Page 18 of The Sacrifice
“Then try something new for a change. Maybe knock-your-socks-off sex with Jackson would blow your mind.”
“I’m barefoot.”
“Even better. I bet he’d rock your vagina. And you’d enjoy a good rockin’.”
“Shut up. I’ve got to get off here.”
“Love you. I’ll fill Kevin in.”
My heart skips a beat. “Please, don’t tell anyone else. I’m not sure what Jackson wants to be known, but I’ll let him know I told you.”
“Tell him I said hi.” The singsong voice she’s using makes me want to hurl a vase at her. But there aren’t any decorations in the room. And she’s fifteen miles away. I’m not getting my vagina rocked by my brother’s best friend.
Or anyone, for that matter. I’ve never been rocked. Hell, I’ve never even been bumped.
Chapter Eleven
Jackson
As I grab the bowl of Ramen out of the microwave, a sharp burning sensation travels from my fingertips to my spine.Shit.I set the bowl down with a thump.
“Ramen? You’re eating Ramen for dinner?”
“It’s all I have. I typically order takeout or go out with friends.” I spin to face her. She’s still wearing the same clothes, but her face is scrubbed clean, and her hair is tied in a ponytail, showing off her high cheekbones. If there wasn’t revulsion on her face, she’s gorgeous.
She crosses her arms over her chest. “You can’t be dragging the baby around everywhere. Or leave her with me all the time to go traipsing around town at all hours of the night. Or whoever you get to watch her after I’m gone.”
My chin tips upward as irritation surges through me. “Thank you for the newsflash.”
Despite what she thinks, I’m not a fourteen-year-old kid. This condescending attitude has always pissed me off, and its disappearance earlier today made me question if she was less judgmental or finally seeing me as a mature adult. Yeah, neither of those are happening.
“And when she’s old enough to eat, you’ll need to do better than Ramen. Or canned SpaghettiOs.” She drops her arms to her sides and steps to the island. Thankfully, there’s a barrier between us because I’ve never felt so murder-y.
I grab the edge of the countertop and lean toward her. “I’ve only had me to worry about until now, and I’ve known about Hadley for twelve hours.” I glance at my watch and slap my hand back on the surface. “For eleven hours. I’ve not had time to run to the store and purchase five hundred dollars’ worth of groceries to please your prissy ass, and I realize that a parent can’t or at least shouldn’t leave their child at home with the hired help to raise.”
My jaw flexes in time with my fingers digging into the hard surface. I’m so livid. I’m surprised the countertop doesn’t dent from the pressure. “And I have no intention of doing that. My parents were home with my brother and me, and if they weren’t, we were with our grandparents.”
“Listen.” She steps forward and raises her hands in defense. Her face is bright red from either anger or embarrassment. I don’t care which one it is. “I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s none of my business.”
“You’re right. It isn’t.”
Her shoulders sag. “I’m sorry. I was out of line.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m worried about Hadley.”
Exhaustion rolls over me, making every limb in my body feels like I have weights strapped on them. “I appreciate your concern for her. But you’ve got to give me a few seconds to get everything together. This has been a long day, and I don’t know how everything will turn out.”
“You’re right.” Her eyes glisten as she rubs her hands on the thighs of her pants. “If you want me to go, I understand. I’m sure there are other nannies living in the area.”
“There aren’t. At least none that were available.” When she was gone, I checked the site, but hers is the only name available in the metro area. “I put in the application for your service. It’s awaiting your approval.”
“I see.” She licks her lips and presses them together. “We should set some ground rules. I work for you, so I’ll reign in my instincts to critique your food and bed choices for the baby.”
“Thank you.” One corner of my mouth twitches. “I made enough for you.”
“No, thank you.” Her eyes widen, and a look of horror covers her features. “I’ll pass.”
“Then I’ll buy you a pizza. Call the number on the refrigerator and order what you want. Have them put it on my card.”
“I can’t do that.”