“I guess you’ll be here to witness it.” The dimple in his cheek causes the space between my legs to heat. Our breath is warm, and we’re so close. My lips are full and heavy, and if I lift my chin, I’m certain his would dip, and our mouths would caress…
Or maybe I’m daydreaming.
Stepping back, I do my best to break the spell. “I’d better go on up. Morning comes early.”
His eyes hold mine, warm and inviting. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Jesus take the wheel, if I told him what I need right now…
“Thanks.” I’m retreating fast, while I still can. “And thanks for the job.”
“You’re helping me, remember?” He smiles, and that dimple almost scrambles my brain.
“Right. Although, it looks like you’ve got everything pretty much under control.”
“Things aren’t always how they appear.”
He can say that again. I turn, leaving as fast as possible without running. If I stay here, so close to him one more minute, I’m not sure what might happen.
In my room, I strip off my leggings and toss the chambray shirt on the back of a chair. I grab a notebook from my backpack and crawl into the super silky sheets, beneath the thick duvet, and bend my knees.
At the top of the page, in all capital letters, I write GOALS. Under it, I make a numbered list.
1. Get my own place.
2. Pay off my credit card.
3. Save for new career options.
Yes. This is what I need to do. Focus on my goals. This is how I’ll resist the temptation sleeping one floor below me andnot fuck this up.
“Penny cakes!” Lillie sits on the stool across from me with a plastic cup of orange juice in one hand and a fork in the other.
I frown, studying the box of pancake mix.Mix with water, drop onto hot griddle, flip when bubbles appear.
I take a sip of coffee. I’ll have to get up earlier for this. It sounds so easy, but I’m not convinced. “Let’s just have go-gurt and toast today.”
Her little lip pokes out, and even pouting, I swear, she’s the cutest thing. Leaning forward, I speak softly, our faces close. “Remember how Tiana can cook anything in New Orleans?”
Her pout turns to a big smile, and she nods excitedly.
“I am not Tiana. I’m more like… Lottie.”
Her shoulders drop, and I nod, pressing my lips into a frown. “But I’ll learn. Maybe we can learn together?”
Her excitement returns. “Yes!”
“In the meantime…” I pass her a plastic pouch of yogurt and pull a loaf of bread out of the small box on the counter. “Go-gurt and toast. I’ll put some peanut butter on it.”
That satisfies her, and Eleanor breezes into the room wearing beige pants and a navy sweater with a neat Chanel scarf tied at her neck.
“Good morning, Lillie, Ruby. I trust you slept well?” She places a mug in the Keurig, pops in a pod, and hits the brew button. “Sorry I had to turn in early. I was very tired. Guess I’m getting older.”
I don’t believe that for a second. She’s studying me like one of those predator birds, searching for signs of weakness. Too bad she’s not going to find any.
“No worries.” I smile as I spread peanut butter on Lillie’s toast—all-natural, of course. “Lillie showed me my room.” I wink at my little charge as I hand her the toast. “Remi filled in the rest.”
Her eyes narrow, and I know what she’s thinking.
