“Lanie,” I say by way of greeting, “I’ll finish getting everyone ready so you can shower and get ready before we have to leave.”
I turn to Tate, who is smiling broadly. “Hey, buddy, it’s time to get ready for school. What do you want for lunch today?”
He raises his head to stare at Lanie.
“It’s alright, buddy, we can save this game for after school. I’ll leave it right here all set up for when you get back…I’ll even make sure your dad doesn’t peek and try to cheat,” She stage whispers with a smile and a wink.
Before I can stop myself, I take a step closer to her and lower my voice. “Oh, Lanie, I’ve never been a cheater, but when I decide I want something, I don’t let up until it's mine.”
Realizing Tate is still watching us, I take a step back. “Okay, bud, what about lunch?” He gives me a grave look and then glances at Lanie.
Shit, what is he thinking?
“It’s alright,” Lanie tells me, “I’ve already made his lunch. Tate-o-nator, why don’t you get dressed and brush your teeth? I’m excited to see your school today.”
He gives her a smile and heads to the hallway. I turn to Lanie and see her regarding me with something I can’t quite place.
“Sorry, you had such a hard morning, Dex.” She puts extra emphasis on the word hard. I can see the humor in her eyes. The expression I couldn’t place? Mischief, pure trouble. “I hope my presence here isn’t putting you in a hard place,” she says it innocently enough but then laughs. “I told you not to fall for me. I haven’t been here for 24 hours, and it already seems like this could become quite a sticky situation.”
She smirks and turns her back to me.
Does she know I was jerking off in the shower? With the hard-on I had, I’m sure there is no doubt what I was doing. Somehow, that turns me on even more. I know I shouldn’t engage, but she did say she will only be here a year, right? Living in my house. Sharing a wall with me. It is most definitely the worst idea in the history of bad ideas. Still, I can’t help myself. I’m drawn to her in a way I can’t explain. I decide to shoot myself in the foot and go for it.
“Lanie, Lanie, Lanie,” I say, stalking her slowly. “A little flirting could make this year a hell of a lot of fun.” Or I could end up with the world's worst case of blue balls, I think to myself. Either way, at some point this morning, I’ve already decided I don’t give a fuck. I want her. Finally, admitting that to myself, I walk over to her. “However, the only sticky situation was in my shower ten minutes ago, and I can promise you, I won’t be falling in love with you. My heart is on permanent lockdown. I can’t help it if my cock has other plans.”
I wink at her and she gasps, turning bright red. I realize I have just crossed over so many lines that I positively shouldn’t have. I can’t have her quitting before I even get to London. Her body language tells me she is enjoying this banter with me, though. She started it, after all.
I shrug my shoulders and lean into her. Lanie tilts her head and her lips fall open. She thinks I’m going to kiss her and damn if my cock isn’t screaming at me to do just that, but not yet. I’ve got too much riding on this to make that move yet. Instead, I reach down and pat Harper's sleeping head. She frowns and I can’t help but laugh.
“Alright,” I say to her, trying not to laugh. “Please explain to me how and why you have two kids strapped to your body.”
I scan her from head to toe painstakingly slowly, and I see her shudder. Good. I like knowing she reacts to me in kind. When I finally make her mine, it is going to be fucking amazing watching her body respond to me. I almost can’t believe I’m not scolding myself, but somehow, making her mine makes my chest feel tight. Somewhere, my inner voice is reminding me I haven’t known her a week, slow the fuck down. Right now, I just don’t have it in me to care.
“Well,” she starts, and I wonder if she can even control the sass that shines from her. “I woke up because I heard Tate singing to the girls. He was on the floor with them looking at books and singing.” I stare at her, stunned. I don’t think I have ever heard Tate sing, and certainly not in the last year. “Anyway,” she continues, “I walked in and started talking to him, well, maybe at him since he didn’t reply much, but I found out he was letting you sleep because he thought you were tired.” She shrugs, “I asked if I could help.”
She says that like it explains everything.
“I’ve never heard him sing. I’m sorry I missed it.” I say, sincerely feeling sad.
“He is a great big brother. He loves these girls so much,” Lanie says as if lost in thought.
I smile because, really, there’s nothing to say to that. The one bright spot in his pain has been loving on his sisters. “That doesn’t explain why you’re all harnessed in, carrying two babies.”
She blushes and my balls tighten.
“You know a lot about harnesses?” She asks, looking up at me through her thick eyelashes.
I let a small groan escape my lips and close my eyes briefly. This is going to be a hell of a year.
She seems to sense my distress and laughs. “I tried putting the girls in their high chairs so we could cook, but they were not having it. I asked Tate if you had any baby carriers, and he showed me your closet that could rival any baby registry. I found these and tada.”
I smile at her sheepishly, “I bought all that stuff and couldn’t figure out how to use half of it. I guess I never had the time to return anything. It’s just been sitting there, I’m glad something is finally getting used. Let’s get you out of them so you can get cleaned up. I'm an expert at harnesses now, by the way,” she sucks in a breath, and it’s my turn to laugh.
I reach in to unbuckle Harper from her front, and my hand accidentally brushes the underside of her breast.
“Sorry.” It comes out in a hoarse whisper.
I quickly move my hand and stare into her blue eyes. Her face is bright red and she has her bottom lip between her teeth. I unhook the other side of the baby carrier, holding Harper in my left arm. I put my thumb on Lanie’s chin, effectively releasing her lip from her teeth.
“Don’t do that,” I tell her. “It does things to me.”
I turn away but not before I see the heat in her eyes and lay Harper down on her playmat. Once she is settled, I head back to Lanie and turn her around.
“I’m going to unhook Sara now and lay her down next to Harper. Then I can help you out of these things.”
After laying the girls on their playmat, I turn around to find Lanie is still standing in the middle of the room. I walk back to her and start undoing the hooks and buttons that are still holding the baby carries to her front and back.
“What do you mean it does things to you?” She asks, trying to meet my eyes, her voice is a breathy whisper.
As much as I would love to show her just what it does to me, I know I have to rein this— whatever this is—in. At least until I get back from London.
Instead of answering, I let my hands graze down her arms while removing the carrier from her back and am fucking delighted when goosebumps rise all over her soft body. She is so responsive I almost break.
Leaning down, my mouth is just inches from her ear, I whisper, “Go get dressed, we have to take Tate to school shortly. I’ll need to introduce you to everyone.”
She shivers and takes off, not looking back once.
Lanie
Chapter 11
I walk to my room as quickly as I can on shaky legs. What the hell happened today? One minute I’m making pancakes with Tate, and the next, I’m flirting with Dex. I haven’t even been able to speak to a man in the last 18 months. Now I’m okay aggressively flirting with one? At least, I think it was flirting. It has been a long time. Too long, in fact.
After taking a shower, I smirk as I remember his heated gaze when I mentioned he had a hard morning. I can’t help it; I break out into a full belly laugh.
This won’t be so bad, right? I told Dex I would stay for one year. With the attraction betwee
n us, maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to explore. We have an end date already; he doesn’t do love, and I want to find a way to have it again. It should be a win-win. I just have to figure out how to get Dex to agree.
I know I have to be downstairs any minute, but I need my best friend. Pulling up her name, I hit facetime, waiting for it to connect.
“Jules,” I hiss when I see her smiling face. “I haven't been here a week and we are already flirting. ME, Jules, I am flirting with a man!”
“O-kay,” she says, slowly trying to contain her amusement. “I know there are a million ways this could go sideways, but you are both consenting adults. As long as you both agree to put the children first, I don’t see why it's such a big deal. I’m actually freaking ecstatic for you. You’re finally on the road to recovery, my friend. If that hot specimen of a man can help you move on, I say go for it.”
“It’s not that easy, Jules,” I complain.
“Answer me this,” it’s how Julia starts most of her interrogations. “How would you feel watching Dex leave on a date with someone else? He is the first man in almost two years you have had chemistry with. Would you honestly be okay with him dating someone else if you didn’t at least explore it first?”
A sadness that makes no sense considering I just met the man washes over me as I picture Dex on a date with someone else. Since I don’t want to answer Jules, I tell her a different truth, “I know, without a doubt, I’m in for heartbreak with this guy.”
“Sometimes, we have to have a little heartbreak to get where we need to be. Maybe a little heartbreak will be worth it if he can help you get past what happened to you. Remember, you are the one who keeps saying you will only stay a year. You have to remember that. You aren’t the only one risking heartbreak if you take things any further with him,” Jules informs me.
“You’re right, as always. Lord knows if I don’t do something, I will end up as alone as my mother has always been,” I say morosely.
“Lanie Kathleen Heart. You listen, and you listen good,” Julia scolds. “You are not, nor will you ever be, alone.”
“Thanks, Jules. I have to get going. Tate has to be at school soon. Luvs.” I send kisses through the phone before hanging up.
Luvs. Never alone. Remember that. With that sobering thought running through my head, I get dressed and run down the stairs to help load the kids into the car.
Tate’s school is surprisingly traditional. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but as we pull up to the brick L-shaped building that says ‘Waverley-Cay Elementary’ on it in bright green letters, I smile. I look back at Tate, and he has a nervous frown on his face. I wish I knew why. He should be loving school at this age.
We park in front of the building. I start unbuckling the girls while Dex gets out the monstrous double stroller. Tate stands beside the car, wringing his hands.
“Hey, buddy, what’s up? Are you nervous about school today?” I ask.
He shakes his head and stares straight ahead, but I sense something is amiss.
Dex locks the car, and I reach out to Tate, not sure if he will take it or not but smile when he slips his little hand into mine. I give him a small squeeze of encouragement.
“Tate will have to head straight to his class while we check-in at the office,” Dex starts. “Tate, you go ahead to your classroom, Lanie and I have to sign in and fill out some paperwork. When we finish, we will come down to your classroom and introduce Lanie to Mrs. Williams.”
Tate nods his head, squeezes my hand, then slowly walks down the hall with his head lowered.
“Has he ever said anything to you about not liking school?” I ask when Tate is out of earshot.
Dex shakes his head, appearing sad. “No. I know he is different lately, though. He used to love coming to school. This year has been tough on him. He never complains, but he doesn’t ask to play or see anyone outside of school. To be honest, I’m not even sure who his friends are, or who they used to be. The other nannies were never very good at giving me details.” He says as though it’s just occurring to him, he scowls. “Turn left here and show them your license at the desk. You’ll have to sign a document and some permissions, then you can head to Tate’s classroom. I’ll fill out the necessary forms, it’ll be faster this way. I have a meeting at 10:30. I’ll meet you in the classroom as soon as I’m done here.”
I do as he asks, and I’m directed down the hall to the last door on the right. I walk the halls slowly, looking at all the happy artwork lining the walls. The school has done an exceptional job of making it feel homey and cheerful. The walls, although made out of what looks like cement blocks, are painted a light airy blue. Each classroom has a section with bulletin boards, classwork decoratively displayed.
I stop to study one self-portrait that is so insane I try not to laugh when I hear a commotion. I turn and realize it is coming from the boy's restroom. I know I can’t go in. That is until I hear the taunting.
“Tate, Tate, you’re always late, so now this is forever your fate,” a boy standing over Tate is singing.
I am through the door before I even realize I am moving, frozen by what I see. Tate is being held down by a rather large kid who has what appears to be soap stuck on a stick. I stare at it carefully and realize it's not a bar of soap, but a urinal cake and the little asshole is trying to rub it all over Tate’s face and clothes.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I yell as I rip the kid off Tate. I have the little bully by the arm and am picking Tate up with my other hand.
“Lanie, please don’t,” Tate whispers.
I see he has tears coming down his face. I turn to the bully and do my best not to throttle him. “You,” I point menacingly, “what is your name?”
“I don’t have to answer you. I’m going to get you kicked out of here for entering the boy's bathroom,” the little shit says.
“You listen to me, you little punk, you ever touch Tate, look at Tate, talk to Tate, or even think about Tate again, I will make your life a living hell. I don’t care what you think you can do to me; I will make sure you get what’s coming to you tenfold. Do I make myself clear?” The vitriol in my voice is unfamiliar.
He rolls his eyes while I turn to Tate.
“Hey, buddy,” I say, trying to inject every ounce of sweetness I can into my words for him. “You take a few minutes and get cleaned up. I’m taking this kid to meet your teacher. You come to find me when you’re ready, alright?”
He shakes his head but won’t make eye contact with me.
I turn to the bully. “You, move it. NOW!” I yell.
By the time I reach Tate’s classroom, I am shaking with rage. During the short walk across the hallway, the bully informs me that Mrs. Williams already knows. He said because of who his father is, she will not do anything. We walk into the classroom, him heading straight for the teacher.
“Mrs. Williams, this crazy lady just escorted me out of the restroom, I think I should call my father now,” the conniving little ass threatens.
I catch the momentary fear cross her face before she rises from her desk to walk into the hallway with me. She immediately starts as if she is going to direct this conversation.
Oh, hell-no, lady.
“I’m assuming you are yet another new nanny for Tate?” She asks, barely hiding her disgust.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. Lanie Heart.” I reach out my hand, which she chooses not to shake.
“Yes, well, Ms. Heart, we have rules in this school. I’m afraid we are going to have to call the school officials. Parents are not allowed in the children’s restrooms, ever,” she informs me in the most demeaning manner.
“You know what?” I say, barely containing my anger. “That is a great idea. I would like to file a complaint. Do you know where all of your students are, Mrs. Williams? Do you know that I had to enter that bathroom because that bully in there was holding Tate down on the bathroom floor trying to force-feed him a urinal cake?”
She pales but do
esn’t respond. That’s when I realize the bully was telling the truth.
“This isn’t the first time this has happened, is it, Mrs. Williams? This behavior has been going on for quite some time, yet you’ve done nothing to stop it, have you?”
“Ms. Heart, you don’t understand,” she says, her voice shaky. “Jake just has a way about him, it’s not just Tate that he teases, it’s not that big of a big deal. His other nannies never said a word.”
I see red. “I don’t give a flying fart what his other twit nannies have done or haven’t done.” I’m yelling now, and I can’t seem to stop myself. I’m vaguely aware of someone coming down the hall, but I am on a roll.
“I am here now. I will be here. Every. Single. Day. I will be checking on Tate and his classmates. I will be making calls and hounding this school day and night until Jake faces the consequences of his actions. I don’t care who his father is. He. Will. NOT. Hurt. Tate. Again. Do you understand me? You’ll be lucky if you get to keep your job when I am through with you.” Just then, a hand is laid gently on my shoulder. I turn to see Dex with Tate at his side, both of them eyes wide and mouths agape. If I wasn’t so mad, I might laugh.
“Mrs. Williams, I’m not sure what is going on, but I suggest you call the office and have someone cover the class. I think we need to have a meeting right now.” Dexter’s voice is deadly calm, but I can see the vein in his temple throbbing.
I get on my knees so I am at eye level with Tate. “Hey, Tate-o-nator, everything is going to be just fine. I promise you. Are you good to go into the classroom?” I ask, holding him securely. “I was hoping you could show me your desk. I’ll help you get settled while we wait for Mrs. Williams’ helper to come from the office.”
He seems to be slightly in shock but walks with me into the classroom.
We get him set up at his desk and am relieved to see that Jake is across the room. He still looks evil, but I can see he is at least a little worried. Even from here, I can hear the controlled venom spewing from Dexter.
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