Page 25 of Prove Me Wrong
“No, but you worry. So, what has you so worked up? Is it your new babysitter?”
I glare at him, and my best friend chuckles lightly. “I’m not worked up,” I admit, a whistle sounding from the TV.
Nate curses under his breath before looking back at me. “You’re not worried?”
I shake my head.
“That’s a first. Ever since Jade was in daycare, you’ve been worried about her.”
“That’s because I’m her dad. I’m the one who needs to look out for her. You’ll understand yourself when you’re in my position.”
He lets out a soft exhale. “Sure, but I don’t think Mia will do anything to harm her.” He pauses and smirks. “She sounds hot.”
My teeth grit at his words. I don’t know why, but the thought of Nathan trying to hit on Grey makes my throat burn. “Don’t say that, Nate. She’s my daughter’s babysitter.”
“That makes her even hotter, Sterling.” He winks at me.
My jaw grinds as my hands fist on my lap. “Don’t even think about it.”
My best friend’s dark eyes meet mine, glistening with questions. He simply chuckles again. “I get it. I get it.” He settles back into the couch cushions, a sly smile spreading across his shadowed jawline. “You like her.”
“No, I don’t,” I bite out, but it feels wrong. The words sting my tongue like acid.
His gaze narrows onto mine as he keeps bouncing Jade on his knee. “Then why won’t you let me try?”
“Because she’s my babysitter, and she’s good. I can’t afford to lose her right now.” Nate pouts, and I roll my eyes at his immaturity. “You can try with any other girl, Nate. But leave Mia alone.”
I don’t tell him about the way I’ve seen her shake at my closeness, or how her voice wavers when she’s nervous. I don’t understand how I make her nervous when I’ve done all that I can to make her feel comfortable, but I suspect it has something to do with her past. The thought that something might have happened to her makes my gears grind.
“Fine. No hitting on the babysitter,” Nate bites out. He jumps up with Jade in his arms and shouts obscenities at the TV.
Jade breaks out into cries from his sudden movement, and I stand, taking her into my arms and cuddling her close to my chest. Her muffled sobs are swallowed by my neck.
Nathan looks at me and winces. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare her.”
I shake my head and fall down onto the couch with Jade curled up on my chest. “She’s just tired.”
“Should you put her to sleep?”
“There’s only fourteen minutes left, she’ll be okay until then. Besides, who could sleep with you swearing at the referees,” I murmur.
Nathan laughs and polishes off his beer. “Do you want another one?” he asks without looking in my direction.
I swipe his bottle and mine. “I have to make Jade’s milk. I’ll be back in a minute.”
“All right,” Nate murmurs, focused on the basketball game.
Shaking my head, I carry Jade into the kitchen and leave the empty bottles on the bench. She has stopped crying, but I can tell she’s still fighting off sleep. Her fingernails dig into the skin of my neck, leaving tiny indents, but I ignore them.
Opening the fridge, I take out the sippy cup I measured out at dinner and turn to heat it up when I freeze in my tracks. Peering through the window at the darkness beyond, I see Mia through hers as she stands in her grandma’s older kitchen.
My eyes sweep over her light blue silky pajamas, dark hair pulled up into a loose bun, gaze focused on something else. I’m suddenly intrigued by what has her attention.
I want it to be me.
Jade lifts her head and spots Mia on the other side. She coos softly, reaching out a hand towards. Mia turns, holding a mug. Grey eyes collide with mine. My throat works as I marvel at how pretty she looks with messy hair and flared eyes. The soft light makes her features darker yet gentler in the same breath. The light pink hue over her cheekbones has my heart expanding.
Jade makes another sound, and I see the corners of Mia's mouth curve upwards. Mine curls in response as Jade keeps reaching out, trying to grab hold of the girl in the house beside ours. Mia frowns and shakes her head before looking back at me. I pull Jade into my chest once more, and Mia’s smile falters. She disappears from the kitchen.
