“Thank you for the coffee and cherry pie. Next time, it’s on me.”
Chapter 10
Delilah
My alarm went off at six a.m. and when I opened my eyes, my headache was gone. I didn’t fall asleep right away last night because I couldn’t stop thinking about Oliver and how it felt when his body was pressed against mine as he reached for the bottle of aspirin and the look in his sexy eyes when he handed me the pills. My feelings were becoming strong in the short amount of time we spent together, feelings I’d never felt before about anyone. Actually, I wasn’t really sure what was happening. All I knew was that every time he was near me or even in the same room, my heart beat a little faster and my body would tingle. I tried to imagine what he’d be like in bed. Was he gentle? Was he rough? I would bet my life on it that he would always have to be in control. I jumped out of bed because that was enough thinking about my boss that way. I needed to remember that I worked for him and took care of his daughter. The inappropriate thoughts I had needed to stop. Besides, he already had Cruella for a girlfriend.
****
I finished showering, got dressed, and went in to see if Sophie was awake. She wasn’t. As I left her room and quietly shut the door, Oliver came from around the corner, looking fucking hot as hell in his dark blue tailored suit.
“Good morning. How’s your headache?”
“Good morning. It’s all better. Thank you.”
He gave me a small smile. “Is she still asleep?”
“Yeah.”
We walked down the stairs and I headed into the kitchen for a cup of coffee.
“Good morning, Clara.” I smiled as I grabbed a cup from the cupboard.
“Morning, Delilah. Morning, Mr. Wyatt.”
“Good morning, Clara. Is breakfast almost ready?”
“It’s ready now. Go sit down and I’ll bring it to you.”
I poured Oliver a cup of coffee as well and took it into the dining room.
“Thank you, Delilah.”
I smiled as I sat down across from him.
“What are your plans with Sophie today?” he asked.
“I’m taking her to a playgroup.”
He took a sip from his cup and arched his eyebrow. “Good luck with that.”
Just as Clara set down our plates, Liam strolled in with a wide grin. “Good morning.”
“Hey, Liam.”
“Little brother.” Oliver nodded.
He took the seat next to me and asked Clara for some coffee. “Where’s Sophie?” he asked.
“Right here.” She giggled as she walked into the dining room and gave Liam a hug and kiss.
“How about your daddy over here?” Oliver smiled.
She walked over, gave him a smile, and wrapped her little arms around him. “Good morning, Daddy.”
She took the seat next to me and we high-fived each other.
“Are you feeling okay, Sophie?” I asked with concern because she seemed a little pale.
“Yeah. I’m just tired still.”
“Maybe you’re growing. Growing is exhausting.” I tickled her.
I caught Oliver staring at me from across the table. I could feel myself blushing. After we finished breakfast, Oliver and Liam left for the office. I told Sophie to go upstairs and get dressed because I was taking her to a playgroup. She seemed delighted and went up to her room. After helping clean up the breakfast dishes, I went to check on Sophie to see what was taking her so long. I opened the door to her room and found her asleep on her bed. I found it odd that she went back to sleep. We missed our playgroup, but that was okay. It was obvious that Sophie needed to get some rest. Maybe she had trouble sleeping last night. About three hours later, as I was sitting on the patio strumming my guitar, Sophie appeared.
“Hey, sweetie. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. Did we miss our playgroup?” she whined.
I gave her a small smile. “Yeah, but that’s okay. We can go another day. It’s gorgeous outside. How about we go to Central Park for a while? I’ll call my friend, Jenny, and ask her if she’ll meet us there. I’m dying for you to meet her.”
“Okay. I’ll go brush my hair.”
I walked into the kitchen and asked Clara if she could pack a picnic basket for us to take. She obliged and I called Jenny.
“I was just thinking about you,” she answered.
“You were? Why?”
“I miss you. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“That’s why I’m calling you. I’m taking Sophie to Central Park for a picnic. Would you like to join us?”
“Oh. Perfect timing. I’m just leaving the market now. When are you going?”
“We’ll be leaving in a few. Meet us over on Cherry Hill mid-park in about a half hour.”
“Sounds good. I’ll bring the blanket.”
“It better not be that one you and Stephen have sex on.” I laughed.
“Very funny, Delilah. I’ll see you in a bit.”
Sophie came down, I grabbed the picnic basket and my guitar, and we walked outside where Scott was waiting for us. He dropped us off and I took hold of Sophie’s hand as we walked to Cherry Hill. Her shoe was untied, so I set my guitar and the picnic basket down to tie it for her. She lifted up her pant leg and I noticed a large black and blue bruise on her leg.
“Sophie. How did you get that bruise?”
“I don’t know. It just appeared.”
I looked up at her strangely, tied her shoes, and when we got to Cherry Hill, Jenny was already there sitting on the blanket.
“Sophie, I would like you to meet my best friend in the whole world, Jenny.”
“Hi.” She smiled.
“Hello there, Sophie. It’s nice to meet you.”
We sat and had lunch and Sophie asked me to play the guitar. I did for a bit and then she went off to read her book underneath one of the cherry trees.
“So, how are things with Oliver?”
“Fine.”
“Has he made a move on you yet?”
I sighed. “Why do you think that he’s going to hit on me? He has a girlfriend.”
“Have you met her?”
“Yeah. I nicknamed her Cruella.” I laughed.
“She’s that bad?”
“Yeah. I think she is. I can tell she doesn’t like Sophie being around.”
I looked over at the tree that Sophie was under, reading her book. She was asleep.
“That’s odd.”
“What?” Jenny asked.
“Sophie is sleeping again. We were supposed to go to a playgroup this morning, but she fell asleep on her bed.”
“Maybe she’s coming down with a virus.”
“Maybe. I should get her home.” I dialed Scott and asked him to come pick us up. “Can you take my guitar case and the basket while I carry her?” I asked Jenny.
“Of course.”
I walked over to the tree, took the book from her hands, and picked her up. “Come on, princess. Let’s go home.”
Chapter 11
Sophie slept for a couple of hours and then came down to the kitchen, where Clara was teaching me a new chicken recipe.
“Hey, Soph. You okay?”
“Yeah. I’m thirsty.”
Clara went into the refrigerator and poured her a glass of orange juice as Sophie climbed up on the barstool.
“Hey. Want to hear something fun?” I asked her.
“Sure.”
I took the plastic cup that was sitting on the counter, clapped my hands, and began singing the Cup song. Sophie sat across from me and laughed. When I finished the song, I heard light clapping from the entrance of the kitchen. I looked up and Oliver was standing there with a smile on his face.
“Very cute, Delilah.” He walked in and gave Sophie a kiss on the head.
“Thanks.” I blushed.
“I have a surprise for you, pumpkin,” he said to Sophie. “Follow me upstairs.”
We went up to the living room, where there was an ease
l, canvases, paints, and supplies.
“No way, Daddy!” she exclaimed as she ran over to it.
“Now you can paint all the pretty pictures you want.” He smiled.
“Oh, thank you, Daddy. I love you.” She threw her arms around him.
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
I stood back and watched her as she took out the paint brushes and examined each one.
“You just made her one happy little girl.”
“I hope so. How did it go today at the playgroup?”
“We didn’t go. When I went to go see what was taking her so long to get ready, she was asleep on her bed.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. So we met my friend, Jenny, in Central Park and had a picnic. It was weird because Sophie went and sat under one of the trees to read a book and she fell asleep.”
“Is she sick?” He looked at me with concern.
“She may be coming down with something. I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
“Well, let’s hope if it’s something, it doesn’t last long. Oh, and just to let you know, Laurel will be coming to dinner and so will Liam.”
“Okay. Is there a special occasion?”
“No, we were supposed to go out and talk about the event my company is hosting next week, but I wanted to stay home tonight. So I just had them come here.”
“Does Cru—Laurel work for you?”
“No, but she’s coordinating the fundraiser for us this year.”
Wasn’t she sweet? I rolled my eyes.
“Sophie, let’s take your paints and stuff upstairs to your room and get you set up.”
“Okay, Daddy.”
I helped Oliver carry the stuff to Sophie’s room and we set everything up in the corner by the window. It was the perfect place to paint. Sophie went and lay down on her bed.
“What’s wrong, Sophie?” Oliver asked her as he sat down on the edge of the bed.
“I don’t feel good, Daddy. My head hurts and I’m really tired.”
He turned and looked at me with concern in his eyes. I walked over to the bed and placed my hand on her forehead.
“She’s really warm, Oliver. Do you have a thermometer?”
“I don’t know. I’ll have to go ask Clara.”
“Do you have any children’s Tylenol?”
“I don’t think so. Since Sophie’s been with me, she’s never been sick.”
I sighed. “Then I’ll have to run to the store and get some.”
“No need. I’ll send Scott. Tell me exactly what you need.”
“A thermometer and children’s Tylenol will do.”
He walked out of the bedroom and I turned to Sophie. “You’re going to be okay.” I smiled down at her as I pushed back her hair. “Let’s get you into your pajamas. You’ll be more comfortable.”
I got up from the bed and pulled her Ariel nightgown from the drawer. I helped her sit up and took off the clothes she was wearing. She slipped into her nightgown as I pulled back the covers and made her climb under them. A few moments later, Oliver walked in the room with the thermometer and Tylenol.
“That was quick.”
“There’s a drugstore on the corner,” he said as he handed me the thermometer.
“Open up, Soph, and put this under your tongue.” As soon as the thermometer beeped, I took it from her mouth and read it. “You, my dear, have a fever of 102.5. What’s the dosage say on the bottle, Oliver?”
“One and a half teaspoons.”
“Okay. Can you please pour that in the cup?”
I couldn’t help but laugh as he struggled with the cap. He couldn’t get it off.
“What the hell is up with this thing?”
“Give me it. It’s a childproof cap.” I immediately opened the bottle and poured it to the one and a half tsp. line. “Drink up, Sophie. You’ll feel better.”
She took the cup from my hand and drank it, making a sour face. I hurried and gave her the glass of water.
“Drink some water.”
She took a few sips and then lay down on her pillow and closed her eyes. I kissed her on the head and Oliver did the same. As we walked out of the room, we left the door open slightly.
“Do you think she’ll be all right?” he asked.
“She probably has a virus. We’ll have to keep an eye on her temperature. She may need to go and see doctor tomorrow.”
“She doesn’t have a doctor.”
“What?” I asked in surprise as we stood in the living room.
“She’s never been sick. Listen, Delilah, I don’t know the first thing about raising a kid. I’m taking this one day at a time. She never needed to see a doctor so why would I have one for her?”
“For instances like this! Plus, she’ll need shots when she goes to kindergarten in the fall.”
“Sophie will be attending a private school.”
“So. You still need vaccines.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you’re here, then.”
I rolled my eyes. “I guess so.”
As soon as we made our way downstairs, Laurel and Liam walked through the door.
“Hello, Oliver.” She smiled as she kissed his lips. I wanted to puke. “Oh, hello, Delilah.”
I gave her a small smile and then looked at Liam, who proceeded to give me a wink. Dinner was ready and being served in the dining room. I watched as Oliver placed his hand on Laurel’s back and the two of them entered the room and sat down at the table. I couldn’t stop thinking about last night and the way he wiped the cherry filling from the corner of my mouth. I took a seat at the table and Liam asked where Sophie was.
“She’s in bed. She’s sick.”
“Poor kid. I hope she feels better soon.”
“Thanks. Me too.”
I caught Oliver staring at the two of us from across the table. It still bothered me that he asked if Liam had hit on me.
“So what kind of fundraiser are you doing?” I politely asked.
“It’s for families of ALS and ALS research. We want to raise a considerable amount of money to help the families and give the rest for research,” Oliver replied.
“That’s nice.” I smiled. “Do you pick a different charity every year?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, we do.” Liam grinned. “And every year is just as successful as the last.”
“Do you think we can discuss the details?” Laurel snapped. “And, Oliver, may I ask why the nanny is having dinner with us? She’s the help. Shouldn’t she be sitting in the kitchen with Clara?”
“Be nice, Laurel,” Oliver spoke.
I couldn’t believe that bitch had just said that. Who the fuck did she think she was? Where I came from, back in Chicago, she wouldn’t last a day. I was really pissed off that Oliver didn’t stick up for me.
“She’s here because she will be attending the fundraiser with me, so I want her involved in the details.” Liam smiled. “Isn’t that right, Delilah?”
I took a bite of my chicken as nerves settled inside of me, waiting for the volcano to erupt. “Yeah. I can hardly wait.”
I looked up and over at Oliver, who was glaring at me. He didn’t look happy. In fact, he looked downright pissed. Oh well.
“If you’ll excuse me. I’ll leave the three of you to discuss your business.” I got up and took my plate into the kitchen. I needed to get hold of myself because that bitch was crossing the line with me. “How can Oliver stand that woman?” I spoke in rage to Clara.
She smirked. “She’s a piece of work, isn’t she? Don’t let her get to you. One day, Mr. Wyatt will see her for who she truly is and kick her ass to the curb.”
I smiled as I hooked my arm around her. “Thanks, Clara. I’m going to go and check on Sophie and then I’ll be in the living room if you need me.”
I walked up to Sophie’s room and she was still sound asleep. I sat down at the piano and began to play and softly sing. As I finished my song, I heard the sounds of gentle clapping behind me. I tur
ned around and Oliver and Liam were standing there.
“Well done, Delilah,” Liam held up his glass.
“Thank you.”
“Oliver, I have a wonderful idea. Why don’t we have Delilah be the entertainment at the fundraiser?”
“I’ve already hired the band,” Laurel snapped as she walked in the room.
“Then fire them,” Oliver spewed. “I think that having Delilah sing at the fundraiser is a great idea.”
“You can’t be serious?”
“Yes, I am serious,” Oliver replied.
“And so am I,” Liam spoke. “So how about it, Delilah? Would you like to perform at the fundraiser our company is hosting?”
“I would love to.” I smirked as I looked at Cruella.
She glared at me, and if looks could kill, I’d be dead. I didn’t care. If Oliver and Liam wanted me to perform, then I would. It was for a wonderful cause and I was honored to be a part of it.
Chapter 12
Oliver
I walked over to the bar and poured myself another glass of scotch as Laurel continued to harp on me about having Delilah perform at the fundraiser.
“What the fuck is going on here?” she asked.
“What do you mean, Laurel?”
“Why are you catering to that little girl? Is it the way she looks at you, Oliver?”
“If you’re talking about Sophie, then yes. She’s my daughter and I will cater to her all I want.”
“I’m not talking about Sophie and you know it.”
“You’re being ridiculous, Laurel. Delilah is my nanny and you need to stop this right now. She’s a nice girl and she takes very good care of Sophie.”
She walked over to me and ran her finger along my chest. “I’m sorry, darling. You know how jealous I can get when it comes to you. Why don’t we go back to my place and fuck? I bought some new lingerie I’m dying to show you.”
“As much as I’d love to, I can’t. With Sophie being ill, I don’t want to leave her.”
Anger consumed her eyes. “Delilah is here with her. You don’t need to be. She’ll be fine.”
“I said not tonight, Laurel. End of discussion.”
Liam walked back into the room with a smirk on his face. “Are you two lovebirds having a disagreement?”