I nod and shrug at the same time, so overwhelmed that I probably look more like I’m having a tiny muscle spasm. But I don’t care. Because I’m going on a trip with my hot neighbor and his adorable little girl, and no amount of awkwardness on my part can stop it.
As promised, Connor texts me the details shortly after he heads back to his place. I spend the rest of my day organizing my little kitchenette and planning out my outfits for our one-night stay.
It’s a lot of pressure trying to figure out what to wear that strikes the perfect balance between “I find you incredibly sexy” and “I’m still fit to take care of your two-month-old child.” But I’d like to think I’ve picked out some options that find that sweet spot.
The next morning, I meet Connor and baby Marley out by his car at eight a.m. sharp, just as he requested. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but one look at Connor nearly gives me heart palpitations.
I’m used to casual Connor, or even business-casual Connor, but this? In a crisp pair of navy-blue slacks and a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up halfway? This is business-meeting Connor, and I really freaking like what I see.
Who knew I was so into forearms? And when he bends over to secure Marley into her car seat? Yeah, let’s just say those slacks hug him in all the right places.
The drive from Chicago to Indianapolis isn’t too bad. We alternate between listening to Connor’s music and chatting about his job, both of which are opportunities for me to stop obsessing about every little thing that’s happening.
By the time we arrive at the hotel, Connor still has a solid hour before his meetings begin. He heads into the lobby to check us in while I tend to a fussy Marley, who’s more than ready to be freed from her car seat. I unbuckle the straps and pull her out into my arms, bouncing and rocking her while holding her to my chest. She’s warm and a little sweaty, like most babies after a nap, but the sweet smell of her skin brings a smile to my face.
All things considered, she’s a little angel baby. I have no problem hanging out with her in my room today. In fact, it might be difficult to give her back to Connor tonight.
I turn to the sound of footsteps approaching behind me. It’s Connor, with some papers from the hotel in his hand and a grimace on his face.
“What’s wrong?” I ask. There’s no reason to beat around the bush anymore. It’s obvious when something’s up with him.
He squints uncomfortably, looking down at the asphalt. “It’s the reservation.”
“Was there a problem? Do we need to find somewhere else to stay?”
“Uh . . . well, no. There was a mix-up.”
“A mix-up?”
“They gave us one room.”
“Oh.”
“With a king-size bed.”
“Oh.”
“The one thing they can accommodate is a baby. They’ll be bringing a crib up for Marley shortly.”
My mind starts reeling faster than I can catch up with it. One room. King-size bed. Connor and me, sleeping in it together. Tonight. Right now. It’s happening.
Holy shit.
“Jessa, I’m sorry, this is so inappropriate.” He groans, scrubbing a hand roughly over his face.
I snap out of my horny dreamland and plaster a polite, sympathetic smile on my face. “Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault. A king-size bed is practically a small island. I’m sure we can make it through one night unscathed, right?”
My words come out cool and casual, but I’m not sure if either of us believes them.
Connor’s expression is an unreadable mask. If I didn’t know better, I would think he’s mad about something.
After a slow inhale, he turns and takes our bags out of the trunk and then leads the way up to the room. Our room. The room where we’ll be sharing a bed tonight. My body buzzes with anticipation, and I squeeze my fingernails into my palm to try to fight it.
He’s right. These thoughts—these little moments of excitement—are beyond inappropriate. Connor is my boss, even if I’m just the nanny to his baby daughter. If I’m going to make it through this stay with both my dignity and my summer job intact, I’m going to have to find a way to quell these fantasies. And fast.
The room is pretty standard for any business-class hotel. Neutral-patterned carpeting, beige-paneled walls, a dark chestnut desk in the corner with a small minifridge wedged underneath it.
What stands out more than anything is the bed.
For the first time in my life, a king doesn’t look quite as massive as I remember. The plush white comforter and a pile of decorative pillows almost look like a challenge: Not as innocent as we seem, huh? As promised, a crib has been brought up and placed at the foot of the bed, leaving just enough room for Connor to squeeze by and set his stuff by the desk.
I stand awkwardly on the other side of the room where he left me, a sleepy Marley curled up against my chest. He avoids my eyes as he bustles around the room, making a few last-minute preparations before leaving for his meeting.
“She should be ready for a nap shortly after I leave,” he says absentmindedly, scrolling through his phone and abruptly stuffing it in his pocket. “I should be back late this afternoon. I figure we can order in, and then watch a movie or something?”
He still can’t meet my eyes when he says it, but I can’t help noticing how much that suggestion sounds like a date. Or it would if I weren’t here for the express purpose of babysitting his daughter.
“Sounds good to me. I’m easy.”
Connor seems to catch the double entendre before I do, pausing in midstride on his brisk walk out the door. My cheeks burn with embarrassment.
Can this situation get any more uncomfortable?
But he lets it go, turning to give me a curt nod before closing the door behind him. No matter how embarrassed I might have felt just moments ago, I’m already looking forward to his return.
My day of watching Marley goes by quickly. She goes down for her nap like a champ, and is sweet and happy when she wakes back up. We watch a little TV, I let her babble and feed her when she’s hungry, and before I know it, Connor’s texting me asking what I want for dinner.
We order delivery from a Mexican restaurant nearby, and turn on some made-for-TV movie that has us both crying with laughter because of how ridiculous the plot twists are. Sure, it’s not exactly how I imagined I’d be spending my evening, but I have to say it isn’t half bad.
Connor is easy to be around. Even though I’m very attracted to him, he’s kept his distance, and I know he’ll respect my boundaries.
Later, he puts Marley down for the night while I change and get ready for bed in the bathroom. My heart pounds while I brush my teeth, scrubbing my tongue a little harder than usual. If I’m about to share a bed with Connor Blake, there’s no way I’m going to bed with salsa breath.
I walk out of the bathroom to find him sitting on the edge of the bed in a worn T-shirt and boxers, and my heart just about jumps out of my throat. Suddenly, my silk sleep shorts and oversized shirt make me feel self-conscious in front of him, and not nearly as sexy or confident as I’d hoped. Not that I ever thought he and I would be sharing a room, let alone climbing into the same bed together.
“Are you done in there?” he asks, barely meeting my eyes.