Page 13 of The Housekeeper's Billionaire Boss
Tears pooled in her eyes, and she paused before answering, “Okay. Thank you.” She turned, walked to the door, and took a quick look back before walking across the hall.
If she didn’t watch it, before this trip was over, she’d fall for him. She’d known he was kind and generous, and now he was adding to her growing list of things she liked about him.
Charming, funny, sweet, and loving. Unfortunately, many of the guys her mom had dated fell into that category too. Molly would get attached and then be crushed when they left, never to be seen again. Oh, they always promised to keep in touch, but none of them had. That’s not the life she wanted for her daughter. Molly didn’t want Ellie to ever question the adults in her life and their love for her. Having to question that had made Molly grow up too quickly. Her plan for Ellie’s future was for her to be a kid for as long as possible.
Molly liked Josiah, but she loved Ellie. Making the choice to adopt her meant putting her first, and that was exactly what Molly was going to do too.
* * *
Sunlight hitMolly’s face as she turned over, facing the window. It was enough of a shock that she bolted upright. How long had it been since she’d seen the sun when she woke up? The better question was, what time was it? She quickly grabbed her phone, and her eyes widened.
Noon.
Noon? It was a good thing Josiah’s family ate Thanksgiving Dinner later in the day, or she’d have missed it. She dropped her phone and scrambled out of bed, rushing out of the room and into Josiah’s…empty room. Where was he? Where was Ellie? She raked her hand through her hair, and just as she started to race out of his room, she paused. Josiah had Ellie. If there was one thing Molly was confident about, it was that Josiah would keep her safe.
Closing her eyes, she sucked in a lungful of air and let it out slowly. It was so strange to have someone helping her that it took her brain a second to catch up. Sheesh, not only did she need to keep her wits when it came to Josiah, but she needed to remember that all this help wasn’t going to last. The start to the new year was going to be hard on her.
“Hey, Happy Thanksgiving!” Josiah said as he strolled into his room with Ellie. “Did you sleep well?” His eyebrows knitted together, and he tilted his head. “Are you okay?”
She nodded and cast her gaze to the floor. “Yeah, it took me a second to realize Ellie was with you. I haven’t had her long, but I guess I’m used to taking care of her alone.”
He stepped closer and held Ellie out to her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that.”
Molly took her and smiled down at her. “Hi.” She nuzzled Ellie with her nose and kissed her. When she looked up, Josiah’s shoulders were sagging.
“I should have…left you a note or something. I’m really sorry.”
Unlike her last boyfriend, Josiah meant it when he said he was sorry. It was completely endearing. “It’s okay. Really. Thank you for letting me sleep in. How was she last night?”
“She was awesome.” A smile lit up his face. Not only was he bad at keeping secrets, but she’d wipe the floor with him if they ever played poker. He was just so cute. It must have been a long night. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’ve noticed you looking a little tired for a while. I thought you could use the rest.”
Molly grinned. “I did, and it was amazing. The bed is out-of-this-world comfortable. I don’t even remember my head hitting the pillow.” She handed Ellie back to him. “I think I should grab a shower, and then maybe you can introduce me to some of your family.” She was eager to meet the people responsible for the incredible guy who made her knees weak.
His eyes sparkled as he took Ellie from her. “Sure. Mom has an extra stroller, so if you want, we can go for a walk. Or we can just hang out inside. I’m open for whatever.”
“Okay.” She raked her hand through her hair. “Maybe I can do a little cleaning or help with the food before eating.”
“Uh.” He winced.
She narrowed her eyes. “You had no intention of letting me work, did you?”
Josiah smiled sheepishly and shrugged. “No.”
Groaning, Molly took a deep breath and palmed her cheek. “Josiah. You are…sweet. Thank you for inviting me.”
“You’re welcome,” he replied. “I was going to change Ellie and go back downstairs, but I can wait for you.”
Shaking her head, she said, “That’s okay. You’re home to visit with your family. I think I’ll be able to find you.”
He caught her gaze and held it. “I want you to know that I respect you as her mom, so if I’m doing something you don’t like, just tell me.”
Every time she thought Josiah couldn’t get any better, he did something else that just blew her away. She stepped closer to him, placing her hand on his forearm. “I know you do. Except when it comes to car seats.” She chuckled.
“I was right about that, though.” He gave her a cheesy grin.
“You think you’re so funny.”
Their laughter tapered down, and suddenly it was hard to breathe. This adorable guy holding her little girl was the hottest thing since grilled cheese, and he was looking at her like the world had disappeared. “Molly…I…” He stepped back. “I should let you get ready. No rush, okay?”
