When we pulled up to Javier’s place, I climbed out first. I didn’t have the heart to storm away. Because storming away would’ve meant not saying good night to Aleesa.
I helped her out of her car seat and carried her to the house while Javier collected the to-go bag. Once inside, I kicked out of my heels before making my way to the living room.
“Tava. Can you eat wif me?” she asked as Javier placed their food on the counter.
“Oh, honey, I don’t think so. I already ate, so I’m a little full already.”
“Please,” she begged, clasping her hands and giving me puppy dog eyes. Guilt gnawed at me. This girl was too much. She knew exactly how to play her cards to win me over.
“How about I just sit with you?” I offered.
“Yay!” She ran to the table and climbed into her booster seat, ready for her meal. I sat in my designated chair, which was right next to hers, while Javier placed a plate on the table in front of her. I felt him looking at me. I didn’t bother looking back.
This had to be a violation of my rights, right?
A breach of contract of some sort?
But then again, there was no clause stating that my boss couldn’t interrupt my dates. There was, however, a clause stating that he could not terminate me due to anything pertaining to my personal life.
Aleesa dug into her food, and Javier did the same. He’d gotten the glazed chicken too. The few bites I’d had were delicious ... but I wasn’t about to agree on anything with him right now.
Aleesa made all kinds of noises while she ate, bobbing her head and kicking her feet. She tried offering me a broccoli floret, but I politely declined.
“Suit you’self,” she quipped.
I fought a smile. She was making itreallyhard to stay serious. And it didn’t help that she’d taken a page out of my book. Whenever she’d decline something healthy that I would offer, I’d say “suit yourself.”
Once she’d finished eating, I helped her out of her chair. “Are we good now?”
“Can you read to me, Tava?”
Oh my goodness.
I side-eyed Javier, who was placing their plates in the sink. He could have intercepted her at any time and told her I had to go, redeemed some of my respect, but he hadn’t. The prick. He still hadn’t said a single word. And he still looked angry. The fuck was wrong with him?
“Just one story, then Ireallyhave to go, okay?”
“Okay.” She grinned and tugged on my hand, leading me out of the kitchen. I followed her up the stairs and into her room. I never read her a story without putting her pajamas on first, so I changed her clothes, then helped her brush her teeth.
After detangling her hair, I put her cute little bonnet on. I’d bought the bonnet when I first started working with her. Why not? Her curls were too beautiful not to protect. And she loved it, said it made her feel like a princess.
I sat in the recliner in the corner, and she plucked a book from her shelf—one about a baby panda searching for his family.
Somehow, reading a story turned into her showing me the play food she’d made earlier—and a naked doll with crayon all over it that she said needed a bath—until eventually, she rubbed her eyes and told me she was ready for bed.
I laid her down and turned on the white noise machine.
Someone turned the big lights off, so the night-light took their place. I looked over my shoulder after tucking her in. Javier stood between the jambs of the door with a shoulder pressed to one.
At least he didn’t look angry anymore.
“Good night, Leesa. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I planted a kiss on her forehead, then tugged my dress down by the hem before heading to the door.
“Excuseme,” I grumbled through gritted teeth. Javier shifted sideways before making his way into the room to give Aleesa a kiss.
I drifted through the hallway, ready to take the stairs down and get the hell out of there, but Javier called my name.
I stopped in my tracks and twisted around as he left the door open just a crack. When he fully faced me, I got tired of bottling my anger.
