“Nothing.” I exhaled. “I just didn’t realize you found me so repulsive.”
“Repulsive?” His eyes widened. “What are you talking about? Why would you think that?”
“You said you were determined not to hire a nanny you were attracted to,” I said, suddenly too aware of myself. “And I get that you’ve only ever seen me as Lucy’s friend. I never expected you to think I was cute or anything. I just didn’t realize I was that off-putting. Is it the freckles? The hair? I know it gets big when it’s humid.”
“What?” he said, completely thrown.
“It’s fine.” I shrugged, suddenly embarrassed that we were even having this conversation. “Sorry. I’m overreacting. I think I’m just second-guessing everything since dating hasn’t exactly been successful lately.”
“I love your freckles,” he said immediately. “And your hair.”
I blinked.
“But there’s still no chance you’d ever be tempted by me as your nanny?” I found myself saying, even though I knew it was stupid.
“I didn’t say that.” He shook his head, then paused, something clicking into place. “Nora.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Of course, I think you’re attractive. I just… You’ve always been Lucy’s friend. And I’m so much older than you. And because we’ve been friends for so long, I honestly didn’t think we’d ever run into any of those problems when I hired you.”
“Okay,” I said, feeling ridiculous.
“Any guy would be lucky to date you.” He chuckled softly. “I promise I didn’t agree to be your wingman because I thoughtyouneeded help. I did it becauseIneeded help, and it only seemed fair to return the favor.”
“Okay,” I said again, still mortified.
He dipped his head slightly, like he was trying to read something on my face. “You can’t honestly say you’d want someone like me chasing after you, can you? A guy in his thirties with a kid and all kinds of baggage.”
“You just barely turned thirty,” I said, crossing my arms. “You’re not ancient.”
“I’m eight years older than you,” he said with a laugh. “I’m literally awidower. That word alone makes me feel ninety. Hell, I’ve already got like two bulging discs in my back.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. My back is dumb.” He sighed, then looked at me more earnestly. “Can you forgive me? I wasn’t trying to lump you in with Charlotte’s last nanny. You’re way cuter. And way more fun.”
Cute… but not beautiful.
Not even pretty.
Ugh.I really shouldn’t care.
But for some stupid reason, I did. I cared what Theo Archibald, the hot single dad with big muscles and hypnotizing eyes, thought about me.
“Sorry. I’m being dumb.” I rubbed my face. “I didn’t sleep well last night, and I get weird when I’m tired. And obviously, I shouldn’t want you secretly pining after me. That would be… very weird.”
“Yes…” He nodded, eyeing me carefully, like he was now scared to say anything else.
For a second, neither of us spoke, as if we’d both realized at the same time that maybe we’d wandered a little too far into territory we weren’t supposed to be standing in.
“Anyway,” Theo said, clearing his throat. “I should probably shower and get ready for work.”
“Right.” I nodded a little too quickly. “Of course.”
He took a step toward the door, then paused and glanced back at me. “But really, if you ever feel like using the gym in the mornings, go for it. You’re already here early. Might as well take advantage of it, if you want.”
“Okay.” I nodded. “Thanks.”
“And I’m not suggesting it because I think youneedto work out or anything,” he added quickly, like he was already having PTSD from our conversation. “You look great. Honestly, you’re probably in better shape than me.” He winced. “And now I’m commenting on a woman’s body just like Miles did last week, aren’t I?”
“You’re fine.” I laughed despite myself.