odo

ors are backing out?" I dema

anxious voice on the other end of the line. "Unfo

te, speaking through my teeth. "I don't pay you to t

city below as my mind races with thou

al on my desk by tomorro

s s

it w

ws clenched. The timing couldn't be worse. I might

ble an emergency meeting, the voice of my pe

, your guest

ittle as a fleeting distr

" I say as I

d the security guards walk in wi

every moveme

, but when she notices me, she goes limp as shock flashes in her eyes.

ng eye contact and we both wait quietly unt

t me defiantly in the sile

ere?" she f

the presence of his lates

k you for the opportunity, but I hav

addresses me but she continues, te

rom head to toe, taking in all the thing

ers that does nothing to hide her soft curves. Her dark hair falls loosely ar

oung adult I once knew. Now, as her

I am distracted by the sud

I will have my things out of your house by the end of

lasses," I remark. "You sw

s confusion flickers on

lnerable. Innocent." My voice drops to a low

ce, followed by a deep blush. Just like befor

" she says flustered as she tries to compose he

that birthmark? T

me off with embarrassment and

sional image?" she says with a firm voice, b

ing professional? You're here in my office, dressed casuall

re to r

my desk drawer and hold it

this?" I ask as I slide i

she scans the document. "Yes, I did

e a closer look at sec

Years ago I was forced to let her go. Last night, I was too shocked at seeing Nova Pat

minimum of one year?"

hange of nannies. Stability is crucial for their development,"

igning," she says as she flips page after page. "Is there no wa

leave so badly you can pay the penalty

turns pages and her eyes wi

comes to terms with the arrangement

lease. Let me re

nt of hurt at the desperation in her voice.

I stand up from my chair. "I can't

rown deepens. I am surprised to realize how hur

r to her. She takes a step back, her eyes darti

I'll report you to HR," she warns

by her threat and a low, rumbli

oser to her. Soon, she backs herself into a co

n I close the distance, all that is left is a hair's breadth to make physical contact. I can feel

r chest falling in rapid b

ly, not wanting to break the spell we have