by Bloom, Nikki
She visibly swallowed and angled her chin upward. “Your ego seems more than healthy enough to survive.”
Never in my life had I ever been so turned on by a woman taking digs at me. I should have probably been worried about my mental state, but I was enjoying the hell out my banter with Crystal. Pinning her with a steady stare, I announced, “Three thousand for three days, I don’t care about the hourly rate. I’m willing to give you more than that if you wish. I desperately need your help. I’m in way over my head. I’m not sure I can take care of a six-year-old for three days.”
“I really can’t accept.”
I should have accepted her refusal, taken Mason and walked away. I honestly didn’t know why I kept pushing. “I’d like to return little Mason here to his mother in one piece. Please, help me.”
Her mouth opened and closed. She was about to refuse again, I knew it. So, I said, “Say yes, Crystal. You know you want to.”
4
Crystal
Staring at the man I’d just met, I was still wondering why I stood there the entire time engaging him in foolish chatter. I should have walked away from the moment I saw that Mason was in safe hands, but this handsome stranger held me captive.
I didn’t know what happened to laying low and not drawing attention to myself. There was just something about Erik that made me feel a whole lot of things. He rubbed me the wrong way and intrigued me at the same time. His arrogance was irritating yet...amusing and attractive. His shameless flirting made me feel like a woman again. I didn’t know if he was just messing around―because he struck me as a big tease—or if he was seriously interested. But it felt good.
And he just made an offer I couldn’t refuse. Three thousand dollars to babysit for three days? Holy cow. I didn’t even make that much from my teacher’s aide and babysitting salaries combined for the month! I was down in the financial dumps after my latest move and I was barely clawing myself out inch by inch. I was in desperate need of a car and the ridiculously extravagant payment Erik was offering for a weekend babysitting gig could put me in the clear.
“A-are you being serious?” I glanced at his car, his Armani suit, his two-thousand-dollar shoes, and the Rolex gracing his wrist. I had a great eye for both male and female designer brands because, in my old life, I was surrounded by people of means. So, I was pretty sure Erik could afford to make the hefty offer.
“Can’t you see my desperation?”
I let out a small laugh. I’d never seen a grown man beg for help with one six-year-old.
“Come on, don’t you want to make sure Mason gets more than ice cream for dinner? Mace, give Miss Scott your best sad face. Show her how much we need her.”
On cue, Mason’s head snapped up and he stuck out his lower lip. Clearly, Mason never hesitated to be his uncle’s partner in crime. Both boy and man were staring at me with beseeching pouts and I had to fight hard to hold back my laughter, “Alright, alright. But you really don’t have to pay me that much.” As much as I needed that money, my conscience wouldn’t allow me to accept it. “The normal rate will do.”
“Oh, no, this is short notice and I’m putting you out. My initial offer stands, Miss Scott... Crystal.” Erik smirked, and the way he drawled my name was just too much, I had to take another step back.
“Fine, we have a deal.” I placed my hand in his and there went that strange current moving between us again.
Releasing my hand, Erik smiled. “Do you want to follow behind me?”
“Oh, I don’t have a car.” His brows furrowed as he looked at his two-seater and back at me. “I have to get home and change,” I blurted out. “I’ll catch a cab to your place.”
He nodded and reached into his back pocket. “I’ll give you my address and cab fare―” “No, that’s not necessary. I mean, not the cab fare. It’s fine.”
He looked like he was about to protest but nodded. We exchanged phone numbers and I took his address before he led Mason to his car. I watched him strap Mason into the booster seat and when he turned and caught my concerned look, he promised, “I’ll drive slow. I can tell you think I’m a madman based on my arrival. It was only because I was late and I panicked.”
“If you say so.”
I was hit with another grin and a too heated once over before I quickly turned and headed down the street. The way Erik Crawford looked at me made my heart do little somersaults behind my rib cage. I didn’t like it. It was too dangerous. A woman who had to avoid relationships and any kind of entanglement at all costs shouldn’t be flattered by some gorgeous man’s attention. Besides, nothing good could come out of getting too close to a man like Erik.
* * *
It didn’t take me long to get home, shower, and change and make my way to Erik’s. There were a few times before I left home where I considered not going through with the job. There were just too many alarm bells going off where Erik Crawford was concerned. But then I thought about the adorable and too-clever-for-his own-good little Mason and I was back on track. Who wouldn’t want to spend a little extra time with that kid? The large sum of money was another incentive and before I knew it, I was hopping out a cab and staring up at a skyscraper of an apartment building.
Erik said he lived on the top floor. Of course he’d reside in a penthouse apartment overlooking Seattle as if he was the king of the world. Taking a deep breath, I marched into the building, clutching my handbag tightly. I smiled timidly at the liveried man behind the counter in the lobby and headed to the elevators. Wow, a concierge and everything. The place was a far cry from my modest abode—which was a dump in the worst part of town really.
The ding of the elevator soon announced my arrival to the top floor and my case of nerves worsened.
“It’s just another babysitting job,” I reminded myself.
I stepped out of the elevator into a burgundy carpeted corridor and headed for the only door I could see. There was no doorbell, so I lifted my hand to knock. The door swung open before my knuckles touch down on the wood and I came face to face with the man whose mere appearance sent my heart rate into overdrive. Annoyed with myself, I took a deep breath and plastered on a polite smile.
“I saw you arrive on the security camera,” he said with a too sexy smile.
“Hi, Mr. Crawford...uh, Erik.”
“Hi. I’m glad you made it. I wish you had called when you arrived, I would have had the concierge direct you to my private elevator.” He stepped aside. “Come in.”
When I stepped inside, I did indeed see elevator doors that opened right into his apartment. The place was incredible. I easily spotted the touch of an expert interior decorator. The color scheme was warm— mixture of maroon, cream, and cinnamon. What captured my attention, however, were the floor to ceiling windows on one side of the living room that allowed a picturesque view of the city with the sky as a backdrop. I could sit on one of the comfortable-looking round sectionals and stare out the window all day.
“You have a lovely home,” I complimented.
“Thanks.” I turned to find Erik behind me, studying me closely with his head tilted, and because I was cursed with the ability to readily blush, I felt heat creep into my cheeks. Suddenly I felt like the plain Jane that I was in my simple t-shirt and jeans. I deliberately tried to downplay my appearance and I usually didn’t give a second thought about anyone’s opinion, but with Erik staring at me, I wished I’d put more thought into how I looked. Perhaps I should have dabbed on a little lipstick or something.
Nervously, I pulled my lower lip between my teeth, searching for something to say. When his gaze dropped to my mouth, I had to stifle a groan. Luckily, Mason had great timing. I heard him before I saw him barreling around a corner and toward me.
“Miss Scott!” I whirled around just as Mason launched himself at me, catching me off guard. I staggered backward and collided with a hard chest. A sound, something between a gasp and a giggle escaped me. I wrapped my arms around the little boy at the same time large hands clamped down on my
shoulders to steady me.
“Mason, hi.” At school, he was usually more reserved with his affections.
“Mace, easy. You nearly knocked Miss Scott over,” Erik reprimanded.
Unable to breathe because my back was still pressed to Erik’s front and his hands were still on my shoulders, practically branding me, I was barely able to pant out, “It’s okay.”
Releasing me, Mason gave me a sheepish look. “Sorry, Miss Scott. I’m just happy you’re here. You’re my favorite teacher ‘cause you’re always nice. And I don’t get to hug you at school because Mommy says I shouldn’t show too much ‘fection to everyone in public.”
Pursing my lips and trying not to giggle, I ruffled his hair. “I’m very happy to see you too, Mason, and thank you for the hug.”
The vibration of Erik’s soft chuckle behind me made me shiver with delight and I quickly jumped away from him. “The kid is better with ladies that I am,” he muttered.
Ignoring his comment, I clapped my hands together and jumped into babysitter mode. “So, I’m here. Have you two had dinner? Please, tell me you didn’t have ice cream, Mason.”
He pouted and shook his head. “Uncle Erik made me eat fruits instead. He said I should tell you when you got here ‘cause it’ll make him look good.”
“Did he now?” I turned to Erik with a slight smile and he rubbed the back of his neck.
With a rueful grin, he stepped around me to pat Mason’s head. “Mace, you weren’t supposed to tell her the last part, but good try, buddy.” Mason simply shrugged and ran off toward a few toys scattered on the plush living room rug.
Hand over my mouth, once again holding back a laugh, I realized that Mason and his uncle had made me laugh more in less than three hours than I probably had all year.
Eyes twinkling with laughter, Erik said, “Let me give you a brief tour, Crystal.”
He showed me around the lower half of his apartment before leading me up a metal spiral staircase. “You probably won’t need anything up here. I make sure Mason stays downstairs and away from the stairs. But you can still get acquainted with the place.”
“And here I thought you were irresponsible,” I joked.
He glanced at me over his shoulder with one of those panty-dropping smiles. “I learn fast.” When he came to a stop, I nearly ran into him because I was busy gazing around the tastefully decorated upstairs area. “There are just bedrooms up here― one of them mine.”
For some reason, my heart jumped at the mention of his bedroom. I really needed to get a grip. We headed back down the stairs and I asked, “Are you showing me around because you won’t be here?”
He sighed and turned to face me. “Okay, here’s the deal. My sister sort of dropped the whole babysitting thing on me. I couldn’t refuse because she’s the only person on this earth who can boss me around and I’m a little bit afraid of her.”
I chuckled. “Older siblings do feel that they have the right to be bossy.”
“Are speaking as a younger sibling or older?”
I instantly clammed up at having to reveal anything about myself. “Younger,” I murmured and quickly diverted. “So, what were you saying about babysitting being dropped on you?”
“Right. I had a few things scheduled for the weekend. I was going to cancel everything until I ran into you,” he said and smiled. “You’re here to save the weekend.”
He had plans. I couldn’t help wondering if those plans involved dates...with a woman or women. I hated myself for even caring. “Glad I can help out.”
“I’ll be here for the most part, but tonight I have a business dinner that I’m actually relieved I don’t have to cancel and tomorrow I’ll be here, but I have two meetings via video conference. Those short periods of time I’ll need you to keep an eye on Mason. Sounds good?”
“Sure,” I said a little too quickly to cover up my disappointment. I felt absolutely foolish for feeling a sliver of disappointment that Erik really did need a babysitter and he hadn’t hired me as a ploy to continue his flirting. Swallowing, I smiled, “You go ahead and do your thing. I’ll make sure Mason has dinner and takes his bath by the time you get back.
“Awesome.” He glanced at Mason who was in front of a big-screen TV playing with his toys. “You don’t think I’m horrible for leaving, do you? I’ll be gone for three hours tops.”
“Not at all. You had your meeting scheduled already. I’m here so you don’t have to feel bad.”
“Thank you.”
Erik gazed at me quietly for a few seconds until a tinge of awkwardness started to seep in. Nervously, I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear and looked away. Finally, Erik said, “I’ll leave you to it.”
5
Erik
Crystal Scott. I met the woman mere hours ago and she had already become an obsession. Sitting alone at the bar after my business dinner, nursing a bottle of water, I considered my predicament. I should have gone straight home because Christine entrusted me with Mason, but I was almost afraid to go near Crystal again.
I thought I would have gotten over my initial unexplainable surge of lust when I first met her, but when she arrived at my place and my feelings hadn’t changed but intensified, I really started to worry. Then, she had to stumble and fall against me when Mason rushed her, and all hell broke loose with my hormones.
I discovered then that I had the will and self-control of a monk after I’d successfully suppressed a massive boner. Crystal’s lush ass in jeans pressed against my crotch, and me having to pretend as if I wasn’t affected proved to be sheer torture. The mere memory of the contact was causing a suspicious stir in my pants.
With a sigh, I pushed the half-empty bottle of water away and got up. I couldn't stay away from my own apartment forever because I was terrified and confused about my own reactions to a single female. Checking my watch, I picked up the pace. That female was probably wanting to get home right about now.
By the time the elevator doors slid open into the foyer of my apartment, my emotions were under control. That was of course until I stepped into the living room and saw her. Crystal was curled up on one of the sofas and right beside her was a bundle under a blanket that I realized was a sleeping Mason as I got closer.
In the dimly lit room, she turned at the sound of my footsteps and gave me a smile that made it seem as if the sun had suddenly risen in my living room. She waved and stood up, then held a finger to her lips. I gulped. Why did she have to bring attention to her lips? Lips that I’d been craving to taste since the moment I saw her.
Crystal tiptoed toward me and took my arm to lead me away from Mason. “Hey,” she whispered. “I tried to get him into bed, but he insisted on keeping me company since it’s my first time here.” She smothered a laugh with her hand. “What a gentleman. He fell out about half an hour ago.”
Her words registered much slower than normal because my brain was still stuck on the image of kissing her and my libido had gone haywire because of the innocent contact of her hand on my arm.
“I can take him to bed now if you want.”
Blinking and forcing my senses to catch up, I finally murmured, “Uh...no, I’ll do it. Give me a minute.” Shrugging out of my jacket, I reached for Mason, careful not to wake him.
A minute later, I returned to find Crystal preparing to leave. She slipped on her shoes and gathered her handbag. Disappointed, I reached for a reason for her to stay just a bit longer. “Have a drink with me before you leave, Crystal.”
Her eyes widened and I could already see the refusal in her eyes before she even verbalized it. “I... I don’t drink.”
“How do you survive?”
That stern look of disapproval, which was really starting to grow on me, quickly appeared. “You sound like an alcoholic.”
Lifting a shoulder, I grinned. “Borderline. One drink?”
She smiled. That smile of hers was starting to feel like a precious gift that I want to work overtime to draw out. I suppose it was because I could tell that Cry
stal didn’t smile much. I wondered why.
“Do you always get what you want, Erik?”
Eyes clashing with hers, I considered her words. That was a loaded question if I ever heard one. Raking her curves with a lustful gaze, I replied, “Mostly.” I didn’t seem to be having any luck getting what I really wanted from Crystal, though. “Come on, humor me. Or do you have someone to go home to?”
Out of nowhere a tidal wave of jealousy rose up. I’d never had a jealous bone in my body when it came to women. I stared at Crystal with shock. Maybe the capability to be jealous had always been there but I’d never met the right woman to draw it out.
“There’s no one,” she said softly. The cloud of sadness that overshadowed her face gave me pause and my ridiculous jealousy over a woman I barely knew died down. “I’ll stay for one drink. Maybe a glass of red wine if you have it. I don’t indulge nowadays, but I guess it would be nice to have a glass.”
I let out an inaudible sigh. Finally, the woman gave me something. With a nod, I led her to the stacked bar and gestured for her to sit. “What does the lady favor?”
“Hmmm... I love a good Italian Chianti. If you don’t―”
I held up a finger. With a wide grin, I produced a bottle of what she requested. “I have everything you want, Crystal.” Her silence captured my attention and I glanced her way. She was eyeing me warily, her cheeks stained with red, and for a second I was confused. Until it dawned on me that my comment might have come off a bit suggestive... it was totally unintentional. I kept my mouth shut and busied myself pouring our drinks.
Crystal sure was a different type of woman than what I was accustomed to. If it were any of my usual flings and I’d made such a comment, we’d both be naked and going at it like rabbits right there on the counter. I’d have to handle her a bit more delicately, but I embraced the challenge. It had been a long time since I’d had to work for a female’s affections. It was...refreshing.
