Page 19 of Prove Me Wrong
“Come on. A single dad, a mechanic, and a Supercars driver? Talk about a smoking hot combination! Can you get me a photo of him? Preferably nude, but really, I’ll take any.”
“Lila,” I grit out, trying to get her to stop before my entire face blooms with a hot blush. “He’s my boss now.”
“Yeah, and that makes it even hotter.”
My head tips forward as I run my fingers through my silky strands. “I regret telling you all of this now.”
Lila just laughs. “You have to admit that you think he’s attractive. And if you say otherwise, then I’ll know you’re lying to me.”
My silence makes her laugh even harder.
“Knew it.”
“I didn’t agree to this because of him. I did it for his daughter. Besides, I’m not ready for anything. With any guy. You know that. I don’t want to put myself through that again.”
“It was only one guy. They’re not all like Ryan,” she supplies.
I smother the feeling of hope rising in my chest. I shake my head. “I’m not taking that chance.”
Lila sighs. “Okay, but the man is hot. Have you seen his socials yet?”
“No. And I’m not looking at them. He’s my boss,” I repeat in the hopes that maybe if I keep saying it, the words will finally sink into her mind.
“Well, I am, and you’re definitely missing out.” She pauses, and I groan. “Then again, you have the real thing right next door. That’s definitely better than some photos posted online.”
“Good night, Lila,” I deadpan, not wanting to listen to her talk about Noah’s body anymore.
She gasps into the phone. “Wait, I’m just getting to the shirt?—”
I cut her off, ending the call. The last thing I want to hear about right now is what Noah looks like shirtless. I have seen it already, and I can confirm he does look hot without one, but I’m not letting myself think about it.
I told myself no men, and I'm going to stick to that promise.
I will not fall for anyone ever again, especially not my new neighbour who has just hired me as his babysitter.
***
“I’m surprised you accepted the position, Mia.”
Charlotte looks at me through my laptop screen. She’s sweet but strong-minded, which is what I need in a therapist. Going through sexual assault herself when she was younger, I have found it easier to open up with her. She understands how I’m feeling and my hesitation, and doesn’t push me, which I am incredibly grateful for. Knowing that I am still dealing with the repercussions after all this time, and probably will for a while still, Charlotte never makes me uncomfortable or pushes me further than I can go.
I hate when people push me. My parents have done that since I was born—sports, reading, school and even friends. I always hated how they forced me into things, guilted me into making them happy, when it was the last thing I wanted. I never liked dancing, singing, or Law. I like the piano and my creative side.
Charlotte pushes her clear-framed glasses up her straight nose while writing more notes down in her notebook.
“I felt like I needed to help him out,” I respond quietly.
Charlotte nods, pushing her dark hair behind her ear and smiling. “Why, Mia?”
I suck in a breath before explaining the situation. She nods and occasionally jots things down, never interrupting me.
“He came to you because you had already offered earlier?” Her tone is questioning, deep chocolate eyes that match the rest of her features, locking with mine.
I nod.
She hums lightly, continuing with her notes. “Why did you offer before?”
One shoulder lifts as I struggle to find the words. “Because I don’t have any work right now, and he did seem very stressed out. Jade was crying so much that I thought my help could relieve some stress. I guess if it were me, I would appreciate the offer.”
