The Nanny Affair

Chapter 18- Rosalie

As the arena doors open and we walk in, I send good luck wishes to the boys. I deliver Nathaniel his goalie stick, and Alexander takes possession of his playing stick. They each kiss my cheek, and the act causes me to become overcome with emotion. Because Nate is the more eccentric of the two, he is more suited to play goalie than his brother. Alex is a defensive player that has a calm demeanor but has a reputation for being ruthless.

I make myself comfortable in one of the seats in the arena and wait for Jasper to make his way there. I sincerely hope that he won't be absent for this. The cup of coffee is brought up to my face, and when I glance up, I find that Jasper has the most charming smile on his face.

"Thank you," I say as I grab the cup. With a smile on my face, I take a sip of the steaming hot cup of coffee.

Just in time for the beginning of the game, he finds a seat next to me. I can't help but giggle to myself as I see all the moms in the stadium give him the once over from the head down. What can I say? He is hot. As the boys make their way onto the ice, I stand there and cheer like a lunatic for them. When Jasper sees me acting silly, he starts to giggle.

"Are you always like this?" He asks. His voice was tinged with disbelief, as though he had expected something different from me.

"You haven't seen anything yet!" I smile.

Third period and were up three nothing with twenty seconds left on the clock.

"Run the clock boys!" I scream along with another mother who is standing near us.

The buzzer sounds and the team skates toward Nate, jumping on him. I stand up and start screaming,

"Woo-hoo!!!"

As I make my way down the stairs to wait for the boys, their coach calls my name.

"Rosie!" He waves as he walks toward me. I look up to see Jasper's face and jealousy ensues in his eyes.

"Hey Lucas," I say. His ocean blue eyes meet mine and I smile as his jet black hair hangs just above his eyes. "What's up?"

He runs his hands through his hair before speaking, "Well, there is a hockey camp next week for the team up in Muskoka. I was wondering if Nate and Alex would like to join. It's planned in-between games but I was able to get some ice up there for practices and for the kids to have some fun." He tells me.

"Will you be there?" I ask him.

"Unfortunately, I have to work. But the assistant coaches and trainers will be with them the whole time. You just need to sign the papers."

"That actually sounds cool. I would have to talk to their dad about it first but I don't think Jasper would mind." I respond.

"Jasper wouldn't mind what?" I hear his deep voice behind me.

"Lucas, this is Jasper, Nate and Alex's dad. Jasper, this is Lucas the boys coach for the summer season." I introduce the two.

"Finally nice to meet you man," Lucas puts out his hand to shake his. Jasper does the same in response.

I explain the summer camp and Jasper agrees it would be a good idea for the twins to join and bond with their teammates. The boys come out of the locker room and hand me their sticks. We start to walk away when Lucas grabs my arm.

"Um, I was wondering if I could take you out to dinner sometime?" He asks me.

I look at him as he stands there in his tight blue shirt that hugs his abs. His blue eyes gaze out of his face, and his full lips are curled in a small smile. His hair is dark black and tousled, a stark contrast to the smoothness of his face. He stands there, confident in himself and what he is doing.

I smile, "I'll call you." I turn on my heel and walk out of the arena.

When we arrive at our house, I instruct the boys to take a shower, and I promise that I'll give them a snack before they go to bed. They hurry upstairs and obey the instructions given to them. I lug their hockey bags into the garage and empty out the contents of each one there. removing their equipment and laying it down on the ground to breathe. They stink incredibly for being such tiny people. The very idea makes me giggle.

I immediately make my way back into the kitchen and get to work preparing a treat for the gremlins. It seems as though Jasper has returned to his room to take a shower as well. The boys rush into the kitchen, grab their food, and cram their mouths until they are completely full. After finishing his shower, Jasper walks in with his hair still damp.

"Want something to eat?"

He eyes me down, looking at me like I'm his next meal. His intense gaze sends shivers down my spine, and I can feel my heart racing as I'm caught in his stare. Unable to look away, my body is paralyzed by the sheer power of his presence.

He finally breaks the intense silence, and with a deep voice he says "No," He licks his lips. "I'm okay, thank you." I take one last look into his piercing eyes.

The boys put their plates in the sink and ask, "Can we watch Pokémon?"

"One episode while I quickly shower," I tell them.

"Okay," They both agree.

After that, I rush back to my room and jump in the shower. As soon as I step out, I apply some lotion all over and change into some shorts and a t-shirt. As soon as I walk out of the room, I see Jasper sitting on the couch with both of the boys fast asleep next to him.

"I've got Nate, you get Alex," I tell him.

I carry Nate up the stairs and place him in his bed, tucking him in.

"I love you Rosie," He quietly says as he turns in his sleep.

"I love you too, bud," I kiss his forehead and head to Alex. Kissing him on his forehead I whisper, "I love you too," He cracks a smile as he gets comfy.

I walk out and Jasper closes their door and we both head downstairs. I head to the kitchen and tidy up, Jasper follows,

"So? You and Lucas?" He states.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, he obviously wants you."

I grab a glass of wine and sit down, "And what if he does? Are you jealous?" I ask him. He walks to the table and stands there. I take a sip as I watch his gaze on me.

"Forget it," He walks away.

I take my glass of wine and head to my room. I take off my clothes and lay in bed. Why would he be jealous? He has Gisselle. What is it about me that he is so intrigued by? But then my thoughts start to wander. He has seen the scars, and the sight of them is enough to put anyone off. No one is interested in a girl who has been exploited and abused. But I remind myself that I am much more than what happened to me.

The silent, dark nights strike me with fear. When I consider being by myself and him coming back, I get a sinking feeling all over my body. Every morning when I wake up, I choke back tears of gratitude for the fact that I am still alive. When I consider the boys and Jasper, I am convinced that the boys and Jasper make every scar and drop of blood worthwhile. It's just my insecurities talking, but I really should be thankful for what I have.

The fact that I am so stubborn makes me want to know why Jasper has any interest in me in the first place, given everything that he knows. Therefore, I get out of bed, quickly put on my silk robe, and proceed to his bedroom. I go to his door and wait for him to answer.

"Hi," He says as he opens the door.