Page 92 of The Nanny

“Very.”

“Are you trying to entice me to bail on work? Because it’s working.”

My lips curve against his, and I press another soft kiss there. “Later,” I promise. I crawl backward out of the car, and I notice he’s frowning when my feet touch the sidewalk, my hand on the door. “What?”

“You really might be evil,” he grumbles.

I give him a sly grin. “Good thing you know where I live, Mr.Reid.”

I think I can still hear him grumbling even after I shut the door.

Chat with @lovecici

You sent @lovecici

a $50 tip

I sent you a new toy. I want to watch you use your mouth and imagine it’s my cock.

CHAPTER 16

Aiden

Returning to work is a lot harder with the sensation of Cassie’s lips still against mine, but I manage somehow. The restaurant is still as busy as I left it when I slip in through the service entrance, and Marco looks like he’s at the end of his rope, running to meet me with a frazzled look.

“We’re out of shallots.”

I rear back. “How the hell are we out of shallots?”

“Inventory error? I don’t fucking know. But we just used the last of them in a poulet au vinaigre, and I have two more orders for it waiting.”

“Why does it feel like I’m going to be yelling at Alex tonight,” I sigh.

“He’s out sick,” Marco says. “So unless you want to yell at him over the phone...”

Fuck.

Maybe I reallyshouldhave played hooky for the rest of the night. I could be putting together a puzzle at home with the girls right now.

The girls.

It takes me by surprise, the way my brain instantly lumped them together that way. I don’t know when I started to think of them as a package deal, waiting for me at home, but Ido, I realize. And it’s getting increasingly more aggravating that I have to spend so much time here away from them.

“Um, hello,” Marco says, waving his hand in front of my face. “Why are you smiling like that? You’re creeping me out.”

“Nothing,” I say, collecting myself. “Do we have yellow onions?”

“Probably.” He turns to yell at one of the line cooks to go check before turning back to me. “Think we can use them as a replacement?”

“It’s likely they won’t even be able to tell. Just add a little bit more garlic. That’s the best we can do.”

“Shit. I didn’t even think of that,” Marco tuts. “That’s great. God. I’m glad you’re back. I was about to have a breakdown.”

I clap him on the shoulder, chuckling, “It’s going to be fine.”

“Fine,” Marco echoes dumbfoundedly. “Who are you and what have you done with Aiden Reid?”

There’s still a ghost of a smile at my mouth as I reach to grab for a clean apron, tying it around my waist as I ready myself for the rest of a busy night. Strangely, it feels less daunting than it did when I walked in.