Page 14 of Don’t Fall for the Billionaire

Chapter Fourteen

Charlotte

A smile perched on my lips as I noticed the vibrant colors of the leaves that had changed overnight.

Fall was here, and I could feel the crispness of the air as I sipped on my pumpkin spice latte.

For some reason, the temperature dropped drastically overnight, making it a jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of day.

“Go play with your friends for a bit,” I said to Eloise as we entered the park.

“There’s a rumor going around that you’re baking pies for the bake-off. Is that true?” Mackenzie, one of the other nannies, asked as I sat down with the group.

“Yeah. Why not? It’s for the school and a good cause.”

“But you’re a nanny,” Millie, one of the other nannies, said.

“So?” My brows furrowed. “What does that matter? Is there a rule that says nannies can’t bake for the bake off?”

“Kind of. It’s a silent rule,” Maddie said.

“Plus, you’ll be going up against Kitty Corners. Her cheesecake wins every year,” Mackenzie said.

“If you ask me, I don’t even think she makes it herself.

Marissa told us that she has never once seen Kitty make a cheesecake or bake anything for that matter.

When she asked her when she made it, Kitty always told her she did after everyone went to bed.

Marissa is convinced she has the cheesecake imported from like Switzerland or Spain, or somewhere like that,” Millie said.

“Good luck. Kitty Corners doesn’t like competition, and she doesn’t play nice.” Maddie smirked.

“I can handle her.” I tipped the cup to my lips.

When we arrived home, I set my purse down and looked around the immaculate home. Now that fall was fully settling in, it was time to spruce up this place with a little fall décor. I was sure Ashton wouldn’t mind, but I’d ask him anyway out of respect. After all, it was his home.

My phone dinged. Glancing at it, I saw a text message from Ashton.

We’re going out to dinner tonight. Make sure you and Eloise are ready to leave when I get home.

Okay. We’ll be ready.

I stared at his message with furrowed brows.

Why was he taking us out to dinner? The past week, he’d been home every night.

He’d come home from work, eat dinner with us, and then retreat to his office.

We’d have a couple of conversations here and there, but nothing on a serious note.

His being home more meant a lot to Eloise.

I believed he was trying to do better. Maybe my little talk with him knocked some sense into his head.

But there was a problem with him being around more—me.

I had to keep reminding myself that he was my boss and lines shouldn’t be crossed.

I couldn’t stop thinking about how it would feel to feel his muscular body against mine.

To have his strong arms wrapped around me all night.

But Ashton Cross was a complicated man—a guarded man who still wouldn’t offer up any information on himself.

Even though I worked for him, I barely knew him. I wondered what it would be like if things were different—if I weren’t just the nanny. If I’d let myself fall into something I swore I’d avoid.

Eloise walked into the kitchen and steered me from my thoughts.

“What’s for dinner?” she asked.

“Your dad just texted me and said he’s taking us out to dinner tonight.” I smiled.

“Really?” She grinned.

“Yes, really. So go change out of your school uniform into a nice dress.”

“Okay.” She ran out of the kitchen.

It was precisely six o’clock when Dominic opened the front door and stepped inside.

“Are you and Miss Eloise ready? Ashton is in the car,” he said.

“We’re ready, Dominic.” I grabbed my purse.

Eloise flew down the porch steps and climbed into the back of the Escalade.

“Hi, Dad.” She kissed his cheek.

“Hi, sweetheart. How was school?”

“Good.”

“Charlotte.” He nodded with a smile.

“Ashton.” I smiled back.

“Why are you taking us out to dinner?” Eloise asked him.

“Why not? It’s been a while, and I thought tonight would be a good night.”

We ended up at Eleven Madison Park. When we stepped inside, the hostess immediately led us to our table. After we ate, we went home, and both of us tucked Eloise into bed.

“Would you like to have a drink?” Ashton asked.

“That would be great. There’s something I have to ask you,” I said as we headed down the stairs.

“What is it?” He walked over to the bar in the living room.

“You know how I love fall, right?”

“Yeah. I remember you mentioning that.” He handed me a glass of wine.

“Thanks.” I sat on the couch. After he poured his scotch, he sat next to me. “One of the things I love most is bringing the fall season into the home.”

“What do you mean?” He tipped his glass to his lips.

“You know, like a little home décor. Just to add a little fall color. Maybe a couple of little pumpkins here and there, a little burgundy, orange, and yellow to make the house fall cozy.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing. I normally get a couple of pumpkins for Eloise at Halloween.”

“We can do that too. But this would be just a teeny-weeny bit of autumn to enhance the fall vibes outside.” I smiled.

“I appreciate you asking me first, so go ahead and bring in a teeny-weeny bit of autumn into the home.”

Without even thinking and getting so excited that he agreed to let me decorate, I set my wine glass down and threw my arms around him. When I realized what I’d done, I immediately pulled back.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean?—”

“It’s okay. And you’re welcome.” He grinned.