Page 9 of One Night

“Sounds good,” he groans, opening the front door with the pizza box in hand.

Lord, help me. I shouldn’t be here. I really shouldn’t be here. Ellie is sweet as heck and I love spending time with her, but today was an emotional roller coaster, and I fear every day from here on out will be as well. I’m going to have to stop overthinking every single word and glance.

But how?How do I do that when I’m desperately searching for the smallest sign that he might like me?

I push open Colton’s bedroom door, and my thighs squeeze together. The whole room smells like him. Cedar, pine, and something deeper like diesel in the background. He’s made his bed fairly neatly and one single pillow sits on the left side with a nightstand. The space is decorated with pictures that Ellie’s drawn in frames. I can’t fathom how this man is still alone. A big, hot, girl dad. I mean, that’s kind of catnip for women.

I open the second drawer to the dresser and pull out the first t-shirt I see. It has some kind of tractor on it. I’ve never touched a tractor in my life, but I already love this thing.

I can’t imagine the look on my father’s face if he knew the dirty, filthy things I was thinking about his friend right now. It’s so messed up, but I’d give just about anything to have one night with Colton.

Pulling off my dress, I replace it with the oversized tee, but it’s uncomfortable, and my back is aching from wearing this stupid bra all day.

Maybe I should take it off.

Maybe I should give Colton something to look at. Maybe give him reason to say more words I can hyper-analyze later.

I mean, I’ll know in the next three minutes if he’s into me or not. This t-shirt is thin… and my nipples are hard.

As my fingers unclasp the bra, a sense of panic sets in.This has to stop. I’m not here to seduce Colton. I’m here to take care of his daughter. I’m here for money. I’m here as a favor to my father.

“I’m ready!” Ellie shouts as Colton’s heavy weight climbs up the steps.

“We’re on our way.” His voice is so deep and graveled that I feel another twinge between my legs.

Get a grip, Nora! You’re the nanny, not a prostitute. Though, right now, I’m kind of wishing I was the prostitute.

I tuck my clothes under my arm and tip toe out of his bedroom with the plan to escape to my room before he sees me without my bra on, but there he is gruff and tall, staring toward me.

Actually, isn’t this what I just said I wanted?

“Oh, damn.” His arm brushes against mine and his eyes glance to my chest and up again quickly as though he’s trying not to look. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to… bump into you.”

“No. It’s okay. I’m good.”Am I really, though?

We walk side by side toward Ellie’s room, the tension hot between us. Then again, maybe I’m the only one feeling it.

“You’re here!” Ellie climbs under her covers. “Good thing. It’s late.”

“Which story did you pick tonight?” Colton makes a B-line for her bookshelf as though this is the routine they have every night.

“Dad, its already ten minutes past bedtime. If I want my powers to be strong in the morning, I need to get to sleep.” She snuggles under her covers and stares at us. “Come on… kisses!”

Colton bends down and sweeps her hair back, kissing her head gently. “Love you, bug. Sweet dreams.”

“I need a hug from Ellie, too!”

The warmth is back again as I lean down and hug her tight. I can’t disappoint her. She’s already lost her mother. I need to get my head out of the gutter and back into reality where actual things happen, not whatever fantasies I’m dreaming about.

“See you guys in the morning. You should get to sleep too so your powers are their strongest. Dad’s power is definitely strength. I saw him lift a whole horse last week.”

“I lifted a horse last week?” Colton laughs, “I must have forgotten that one.”

“You did, Dad. You lifted Tiger.”

“Oh, the foal. Yes, I did lift the foal, didn’t I.” He grins. “What’s Nora’s power?”

Ellie lands her hand on her chin and looks away as though she’s thinking. “Nora’s power is… kindness, because she listened to me and helped me all day today. Plus, she makes you smile too, Dad.”

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