“But thank you.” He looks at me, and I cock my head in confusion. “For calming her down,” he adds, gesturing to the closed door.
“It won’t happen again,” I say quickly. He just nods and goes into the bedroom, closing the door behind him. I let out a breath of air and feel my body slump.
So stupid, Evi. So fucking stupid.
The door reopens, and Nick hands me my phone and charger. I take it without saying anything or looking at him. I’m too embarrassed. I go downstairs to the guesthouse to shower and get ready for my day.
That was not how I anticipated meeting Nick Wilder.
*
When I get out of the shower, I realize it’s raining. I throw on a pair of leggings, a vintage pullover sweatshirt that says Nike, and some sneakers. I didn’t wash my hair because it takes way too long to dry, so I pull it back into a loose ponytail. I apply a little bit of makeup—mascara and blush, mostly.
I anxiously look at my phone. Eight forty-five. My official workday begins soon, and I have to go inside and face Nick again.
Ugh.
I cringe when I think back to the look on his face when I woke up.
He was so angry.
I guess I would be, too, if I caught the new nanny sleeping in the bed I used to share with my late wife. I want to smack myself.
I swipe on some Chap Stick and grab my phone, ready to head in. I stop and stare out at the main house. God… this morning was so embarrassing. I want to curl up on my bed and never face Nick again. But I suck it up and run out, sprinting to the back door of the main house to try and avoid the heavy downpour.
“Evi!” Bria shrieks, running over to me and throwing her arms around me. “You’re finally here!” she says. “I wath waiting for you.”
“Oh, well, it’s a good thing I’m here now,” I say. I try to act chipper even though I haven’t had my coffee yet.
As I make my way over to the coffee machine, I notice Nick sitting at the breakfast bar, reading the newspaper. I ignore him, and instead work around the kitchen like it’s my own. Though I understand why he was angry with me, I’m still mad because it’s not like I had a choice. Really, he should’ve been the one here last night. I was only doing my job.
I pour myself a generous cup of coffee and skip breakfast. I’m not that hungry anyways.
“What should we do today?” I ask Bria, who has followed me into the kitchen.
“Can I go jump in some puddles?” she asks, her eyes pleading. I look over at Nick, and I see a very small smile form on his lips. I take that as his approval.
“Of course.” I laugh as she zooms over to the back door and throws it open. “Wait, your coat!” I yell, going over to the coat rack to get her rain jacket. “Stay in the backyard! And if you get cold, come inside!”
I sip my coffee, and in an effort to avoid being alone with Nick, I decide to grab a towel and fresh clothes for Bria. Whenever Elijah and I played in the rain, my mother always had towels and dry clothes waiting for us by the back door. I go upstairs and into Bria’s room, grab a sweater, some pants, and warm, fuzzy socks. I pick up a fresh towel on my way back down.
As I search through the cupboards, I can feel Nick’s eyes on me. I turn around.
“Do you have hot chocolate?” I ask. His lip curves slightly. I think he’s about to smile again, but instead his brow furrows.
“Yeah. Should be on the top shelf.”
“Ah, got it,” I say when I find it hidden behind some popcorn.
“What are you doing?” he asks, watching me again.
“Making Bria some hot chocolate for when she comes back in,” I explain factually. “I also got her some dry clothes and a towel. My mother always used to do that for us.”
“That’s nice of you,” he says gently.
I look over at him. Maybe he feels bad about earlier.
“I don’t want her catching a cold,” I mutter, shrugging my shoulders.
“She likes you,” he says, and he sets his newspaper down. “I’m glad. I knew she would.”
I spin around and look at him.
“I like her, too.” Her father, I’m not so sure.