Page 47 of Unexpected

“Did you check the gym?” I asked, trying to buy Preston more time to get back to the pool house.

“That’s a good idea.” She skipped off toward the stairs.

I closed the door and sagged against it. Holy shit—that had been close. Waytoo close.

“Is the coast clear?” Preston asked, and my eyes popped open.

“What are you doing?” I rushed over to him. He was standing on the balcony in nothing but a pair of shorts. His dark hair was mussed, his lips shiny from my…oh God.

“I needed a kiss goodbye.” He batted his lashes at me.

“Preston,” I chided, attempting to push him toward the balcony. Man, he was solid. “You have to go.”

Finally, he swung his leg over the railing. Standing on the opposite side, he held on with one hand while raising the other in the air. “Farewell, fair Alexis. Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

“You did not just quote Shakespeare to me,” I said, placing my hands on my hips, trying not to laugh.

“So what if I did?” He smirked. “With love’s light wings—”

“Preston,” I hissed, clutching the railing. Sweat prickled at the back of my neck. I was afraid Sophia would return at any moment. Even worse, that she’d see him from the yard. “This isn’t funny. We’re not teenagers, and if Sophia sees you…”

“Okay. I’m sorry,” he said, looking contrite as he gave me a quick peck. “I’ll go.”

I watched as he disappeared down the trellis into the garden. And at that moment, I wasn’t sure what I was most afraid of. The prospect of Sophia discovering me in bed with her nanny or that said nanny had used the “L” word, and I wanted him to mean it.

Chapter Fourteen

“Hey, Hunter. What’s up?” I asked, answering the call. I clutched the phone between my shoulder and my ear as I buttoned my shirt.

“Have you been by the apartment lately?” he asked.

“No. Why?”

“I haven’t heard from Kate in a while. And whenever I’ve tried calling her, it goes straight to voice mail.” I could hear the concern in his voice.

“Huh. Okay. You want me to go check on her?” I asked.

He released a breath. “That would be great. Thanks, man.”

“Aww, you do have a heart,” I teased, knowing how protective Hunter was of his baby sister. “And it’s no problem. I just need to make sure Alexis is good with Sophia tagging along.”

“Alexis. She’s the MILF, right?”

I gnashed my teeth. “Don’t call her that.”

“You slept with her.” It was a statement, not a question.

How the fuck did he know that?

“I did not.”

“Thou dost protest too much. How was it? Did she know all these crazy tricks? I’ve never been with an older woman, but I imagine it could be a very…shall we say…valuableexperience.”

I closed my eyes and swiped my hand down my face. “I’m not talking about this with you.”

“You banged your boss.” I gripped the kitchen counter tighter, not sure I wanted to admit it to him. “Damn, she’s getting quite the deal. Two-for-one services—nanny and fucktoy.”

“Shut up, Hunter. Just shut the fuck up.” When I glanced down, I realized my hand was shaking.