Page 71 of Payoff Pitch

Seconds later,Arizona barges in and nearly loses her shit. We’re able to calm her while Layton remains sleeping. Just after he wakes up, she kicks us all out.

I pull into my driveway in the middle of the night. I’m not sure if Bailey will be sleeping, but I don’t care. I’m just glad that she’s here.

I find her curled up fast asleep on the couch with the television on. She looks so beautiful and innocent.

I grab a quick drink to settle my nerves and then head back to find her still peacefully asleep. I should leave her here, but I’m selfish and want her with me.

I scoop her up into my arms, and her eyes blink open. “I was trying to stay awake.”

“Go back to sleep. I’ve got you.”

“I didn’t know if I should go into your bedroom.”

“That’s where I need you.”

“I can walk.”

I sink my nose into her hair and take in her familiar scent. “I’d rather carry you.”

She nuzzles into my chest as I walk us upstairs and into my bedroom. Once there, she pats my chest. “You can put me down.”

I do but pull her into a hug. The tears start to flow for me. I’ve been holding them in for hours.

She squeezes me close. “You don’t have to be brave. I know how you feel about him. It was traumatic. Let it out.”

And I do. For thirty minutes I cry on the shoulder of my daughter’s nanny, who’s fifteen years younger than me, and who I only started an intimate relationship with two nights ago. And there’s no place else I’d rather be.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

TANNER

Iwake in the morning wrapped around Bailey. I’m slightly embarrassed by my needy behavior last night. I was tired and emotional. I’ve never been like that with anyone in my life. So vulnerable. I think I fell asleep in her comforting arms.

I’m in my boxer briefs, and she’s in a T-shirt and panties. Pulling away slightly, she sleepily falls onto her back. I lift her shirt and take in the flawless skin surrounding her belly button. She’s almost too perfect to be real.

I bring my lips to her soft, feminine stomach and begin kissing my way up her body until I reach her rosy nipple. I suck it into my mouth, and she lets out a moan. Despite her eyes being closed, her lips turn up into a smile and her fingers run through my hair.

“Hmm. I guess you’re feeling better.”

I mumble into her, “It’s time for me to make you feel better.”

She spreads her legs. I’ve just gotten settled in when Ihear the familiar sounds of my front door opening and closing followed shortly thereafter by, “Tan?”

It’s Fallon’s voice.

I quickly lift my head to see Bailey wide-eyed. I’m sure my look mirrors hers.

I hear her walking up the stairs. “Tanner Montgomery, are you actually still asleep? I never thought I’d see the day.”

I scramble out of bed and run out my bedroom door, quickly closing it behind me.

Fallon reaches the top of the steps. “Were you sleeping?”

“Wh…what are you doing here?”

“Harper was worried, and you weren’t answering my texts. She demanded to come and make you breakfast.”

She looks my body up and down. I’m not fully hard anymore, but I’m not exactly limp either.