The Nanny

Chapter 4

Lia was probably the most well behaved girl I had ever met in my life, and I was so thankful for it now that I was her nanny. It was summer so she was with me all day everyday, but she made it so easy for the time to pass.

Declan was gone most mornings by the time I woke up, so I would make Lia breakfast and brainstorm things for us to spend the day doing. Sometimes it was a museum, a movie, or she would come with me to go grocery shopping. Other days we stayed in the apartment and would draw, play with her dolls, read, or have makeovers and dance parties (those days were Lia's favorites).

Today had been a makeover and dance party kind of day, and my blue eyeshadow smeared across the upper half of my face along with my smudged red lipstick was quite the look. I had done Lia's makeup in different purple shades upon her request, and we both giggled as we looked at the selfies I had taken of the two of us.

I smile at Lia as she dances around to the 70's music I had pumping through the sleek speakers in the living room and make my way to the kitchen to start dinner. Settling on some pasta with veggies, I set the water to begin to boil and begin chopping a large head of broccoli.

The front door clicks and I turn with a smile to welcome Declan, but a strikingly beautiful woman walks in first instead. Her shoulder length blonde hair is pin straight and immaculate, no fly aways at all. She has large brown eyes and bright red lipstick on her pout. Her clothes are obviously designer and the sleek black woman's suit she is wearing accentuates every curve. Her smile drops as her gaze settles on me and turns into a frown instead.

Declan follows her through the door, immaculate as ever, and shoots me a large grin at my appearance. "Dance party day today?"

I grin and nod my head. "70's jams this time, making sure Lia knows all the classics." I smile at the woman as well and begin to open my mouth to introduce myself when she cuts me off.

"Sweetie who is this?" She asks, wrinkling her nose and slinking one arm around his waist. I try to ignore the irritation that flares up as I watch the action. Who am I? Why don't you ask me yourself.

"This is Emily, Lia's nanny remember?" Declan says calmly as if talking to a child. I try not to roll my eyes as the woman scoffs and makes a face like she's smelled something disgusting.

"But why does she look like that?" Her tone is almost whiney and this time I do roll my eyes. Declan catches my gaze and raises one eyebrow, causing my face to flush. Caught.

"Lia wanted to give me a makeover, so please tell me what's wrong with the way I look." I cut in, regretting it almost immediately but feeling angry at what she's insinuating. Lia was 6, of course the makeup is awful but she tried her best and no one was going to suggest otherwise.

Ms. Priss makes a face directly at me this time, not hiding her distaste. "You're clearly new. I'm Declan's future fiance, Marie. Watch yourself the next time you speak to me." I feel my heart sink at her words. Future fiance? What?! She turns to Delcan and kisses his cheek. "I think I'm going to go somewhere with better attitudes. I'll see you soon." Declan nods at her as she slips out the still open door.

I feel my face grow red with anger and turn back to my task, chopping the broccoli with more force than necessary. Stupid witch lady, 'Marie' ugh how disgusting. I'll show her an even worse attitude next time.

"Hey, I'm sorry about her." Declan's smooth voice interrupts my train of thoughts suddenly and I meet his apologetic gaze. "She can be a bit off putting without realizing it. I think your makeup is cute." My face flushes at that.

"Thanks." I say flatly, still irritated. Why would he be with such an awful woman? She was just so... abrasive. Also why didn't he tell me he had a girlfriend?! I guess he didn't have to but... ugh, that was just the worst way to find out.

"I really am sorry about everything." Declan interrupts my train of thought again and I realize he's standing right next to me. Confused, I turn my body slightly and he quickly wraps his arms around me.

Suddenly I can't breathe and I'm so aware of his body. I slowly put my arms around his neck and lean into the hug, my head laying on his chest. I hear his heart beating hard, and feel mine nearly leaping out of my chest. I close my eyes and enjoy the tingling feeling spreading across my skin from where he's touching me. He smells surprisingly good after being at work all day, like coffee and evergreen trees.

Far too quickly the surprise hug is over and I try to ignore the disappointment in my stomach as he steps back, shoots me a smile, and begins to make his way over to Lia. Does he even realize what he just did to me? How that made me feel? Oh goodness I'm screwed.