Page 36 of Learn Your Lesson

“Praise the Lord,” Livia said.

But then, her eyes bulged out of her head, and she smacked me across the arm so hard I yelped.

“Look at this bitch!” she said, and then she smoothed my arm. “Sorry, didn’t mean to hit you so hard, but damn, girl! What are you, a craft wizard?!”

The other girls gathered around to see where I’d perfectly packed four boxes. Each invitation was assembledwith precision, the ribbons tied elegantly, the dried flowers arranged just so. I’d carefully surrounded the clay pots Vince had made with the crinkled packing paper Maven had, and made it so when the guest opened the box, it was like unwrapping a beautiful gift.

“A kindergarten teacher,” I answered, clearing my throat when my voice came out so soft I sounded like a mouse.

Talking to kids? Easy. Teasing Will? Fine. But apparently, I was awestruck by these gorgeous women and the confidence they wore as easily as the stiletto heels on their feet.

“And also, a homebody who happens to love picking up a new project every week.”

Grace smiled. “I love that. As someone always on the go, I really appreciate the chance to sit still and be at home in my own space.”

“You wouldn’t know how tosit stillif Jaxson tied you to a chair,” Maven said.

Grace shimmied her shoulders. “That happens to be my favorite way to sit still, actually.”

“Nowwe’re speaking my language,” Livia chimed in, hopping up and wiggling her hips. “Ropes and chains, whips and clamps. Let’s go, baby! Get that wine, Mave.”

Livia tugged me up off the floor before looping an arm through mine, and the next thing I knew, we were watching the last bit of the sunset over the beach, our toes dug deep into the cool sand, a bottle of red wine split between us.

Grace made a toast to Maven and Vince, we clinked glasses, and then as soon as the first sip was done, Maven turned the attention to me.

“So, how has the first week been at the house?”

“Great,” I said. “I mean, Ava is the easiest kid in the world, and Will has been very accommodating.”

“Oh yeah?” Livia waggled her brows. “Howaccommodating?”

Grace swatted her arm. “You are too horny for your own good.”

But even as the girls laughed her off, their eyes all swung to me, waiting.

My skin felt hot enough to turn water into steam as I traced the rim of my glass with a fingertip. “I assure you, nothing like that. I’m tryingnotto be like the other nannies he’s had to go through.”

“I already know you’re different,” Maven said. “And I’m glad he’s found you. Poor Will… he’s been through hell and back.”

The girls fell quiet, nodding.

“I can’t imagine,” Grace said softly. “Jaxson always pokes fun at him, but deep down, he just wishes Will would open up and talk about it all. It has to be so hard, carrying the burden alone.”

“He talked to me a little,” I said without thinking.

Again, all eyes shot to me, brows lifting. “He did?” Maven asked, genuinely shocked.

“Not a lot,” I said hurriedly, tucking my hair behind one ear. The wind blew it back in front of my face in the next second, and I slid my hand under my thigh to keep from fidgeting more. “But… yeah.”

“That’s huge, girl,” Livia said. “Even when I had him high on anesthesia before pulling a tooth, he didn’t say shit to me.”

“He already trusts you,” Grace assessed. “Probably because of how well you take care of Ava. I mean, Jaxson said you’re a natural with her.”

“Well, thank you. My mission now is to make her laugh. Her dad, too.”

“Okay, well, you might succeed with Ava,” Maven said. “But don’t hold your breath for Will, alright? That man is stone.”

“Mm-hmm, I’ll bet he is. In all the right places.”