Page 32 of The Unconventional Nanny
"If this is going to work, we need to take things slow. Get to know each other better and see how things progress on their own without adding certain pressures. That can't happen if I'm grinding on your lap like a hussy." I smile at him. "So sleep it is."
I start to turn away and head back to my bedroom when he calls my name. I don't turn around, but I do give him my attention over my shoulder.
"Thank you for understanding."
He wouldn't be thanking me if he knew the thoughts I'm having about him. And because I'm trouble, I make sure to leave him with a bit of a tease before dashing off. "Remember to thank me after I make one of my shirts come true."
Chapter Fifteen
ANGELO
I have to come clean.
I have to come clean.
I have to come clean.
That's the chant going through my head as I drive over to the pub to meet Annie. After last night, I can't keep a secret as big as Gracie's sister being in town from her. It feels wrong, and I know keeping a secret like that will only hurt her. I can’t do that to someone I care about. For things to work between us, there needs to be honesty.
At the very least I need to tell my client about Gracie and what’s developing between us. I thought hiding it would be best for my business, but now I'm not so sure. Now it’s personal, and things are starting to fall into a gray area I'm no longer comfortable with.
My mind made up, I park my vehicle in front of the pub and grab the blueprints. I emailed over copies yesterday, but Annie responded back that she wanted to meet today, so here I am.
When I walk inside, I find Annie moving around the large area with a smile on her face. It kills me that I'm about to ruin a great business opportunity, but if I'm going to raise my kids to stick to their morals, then I need to do the same.
"I love everything you sent over," Annie squeals as soon as she sees me. "I'm not sure how you took my dream and made it a reality, but the blueprints are spectacular and the mockups that came with it made me scream, I was so happy."
"Yeah, about that." I grab the back of my neck with my free hand and rub the tense area.
"Uh-oh. Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like what you have to say next?"
I do my best to rub the tension away, but it's no use. "Because you're not. I have to come clean about something, and I know you aren't going to like it."
All the excitement and color drains from Annie's face. "You told someone I'm here, didn't you?"
"No," I'm quick to reassure her, even though I know I’m about to tell her something that will upset her. "I haven't told anyone, but there's something you should know. Your sister Gracie is my tenant and she's been nannying for my youngest daughter, but last night, things went a little further than that."
I don't go into details. It's not my right. If anyone should be talking to Annie about what’s going on, it should be Gracie.
I watch as Annie blinks several times before finally breaking out into a fit of laughter. It takes her a few minutes before she can control herself enough to wheeze out some words. "Nanny? Gracie is a nanny?"
My hackles rise at the implication. Gracie has been nothing but great with Everly.
Okay, maybe great isn't the right word, but they've managed. And she’s a hell of a lot more reliable than my prior child care options.
"Yes, a nanny. Why? You don't think she's capable?"
Annie wipes a tear from the corner of her eye before she answers. "Oh, Gracie can do anything she puts her mind to, but I never thought being a nanny would be one of those things. She has no experience. Heck, she barely likes kids. She thinks they’re sticky and gross."
It's my turn to laugh because Annie isn't wrong. Kids are sticky and gross. "Well, she seems to be managing just fine."
"I bet she is."
There’s something slightly off about the way she says that, but I don't take the time to analyze it. I’ve got other things to worry about. Like if I keep stalling, there’s a good chance I’m going to keep my mouth shut instead of doing the right thing.
"I can't lie to her, Annie. I can't start a relationship off that way."
"You signed an NDA," she reminds me.
