Such Great Heights - Sydney Logan Page 0,28

lips to Ryder’s forehead.

“He doesn’t feel nearly as warm.”

“Good,” he says.

I point to my bathroom. “I’m just gonna get out of this dress.”

“Need some help?” Jackson murmurs. Then his eyes widen. “I . . . didn’t mean . . . I mean, I thought you might need help with the zipper.”

Laughing softly, I gently place my hand against his cheek.

“I’m good, but thanks.”

Jackson kisses my palm, causing goosebumps to erupt on my flesh.

“I’ll be right back.”

He nods.

I grab a nightshirt out of my drawer and head to the bathroom, closing the door behind me. As I remove my makeup, I gaze at the girl in the mirror. She’s excited, exhilarated, and exhausted. Her eyes are wide, her cheeks are flushed, and her lips are swollen.

Very gently, I trace my bottom lip with my fingertip.

I’ve had my share of first kisses.

Good kisses. Perfectly acceptable kisses.

I had no idea what I’d been missing.

Deciding I’ve been gone long enough, I splash cold water on my face and brush my teeth before taking a deep breath and walking back into the bedroom. It’s hard to see in the dark, but the moonlight streaming through the curtains lands perfectly on my bed.

And I stop in my tracks.

My two favorite boys lie in my bed, arms wrapped around each other . . . fast asleep.

My throat tightens as images flash through my mind. Visions of all three of us nestled in my bed, watching a silly movie. Taking vacations. Celebrating holidays.

I shake my head. Visions like that are bound to break my heart.

This isn’t my family.

That little boy is Natasha’s son.

That handsome man is Natasha’s husband.

I’m just the nanny.

The nanny who’s dangerously close to losing her heart . . . to both of them.

With a heavy sigh, I check his forehead one last time before grabbing an extra pillow and heading to Ryder’s bedroom.

To everyone’s relief, Ryder was his normal, rambunctious self the next morning. Hazel cooked a big breakfast, and after we helped clean up, she headed to the grocery store while the three of us camped out on the couch to watch a movie. No one said it, but after Ryder’s fever and our late night out, everybody seemed thankful to have a quiet, lazy Sunday.

Nothing had been said about the odd sleeping arrangements, but as we watched the movie—with Ryder sandwiched between us—I’d sometimes catch Jackson looking at me, his face a mask of curiosity. I’m sure he wondered why I’d chosen to sleep in Ryder’s bed, but he didn’t ask, and I was grateful. Then, sometimes, the curious expression would be replaced with a mischievous smile, and in that moment, I knew Jackson was thinking about our amazing first kiss.

Kisses.

“You’re blushing,” Jackson whispers.

“Shut up.”

Ryder glances up at me. “Ms. Becky won’t let us say that.”

“Say what?”

“Shut up.”

“Ms. Becky is absolutely right,” Jackson says, trying hard not to laugh. “Shut up isn’t a very nice thing to say.”

I glare in his direction.

“I’m sorry, Ryder. She’s right.”

Seemingly satisfied, Ryder turns his attention back to the television. Jackson gives me a wink before kissing the top of his son’s head and fixing his gaze on the movie.

After the credits roll, Ryder reaches for the remote.

“Can we watch another movie?” he asks.

“Sure,” Jackson says. “You pick.”

With a grin, I watch as the kid works the remote like a pro. I, on the other hand, still have trouble finding the power button on the complicated gadget. Once Ryder picks a movie, he climbs down from the couch and lays on the floor, stretching out to enjoy Toy Story 4.

“I just realized I haven’t checked my messages all day,” Jackson says. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all.”

With Ryder content on the floor, both of us reach for our phones. I have texts from Dana and a voicemail from a number I don’t recognize. There’s also a message from my mom, who absolutely hates to text. In a panic, I check that one first.

You looked beautiful last night! And Jackson is so handsome! Call me!!!

Wow, that’s a lot of exclamation points. And how would she know how we looked last night? Puzzled, I check Dana’s message.

WHY haven’t you called me? Have you seen today’s paper? Check the Entertainment section.

I glance at Jackson. “Did you see the paper?”

“I think it’s in the kitchen. Why?”

“Dana says to check out the Entertainment section.”

“Oh.” He grins. “I bet we’re in it.”

“Us? Why?”

Jackson chuckles and heads to the kitchen. When he returns, he’s already flipped to the section. There’s a picture of the two of

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