Ex-Convict Nanny and Billionaire Single Dad novel · Chapter 17 of 24

Chapter 17: Home

I looked down at her hands on my arms.

"Then take your hands off me," I said, "while it's still your word."

She let go.

She stepped back and smoothed her cardigan, the way she'd smoothed her coat in the ER.

"You'll be back in that place by summer," she said.

"Shelby gave her badge back in front of forty people, Mom. You watched."

"Shelby is upset. Shelby will say whatever I need her to by Monday."

"She didn't, upstairs."

That landed.

I saw it go in.

She turned and walked to a white sedan by the ramp and drove off without looking back.

The back of my head throbbed where it had hit the pillar.

I got into Dot's truck and sat with my hands on the wheel.

My phone buzzed in the cup holder.

Nate. I'm on the street. Do you want me down there or do you want me gone.

He was asking.

He'd never asked me anything in a text before that wasn't about pickup times.

I typed with my thumb. Go home. Leave the gate open.

I started the truck.

I didn't drive to Ballard.

The gate in Medina stood open.

I'd barely parked when the front door flew open and a yellow raincoat came down the steps at full speed, unzipped, flapping.

"Rule four!" Lulu screamed. "Rule four, rule four!"

I caught her at the bottom of the steps.

She wrapped her legs around my waist.

"Did you bring him?"

I dug in my pocket and held up Lake.

She snatched him and inspected him and gave him a kiss.

"He's fine," she announced. "He's a little bit dirty."

"He's been working in a diner."

Nate was in the doorway.

He didn't come down. He just leaned on the frame with his arms folded and his eyes on me.

"You came back," he said.

"Lake had to," I said. "Rules."

"Are you staying?" Lulu demanded into my neck. "For sleeping?"

I looked at Nate over her curls.

"If your dad will have me."

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