Page 77 of Nine Week Nanny

My stomach twists. I know I’m playing with fire, but I also know I can’t stop now.

TWENTY

Pope

The blue glow of 6:00 AM illuminates my bedroom as my alarm chimes softly. I silence it with a quick tap, careful not to make sudden movements.

Sloane's warm body is pressed against mine, her golden-brown hair spilling across my chest like honey.

She stayed. After the pool, I convinced her to spend the night in my bed instead of sneaking back to her room.

I start to harden as I study her bare shoulder. She's relaxed, vulnerable. Something primal and protective surges through me. I want to build walls around this bed, around this moment.

My cock is fully erect against her thigh, my body's automatic response to her nearness. I breathe deeply, trying to control the desire that seems to consume me whenever she's close.

I trace my finger along the outline of her arm, feeling the goosebumps rise under my touch. "Sloane," I whisper, leaning to press my lips against her temple. "Time to wake up."

Her eyes flutter open, confusion giving way to recognition. "What time is it?"

"Six. You asked me to wake you before Lennon gets up."

She stretches against me, her naked body sliding along mine in a way that makes my breath catch. "I did, didn't I?" A soft smile plays at her lips. "Though right now I'm wondering why I'd ever want to leave this bed."

I pull her closer, burying my face in her hair. "You don't have to. Lennon finding us together wouldn't be the end of the world."

"Pope..." Her hand finds my chest, her touch both connection and barrier. "We agreed."

I nod against her hair. "I know. You're right."

She rises on one elbow, looking down at me with those hazel eyes that seem to see right through my carefully constructed walls. Her leg nestles its way between my two. "Thank you for waking me."

I catch her hand, bringing her palm to my lips. "Same time tomorrow?"

Her smile is answer enough before she leans down to kiss me, soft and lingering. Then she's sliding out of bed, gathering her clothes from where they're scattered across my floor.

I watch her dress, memorizing every movement. The curve of her spine as she bends to pull on her shorts. The way she struggles slightly with her tank top, her hair wild from sleep, and my hands.

"See you downstairs," she whispers from the doorway, and then blows me a kiss before disappearing into the hall.

When she's gone, I lie still for a moment. The sheets beside me still hold her warmth, her scent.

With a deep breath, I force myself out of bed and head for the shower, leaving the peaceful cocoon of my bedroom behind.

The shower hits my back, hot water easing the tension in my shoulders. This is the only place I get to think clearly these days. The scalding water is a shield against the chaos my life has become.

My phone vibrates on the counter. Warren's name flashes on the screen.

I turn off the water and wrap a towel around my waist, leaving wet footprints across the marble floor.

"Warren. You're calling early."

"I wanted to catch you before your day starts because I'll be in court most of the day. We need to finalize details for tomorrow."

I grip the phone tighter. Tomorrow. The evaluation with Chris and Dana Black. The thought of seeing my father makes my stomach churn.

"What do I need to know?" My voice is steady despite the anxiety crawling up my spine.

"Ms. Black wants to observe you and Chris with Lennon separately, then together. As we discussed, she'll assess the interactions and overall suitability for a report she's preparing for next week's hearing."