“Who is the rest of us?” Levi asks. “You?”
“I’m sorry,” I say, quick to apologize.
“No, you’re not. You meant every word.” He stalks closer, and I take a step back. “The only woman who has me turning into a grump is you.”
“Me?” I squeak. “What did I do?” I’ve looked after his daughter and been a decent nanny.
“Wearing nothing but a towel across the hall. Seeing you in that bra the first night,” he growls, and leans closer, invading my personal space. “Woman, if you want nothing to do with me, you should say as much.”
My lips part. “I need this job,” I whisper. It’s not as if I’ve even seen a paycheck. The billionaire kept his word that I’d have room and board. That’s all he’s given me, that and sweaty dreams at night, making me restless and antsy.
“I’m not firing you,” Levi says, clear as day. “I’m not even interested in any other nannies. You’re good with Amelia.”
“I like her a lot,” I say. It’s her dad who has me twisted up inside.
He reaches out, his fingers tangling in my hair as he grabs a fistful and brings my lips up toward his. He tilts my chin, making me stare into his heated gaze.
“And what about me?” Levi asks.
My lips part, and already, I’m breathless. “You rile me up inside. I hate it,” I whisper, staring up at him.
“You hate it?” That seems to take him by surprise. He releases his grip on me.
“I hate the way you make me feel like I’m losing control of myself and my senses. I can’t sleep without dreaming about you. I can’t breathe without inhaling your intoxicating scent. You’re everywhere, even when you’re at work and I don’t see you.”
“I feel the exact same way. That’s why I’ve been at the office for the past few days,” Levi says.
“But I’m your daughter’s nanny. We can’t act on it,” I say. Even if I want him more than anyone I’ve ever wanted, I can’t risk screwing up their new family dynamic.
Levi growls. “Why not?”
“Like I said before, I’m your nanny.”
“You’re Amelia’s nanny,” Levi clarifies, “not mine. And as your boss, I give you permission to explore your feelings for me.”
I laugh. “I don’t think that’s how this works.”
“Why not? You don’t work for a nanny agency, Clare. You work for me. And to be honest, I haven’t been particularly fair to you.”
“Wait, you mean not letting me have a towel after your daughter soaked me our first night wasn’t fair?” I tease.
Levi cracks a wry grin. “Not what I was thinking of, but damn, I’m glad she did. Although next time, I really think the two of us should shower together.”
I smile up at him, my heart fluttering in my chest. “Somehow, I think you’d be the one to hog all the water.”
“I know how to share,” Levi says. His hands wrap around my waist, pulling me tight against him. “I might have to invest in a double showerhead.”
I inhale a nervous breath. Leaning on my tiptoes, I brush my lips against his. This time, I kiss him first. I’m ready for it. Our lips clash, and he sucks on my bottom lip, tugging it between his teeth.
“I’ve been wanting to do that since we met.”
“Liar.” We definitely didn’t get off to a great start.
“Okay, maybe the first night when you were in your bra.” Levi grins.
I smack his arm. “Mr. Panty Thief,you are entirely to blame for that debacle.”
He raises an eyebrow at me. “Really? We’re still on the childish nicknames,Airplane Girl?”