Page 64 of The Baby-whisperer and the Brute
“It doesn’t have to be temporary, either. And Idon’tfeel casual about it. I feel—”
“No,” I interrupted in a panicky voice. “Don’t say anymore. We’ve already stepped so far over the line I don’t know if I can even stay and keep working here.”
That shut him up. He looked scared. “You’re thinking of leaving?”
“I don’t want to. But...” My mind cast about for the right words. “It wouldn’t be good for the girls—for us to be involved. I can’t let myself be distracted, and you’re... very distracting.”
Now he was smiling.
“I’m not complimenting you,” I clarified. “That’snota good thing. If I’m not going into religious service—which I’ll probably still do—I’ll be doing childcare professionally in some capacity. And this... this isnotprofessional behavior. There’s probably even some sort of code against it.”
“I’m not going to report you to the Board of Nanny and Preschool Teacher Ethics, if that’s what you’re worried about,” he teased.
“Sully, I’m serious. Please take this seriously.”
His expression sobered. “Okay, I’m taking you seriously. Just tell me one thing.”
“What?”
“Are you sure this isn’t about the fact that was your first kiss, and you’re a virgin, and you might be alittlebit scared because you’re experiencing sexual desire for the first time?”
“No,” I blurted then modulated my tone. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
The sound of the words “sexual desire” coming out of his sexy mouth had my mind even more scrambled than it was before, and the place between my legs squeezed in frustrated tension.
“I just know that I can’t handle this right now. There’s too much up in the air in my life, and I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t be making major life decisions under the influence of... of...”
“Lust?” Sully supplied helpfully.
I closed my eyes, mortified and ashamed and still a little turned on in spite of myself. When I managed speech again, my tone was calm and even and filled with determination.
“If it happens again... if we can’t... control ourselves... I won’t be able to stay. I’ll have to move out and quit my job.”
Sully’s brows pulled together. “I don’t want that.”
“Me either. So I think we should just... keep it... professional. Do you think you can do that?”
For a long moment, he just stared at me, biting his lower lip, barely breathing as far as I could tell.
Then he blew out a long exhale. “If that’s what you really want.”
“It is,” I insisted.
“So I’m your boss, and you’re my employee, and that’s it, right?”
“That’s it.” Why did I feel a twinge of disappointment that he was agreeing so easily? Andwhydid this whole conversation make me feel so hollow inside? I was amess.
Another lingering look, another long exhale on Sully’s part. Then he nodded. “Well, then, I guess I’ll see you in the morning... Miss Rappaport.”
“Goodnight... Mr. Reece,” I breathed as I watched him turn and go up the stairs, leaving me in the kitchen alone.
So. Alone.
Damn.
I inhaled sharply, covering my lips with my fingertips, though the swear hadn’t actually crossed them.
My mouth felt tender, a little swollen, and aching to be kissed again. I guesseditwasn’t confused.
