The New Nanny

Regrets

EMILY

I wake up the next morning with a pounding headache, thanks to far too much alcohol and a restless night's sleep.

Checking my phone, I see a missed call from my sister. "Crap." I was meant to go see her this morning...and it's already 11am. I call her back and she answers on the first ring.

"Hey trouble, you okay?" I can hear the concern in her tone.

"I'm fine, I just overslept. Just got to get ready and I'll be with you." I'm already out of bed, grabbing my clothes.

"Good night then?" She chuckles, but I can't force myself to join in.

"Something like that."

"I'll let you off...but lunch is on you."

****

Making my way downstairs, I keep an eye out for John, but am relieved when it looks like the coast in clear. Fingers crossed he will be in his office as I have no idea what to say to him right now.

I risk a trip to the kitchen for a much needed drink before I head out, and end up coming face to face with John. He takes in my outfit, before he notices the large bag I'm holding.

"You're not leaving are you?" I hear the concern in his voice.

"I'm just meeting my sister for lunch." My voice is small and I can barely meet his eyes, but I feel his intense gaze on me.

"Oh, okay. Do you need a ride?" I can't help but blush as the memories from last night come flooding back.

"It's fine, I can just get an Uber." I open the app and frown. I'm looking at a half hour wait and I'm already on the drag. Can I really spend any more time in this house with John? Can I trust myself? As if reading my mind, John stands.

"C'mon, I'll take you...and no funny business, I promise." Ignoring the rational part of my brain, I decide to accept.

"Thank you, that would be great."

I walk into the garage with him just behind me. My eyes are drawn to the bonnet of the car and feel my entire body heat up as the image of us entwined together comes to me. 

I must have been stood there a moment too long as I hear his concerned voice from behind me.

"Are you okay, Emily?"

"I...yes, I'm fine." I turn around to reassure him with a smile, but notice his eyes are also glued to that same area. I see him take in a ragged breath and feel a little thrill. I know he feels the same way as me.

That moment is broken as he unlocks the car and I get in as quickly as possible, trying to hide my bright red face from him.

"So, where am I taking you?" I finally find my voice and give him the address for my sister's place in Camden.

We drive in silence for the first few minutes, before John breaks it. Stopping at a red light, he turns to me.

"I need you to know that last night...it's not something I do." I nod, waiting for the expected brush off. "but, I don't regret it." I look up at him in surprise. "I haven't been able to get you off my mind, Emily." I open my mouth to reply, but I'm cut off by the car behind us blaring their horn. "Shit" He focuses his attention back on the road as we move off.

"You know it can't happen again." I see his face fall, but he nods.

"I understand...does this mean you'll stay?" The truth is that I don't want to leave, I know it might be the sensible thing to do, but I hate the thought of leaving Danny...and his dad. "Emily?" His voice cuts through my thoughts and I notice we've pulled up outside my sister's building.