Page 26 of Nanny for the Bodyguard

The sun is shining brighter than it has all summer, it seems, and I have to admit that it’s nice to be outside enjoying it with Jade.

I’m usually cooped up in my office with my laptop, and even though I’ve still been working on my novel, I’ve been doing it in the company of a ten-year-old.

Sure, my daily word count is down a little, but surprisingly, it works out. We hang out for a bit in the mornings when it’s not too hot, and then Jade and I sit in the same room while I type, and she reads.

I…kind of love it.

As usual, Easton is at work. Today, he’s working from his home office, but I still try to bug him as little as possible.

When he’s out doing the bodyguard thing, it’s a bit easier, but as the CEO and owner of his business as well, he’s got all the paperwork and shit that goes along with it.

It’s a little funny to consider the two very different parts of his job, but it makes sense to me. Easton has always been good at the physical protection thing, and he’s smart, determined.

Setting up his own firm was the perfect fit.

And you really need to stop thinking about him so much.

I sigh, shaking myself as I refocus on the book I’m reading in the hammock with Jade. We were both looking forward to this since she had that fever a few days ago, and I won’t ruin it by being distracted.

But who am I kidding? Easton almost kissed me the other day, and it’s been on my mind pretty much 24/7.

The wind rustles past us as we lounge in the hammock, and I shut my eyes, concentrating on the relaxing feel of it against my skin.

“Did you used to date Uncle Easton?”

I nearly fall out of the hammock, launching Jade out along with me, but thankfully, I catch my balance and look at the girl with wide eyes.

“Excuse me?” I furrow my brow, setting my book down on the ground. “Where did that come from?”

Jade shrugs, turning down the corners of her mouth. “I don’t know. It just seems like you did or something. Like you used to, you know,likelike each other.”

And what precisely am I supposed to say to that? Christ.

Answering that question could be very loaded, and I don’t know how much Easton has told Jade about our past.

But I’m not about to lie to her. The truth always comes out anyway.

“Umm, yeah, actually. We did date. A long time ago.”

Jade shoots up in the hammock, nearly dumping us again. “I knew it! What was it like?”

Oh god. Here we go.

“It was fine. You know, normal relationship stuff.”

My heart is hammering against my ribs now, and where I was getting a little hungry before, my appetite is gone now.

“Tell me about it!” Jade puts her hands in front of her chest, pleading with me to give her details, and damn her for looking so cute.

“Oh, jeez. Okay, okay. Well,” I think about what could be an appropriate story for a kid to hear, “we met at a restaurant here in town, actually. Red’s.”

Frowning, Jade creases her brow and smirks at me. “That’s a bar, Hazel. I know what a bar is.”

Embarrassment flares, and I rub the back of my neck. “Oh, right. Well, yes, we met at a bar. Your uncle was getting a drink, and I happened to walk up to the spot next to him to order, too.”

“Then what?!” Jade’s face is the picture of excitement again, and I can’t help but smile.

The truth is, I remember that night vividly. I’ve thought about it often, and I can picture Easton sitting there with his beer, complaining about the music.