Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Hadley’s eyes lit up. “Yes! That sounds like fun!”
“Aiden, darling, do you need to talk about this?”
Without looking at my mother, I pulled the waffles that had just popped out of the toaster and put them on a plate. “No. Everything is fine, Mom.”
It was a lie I’d not only have to convince myself of, but everyone around me.
When Mom didn’t say anything, I looked up at her. For the first time in my life, I saw disappointment in her eyes.
Exhaling, she said, “She’s more than simply the nanny, and the least you could do is treat her as a friend, not an employee.”
I swallowed hard. “She works for me, Mom.”
“What a shame.” She shook her head. “I never thought you could be so cold toward another person, Aiden. If you’re not careful…” She looked at Hadley, then back at me. “You’ll be searching for a new employee.”
She shook her head again before she turned and walked out. Unlike Emma, my mother slammed the door.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
EMMA - A VISITOR
The scene before me left me feeling a bit uneasy. I sat in my car and watched everyone walking into church. One of the conditions of my job was attending church each Sunday. Well, it wasn’t a condition, but I knew how much it meant to Hadley, Lance, and Patty. And Aiden. Nothing said I had to sit with Aiden and Hadley, though. I simply had to be there. Right?
Sighing, I knew that wasn’t true. And I also knew Hadley would be hurt if I didn’t sit with her.
Reaching for my purse, I stepped out of the car and made my way to the church. The place was pretty full, but not everyone was sitting. I knew Aiden and Hadley would be seated, and so would Lance and Patty. Once I saw which side of the pew Aiden was on, I could go to the opposite.
I craned my neck and saw there was an empty spot between Hadley and Patty, as if they were saving it for me. It made my heart melt a little, and I felt guilty for even thinking about skipping church.
I drew in a deep breath and walked down the aisle. When I got to the pew where the Bishop family was seated, I smiled and slipped past Lance and Patty and sat down. Hadley squealed in delight.
“Emma! Where have you been?”
Glancing down to her, I tapped her nose and asked, “Did you practice your piano this morning?”
Hadley nodded and reached for my hand. I tried not to look at Aiden, but he spoke directly to me anyway.
“Are you okay? I mean, is everything okay? You didn’t come back to the house last night.”
My eyes lifted to see the concern in his. I had to admit, I was surprised he’d noticed I didn’t return to my apartment. “Everything’s fine. I decided to stay at the Stanley Hotel for a night. I’ve been wanting to see it.”
He frowned. Before he could ask anything else, I focused on the pastor making his way to the pulpit.
I didn’t hear a word the preacher said. All I could concentrate on was the feel of Aiden’s eyes on me. The few times I glanced his way, he focused on something else. Or maybe it was all in my head. Maybe he wasn’t looking at me at all. Why would he? I was only the nanny.
Trying to push the hurt away yet again, I drew in a slow, deep breath and let it out.
Aiden was right. It was my job to be the nanny. It was my fault for falling head over heels for Hadley. My fault for daring to think I might be able to be friends with my boss. I’d simply have to learn my place. No more dancing, or dinners, or watching movies. His statement the day before to his mother made it crystal clear where I stood in his eyes. And that part outside his house, about “just sex.” He’d thought I was…what? Hoping to kiss him good night? Seduce him, maybe?
I wasn’t sure. But one thing I was sure about—I’d keep my distance as much as I could.
When the service was over, Tammy quickly came and grabbed me, hauling me off to the women’s church circle. It was honestly the last place I wanted to be.
All of the chairs were set up like usual. We all sat down, prayed…and then silence.
I opened my eyes and saw all seven women looking at me.
“What?” I asked.
“Has God not talked to you yet?” Landy asked.
“Um…not yet.”
She rolled her eyes as everyone else sighed.
Tammy got up and sat down on the mat. “I need strength.”
Rose leaned forward. “Oh dear, what now?”
Tammy shook her head and took a deep breath. “Jennifer cut her hair when Dalton was supposed to be watching her. All her hair. She looks like a five-year-old boy now.”