Page 17 of Cross My Heart
Dexter Cross responds with humor lacing his tone, “Yes, Lanie?”
“Thank you,” I reply, sincerely.
There is a pause before he finally responds, “See you soon, Lanie.”
He hangs up before I can say goodbye, but I have a feeling he is smiling just as big as I am right now.Shit, I have to get the house cleaned and hit the road. Almost an hour later, I’m in my car and on my way back to Waverley-Cay.All feels right for once.
* * *
“Hey,Jules, it’s me. I don’t need anything. I was just calling to tell you I’m about ten minutes away from Dexter’s house. I’m more nervous now than I was a few days ago. Maybe it’s because I know how hot he is now?”No, do not think of him as hot. He is my boss, that’s it.“Anyway, I’m rambling. I just wanted to let you know I’m alright. I’ll call again when I’m settled. Give Charlie and your parents hugs and kisses for me. Luvs.”
I pull up to the house once again in shock. This house is so freaking big. How does Tate not get lost in here? There are a lot more cars in the driveway today as well. Expensive cars. Geez, that’s not intimidating at all.
Putting my ten-year-old Toyota Corolla in park, I sit looking around for a few minutes. Is this going to be my life? Living among the rich? I peer down at my shorts and t-shirt. I know I am going to stick out like a sore thumb, but it is what it is. I let out a big sigh and open my car door.
Here goes nothing.
Dex
Chapter 8
“Hey, Dex?”
“What, Pres? I’m elbows deep in diapers right now.” I say, annoyance clearly in my voice.
“Ah, I think your hot-as-fuck nanny is here.” Preston’s tone is strained.
I hear Trevor and Loki run to the window. Shit, maybe having them here was a mistake.
“Holy hell,” whispers Loki.
Looking up, I say, “What? Guys, I’m serious, if you make her feel uncomfortable, I will rip your balls right off.”
Loki chokes on a laugh but gives me a stern look. “She isn’t just pretty, Dex.I think you might be in trouble.”
All three guys laugh as the doorbell rings. I let out a groan as they trip over each other, trying to get to the door first.
“Do not f-this up for me, guys, I mean it.” I glance down at Sara as I finish changing her diaper. “And keep your eyes and your hands off my god damn girl,”Fuck. Three sets of eyes whip towards me. I’ve never been a jealous guy, but I’ve never had reactions like this either.
Preston laughs, “Hell yeah, this is going to be good. I’ll get the beer and popcorn.”
“Just answer the freaking door, please,” I say drained.
“You’re getting really good at catching your cursing,” Trevor says.
The guys laugh again and head to the front. I take a few minutes to pull myself together. I look down and see I’m still in gym shorts, but at least they’re clean. I lift my arm and smell my pits. Ugh, it could be worse, I guess. I hear the guys vying for Lanie’s attention, and I roll my eyes. Then I listen to her laugh. God, that laugh, I am in fucking trouble.
Lanie comes walking around the corner, the guys right behind her with puppy dog eyes. They are such assholes. I groan. She walks into the room and looks around. “Hey,” she says with a wave. “It almost looks like a home in here…you’ve been busy!” She says, smiling.
Oh hell, I’m a goner. I look from her to the guys and back to her. They are all standing behind her, appearing a little shell shocked. I meet Trevor’s eyes and he starts laughing.
“She is a ball buster, Dex. She called Pres out on his shit before she got both feet in the door.” Trevor is laughing so hard he has tears rolling down his face.Great, they are going to be absolutely no help.
I narrow my eyes at Pres though and growl, I actually fucking growl.“I told you to cut the shit.”
“Relax, Dex. It was all in good fun,” he says through his laughter.
I try, really, I do, but I guess I’m as awestruck in Lanie Heart’s presence as my goofball friends. Lanie walks over to me and closes my mouth again. "Are you planning to piss me off every single day?" I ask her when she is done.
