Babysitter With Benefits

12

Gianna's P.O.V

The next day you and the kids are sitting at the dining table when Jeremiah comes in, squinting at the sunlight streaming through the window of the dining room. His eyes shift to you before they move to the pot of coffee on the cart. His footsteps are heavy as he walks over to it.

"Daddy! Daddy! Can Gia take us to the party store to get stuff for Rissa's birthday?"

You regard Jeremiah closely as you bring a cup of coffee to your lips and gulp down a delicious sip of hazelnut. Jeremiah holds up his hand, wincing.

"Gray, quiet, please. Say it quietly"

You smirk at his statement while Grayson giggles and nods, before he starts whispering.

"Can Gia take us to the store?"

Jeremiah raises a questioning eyebrow at you before he focuses back on Gray.

"Gia?"

"Yeah! That's my nickname for Gianna!"

"Okay, okay.. she can take you. Actually, Gianna, can I speak with you in the living room please?"

Oh god.. I was hoping to avoid this conversation.

Reluctantly, you nod, and tap Rissa and Grayson's plates.

"I want to see all of this fruit eaten, guys"

Grayson bounces excitedly, before sticking his tongue out at you, and Rissa rolls her eyes.

"I'm not a child, Gianna"

"I know you're not, Rissa. I just care about you"

"Yeah, Rissa"

Rissa's scowl softens before she reaches for a piece of melon and brings it to her lips.

Boy is she stubborn.

Jeremiah nods to the hallway, and you nod, rising and contemplating whether you should bring your coffee. You ultimately make the decision not to on account of being incredibly anxious. You follow him to the living room, eyes roaming his attire. Today he's in jeans and a t-shirt and they hug his muscles in all the right places.

A little informal though.

Once your in the living room, you sit in one of the accent chairs. He sits in the other one, clutching his coffee for dear life. He takes a slow sip, before he swallows and rests his gaze on you. It slides over you and you feel that same tension between you building. It causes you to look away quickly.

I wonder what he wants to say. I hope its quick.

You fiddle with your fingers, and cross and uncross your legs a few times, before he finally breaks the silence.

"I uh, just wanted to talk about last night..."

This is exactly what I was trying to avoid!

"You were pretty drunk. Well, at least you were interesting to watch last night"

You chuckle. He grins and rubs the back of his neck.

"Glad you enjoyed the show"

Oh, there's no question that I enjoyed it.

"Yeah. I guess I did"

His eyes avert to your thighs, and you realise you've began to clench them together unconsciously. You attempt to relax, cursing inwardly at the way you respond to his closeness.

"Just for the record, I think your kids are lucky to have someone who fights so hard for them. You're a good dad"

His eyes soften as a smile plays at the corner of his lips.

"Thanks"

"Of course"

"I wanted to ask you if you'd take over in planning Rissa's birthday party? I'll give you whatever you need for it, I think it will mean a lot to her. She's used to her mom planning these"

Oh wow.

"Is this the first year her mom wont be there for it?"

Jeremiah shakes his head.

"There was one other time when she wasn't around for it, but she was younger. She's more aware now, and I know it's gonna be hard"

Harder than having that dragon lady here? Okay..

You nod understandingly.

"Yeah, I'll help. Whatever you need"

"I appreciate it. I think next weekend would be best to throw it. I'll just give you a list"

You nod.

Shit, I have to ask about Nat.

"Oh, um, I was wondering, if its alright with you, if Friday night I have some company? My best friend Natalie has been dying for a girls night, and she's free"

You firm your lips, hoping he'll agree and feeing odd about having to ask permission.

Well, it is his house, I suppose. I just hate feeling like a child asking, considering I live here too. Granted, it's all about keeping the kids safe.

He strokes his chin contemplatively.

"The same friend you had at the park with the kids?"

Well shit... I forgot about that. Of course the kids would tell him.

You give him a sharp nod, already feeling his opposition.

"That's fine. The kids will be gone with their grandparents anyways. And I'm sure i'll be working late. Enjoy."

Holy shit.. I didn't expect that response.

You beam a smile at him and stand quickly.

"Thank you. I appreciate it. She'll be excited. I'll also get started on party ideas for Rissa"

"Sounds good"

You walk out of the living room, and part of you feels a little upset that he didn't mention the kissing.

Well, why would he.. maybe he thought it was a mistake? Or maybe he doesn't remember...

You shake your head.

If he doesn't remember, he wouldn't have even mentioned last night. Maybe he's just taking my advice. Staying away from me.

Despite the logic in your thoughts you cant help the longing that fills you.

Ugh, its for the best!

You wave at Grayson when he sees you.

At least.. I hope so.