Page 23 of Tangled Trust

It’s quiet. I guess he must be outside. This truly irritates me. I specifically asked Carter to arrange to have him ready at 5 p.m. sharp. I hate hanging around like a spare part in this house. There are just too many memories here. They hurt like a hot poker up the…

"Good afternoon. I’m Ella. It’s so nice to finally meet you."

I turn to find an exquisite creature standing beside the large marble table in the foyer. This is Ella? I’m taken aback by her beauty. Not at all what I was expecting. Now I see why Carter hired her without consulting me first. That son of a…

"Mommy!" Jagger shouts and runs to meet me.

"My angel."

I catch him as he jumps into my arms.

I’m momentarily distracted by my son.

"Can we stop for ice cream before we go home, Mommy?"

It’s painful to stare into his eyes. They are his father’s.

"Of course, my love."

"Yay!"

Jagger squirms out of my arms and rushes over to the Au Pair. He throws his arms around her shapely legs and looks lovingly up into her face.

"See you later, Ella."

"Goodbye, Jagger. Have fun with your mommy."

"Promise you’ll take care of Dash," he smiles.

"Like he’s mine, sweetheart," she grins and hugs him.

"It’s nice to meet you, Ella," I say with a frosty look before I take Jagger by the hand and leave the house.

It’s better that I leave now before I show my surprise. I don’t want the Au Pair to see how shaken I am.

The butler has placed Jagger’s bag in my car, so I strap him into his seat, and soon we’re on our way to the ice cream parlor.

"So, Jagger, tell me about Ella."

Not very subtle, are we?

"She’s the best! Can I have strawberry ice cream?"

It’s not easy picking the brain of a six-year-old. But, I try again.

"Does Daddy like Ella?"

"Yes, they talk all the time. I like rainbow sprinkles."

"Yes, I know you do, my love."

All the time, hey? I imagine Carter must be quite the temptation for the young Au Pair. Does she have her eye on him?

As far as I know, my ex hasn’t dated anyone since our divorce. Men aren’t great at abstaining from sex. That I do know. Is the young Ella satisfying more than Carter’s need for an Au Pair? Why else would he hire such a stunner?

You’re not fooling anyone, Carter. Least of all me.

I’m irritated when Jagger and I get home. This is not what I needed today.

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