body melted against me for just a second before we both pulled away. Her nails and fingers dug into my shirt like she didn't want to let go. I shift uncomfortably in my seat. Completely aware I shouldn't be having these thoughts about her.

"It was nothing. She cooked dinner like she always does. It's part of her contract, and we were picking up, putting the dishes in the dishwasher. It all felt so fucking domestic, and I looked at her…" I trail off, staring into my whiskey like it might offer some explanation for my behavior.

"And you jumped her," Weston finishes, way too amused.

"No. It wasn't like that." I lower my voice when I realize I'm getting looks from the next table. "It was... mutual. The way she was smiling about Ash? I just... I couldn't help myself."

"So what did she do after?"

"Nothing, we pulled apart and didn't say anything. She left like her ass was on fire. The next day she texted me, said it was unprofessional and it wouldn't happen again." The memory stings more than it should.

Weston whistles low. "Cold."

"Professional," I correct. "She was being professional." If I say it enough, I'll believe it.

"And you've been a mess ever since."

I don't answer. I don't need to. He knows, and he's enjoying it.

"Look," Weston says, leaning forward now, "maybe you just need to get her out of your system. Hook up with her, have a good time, move on. No strings attached."

I nearly choke on my drink. "Are you insane? She works for me. She takes care of my kid."

"So? You're both adults. As long as you keep it casual and make sure she knows that's all it is,"

"That's your solution? 'Hey Annabelle, I know you look after the most important person in my life, but would you mind if we fuck so I can stop being distracted by you?'"

Weston shrugs. "I'd word it differently, but essentially, yeah. You're overthinking this, man. It's just sex."

But that's the problem. I'm not sure it would be just sex, and that scares the hell out of me.

"I'll think about it," I lie, just to end this conversation.

"You do that." He doesn't believe me either.

I'm still thinking about Weston's terrible advice when I pull into my driveway that evening. It's already dark, later than I usually get home. I had to finish reviewing a contract that couldn't wait until tomorrow. Or at least that's what I told myself. I sat in my truck outside the bar and went through every email I could find to keep myself from heading home.

I sit in my truck for a minute, gathering myself. What kind of man avoids his own home because he can't control his thoughtsabout the woman who works for him? A pathetic one, that's who, or one who's a major glutton for punishment.

The lights are on inside, warm and inviting. Through the front window, I can see movement,Annabelle, probably cleaning up from cooking dinner or getting Ashlynn ready for bed. I should have called to let her know I'd be later than normal.

When I finally make it inside, the house is quiet except for soft murmuring coming from Ashlynn's room. I kick off my boots, then follow the sound.

I stop in the doorway, my breath catching in my throat.

Annabelle is sitting in the rocking chair by the window, Ashlynn curled against her chest. She's reading from one of Ashlynn's favorite books, her voice gentle as she does different voices for each character. My daughter's eyes are heavy with sleep, but she's fighting it, entranced by the story and the woman telling it.

Neither of them notices me at first, and I take advantage of the moment to just... look. To take in the scene that makes my heart feel too big for my chest.

Annabelle's dark hair is pulled back in a loose bun, strands escaping to frame her face. She's always hot, even though the clothes aren't,simple jeans and a soft blue sweater that brings out her eyes. Nothing provocative, nothing special. And yet I can't tear my gaze away.

It's not just her beauty that gets to me,though God knows she's beautiful. It's how at ease she is with my daughter. How Ashlynn looks at her with complete trust and adoration. The way Annabelle seems to genuinely enjoy these moments, not just endure them as part of her job.

Ashlynn spots me first. "Daddy." she exclaims, her sleepy face lighting up.

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