It has the exact opposite effect. My pants grow tighter, but I don’t blame myself. No man alive would remain unaffected by her touch.
She taps my thigh a couple of times—probably congratulating me for my restraint towards April.
Ha. If she only knew. She should be applauding me for not grabbing her hand and showing her exactly what she’s doing to me.
“I don’t think you’re a drunk,” April says quickly, sitting up straighter, pride swallowed along with her pain.
She glances at Liam, still massaging her leg, then pokes his shoulder. “It’s called being sensible. Sensitive to the ones we love.”
“That’s me,” Liam says, dry. “Sensible. Please, baby girl. I get along with the guy;loveis pushing it.”
I address Mia now. “Mia, despite what April thinks, I’mnot an alcoholic. I was going through a rough patch, sure. And yes, I went on a bender. Many benders. But that’s behind me. I haven’t had a drink in weeks, and I’m fine.”
I lift my glass of water and plaster on a smile. “Go on, take a picture. Calista’s going to want proof when you tattle later.”
Low blow. I know. But I’m tired of being watched, judged, and handled twenty-four-seven by those two.
“Whose idea was it to plant someone in my house to keep tabs on me?” I tilt my head sideways, slow and sarcastic. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I pause for a breath. “I didn’t ask you to come back from the UK and then give you my job just to break your trust like that. Give me a break. And maybe give me an actual shot while you’re at it.”
I lean back, jaw tight. Liam steps in before April says something that’ll really set me off.
We love like family, we fight like family.
“Come on, Jett. You know she’s just looking after you. She worries.” Her fiancé finally goes back to his seat and holds her hand now. Fuck me, they’re cute together. So annoying.
“I’m a forty-three-year-old man, Gunn. I don’t need anyone worryin?—”
Mia chokes on her water and coughs a lung out. “Y-you’re forty-three?” She dabs her chin with a napkin. “Sorry, it’s just… you don’t look that old.”
I scoff. “Thank you. Now I feel even older.” It’s Liam’s turn to choke and cackle at my expense. “As if you’re that far behind, asshole,” I remind him.
“This is not the place I wanted to have this conversation,but since we already started it…” I turn my full attention to April, who’s looking as guilty as she should. “A, I called you because my life was falling apart and I needed my best friend by my side. You get that, right?”
Her hand reaches across the table to grab mine. “Of course I do. And I jumped on the first plane to be here for you.”
“That she did,” a sulking Liam grumbles, and April elbows him in the ribs.
“I trusted you with my position at the hospital, with whom to leave my kid with.” I glance at Mia, still not fully trusting. “Sorry, Mia. You used to be Liam’s PA, right?”
“Yeah,” she answers, sounding suspicious as hell.
“And before that, did you used to be a nanny?”
She glances at Liam and April for backup. I cut the moment dead before either of them can jump in.
“And yet, April thought you’d be perfect for the job.” I stare at April again. “You’re going to look me in the eyes, and honestly say you didn’t choose her so she could keep an eye on me while she watches over my daughter? Don’t bullshit me. I don’t have the patience for it today.” I put down my water glass, afraid I’ll break the delicate crystal.
Mia’s hand lands on my arm, and a jolt shoots straight through me. I pull away on instinct. I slide my chair an inch back, creating space without making a bigger scene. She shakes out her hand and recovers faster than I do. “I practically raised my little brother, if that helps.”
Of course, Trouble would step in. Of course, Trouble would defend April with that smile and her fucking hand on my arm, that sent me over the edge.
“Oh yeah? And how did he turn out?”
She shrugs, sheepish. “He’s alive?” She giggles at herself, but I’m a resentful son of a bitch, and it’s my turn not to laugh at her lousy joke.
April interjects to defend both herself and Mia. “Jett, I chose Mia because she’s been working for Liam for years, and if she could tolerate his sour ass, she can survive you too.”
Liam and I exchange acknowledging looks. We’re not the easiest men, I’ll give April that. “You’ve fired the last three nannies Calista and I chose, none for a legitimate reason.” She lifts a brow, daring me to challenge her. I won’t give her the pleasure, no matter if she has a point or not. “Mia is someone we can trust. I’m sure Lily will love her, and at the end of the day, those are the things that matter. So, suck it up and deal with the cards you’ve been dealt. They’re the results of your actions, of your poor choices.”
