“Nobody is getting attached to anyone,” I reply. My face goes red, because that was my biggest fear, but probably not in the same way that he meant.
“Look, Anna,” Dad sighs. “I’m not having a go at you, I’m just worried about you losing sight of your studies and other things that are more important than–"
“Helping your friend who you wanted me to help?” I say with a laugh. “I don’t see what the big deal is. I’m just helping him with the kids,” I say. “Besides, five minutes ago you complained I study too much. You can’t have it both ways, Dad,” I say.
“I’m still allowed to worry,” he replies.
“Dad, I’m not failing anything, and nobody is taking advantage of anyone. Okay?” I can't look him in the eye because I'm sure he'll know that I'm lying. “I’ve got this under control.”
“Okay. I'm just saying, don’t take advantage of him or his situation,” Dad warns. “He’s a nice guy who doesn’t know how to say no. If he’s helping you with assignments, make sure you do something for him in return. Okay?” I struggle to hold in my laughter, because I know he means the washing or something, and not sucking his cock.
“Fine. I’ll do something nice,” I say, getting to my feet. “I better go, or it will be pointless me going over to help.”As soon as I’m out the door, I let out a sigh. That was the most painful conversation I’d ever been forced to sit through. I almost lost it several times. In the back of my mind, I wonder if my father is right. Am I getting too attached to Nick? What if for him, this is just a casual hook up? God, what if he does this kind of thing all the time? Flings and hook ups made me queasy because I wasn’t the girl that went from guy to guy. My biggest fear was finding someone and being more invested in the relationship than they were. I shake my head. That’s not Nick.
I take the long way around to his house, not bothering to scale the fence this time because I needed the extra ten seconds to think. By the time I reach his front door, my mind is no clearer, but I knock anyway.
Nick answers right away. It’s like he was standing there, waiting for me. He smiles that sexy, heart melting smile and I’m gone.
“Hey,” he says, leaning against the doorframe. His dark, messy hair is just begging for my fingers to rake through it, and when he runs his hand over the dark shadow of stubble peppering his jawline, I lose the ability to speak. “I was wondering when you were going to show up,” he murmurs. His intense green eyes penetrate mine, making me shiver.
“Are the kids in bed already?” I ask. He nods. “I was just about to read Max his story and Milly is waiting for hers from you.”
I smile, forgetting for a moment how nervous I feel around him. “I think it's cute that Max still enjoys a story at night from his dad.”
Nick chuckles. “I don't expect it to last too much longer. He’s developing quite the attitude, my son,” he says grimly. “I hate to think what he’s going to be like in a year or two.”
I laugh and bite down on my lip. “I don't think you need to worry about Max. Save all your worrying for when Milly hits thirteen and discovers boys,” I say.
He groans and squeezes his eyes closed, then he turns to walk back into the house.
“I'm not sure I want to let you in after that comment,” he grumbles.
He steps aside for me anyway, letting me squeeze past.
“Think of it less of a comment and more of a prediction,” I say.After the kids are safely asleep, I lie on Nick’s bed, enjoying a glass of wine while I wait for him to finish up a work-related phone call. While I wait, I decide to text Kayla, who still had no idea about Nick and me.
Me: Hey. What's up?
Kayla: Not much. You?
Me: Nothing out of the ordinary. Just sitting on Nick's bed, waiting for him to come back to me. I thought I’d see what you were up to.
Kayla: What the hell are you on about, women? You didn't break into his house, did you? I mean, I admire your commitment, but lying on his bed in your lingerie while he’s still at work is pretty creepy.
Me: Yes, it would be creepy if he wasn’t the one who asked me over.
Kayla: Are you kidding me? Details!!
I giggle at her enthusiasm. I knew she’d like this.
Me: We’ve kind of been seeing each other. It’s still new, but things are going well. For now, at least.
Kayla: That’s great, A. You don't think it will last?