Page 13 of Nanny for the Bodyguard

Hilarious.

“I get that, hun. I really do. I just want you to be careful. Easton hurt you before, and nothing is saying he won’t do it again. That he doesn’t still have feelings for you.”

“Liv,” I duck, unable to allow myself to indulge that notion—even if a part of me wonders and maybe…hopes he does, “if Easton still liked me that way, he would have said something. It was awkward, sure, but he gave me the lowdown on Jade and then went to work. I spent the day with her, and she’s such a sweet kid. She’s even a big reader.”

I can hear the tone of my voice change when I talk about Jade. The truth is that I adore her already.

We had a great time today, and even though it was hard at times when I had to say no, and she assumed it was her fault, we had a good time. We enjoyed each other’s company.

“He’s moved on.” I sip at my wine, my stomach churning a little. “And so have I.”

When I look up, I’m met with that stare of Liv’s again. She narrows her eyes, reaching for a handful of popcorn and munching on a few pieces before she speaks up again.

“Yeah, I’m not sure you can just trust him to tell you something like that. Things were intense last time. Hell, didn’t he say I love you first and like super fast?”

Heat fills my cheeks as I remember that instance. Easton did say it first when we were out swimming at night. It just slipped out of his mouth, and even though I gave him the chance to take it back, he didn’t.

“I mean, fast is subjective. But yeah, he did.”

“All I’m saying is be careful.” Liv reaches out to squeeze my hand, leaning from her position on the couch to where I’m perched in my plump chair. “Word around town says he hasn’t dated anyone since you.”

“That can’t be true. It’s been seven years. I’m sure that’s just the rumor mill going wild.”

Waving that notion off and pretending like a part of me didn’t enjoy hearing that, I take my own handful of popcorn and pop a few fluffy kernels in my mouth.

“Regardless, I care about you, and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

I offer a tight smile. “I know. Thank you.”

I take her hand, squeezing it back, but I can’t keep going with this conversation. It’s too much; the situation with Easton is messy and complex.

“But hey, how’s the practice? And the library?” I lean back in the chair, pulling the knit orange blanket off the back and over my legs.

“Incredible change of subject.” Liv laughs, shaking her head with a grin. “The practice is good but slow. So no change there, and yes, I’m still working at the library to afford my bills. Unless I get a few more clients, I’m not likely to be quitting any time soon.”

“I’m sorry, hun. If I see any depressed or anxious folks, I’ll send them your way.”

We both giggle at that, and Olivia throws a piece of popcorn at me. “Gee, thanks. But speaking of your real job—not the babysitting that you just couldn’t refuse—your books are still getting checked out and asked for all the time. With the new one coming out soon, we should set you up for a book signing at the library.”

My brows shoot up, and I gasp a little, my hand going to my mouth. “Really?”

The word is garbled around a mouthful of popcorn, and it takes me a second before I can swallow.

“They are? Oh my god. That’s so cool.” A wave of nervousness washes over me when I consider a signing in front of a bunch ofpeople, though. “I don’t know about signing books, though, Liv. I’m a no-one. Nobody would come.”

“Umm, did I not just say I have a hard time keeping your books on the shelf? Tons of people would come.”

“Oh god, I don’t know. That sounds?—”

Ring, ring, ring.

My phone goes off, where it still sits on the island charging. “Shit, sorry about that. I’d better see if it’s Easton, though. Maybe Jade needs something.”

Olivia gives me a look, but she doesn’t say anything. Thank god.

Padding over to the counter, I grab my cell as it rings again. It’s not Easton. I have his number programmed into the phone.

It just says “unknown.”