The Nanny Affair

Chapter 15- Rosalie

I pull up to the parking lot and turn the engine off. I lean my head back and watch as the sun shines on the water in front of me. Tears begin to stream down my cheek. I've never felt this way about someone. My heart swells with the warmth of my emotions, but it is also heavy with the sadness of knowing that I can't be with the person I care about. I won't stop him from getting this merger. He has worked hard for this. No matter how much I care, I will not stand in his way of achieving what he has set out to do.

I step out of the car and take in the warm summer sun before I start jogging down the path. My breathing is steady and measured as I run, enjoying the cool breeze from the lake that wraps around me.

As I run, my thoughts go back to last night. A shiver runs up my spine as I remember his fingertips on my skin. I shake away the thoughts, pushing them to the back of my mind as I focus on the movement of my feet. I quicken my pace, pushing my body until I'm barely aware of the sweat dripping down my back. I make my way around, heading back to the SUV. My thoughts a blur, I start the engine, but before I can drive away, my mind drifts back to his touch and the memories I can't seem to shake. A feeling that someone watching me consumes me, and I lock the doors. I look around, but I can't see anyone. I take a deep breath, try to shake off the uneasy feeling, and back out of the parking spot.

I make my way down the road as the sun shines in front of me. I turn on the music and let it fill the air, feeling the warmth on my skin. A feeling of peace fills my mind, and I take in the beauty of my surroundings. My heart flutters as the image of Jasper crosses my mind. His gentle smile, his warm embrace, and the way he looks at me. I drive down the long, winding road with both hands on the steering wheel. The sun is shining, birds are singing and yet I feel so alone. I park the car in the garage and I take a deep breath and close my eyes for a moment, letting myself remember what it feels like to be with him. I can almost feel his arms around me, his comforting presence and unconditional love. I open my eyes again, tears streaming down my face, as reality sinks in, he will never be with me. What we have is just physical but for how long?

I exhale a deep sigh and exit the vehicle. Entering the house, I pass the living room and Natty tries to get my attention. I just shake my head and walk to my room. I start to undress when Natty walks in.

"What happened?" She asks me.

I take a seat on the floor and bring my knees to my chest. "I don't know."

"I don't know Jasper very well, but I do know what love looks like and that boy loves you."

I look at her, "But Gisselle. He is marrying her, remember?"

"Screw Gisselle!" She laughs.

"I'm going to shower." I tell her and get up and close the bathroom door behind me.

I let the hot water roll over my body and felt the stress of the day melt away with every wave. The steam encircled me in a warm embrace as I leaned against the shower wall and closed my eyes, allowing myself to finally relax and enjoy the moment. I feel strong arms wrap around me and I inhale deeply.

Jasper turns me around, his face shows sadness, he cups my face and tells me, "I'm not giving up on us." I embrace this moment between us, my mouth on his. He holds me tight as the water rushes over us. I step out of the shower and dry myself off as he does the same.

As he heads to his room, his phone rings. He answers and closes the door to his bedroom. A few minutes pass and he walks out in his suit. "I got called into the office, I'll be back later." His gaze is drawn to mine. "You and I will talk later."

"There is nothing to talk about." I tell him. I can see the anger in his face as he tries to hide it.

The rest of the week, I keep to myself. I can't let myself fall for someone who's already taken. I can't risk a broken heart, so I focus my time and energy on activities that bring me joy and keep me occupied. Despite my attempts to distract myself, it still feels like a heavy cloud is looming over me.

The twins finally arrive home, and as I open the door, they run into my arms. I missed these two so much. They have become my little gremlins.

"Oh, I missed you guys," I say as I hug them tighter.

"Rosie, we can't breathe," Nate states.

I let out a laugh as I let them go. David brings their bags in and I take them upstairs. Dumping all their clothes into their laundry basket.

"Where's dad?" Alex asks me

"Unfortunately he had to work. But I'm bringing him lunch today if you guys want to come with me."

"No, can we just hang out with David?" Nate asks.

"Sure, Just don't fill up on too much junk food, you guys have your first summer hockey game tonight."

"Okay," They both respond and sit down on the couch and turn the TV on.

I shake my head and head to the kitchen and decide to make some sliders and fries for everyone for lunch. I pack a little container for Jasper and put the boys plates in front of them.

"Thank you," They say as they shove fries in their mouths.

"Are you going to be okay with them? I ask David.

He nods assuring me he can handle them. I go to grab the Rover's keys but realize Jasper took the SUV this morning. I call on Earl and ask him if he can quickly drive to the office to drop off lunch for Jasper. He happily obliges and within minutes he has pulled up to the front of the house. I shout for the boys to hear me, "Behave for David,"

"We will," They shout back.

I get in the car and tell Earl that once we are back that he is more than welcome to come in and get some food, there is more than enough to go around. He smiles and thanks me but tells me he has already eaten. We drive downtown and I watch as the summer sky is clear and all you can see is blue as the sun shines brightly on us. Earl pulls up to the office building and I exit telling him I'll be quick.

I head up the elevator and I'm greeted by June who has a smile on her face. "Mr. Wentworth is in his office. Go on in." She tells me. I thank her and walk toward the big double wooden doors.