Page 45 of The Surrogate Nanny

I flagged my server down, asked for my meal to be boxed to go, and paid the bill. I raced home, not bothering to think more about the strange impulse to be with Anthony Powell.

***

After what felt like a lifetime, I pulled into the driveway. I grabbed my doggy bag and entered our home.

“Simone? Is that you?” Anthony called from the kitchen.

“Yeah,” I squeaked. I cleared my throat before speaking again. “Yeah, I’m home.”

“Is everything okay?” he asked, strolling into the foyer with his cane.

“Everything...is...it’s fine. I just felt like all eyes were on me.”

“That’s the sucky part about dining alone. The staring makes you feel like a weirdo.”

“Exactly.” His eyes darted to my take-out bag. I lifted it lamely, “Wanna share?”

Anthony smirked. “Did you order the Bella Italia?”

“I did.”

“Well...in that case...there’s a new movie out I wanted to rent. Join me in the media room?”

“Sure. I’m gonna check on Nori first.”

“I swear to God, I’ll never forgive you if you wake her up.”

“You worry too much. I’m just going to pop my head in.”

“You can always check the camera,” he reasoned in a taunting tone.

He definitely knows I was watching.

I rolled my eyes and followed behind him, removing my heels once we entered the mini-movie theater. The screen spanned 120 inches, covering a large portion of the wall. Below it sat a glass entertainment cabinet that held many gaming consoles. I plopped down onto a sofa that comfortably accommodated six people and tucked my legs beneath me. He dimmed the lights and sat beside me. My mouthwatering food was soon forgotten, replaced by his cologne’s fresh, clean scent.

“Are you...smelling me?”

I reeled back in shock.

Apparently, my body has a mind of its own.

“No, I—”

“You know I don’t believe your bullshit story, right?”

“What bullshit story?”

“About how you’re home early because you felt weird eating alone. Tell me why you’re really home,” Anthony challenged.

“You’re not being fair,” I whispered. His lips quirked before returning to the unreadable mask he had perfected throughout his lifetime.

“How am I not being fair?”

“Because I strongly suspect you know why I’m here.”

“I’m not a mind reader, Simone.”

I sucked in a breath before putting my big girl panties on and confessing. “I wanted to spend the night with you.”