Unexpected

by Jenna Hartley

  “Artists like your girlfriend, Kate,” Sophia said.

  “What?” I jerked my head back. “Kate isn’t my girlfriend.” How the hell had she gotten that idea? I needed to correct this and fast, because judging from the look on Alexis’s face, she wasn’t pleased.

  Sophia frowned. “She’s not? She lives at your apartment. And you bought all those candles for that romantic dinner.”

  “Yes,” I said. “She lives there for the summer.” I turned to Alexis. “Kate is Hunter’s sister. Her apartment is being renovated after a fire, and she needed a place to stay. Since Hunter is in New York and I’m living here, it seemed like the perfect setup.”

  Alexis lifted a shoulder. “Sounds like a great compromise.” She spun away from me. “Soph, time for a bath.”

  “Already?” Sophia whined. Fortunately, she hadn’t realized that I’d never answered her question about the candles.

  “Yes, already. It’s nearly eight thirty.”

  Sophia dragged her feet, pausing at the entrance to the kitchen. “But I didn’t get to hear Preston’s three things.”

  “You, your mom, and spaghetti sauce,” I rattled them off.

  Sophia rolled her eyes. “The first two are always the same.”

  “Because they’re always true.” I grinned.

  Sophia finally slunk up the stairs. Once she was out of sight, I slid behind Alexis, wrapping my arms around her waist.

  “I missed you today.” I pressed a kiss to her neck, but she didn’t sink into me like usual. She was stiff. Distant.

  I knew she was tired. I knew she’d had a long day. I wanted her to look forward to coming home at the end of it all, knowing she’d see Sophia and me. Instead, it seemed like she’d rather be anywhere but here.

  “I have to go do bedtime,” she said, walking out of my arms.

  “Hey.” I tugged on her hand, pulling her back to me. “Are you upset with me?”

  “Nope,” she said. “Everything is fine, Preston.”

  Yeah, that was a sure sign everything was not fine.

  “Can I see you…later?” I didn’t care if we had sex or not, not that I’d complain if we did. I just wanted to be with her, hold her.

  “Maybe another night. I have a ton of work to catch up on,” she said, shutting me down.

  “Is this about Kate?” I asked. “Are you jealous?”

  “Jealous?” She scoffed.

  I stepped closer, invading her space. “It’s okay if you are.” I placed my hands on her hips, sliding them over her ass. “It’s actually kind of sexy. But really, there’s no need. Kate is like a little sister to me.”

  I pulled her closer, wanting her to feel how turned on I was. “This—” I ground against her, enjoying the way her eyes darkened “—is what you do to me. No one else. You.”

  She opened her mouth to say something, when Sophia called, “Mommy. Are you coming?”

  Alexis backed away from me, and I could feel the distance between us grow with every step. “I have to go.”

  I nodded, unable to stop watching her, even as she walked away. Alexis didn’t strike me as the type of woman to get jealous. Which made me think something else was bothering her, something she wasn’t telling me.

  I walked over to the pool house and sat staring up at her bedroom window for a long time. The light was on, and I wondered if she’d stay up all night working. Or if she even was working. And I debated what to do as I drank one beer then another. Then another.

  Finally, when she switched off the light, my decision was made.

  I crept across the yard and climbed the trellis to the balcony outside her room. Though she hadn’t been pleased with my last appearance as Romeo, I hoped this time it would be better received. I also hoped none of the neighbors would call the cops.

  I was about midway up when my foot slipped on one of the rungs. “Shit.”

  I found my footing once more. And I finally made it to the balcony, hauling myself over the metal railing. She’d closed the doors, but they weren’t locked. I pushed one open, only to realize that her bed was empty.

  Light filtered in through the door to her bathroom, and I crept closer, wondering if this was a bad idea. But then I saw her staring at herself in the full-length mirror—naked—and all other thoughts fled my mind. She was fucking stunning.

  But as she turned from side to side, tugging at her skin, trying to lift her breasts, the skin next to her eyes, there was a pang in my chest. She was looking for flaws, picking apart her beautiful body. She slumped forward, bowing her shoulders as she placed her hands on the marble countertop.

  “You’re so beautiful,” I said, hoping she’d hear the sincerity in my voice, feel it in my gaze.

  Alexis startled, jumping back from the sink and grabbing a makeup brush, which she brandished like a sword. When she glanced up and realized it was me, her shoulders relaxed. I laughed a little, feeling pleasantly buzzed.

  “Preston.” She held a hand to her chest. “What the hell were you thinking?”

  “I wanted to see you. I wanted to be with you, to hold you.”

  She yanked her robe off the counter and wrapped it around herself. “Well, you scared the shit out of me.”

  “I didn’t like how we left things earlier.” I stepped closer. “Life’s too short to have regrets.”

  Her eyes glittered with unshed tears, and I wondered what she was keeping from me. What was really going on.

  “Talk to me.” I traced the line of her jaw, smoothing my hand over her shoulders. “I want to know what’s bothering you. Is this about Kate?”

  “It’s not about Kate, damn it,” she said, her voice rising. “It’s about what she represents.”

  I frowned, trying to follow her thoughts. “And what’s that?”

  “Youth. Vitality. Not—” she sighed, her movements agitated “—sagging breasts, a C-section scar, and gray hair.”

  “Is that what you see when you look in the mirror?” I asked, spinning her to face the full-length mirror. I placed my hands on her shoulders, gently rubbing up and down her arms.

  “Because I see a woman who is tough, strong.” I circled her, coming to stand so I was in front of her. “I see a woman who is loving and nurturing. Who carried a child and would do anything for her.

  “And I see a woman who is so beautiful inside and out, it takes my breath away.” I used my finger to lift her chin, forcing her to look me in the eye. “All I see is beauty and strength.”

  Tears streamed down her cheeks, and I knew I’d struck a chord. How could she not see how gorgeous she was?

  “Thank you,” she whispered, wiping away her tears. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I keep pushing you away only to pull you back in again. I’m just… I haven’t dated anyone in a long time. And I’ve never dated anyone so much younger than me.”

  I smirked. “I haven’t dated anyone in a long time either. And I don’t see your age, I don’t see your supposed flaws, I see you.” I cupped her cheeks, weaving my fingers through her hair.

  She blinked up at me, her eyes glittering with unshed tears. “I see you too. I see your heart and your potential. I see the way you interact with Sophia, the way you take care of our family.”

  I pressed my lips to hers, feeling even more connected to her than I had before. It was a sweet kiss—a kiss of promise and forgiveness.

  I led her over to the bed and pulled back the covers for her. I tucked her in, so tempted to stay, to tell her I loved her.

  As I was leaving, she grabbed my hand. “I know it’s not fair to ask you this, but will you stay? Just for a little while?”

  “Of course.” I kicked off my shoes and lay on the bed next to her, gathering her into my arms.

  I’d stay for as long as she’d have me.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Lauren was on the phone when I arrived at the property for a walk-through, so I waited in the kitchen. As I was responding to emails, my phone chimed with an incoming text message.

  Preston:
Hope you’re having a great day, beautiful.

  I immediately smiled, typing out a response.

  Me: Not too bad. You?

  Preston: Sophia and I are enjoying the pool.

  A picture came through of Sophia waving from atop the giant flamingo float. Then another of Preston shirtless, wearing aviators and a sexy smirk. I wanted to kiss it off his face.

  I wanted to do that and so much more. I’d never had so much sex in my life as I had the past few weeks, yet I was insatiable when it came to him.

  Me: You play dirty.

  Preston: Only with you. ;)

  I laughed, thinking of how much I was enjoying this little summer fling. It was fun, carefree. I’d never felt sexier or more desired. But there was more to it than that. Much as I wasn’t prepared to admit it, I was falling for Preston.

  He’d been through so much, yet he was still kind. He was loving and affectionate. And he was so sweet with Sophia, it made my heart swell to watch them together.

  “Ooh, girl. Who are you texting?” Lauren asked, her heels clicking against the wood floor.

  I opened my mouth, prepared to lie and tell her I was texting with a buyer, when she said, “And don’t tell me it’s Mateo. Because he told me you shot him down for a second date.”

  I bit my lip and glanced up at her. I’d been sleeping with Preston for weeks now and still hadn’t told her. “I’m scared to tell you.”

  “As long as you’re not getting back together with Cal, I couldn’t care less who it is.”

  “Cal?” I cringed, recoiling at the thought. “Seriously, Lauren? Do you really think so little of me?”

  She tapped her long, manicured nails on the marble countertop. “You’re stalling.”

  “It’s Preston,” I blurted.

  “Yes.” She drew out the word, making it sound like a hiss. “Boy is fine.” She snapped her fingers.

  I squeezed my eyes shut. “Can we please not refer to him as a boy? It makes me feel like even more of a pervert.”

  She placed a hand on my shoulder. “First of all—you’re not a pervert.” Even with my eyes closed, I could feel her watching me. She gave my shoulder a good shake. “Repeat after me: I’m not a pervert.”

  I opened my eyes and shook my head. “I am not saying that. And we need to get back to work.”

  She mimicked the sound of a whip. “Oh, honey. Are you this much of a dominatrix in bed? Is Preston your sub?”

  “Sub?” I laughed nervously. “I’m not even sure I know what that means.”

  She switched on her tablet, flashing me a devious grin. “I forget how innocent you are sometimes.”

  I put my hands on my hips. “I am not.” She kept her attention focused on her tablet, but I saw that eyebrow rise. “I’m not!” I resisted the urge to stomp my feet.

  “Mm-hmm. Have you ever done role-play? Bondage? Had sex in a public place?”

  “I…” I frowned. Maybe she was right. Maybe I was boring.

  I didn’t realize I’d said it aloud until she spoke. “I didn’t say you were boring. I said you were innocent, and I think it’s refreshing.”

  “Yeah, but… Well, do you think Preston will expect me to have some tricks up my sleeve since I’m, you know, older?” I whispered the last word like it was a dirty secret.

  “How has the sex been so far?”

  My face split into a huge smile. “Ah-may-zing. Like, best sex of my life.”

  She grinned. “Damn, girl. You are so lucky. But hey, I’m happy for you. Not jealous at all. Maybe just a little. Does he have any hot friends?” She said it all so quickly, the words almost ran together.

  I laughed. “I don’t know. I haven’t met them.”

  She arched one perfectly shaped brow. “Yeah. Because you spend all your time in bed with Preston.”

  “Hey now. I do other stuff. I spend time with Sophia. I work out. I have a demanding job.”

  “Is that why you’ve been passing off some of the smaller listings to your agents?” she asked.

  I lifted a shoulder. “That actually has more to do with a need for better work-life balance—more time with Sophia. She’s growing up way too fast. My agents work hard, and they deserve it. Besides…I have a newer, bigger listing to focus on.”

  “Mm, girl. Yes. Just how big is Preston’s listing?”

  I covered my mouth to hide my grin. “That was… Wow. I don’t even know what to say to that.”

  “Give me all the deets.” She held up her hands, wiggling her fingers as if gathering the information from me like a spider pulling in its web.

  “Um, no. And I was referring to the Miller property.”

  Her eyes went wide. “Oh shit. You got the listing?”

  “I did.” My smiled spread across my lips.

  This was bigger than I’d ever dreamed of—the opportunity to sell a twenty-million-dollar home in the Hills. It was insane. And I’d made it happen.

  “Congratulations.” She wrapped her arms around me. “I’m so proud of you.”

  I squeezed her back. “Thanks.”

  She released me, only to grip my shoulders. “You’re going to hire me to stage it, right?”

  “Obviously.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Damn… Twenty million dollars. And—” she gave me a devilish smirk “—you’ve snagged yourself a hot man. You’re on fire, Alexis.”

  I laughed. “Whoa. Whoa. I did not snag Preston. There is no ‘snagging.’ This is just a fling.”

  “If you say so,” she said.

  “I know so.” At least, that’s what I kept telling myself, but even I knew it was a lie.

  “Okay.” I crouched before Sophia. “You’re going to be on your best behavior, right?”

  Sophia had been invited to a sleepover at Brooklyn’s, and I was looking forward to a night alone with Preston. No sneaking around. No sleeping apart. We could spend all night together. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was starting to depend on him more and more—and not just for help with Sophia.

  “Yes, Mom.”

  “Brooklyn’s dad knows about your food allergies, but it’s always good to ask about the ingredients if you’re unsure.” She nodded. “All right. Give me a big hug and kiss.” I opened my arms, and she stepped into them. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” Hearing that would never get old.

  A car horn beeped, and she backed away, slinging her duffel bag over her shoulder. I couldn’t believe how big she suddenly seemed.

  “Where’s Preston?” She glanced around. “I wanted to hug him before I go.”

  I tilted my head to the side, assessing her. I was surprised how attached she’d grown to him over the past few weeks. They spent a lot of time together, but she’d spent years with Gabby and Sophia didn’t cling to her like she did Preston. And while it made me happy to see her forming that bond with a father figure, I also worried what would happen when the summer ended. I’d even started trying to think of ways to convince Preston to stay—and not just as the nanny—despite the fact that I knew Gabby was expecting to return to her job.

  “Here I am,” he called, jogging down the stairs. “You almost forgot Princess Sparkles.” He held out her favorite unicorn stuffed animal.

  “Thank you!” She wrapped her arms around Preston’s neck, and he swung her around. I loved the sound of her giggles. I loved watching them interact.

  The doorbell chimed, and I could see Brooklyn’s and Nate’s silhouettes through the glass. Sophia lunged for the door and pulled it open.

  “Brooklyn Bridge!”

  “Sopapilla!”

  I laughed at their silly nicknames as I extended my hand to shake her dad’s. “Hey, Nate.”

  “Hey, Alexis. Good to see you.” He smiled.

  “Same.”

  Nate’s eyes darted between Preston and me, and I knew he was trying to figure out who Preston was to me.

  “Hi,” Preston said, extending his hand. “I’m Preston.”

  When he didn’t explain that he was So
phia’s nanny, I rushed to add, “He’s been watching Sophia this summer.”

  A muscle in Preston’s jaw ticked, but I turned my attention back to Nate and gave him a bright smile. “Any questions? You have the list of Sophia’s allergies?”

  “Wheat, gluten, and oats,” Brooklyn chimed in.

  I smiled down at her. “Perfect. You guys have fun, and we’ll see you in the morning.”

  Nate said nothing, but his expression spoke volumes. He clearly suspected something was going on between Preston and me. And if so, he wasn’t wrong. Still, I wasn’t ready to share that we were together. Wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready for that. I could only imagine the reactions of the other parents.

  “See you tomorrow,” Nate said.

  Preston and I waved goodbye, watching as Nate’s Land Rover disappeared down the drive before shutting the front door.

  “Why did you do that?” he asked.

  “I’m so sorry,” I said, knowing I’d made a mistake, knowing I’d hurt him. “I panicked.”

  He frowned. “You don’t owe Nate any explanation.”

  “You’re right.” I slumped. But that was easier said than done.

  I hated the fact that we were finally alone together, and we were arguing. I leaned back against the door, flashing him a sultry smile. “Let me make it up to you.”

  “I like the sound of that.” Preston inched closer, crowding me. I placed my hands on his chest, smoothing them over his shoulders so I could wrap them around his neck.

  “But first,” he said. “Dinner, drinks, and dancing.” He placed his hands on my hips, shifting them from side to side, moving us to a beat only he could hear.

  I arched a brow. “Dancing, huh?”

  I was intrigued but also anxious. Typically, a fling meant no dates, right? I knew I was kidding myself by calling it a fling, but I wasn’t ready to admit to my feelings. And, as much fun as it sounded, going out together in public was a big step. Our relationship was a secret, and I wanted to keep it that way.