Page 22 of A Convenient Secret

I almost make it out of the door undetected. Almost.

“Lily, I think I’m going to insist you clear the room by Friday.”

Her words startle me, and a gasp escapes me when I turn. Mrs. Whitaker stands at the end of the short corridor in shadow. A cone of light from the kitchen is splitting her face.

Something snaps inside me. My life here is meantto be a fresh start, a step toward independence. This woman’s demands push me to betray that. To betray myself. I’m done with her.

I leave without a word, my heart hammering.

My housing situation is concerning, but I can’t be late. I might be an under-qualified nanny, but those kids don’t need another stressful morning. And neither does Declan.

My consideration for him seems misplaced as soon as I arrive at his house.

“Lily!” Zoya shouts when I round the partition wall to enter the kitchen.

The family is sitting around the kitchen counter. Sweet vanilla and a hint of cinnamon permeate the air.

“Good morning.” I smile at the kids. “Wow, pancakes on a school day.”

They look delicious, but that’s not what makes me pause. Declan is at my side, at the stove, flipping the golden batter. It’s such a normal, human thing that I consider he may have a twin.

Equally gorgeous, but without a stick up his ass. When a handsome man makes pancakes for his kids, it’s just plain attractive.

When Declan Quinn flips pancakes, it’s slightly weird, like he’s been replaced. But it’s downright sexy.

And then I notice he is wearing his dress shirt. Open. Did he lose all the buttons? It’s just a sliver ofskin where the two sides almost meet. I can’t even really see it, but I know it’s there. Oh, my poor ovaries.

Our eyes meet for a beat, but we both look away like the sight could burn. Well, it does. My cheeks are aflame.

He serves more pancakes on the twins’ plates and pivots to drop the pan in the sink. His shirt opens up wider, and I get a glimpse of his defined abs and chest. It’s so quick, I hardly get a chance to ogle, which is probably even worse.

My fantasies used to be limited to his voice. Now that voice has a body, and even a glimpse leaves me aching in every neglected inch of me.

A few minutes into the day here and I’m sweating again.

“I’ll shawe mine with you,” Zoya offers.

“That’s so kind, Zoya, but I already ate.”

At that, because why not, my stomach rumbles. I haven’t eaten since yesterday lunchtime when the housekeeper fixed me a sandwich.

“You lied?” Zach frowns.

Who knew I could blush more? Thank God for my darker skin, because I would look like a ripe tomato by now. “Maybe I’m extra hungry today after our fight yesterday.”

Zach snorts.

“Okay, monsters, you need to getready. Finish your breakfast and go get your backpacks.” Declan moves around the kitchen.

I try not to look at him. He didn’t even greet me, so I guess the world is back to normal. I should be relieved. His ignoring me is something I’m used to.

But I’m not relieved. I’m annoyed with him, but there is nothing I can do about it in front of the kids. There is nothing I have the right to do anyway.

Since I have no plate in front of me, and I’m not quite sure what to do with myself, I decide to get a glass of juice.

Only Declan appears from somewhere and opens the fridge the moment I turn to it. While I was lying to Zach and Zoya about having breakfast, Declan buttoned up his shirt. Thankfully.

But even dressed, his closeness sends my fantasies on a wild ride. “Sorry.” I step back.