Page 174 of Love Unwritten

“I mean, I want to agree to Cole’s offer, but I don’t want to lose Rafael or Nico in the process.”

“Because you care,” Mom replies.

“Exactly.”

“Well, my sweet girl, if they truly care for you too, then they will be happy and supportive of you chasing after your dreams because you of all people deserve it.”

I release a shaky breath. My mom does have a point, whether I want to agree with it or not.

Mom continues, “You gave that family more than eight incredible months of your time as their nanny. Taking a different job doesn’t negate that, but it could open the door for a new kind of relationship instead.”

Our last day in Hawaii is bittersweet. For the last two weeks, we’ve lived in our own three-person bubble, and while I can’t wait to get home and back to my routine, I’m going to miss this feeling as well.

Despite taking Nico kayaking around the island, having both Hula Pie and shave ice for dessert tonight, and watching the sunset from a special lookout point while listening to his favorite Duke Brass album, morale is still low by the time we get back to the hotel suite.

“Can we watch a movie?”

Rafael and I shoot each other a look.

“It’s late,” Rafael says.

Nico runs up to his dad and pops his bottom lip out. “Please.”

Rafael glances down at him and says, “No.”

Damn. He doesn’t even flinch when he says it.

Nico is a man on a new mission as he abandons his father and rushes over to me. “What do you think, Ellie? I’ll even let you pick the movie.”

I bite down on my lip. “I don’t know.”

Rafael rolls his eyes, and I flip him off behind my back.

“Please?” Nico presses his hands together in a silent plea. “You’ll be the bestest nanny ever.”

After the conversation I had with my mom earlier, I know my time as his nanny is coming to an end, so I’m feeling extra sentimental tonight.

When we return to Lake Wisteria, Rafael and I will have to have a talk about my job, but tonight I can pretend nothing will change.

I look back at his father. “Maybe we can decide on the movie together?”

“You could say no.”

My right eye twitches.

With a sigh, he nods. “Fine.”

Nico throws his fist in the air. “Yes!”

Rafael and I choose a movie neither of us have seen before while Nico grabs some snacks from the chef’s kitchen. I pick the side of the couch with the chaise while Rafael settles on the opposite side and kicks his feet up on the cushions, only to have Nico drag his dad over to my side so we can “share a blanket.”

Neither of us calls him out on his clinginess as he settles between us with a sigh, although we share a look from over his head.

Rafael eventually props his long legs on the coffee table and lays his arms on the back of the couch. It may be the oldest flirting trick in the book, but it makes my heart beat faster when his fingers tease my neck and shoulders.

I suck in a breath, earning me a smirk. When I shoot daggers at him, Rafael pretends to be watching the movie.

Fine. Two can play this game.