Where did Delaney even start to explain Noah Aylett? “He’s…he’s not what I expected when I took this job. He’s raising Charlotte for his brother, who abandoned her and took off. Noah had to figure it out. But he’s so good with her. Patient in ways I didn’t think men could be. He makes her breakfast every morning and remembers which stuffed animal she needs for comfort. He reads her stories every night, even when he’s exhausted.”
The words poured out of her, weeks of suppressed thoughts finally finding voice. “And he’s kind to me, Lyss. Really kind. I was in a little car accident?—”
“You were? I didn’t hear about that.”
“I didn’t want to worry anybody.” Or explain the strange events of that night. “It’s not important. It’s just that he dropped everything to be there. I was bruised for a few days, so he worked from home to help with Charlotte. He’s…he’s a really good man.”
Exactly the kind of man Delaney wanted to be with someday. But not this man, not this day.
“Take away the fact that you work for him,” Alyssa suggested. “What’s stopping you from being with him?”
Delaney laughed, though it came out more like a choked sob. “He’s way out of my league. He’s smart and handsome and wealthy and?—”
“You’re smart and beautiful, and it’s not like you come from the wrong side of the tracks.”
“I know, but… He’s accomplished. He’s a grown-up, you know? Probably a decade older than me, divorced. He owns his own business. I’m just?—”
“You’re not ‘just’ anything, Delaney. You’re amazing, and he’d be lucky to have you.”
Not really, but she saw no point in arguing. “I don’t think he really has feelings for me. I think it’s just… I mean, we live in the same house. And now we’ve had that kiss. I think…I think it’s just physical for him.”
“What if you’re wrong?” Alyssa asked. “What if he really does have feelings for you?”
The question sent hope fluttering in Delaney’s stomach, quickly followed by a wave of dread. “It doesn’t matter. He’s made it very clear that nothing can happen between us.”
“Maybe, but?—”
“There’s no maybe.”
“Maybe there is. Let’s face it, the fact that you love his niece isn’t exactly a point against you. If he feels the same way?—”
“He can’t. I’m his employee. He’s trying to avoid scandal, and I live in his house.”
“So move out.”
Move out?
Could she? It would be tight financially, but if she could find a room to rent nearby, then that barrier would be lifted.
If she didn’t live at the Aylett house, then maybe their dating wouldn’t be quite as scandalous.
Or maybe their attraction for each other would fade. Well, his for her, anyway. She didn’t think anything was going to change how she felt about him.
It was an idea. But how would she even broach the subject?I have feelings for you, so I’m going to move out so we can explore…
Her cheeks warmed at the thought of that conversation. How would she ever muster up the nerve to say it?
What if he rejected her? What if he laughed at her?
What if he wasn’t who she thought he was?
Owen had been kind to her. He’d been affectionate and attentive. And he’d been a smuggler who’d shot a man.
In a million years, Delaney would never have guessed her gentle-giant boyfriend could be capable of such a thing.
How could she know if Noah really was who he said he was? How could she trust her own judgment?
And if he knew how she felt, he might take advantage of her. He might lure her in and then crush her to pieces.
