Together, we clean up the dinner mess and put the leftovers in the fridge. When the dishwasher is loaded and the counters clean, I toss the dishcloth beside the sink and sigh. Even though it’s still early, I’m tired. Lack of sleep and traveling halfway across the country will do that do a girl.
“Why don’t we discuss my schedule for the next week, and then I’ll show you the guest room?” He runs a nervous hand through his hair. “I probably should have done that earlier, but I fell asleep.”
“It’s okay,” I reassure him, patting his hand. The moment we touch, it’s like a jolt of lightning through my veins. I pull back as if burned, my wide eyes meeting his. The look on his face confirms he felt whatever that was too. Neither of us acknowledge it though, which I’m grateful for. The last thing either of us needs is to complicate this already very complicated situation with any sort of feelings. We need to keep this professional. Employer, employee. Leave the hearts out of this.
Should be easy, right?
Chapter Four
Mack
No doubt she felt that shock. I could see it in her eyes and across her beautiful face. There’s still a spark, a strike of electricity I’ve only ever experienced with Lena Stanley. But I also saw something else on her face. Fear. She’s afraid of it. What it means. The feelings they evoke.
Me too, Lena. Me too.
That’s why I pull back and move out of her personal space. I don’t want to scare her any more than I already have, or at least cause her to reconsider this entire situation. Fuck knows what I’ll do if she up and leaves. Sure, I’d probably figure out this whole baby thing, but the fact I’m supposed to work out with the guys in the morning, followed by a team meeting and a conference call with my major sponsor, I wouldn’t have the slightest clue how to achieve all of that with a baby in tow.
That’s just day one. I have a shit ton of team meetings, track time, and sponsorship bullshit to do, as part of my contracts. Usually, I thrive on everything associated with the business—well, I could do with less of the sponsor bullshit—but throwing Oliver into the mix is really messing with my head.
And here I thought it couldn’t get any worse than my winless season and barely cracking into the top five at the end of each race.
“So I mentioned there was no race this weekend, but I still have tons of commitments this week. My guys and I work out at headquarters most mornings, and that’s followed by meetings with my team and the brass in the office. There’ll be track time too, as well as travel. You know all of the shit that goes with it, so I’m sure it’s no surprise to you my time isn’t my own. That’s why I need you.”
She sighs. “I get it, Mack. I’ll do what I can to help. Though, I have to admit, I’m not a baby expert. The only reason I knew how to change his diaper earlier was from watching a YouTube video,” she replies with a chuckle. “I have a lot to learn.”
I can’t stop myself from reaching for her hand. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”
She clears her throat but doesn’t pull back. “So talk to me about after. I mean, what’s your plan at the end of my six weeks?”
The thought of her leaving makes my chest hurt, but I push it aside and refuse to acknowledge it. “I guess I’m going to need help. Maybe you can help me vet someone, like a nanny?”
“Yeah, sure. I can start checking with services in the area. You’re sure to have plenty of choices in Los Angeles, right?”
My smile doesn’t reach my eyes, and I know it. “Yep.” I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone. “I use this calendar app on my phone that keeps me on track with everything going on. The office has it and sends notifications and appointments through it. It might not hurt to put it on your phone, so you can see everything.”
Lena shrugs. “That’s fine,” she says with a yawn.
“We can do that tomorrow,” I tell her, sliding my phone into my pocket. “Why don’t we get you to the guest room? It has its own bathroom, so you won’t have to share with anyone.” Like me.