“Take a shower. I’ll see you in the morning.” Lex orders me.

“Lex—”

“Shower, then bed,” he repeats before leaving the bedroom.

As I watch Lex leave, I feel drunk from my orgasm. I’ve imagined how it would feel to have an orgasm, but it falls short. I tried to please myself in the past, but it wasn't anything like this. It reminds me of my inexperience and how dangerous it will be near Lex.

I don’t know if I can fight the need to have him do it repeatedly. Another reason for me to leave this place at the first chance I get.

After a few deep breaths, I get out of bed. I’m going to shower, not because Lex ordered me but because I need to. But the closer I get to the bathroom, the less I want to. If I do, his musky scent will be erased from my skin, and part of me doesn’t want his scent to leave me.

“Get a hold of yourself, Cassie,” I tell myself.

I shake my head and walk inside the bathroom, which smells like the ocean. This is what I need —a different scent that won’t remind me of the man who gave me unexplainable pleasure. A man who could give me what any woman wants.

Even though I could use a bath, I opted for a shower. I need something quick. After turning the shower on, I walk inside, trying to clear my mind.

I can do this.

There is a bottle of lavender body wash. It seems odd since it's my favorite, but I choose not to read into it. I get under the rain showerhead and let my mind wander. It’s not what I need now. But how can I not reminisce on what just happened moments ago?

Lex lightly pushes me into bed. As he explores my body expertly like a musician with a violin, I lose myself in the moment. The sensation is overwhelming but needed. My body is vibrating in need of release. I grip the sheets, trying to keep composure, but it’s a losing battle. Moans escape me. I scream his name in desperation.

“Lex—”

I snap from a haze, realizing what I’ve done. Afraid I will fall prisoner to my desires again, I quickly wash myself and turn off the water. I can’t give in to a hunger I don’t understand. Lex Biagini is someone I need to stay away from, and that is exactly what I plan to do.

_____

My alarm goes off, and it feels like I just closed my eyes. I get out of bed since Lex mentioned Hunter is an early riser. The clock reads six in the morning.

I usually don’t mind waking up early, but I did not rest tossing and turning thinking of Lex.

Not wanting to linger, I take a quick shower and dress comfortably. As I step outside my bedroom, I swear I feel someone is watching me. Instinctively, I looked around, but there was no one. I’m losing my mind. Sometimes, I blame it on Brennan for my constant paranoia.

“Good morning,” someone greets me, startling me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m James, the chef.” He holds out his hand, which I take.

“I’m Cassie. Hunter’s new nanny.”

“So, I’ve heard.” He says, smiling. “Would you like something to eat? I don’t think Hunter is awake.”

“Some coffee would be great.” I smile back.

James looks to be in his mid-thirties. He reminds me of Chris Evans. We walk to the kitchen in silence, but it’s not uncomfortable.

“How would you like your coffee?” James asks once we are inside the kitchen.

“Cream and sugar. But I can make it myself. Just give me some direction on where everything is.”

“Nonsense. Have a seat. I don’t mind.” He adds, smiling once more. I sit on a stool in front of the kitchen island.

“How long have you been a chef?” I ask, making conversation.

“About ten years. I’ve been a private chef for a few years now. I come several times a week so that Rosa can run errands.”

“Do you like it?” I follow as he sets a mug in front of me.

“I love cooking. But the dream is to open a restaurant.”

“That’s nice.”

“And you?”

“Not sure yet. I moved from Arkansas for school.”

“That is quite the change. I imagine you had a culture shock.”

“You have no idea.” We both laugh.

“What the fuck is going on here?” Lex demands from behind me. Despite my nerves, I turned to face him. He looks livid.

“Good morning, Mr. Biagini. I’m making Cassie coffee. Would you like me to make you breakfast?” James asks, standing straighter.

“I pay you to work, not fucking sit around and do nothing.” He yells at James, then faces me. “Hunter is awake. I shouldn’t have to tell you that he is.”

“I apologize, Mr. Biagini,” I say, already stepping down from the stool. Just as I’m going to pass him, he grabs my arm.

“I don’t pay you to socialize.” I look him in the eyes because I want him to see my sincerity.

“I understand. It won’t happen again.” He stares at me for a few seconds, then lets me go.

As I walked out of the kitchen, I heard Lex scolding James. It makes no sense since we didn’t do anything wrong. It isn’t seven, and Hunter is supposed to be sleeping. Then again, Lex has a point. He hired me to care for Hunter, not chat with James. I should’ve checked on him first before I went to the kitchen.

It doesn’t take long to get to Hunter’s bedroom. Outside the door, everything is quiet. He must be the best-behaved child known on earth. I’m about to open the door when I feel Lex’s presence. On instinct, I turn and see him walking furiously toward me. Before I can say anything, he grabs my arm and pulls me toward another door. The moment he opens the door, I’m smacked with his scent. This must be his bedroom. He kicks the door closed and then pushes me against the door.

“I DON’T WANT YOU FLIRTING WITH THE FUCKING STAFF!”

“I wasn’t flirting. We were just talking.” He grips my chin and lifts my head.

“You are not to speak to James.” I don’t say anything confused by his words. “Do I make myself clear?”

“Why?” I ask before I can stop myself.

“You don’t get to ask questions. I’m your boss and ordering you not to speak with James. Is that clear?” Not trusting my voice, I nod. He leans in. His lips are so close that they are practically touching mine. “You’re mine.” He adds, then brushes his lips on mine.

A moan escapes me. It's so annoying.

“Wake Hunter. I’m taking you both for breakfast.” He steps aside and opens the door. I don’t even respond. I mean, what do you say to that?

Quickly, I left his bedroom and walked a few steps to Hunter’s bedroom. This proximity isn’t ideal. Lex has a lot of access to me when I’m with Hunter. Just before I opened his door, I couldn’t help but wonder how Lex knew I was in the kitchen. Why does he care if I’m talking to someone? It’s not like we are a couple. Once more, this is so confusing.

Inside the bedroom, Hunter is peacefully sleeping. I almost don’t want to wake him, but I’m sure waking him isn’t a suggestion from Lex. As I get closer to Hunter, I see how much he looks like Lex. I lean in and caress Hunter’s face.

“Good morning, sleepy head. Time to get out of bed,” I whisper. He grunts and turns away from me. “Did you know that we are going to the zoo today? Your dad wants to take you to breakfast.” This news gets him to sit up smiling.

“My Dad never takes me to breakfast.” He says, yawning.

“Well, let’s not keep him waiting.” I move the blanket so he can step out of bed. “I’ll get your clothes. Wash your face and brush your teeth. I’m going to inspect you.” I tell him, prompting him to giggle.

Fifteen minutes later, Hunter is ready to go. I’m about to open his bedroom door when someone beats me to it. I shouldn’t be surprised to see it, Lex. He is wearing casual clothes. Who knew a pair of dark blue jeans and a casual black sweater could make a man look like a god?

“Go change into something warmer,” he orders as he approaches closer than I would like or rather can handle.

“I’m fine. I’ll grab my coat and meet you at the door.” Before he can say anything, I face Hunter. “Race you to the door,” I tell Hunter with a wink, then rush away from Lex.

By the time I reach my bedroom, I’m out of breath. I can’t believe I ran away from Lex. But who can blame me? Inside the bedroom, I look at myself up and down. What I’m wearing is one of the few warm items I brought with me. It’s a pair of faded blue jeans and a thin brown sweater.

Quickly, I look at the weather app on my cell phone. The app says it’s mid-forties. It’s different from November in Arkansas, where we are in the sixties. But I need to make do with what I have. It’s not like I’ve had money to spend on something as frivolous as clothes.

I grab my coat, which hopefully will be enough to keep me warm while we are at the zoo. A minute later, I reached the elevator where Hunter and Lex were waiting. Lex is about to bundle Hunter.

“I got it, Mr. Biagini,” I tell him, taking the scarf from him. He looks at me like he is upset. What did I do now? “Do you know what animal you want to see?” I ask Hunter, avoiding Lex’s stare.

“I want to go on the train.”

“The Lionel Train Adventure sounds like a great idea,” I tell him, zipping up his coat. Hunter’s eyes open wide like an owl.

“Do you like trains?” He asks me.

“Who doesn’t like trains?” I wink as the elevator door opens.

“You’re going to catch a fucking cold,” Lex says as we enter the elevator.

“I'm fine, Mr. Biagini.”

“We will see about that.” I face him, confused. I’m about to ask for clarification when Hunter speaks.

“Dad, are you taking us to my favorite pancake place?”

“Yes, but we need to make a stop first.”

“Where?” Hunter asks as the elevator door closes.

“To get Ms. Walker proper clothes.”