AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Nine
Alice
Janet’s interview was exhausting. She talked the entire time, and even for someone like me, who is used to incessant chatter from kids, this was a whole new ball game.
I rattle my drink, the ice inside clanking together since I downed the water as fast as I could. I stare out over the pool, the crystal-clear water beckoning me toward it, and if I had known to bring a swimsuit, I would be in it right now, washing today away. I make a mental note to stop by my apartment the next time I’m out and grab one.
The lounger next to me scoots over, calling my attention to Simon, who is positioning it how he wants it. He holds out another cup to me, and I take it gratefully, a sniff letting me know it’s lemonade with some sort of alcohol in it—probably vodka.
“It’s always nice to have a glass of lemonade poolside, isn’t it?” He sinks onto the lounger, staring off across the pool as well.
“Seems a little stronger than just lemonade.”
“Okay, you got me. Adult lemonade.”
“It’s delicious.”
“It’s my secret recipe,” he says, tilting his drink toward mine and I tap it.
“What is in it?”
“It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you.”
“Touché,” I say with a grin.
We fall into companionable silence. It seems the day has taken a lot out of both of us. I didn’t think it would be this hard to keep up a fake relationship, but it’s nice to be able to not pretend for anyone right now.
Just a few days ago, I went home after helping Desi, popped a frozen meal in the microwave, and kicked back in front of the TV, but now, I’m sitting on the patio of a beautiful home with a gorgeous, albeit mysterious man at my side.
“When do I start the actual nanny job?” I ask Simon, glancing at him.
“Ivy comes home at the end of next week. So, you have a little time. Did Vicky show you everything?”
“Yes, she walked me through the basics. It seems you have Ivy in a lot of extracurriculars.”
“I like to stay busy, and I like her to stay busy.” He shrugs, taking a drink of his lemonade.
He’s still in his slacks and button-down from earlier, the sleeves rolled up his arms and a bulky watch on his wrist. I find myself staring at his arms, the veins creating stripes on the underside while he holds his glass up. Didn’t know I liked arms this much.
“Makes sense. Kids like to stay active.”
I just hope that he’s not requiring too much of her. Kids like to have downtime as well, just like adults do. Except for Simon. This is the first bit of downtime I’ve seen him enjoy today.
“I’ll probably go help my cousin at the end of the week since we won’t be filming or anything.”
“Your time is your own. You don’t have to run it by me unless you are on the clock.”
“Okay,” I say, raising my eyebrows at his curt answer. Seems no-nonsense Simon is back. “Did you mean what you said?” I suck a breath in as soon as it’s out of my mouth. I was thinking it, but I didn’t mean to say it.
“What did I say?” Simon asks, placing one hand behind his head.
“During the interview. About first impressions.”
“Ah.” He lets his head turn, piercing me with his brown eyes as he bites on the inside of one cheek. “Yes.”
That’s it? That’s all he’s going to give me?
“Care to elaborate?”
