Page 89 of Nanny for the Bodyguard

There's a hesitation on the other end of the line, and then my new client, Rebecca, answers.

“Okay, I trust you. I know that you're trying your best and that if these men work for you, they've got to be amazing, too. All right. Thank you. Could you send me that information? I'll make sure to get it all filled out for you.”

I can sense the relief coming from Rebecca, and the pinch in my chest backs off some.

“A payment plan would also be very beneficial. I just broke up with Todd not too long ago and he's had control of my finances.”

“Of course, Rebecca, whatever we need to do to work this out. I'm going to put you in touch with my financials department, okay?”

I'm nodding along even though I know she can't see me.

“Okay. That sounds good. Thank you so much, Easton.”

I smile, genuinely happy that I can still manage to help people like this. “I'm happy to help.”

Standing up from my desk, I stretch as I shut the laptop. I need more than a five second break from the computer screen.

“I'll have those emails out to you right away.”

We hang up, and I set my cell phone down on the desk. It has been averylong day, and I amdesperatefor some type of drink or relief or something.

I run my hand through my hair, stress lingering in all of my muscles as I think about how much work I have on my plate right now.

I wished I was spending more time with Jade this summer, trying to fill her life with something fun and enjoyable while she's not in school, especially considering everything she went through.

But everything about this is so demanding. And then, of course, there's the looming threat of an escaped convict.

As soon as I sit down in my desk chair, the door to my office opens, and I see Hazel coming inside with a mug in her hands. She gives me a smile as she steps inside, closing the door behind her.

“Hey, would you like some coffee?”

I grin back, always so happy to see her, and take the cup from her hands.

“I would love some coffee. What's Jade up to?”

Hazel makes a face, part smile, part annoyance, as she sits down in the chair across from me.

“She is on a video call with her friends in her bedroom. They're playing some weird video game. I have a feeling that she'll be distracted for a while, so I wanted to come in and check on you.”

I snort out a laugh, taking a sip of my coffee before I set it down on my desk, careful to avoid any paperwork that might get stained with brown rings.

“While it is very nice of you to think that I need to be checked on, I’m okay. Though, to be honest, I am stressed as fuck. I think I need a break. There's been a lot to deal with all day today, and with the new client that I'm trying to help…it's just been a lot. Her boyfriend,Todd, has been stalking her and?—”

“Easton, slow down. It sounds like, yes, youdoneed a break, so take one.”

Standing up from her chair, Hazel rounds my desk and perches on the edge with her knees brushing against mine. Her fingers find my hair, and she smooths them through it over and over again, almost like she's petting me.

The sensation feels fantastic, and the lingering unease inside me slowly starts to unwind.

My muscles have been as rigid as iron, and as Hazel continues to caress me with those slim fingers of hers, they gradually relax more and more.

“You're so tense. Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?” Hazel’s voice is husky, and I immediately notice the innuendo haunting those words.

I've been thinking about finding a way to be with Hazel again since that last time in my bedroom. If Jade isthoroughlydistracted right now with the video game that I think she's playing, we might have a few minutes to get away with something.

“I think you damn well know there is.” I meet Hazel’s eyes, smirking as I take her hand and guide it to the growing erection behind my zipper. “You sure?”

Hazel’s eyes sparkle, those flecks of browns and greens that swirl through the iris effortlessly beautiful. She slides down from the edge of my desk, going to her knees in front of me.