Page 65 of The Rejected Wife

Maybe I overstretched my role as Serene’s nanny, but I can't seem to help myself. The instinct to feel needed, to feel wanted is something I feel strongly with him. I want to do more for him, tobesomething more for him than just a nanny to Serene, more than his employee. It’s a feeling which grows stronger, the more time I spend with him and Serene.

You would think the year I was away from him would have helped dampen my feelings for him, but it didn’t. And being this close to him daily, I find myself drawn to him even more. Attracted to him. Desiring him in a way that I shouldn’t. He’s Serene’s father. I am her nanny. I need to get over him, to keep our relationship professional, but I’m failing at it. It still doesn’t excuse how he spoke to me in front of the others. My cheeks heat even more.

I understand I may have overstepped my role as a nanny. I only wanted them to have a nice evening. And once Serene was asleep, I had time on my hands. I thought they could do with additional food. I thought I was being thoughtful when I went down with the platters. I thought he’d thank me. Instead, he told me to get lost, that jerkass.

I hear him call my name and increase the speed of my steps. Not that it helps; with his much longer legs, he catches up. "Wear your coat."

"I don’t need it."

"You’re chilled."

"I’m not," I lie. It’s only a short walk to my flat above the garage, but the temperature has dropped enough for goosebumps to snake up my skin.

"Wear. Your. Coat. Cilla."

The command in his voice is enough to stop me in my tracks. But it’s the word tacked on at the end which stops me. I turn to face him. "What did you call me?"

"Priscilla?" His forehead furrows.

"You said, Cilla."

"So?"

"You stopped calling me that when you asked me to leave your penthouse."

"Did I?" He seems taken aback. “I never stopped thinking of you as Cilla.”

I blink.That…I did not expect to hear. “So, why did you stop calling me that?”

I allow him to place my coat about my shoulders. He smooths it down. The goosebumps intensify, not because of the cold, but because I can feel the warmth of his hand through the material.

"When you turned down the role of Serene’s nanny at the coffee shop, you looked so pissed off. So angry and upset with me, I thought you wouldn’t want me to call you Cilla. That you’d prefer I kept some distance between us. Then, when you agreed to become Serene’s nanny, I felt it was best I address you in a more formal manner, to remind me of our professional roles. You were Serene’s nanny, and having you take care of her meant some level of sanity came back into my life. Trust me, I didn’t want to risk upsetting you and losing that." He chuckles, then rubs at his temple.

The act lends an air of vulnerability to him which stops me in my tracks. I'm pretty sure it wasn't there when I met him the first time, or at the luncheon or even, the time I ran into him at The Fearless Kitten, and he offered me the role of Serene’s nanny.

Tyler Davenport, with his six-feet, four-inches of pure muscle, massive shoulders, and chest like a brick wall is, surely, unfazed by anything that comes his way?Except for a toddler who has him twisted around her little finger.

"I’m sorry about what I said in there." He cracks his neck. "I was rude to you. And in front of my brothers and James. That is inexcusable."

I blink. His apology throws me enough that I decide not to push for an answer. The very fact that he called me by my nickname tells me how far we’ve come in the weeks I’ve been here. That has to be enough, for now. Especially since, in the last few weeks since I've been Serene’s nanny, he’s kept his distance from me.

He’s been polite and helpful in explaining Serene’s routine and providing me with everything I need to take care of the little girl’s needs. When his second payment came in, I realized, it’s already been a month since I’ve been here.

The money has given me the kind of security I last had when I was a little girl and lived with my family.Or maybe it’s being this close to him that makes me feel safe?Maybe it’s because he owns the roof I live under that I sleep so well at night? My heart does a little flip in my chest.

"Will you forgive me?" His voice softens, and the look in his eyes is one of contrition. "I was very happy to see you walk in. And I didn’t like the way Connor looked at you, or how James appreciated your cooking, which made me ask you to leave in such an impolite manner."

A quiver squeezes my chest. "You… You were jealous?" Another shudder grips me, and I pull the jacket closer.

"You’re cold." With a hand to my back, he guides me in the direction of the staircase at the side of the garage leading up to my apartment. It’s just a touch, but once again, it feels like he’s branded me. My entire body hums. Electricity crackles at my nerve endings. I’ll never get used to how my body reacts to being near him. I feel excited, and on edge, and nervous… A bit of everything. All emotions rolled into a ball of exhilaration which ping-pongs across my insides. I pull forward so his hand drops away. Then walk up the stairs and push open the door to my apartment. He walks in behind me. I shrug off the coat, place it on the coat stand near the door, then go straight to the kitchen area and put on the kettle.

I take two cups down from the shelf. Mainly so I can keep myself busy. "You want a cup of tea?"

He shakes his head. "I’m good."

I make a cup for myself and place it on the tiny table.

He takes his seat opposite me. It’s not a big space, but with him in here, everything feels doll-sized.Ifeel doll-sized. I take my seat, then take a sip, allowing the hot liquid to warm me up from the inside.

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