Grumpy Billionaire CEO's Nanny

14.

Juliette

One of my earliest memories was of my mom teaching me how to wear makeup. I think I was around 5 or 6 at the time and I walked into her room. She was seated in front of her vanity table, putting on some foundation. She saw me watching with interest and beckoned for me to step forward. I did, and she placed me on her lap before showing me the different shades of lipstick she had. Then she turned me around to look her in the eye. What she said is still ingrained in my mind.

"Julie, honey, one thing you should always have on you as a woman is make up. Never go anywhere without it. You'll never know when a wealthy man will appear in your life, sweep you off your feet, and give you everything you've ever dreamed of."

Even then, even as a child, I asked her why I couldn't give myself everything I dreamed of. She laughed in my face and told me I would understand when I was older.

I'm older now, Mother.

And more than anything, I want to prove her wrong. I want to show her that I can get all the way to the top without the help of any man.

But right now, as I lay down on the bed beside one of the richest men in Virginia. I can't help but think that this would be a dream come true for my mother.
Xander shuffles beside me, his arm reaching out like he wants to pull me closer, but I move out of his reach. I should leave. I should be standing up and walking out of this house before he wakes up. It's a wonder I woke up before him in the first place.

When I opened my eyes, I was filled with an amazing sense of warmth and ease. Then I realized why and a part of me was horrified. How could I ever, in my sex-addled brain, have thought it was a good idea to sleep with Alexander Callahan? A crush is one thing, but he's much older than me with two kids and more money than I can comprehend.

Xander shifts again and I inwardly sigh before getting to my feet. This can't happen again. Ever.

I tiptoe around the room, gathering my clothes and quickly putting them on. My gaze strays to him again, and I stare at his naked chest. A chest I had my hands all over last night. I didn't peg him to be such a deep sleeper.

After one last look, I walk out of the room and head downstairs. Of course, I can't make a clean gateway because Mason appears at the foot of the steps right before I reach it. My heart thunders in my chest.

"Hey, Mase."

"Why do you look like you killed a cat?" the little boy questions.

I gasp. "I would never kill a cat."

He shakes his head. "It's an expression, Jules. It means you look suspicious."

Damn smart, perceptive kid.

I quickly school my features into normalcy. "I don't know what you're talking about," I tell him, standing up straighter.

His hazel eyes narrow for a second before he shrugs. "Anyway, do you know where Dad is? I wanted to ask him about something. He's not in his room."

Probably because he's in my room. Or at least the room I'm supposed to be sleeping in.

"N-no, I don't know where your dad is. Maybe he's hanging around?" I say awkwardly.

Smooth, Juliette. Smooth.

Mason sighs before giving me a short nod. "I'll find him later. Do you want to have breakfast? The chef already came over," he asks.

I shake my head. "Nah, I'm good, Mase. I'm going to head home. I'll see you later."

"Alright."

He walks toward the dining area and I quickly make my escape. I jump into my car and hurriedly drive to Lisabell's house.