I wish he’d use that voice on me.The things he could get me to do with it…
I wasn’t aware he was expecting company and I am slightly disappointed. There is an insistent part of me that always wants a few extra minutes with Jack, even after my job responsibilities have ended for the day.
Sienna too, honestly.
Leaving either of them is hard.
Their hushed voices echo throughout the space and I am slightly nervous at the prospect of meeting his friends, even though it was bound to happen sometime or another with howoften I am here. I don’t know why I feel anxious about it, it’s not like I am his girlfriend… just the nanny.
The living room is filled with laughter and the scent of a candle burning on the mantle. When I look closer, I realize it’s the same candle I was looking at while we were Halloween shopping, and it makes my stomach flip. Even though the little pumpkin has gone to bed, it’s clear that Halloween is still alive and well in the Hollis house.
Jack and his two friends are lounging on the couch with drinks already in hand. He notices me and motions for me to join them, patting the spot next to him.
“I should get back to my dorm,” I say, all while walking toward him regardless. My mind saysleave, but my body has a mind of her own. “Yanno. Avoid my car getting egged.”
He takes my hand and pulls me down next to him, far too close and too comfortable for anannyto be sitting next to herboss, or astudentto herprofessor.
We have been a bit too comfortable with one another from the beginning, I think. But, he’s never been so forward like this. Especially not with other people around.
My eyes dart to his friends, anxious if they’re judging, simultaneously wondering what the fuck has gotten into him between five minutes ago and now.
Not that I mind.
I recognize Professor Birkner—Ezra—from campus; his long limbs stretch out in front of him, his inked forearms peeking out from under the sleeves of his hoodie. He’s got this casual, scruffy charm, like he doesn’t care much about appearances. Everyone swoons over him to a ridiculous extent. I can see why people would be drawn to him—he’s got that artsy, too-cool-to-care aura—but he’s not my type. Maybe if I were more into guys who give off a fuck boy vibe—or guys at all—I’d give him a second glance, because he is definitely attractive.
More Kruz’s type, to be honest, but I don’t think she’d ever fraternize with a professor.
I never imaginedanyof my professors would be my type,orthat I would want tofraternizewith them, but here we are.
Ezra gives me a bland smile that I return.
Next to him, grinning from ear to ear, is someone I don’t recognize. He’s equally as tall, though a little more lanky, with a mess of blond hair. He seems to vibrate, his sharp jawline and bright blue eyes holding my attention for a beat too long. The corner of his mouth twitches.
He scoots over to me with exaggerated enthusiasm, nearly spilling his drink in the process. "Fucking cozy. I like it."
I snort, dodging the sloshing liquid, but still find myself shoved even closer to Jack than I was before.
Jack pushes at his shoulder, forcing him away from me. “Fuck off, Stu.”
“Party pooper,” he whines, scooting back to his original spot.
“I’m not a party pooper, you’re just fucking annoying,” Jack replies, adjusting himself to give me a little more space.
I get the impression now that maybe he immediately pulled me down next to him as a form of protection from his friend’s lack of respect for other people’s personal space.
“I feel like I’m intruding,” I admit, moving to stand again. “I’m gonna bring Kronk in and say goodnight.”
“I forgot about the dog,” Stu is ecstatic. He stands and heads for the back door without waiting for a response, “I’ll get him,” he yells over his shoulder.
Jack tugs at my hand. I don’t know what’s gotten into him, but I really like it. “You’re not intruding. I love having you here.”
I feel a blush creeping across my face at his compliment, coupled with his possessive tone that is more endearing than overbearing, and I realize two things at once.
One, Jack is staking a claim on me in front of his friends. He is making it abundantly clear to them that I am something more than just his nanny.
Am I?
Maybe he just wants his friends to lay off his nanny? I dunno.
