Jessica sets a platter of pancakes on the table. “Excellent. It’s all figured out.”
I didn’t agree to anything, but when I open my mouth to say as much, she slays me with a look that makes me feel guilty down to my toes. I don’t dare speak.
She pats my arm. “Now sit down and eat. We can discuss our costumes for the Smuggler’s Holiday Masquerade Dance. I’m thinking we go as mermaids and mermen this year.”
“I’m actually bartending at the dance. I volunteered sinceRumrunneris closed on Christmas Eve.”
And I had nowhere else to go. I’m not about to attend a dance with a room full of couples in love by myself. It’d be different if the dance happened in the summer with droves of tourists. While there are tourists who attend the Masquerade Dance, they’re mostly couples who have decided to escape their families and spend the holiday on the island.
“You’ll have to miss the dance this year, but next year I expect you there.”
“I—”
“WAH!” Adele cries through the baby monitor and cuts me off.
Zane starts to stand but Jessica waves him off. “Let me spend a few more minutes with my granddaughter.” She sweeps out of the room and I can finally breathe again.
“What is happening?”
Zane piles a bunch of chocolate chip pancakes on his plate. “No idea.”
“Zane.”
He shoves a forkful of pancake into his mouth and shrugs.
I frown at him. He’s lying. I know he is. But about what? And why?
Why would Zane want me to attend Christmas with his family? He flees from the word relationship.
Maybe he’s keen to ensure I remain his nanny?
I don’t know. All I do know is he’s confusing the smuggler out of me.
Chapter 21
“Nothing says holiday spirit like realizing you’re screwed (in the good way).”
Zane
“There you go, baby girl,” I murmur to Adele as I finish dressing her. “All set for your first Christmas.”
“How was the ball last night?” Sloane asks as she stumbles into the room.
She’s dressed for the holiday in a black skirt and red blouse. She’s beautiful and all I can think about is tearing those clothes off her. My cock twitches in agreement.
Unfortunately, Sloane’s avoided meeting my gaze since the other night. She needs time to realize our relationship has changed.
I grit my teeth and force my cock under control before lifting Adele from the changing table and placing her on my hip. “We didn’t go.”
I couldn’t stand the thought of Adele being with a babysitter on Christmas Eve. And there was no way I was taking my baby girl to a ball on Smuggler’s Hideaway, where the moonshine flows and the pranks abound.
“You didn’t go. Why….” She trails off with a gasp. “Oh my mermaid. Adele is adorable in her Christmas dress.”
Pride for my daughter fills me. “She is, isn’t she?”
She holds up a finger. “Hold on.”
I make my way to the living room with Adele as Sloane rushes to her bedroom. She hurries back carrying a wrapped present.
