“No worries,” I told her. “I’m sure I could have handled it better.”
Jared jumped in and asked how Lulu was.
“She’s awesome,” I said with a smile. “She’s curious and has non-stop energy.”
“How old is she?” Haley asked me.
“Two and a half,” I said.
“That’s a lovely age,” she said enthusiastically.
I looked at her in surprise. “Do you have experience with kids?”
She nodded. “I was a nanny for years.”
“Really?” I gave her a closer look. “Did you enjoy it?”
“I loved it. I only worked for one family, and then the kids got too old to need me, and I ended up in the corporate world. Started out as a way to make money, and I found my way to a great company.”
I forget about everyone else in the booth as I focus on Haley. “What company do you work for?”
She blinked behind her cat-framed glasses like she’s surprised at the question. “Same as Ash. Mia Wild’s company. I love her foundation because it focuses on rescued horses.”
“You like saving animals?”
“Beats trying to save people.”
Her blue eyes widened like she definitely didn’t mean to reveal that.
And I’m fully invested in learning more. I put down the mug of beer in my hand. “Why’s that?”
Haley shifted in her seat. “Adult people can’t be trusted. Animals can.”
“Adult people?” I fight a smile.
“Right.” She rotated her beer mug around in the condensation left on the table. “Children are still innocent.”
I opened my mouth to say something, but Haley spilled her beer all over herself. I didn’t miss how her hands were shaking.
“Shoot.” She stood up. “What a mess. I’m just going to go home and shower.”
“But…” Emerson reached out to grab Haley. “Max and I will share an Uber with you.”
“Oh, don’t end your evening on account of my clumsiness.” Haley was already ten feet away. “Nice to see everyone. Good night!”
And she was gone.
I went home and jerked off to her for weeks on end.
But seeing her now evoked different emotions in me.
She was crying.
I frown as I remember the tears fucking pouring down her soft cheeks. God knows how she was even able to make her way through the airport through her tears.
I wanted to soothe her. I wanted to help. I’ve sworn off all women since my divorce, and Haley is the first woman to get and hold my attention.
It unnerves me.
