Tempting The Manny Read online

  Pushing her against the counter, he nudged her legs apart with his knee, pressing his thigh tightly between.

  Her mouth left his and for a moment he almost had time to stop and think about how wrong this was, but then her tongue swirled around his ear lobe and he was gone again.

  His aching hands found her breasts, full and large. He cupped them, but imagined his face pressed between them instead. Licking his lips, he couldn’t wait to taste them.

  “Mr. Jamie.” A little girl’s voice called from the living room.

  Oh shit! He froze then took a step back from Olivia.

  “Just a minute,” he called back.

  Olivia’s eyes were full of passion. She bit her lip and he could tell she was nervous, but her eyes showed she didn’t regret what happened. He knew this had been very wrong and he hated what he had to say. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you. I don’t know what came over me. That was very unprofessional of me.”

  She smiled deviously. “I don’t think you are.”

  Her hand reached down, touching his erection. He sucked in, now biting his lip to try and push away the urge to grind into it.

  Letting her hand drop, she strutted past him to go to her daughter. His gaze once again followed her round little ass in her pencil skirt. She was right. If Morgan hadn’t interrupted them, he would have been finding out what it was like under that skirt.

  Chapter Three

  This was awkward. Olivia tried her best to stay focused on the road, but it was difficult. A steamy kiss between two adults could turn any situation uncomfortable.

  After Morgan woke from her nap, she was ready to go to the park. Apparently, Jamie had promised he would take them to play. Morgan reminded Jamie and told him he could not leave. So, here they all sat in Olivia’s SUV on the short drive to the local park.

  As she pulled into a parking spot, Morgan was already telling Jamie all about the playground equipment and which were her favorite and where she wanted him to play. She couldn’t help but laugh. At first she pitied him because Morgan could be demanding, but then she remembered he was a manny; he must like this sort of thing. Sadness then filled her when she realized this was new for the girls too. Their dad had never come to the park with them. He always said it was quiet time for him at home to get some work done.

  She pushed those depressing thoughts out of her head and decided she needed to focus on the girls. They mattered, her deadbeat husband didn’t.

  “Hope you’re ready,” she said to Jamie as he put Emily into the stroller.

  That gorgeous smile crossed his face and there were those dimples again. Her heart flipped.

  “She’s wound up from her nap. Perhaps we can tire her out so she will sleep early for you tonight.” He took the stroller from Olivia and began to walk toward the park.

  What a fine view. Today he wore light jeans and a navy t-shirt. His biceps were muscular and the shirt sleeves fit snuggly. Man, she wanted to wrap her fingers around his bicep as they walked.

  As they got to the play area, she saw a few women sitting together. They stared at Jamie, then at her. And from where she stood, it looked as though their eyes were going to bounce right out of their heads. She smirked knowing she had kissed this man everyone was oogling.

  “Olivia!” someone called.

  Spinning around she saw Kelly Winters, the one person she’d been avoiding since Eric had left.

  “Kelly. Hi.” She tried to sound enthusiastic.

  Kelly leaned close and asked, “Who is that man?”

  Here comes the gossip train. Kelly was the lady who shovels coal into the furnace to keep the train going. It dawned on Olivia that Eric leaving her had yet to get a ticket on the ride. It looked like she was buying admission now.

  “That’s my babysitter.”

  “Wow, he’s hot.” Kelly’s eyes were attached to his ass. Olivia couldn’t blame her.

  Olivia turned to glance at Jamie as he took control of both girls on the swings. This Latin man was a God.

  “So, Eric must be jealous,” Kelly inquired, than her expression got serious. “Wait. Why do you need a babysitter?”

  “I’m going back to work.”

  Kelly gasped. “Really? I couldn’t do it. The thought of leaving my kids to someone else, well it just seems so irresponsible.”

  There was nothing wrong with a working mom, but with women like Kelly, they always thought their way was the right way. “Sometimes we don’t have a choice.”

  “Don’t tell me, Eric left you?” Her eyes widened.

  “Why do you assume he left me?” Olivia snapped.

  “Well, he was your bank account, no reason to leave him.” Kelly shrugged.

  Taking a deep breath in, she knew she didn’t want everyone knowing he left her for a younger woman. “Well, Eric actually got demoted, so pay cut time. Which means my bank account is running a bit low.”

  “Demoted,” Kelly whispered like it was a bad word. “I’m so sorry. I still wouldn’t work. It was his fault, why should you be changing your lifestyle.”

  “I can’t let the girls suffer because of their dad.”

  “I guess not,” Kelly said as snotty as she could.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I was away from my girls all morning so I would love to go spend some time with them. I’ll talk to you soon.” Olivia walked away as fast as she could toward the swings.

  Hopefully she hadn’t done all too much damage to herself. She couldn’t care less about Eric. Hell, it was going to be quite funny when it got back to him he had been demoted and his children’s mother was now forced to work. Unfortunately, this community put way too much into appearance upkeep.

  Emily was getting a bit fussy when she made it over. A bottle was probably in order. Picking up the baby, she grabbed one from the diaper bag and took a seat on the bench. Emily latched onto the nipple as if she was starved and began suckling away.

  Olivia glanced over to where Morgan and Jamie were. Morgan appeared to be animatedly sharing a story with him. He was fully engrossed and didn’t even seem to be pretending to listen. Which made her feel guilty; she was usually a half listener.

  Morgan hopped off the swing when she saw her park best friend, Rachel. Even Jamie couldn’t compete with Rachel. Morgan dashed across the playgroup, giving the little girl a big hug. Jamie took a seat next to Olivia. His thigh brushed against hers and she swore a jolt was sent through her body. The hairs on the back of her neck stood and lightly tingled.

  “Thanks for being so wonderful with the girls,” she said, trying to break the tension.

  “As I have said before, they are easy to be with. You have done an amazing job raising them.”

  “Thanks, I try.”

  He leaned in and asked, “Why are those women watching us like a hawk waiting to catch its prey?”

  Olivia chuckled. “They are the local gossip committee. I think they want to know if we are any more than a working relationship.” Scooting a little closer to him now. “Let’s hope they didn’t see us in the kitchen.”

  He inched away from her, his face blushed. “About that.”

  Putting her hand up to stop him. “I don’t want to hear an apology. It happened and truthfully, if it does again, you won’t hear me complain. The fact that you just might find me somewhat attractive has made my whole day. My boyfriend left me for a twenty-one-year-old. I haven’t exactly felt good about myself lately.”

  “You’re beautiful and he’s stupid.”

  “Thank you.” Her heart fluttered.

  “But you know that can’t happen again, right?” he asked.

  “That’s a shame. You really lit a fire in me. I would have liked to see where it would have gone.” She was tempted to reach out and touch his muscled arm, but with the gossip crew watching, she knew it would be wrong.

  For a moment, Jamie said nothing and she wished she could get into his head. Did he want to touch her as much as she wanted him too? Did he want her at all?

  “If
circumstances were different, we would see where that kiss would have gone.” He stood, excusing himself to use the restroom.

  She couldn’t help but grin. The chemistry between them was thick and she knew he had to escape before being tempted by her anymore.

  ****

  The next afternoon as Jaime drove to Olivia’s, something in him warned trouble was ahead. If he knew what was best for him, he would tell her he was sorry and quit. She was hot, fun, a great mother, and so much more. But he knew what was best for her and that was having someone to watch the kids. That left him currently as the only option. He’d agreed to a job. Never once had he ever been this attracted to a client as he was her though. Sure, he was used to women hitting on him, but he never felt what he did for them that he was feeling for Olivia. He would rather pursue something with her than just babysit her kids.

  He often wanted to reach out and grab a lock of her blonde hair and twirl it around his finger. It looked soft and he could imagine it falling in his face as she rode him to her own ecstasy. He shook his head to steer off the course his mind was going. He had to keep this professional.

  It was going to be an easy time tonight. Olivia had an evening interview so he just had to feed the kids and get them tucked in. She said it would only be a few hours. Thinking of his usual policy, he never would’ve allowed a client two hours. He would have required at least four, but truth be told, his attraction played a part on bending the rules.

  When he arrived, he could hear Morgan crying all the way from the driveway. Instead of knocking, he tested the door knob, finding it unlocked. Letting himself in, he saw Morgan planted firmly in the naughty chair with tears running down her cheeks. He smiled at her, then went farther into the house, but froze in his footsteps when he saw Olivia.

  She wore a navy blue dress. It sat on her shoulders, and with just s slight tug, it would drop revealing her breasts. A black belt was placed just under her breasts, and the dress hugged her hips the rest of the way down to her knees. In her hand she carried a pair of black heels. He could imagine her calf muscles hard as a rock once she slipped the shoes on. If her dress was low cut, he knew any man would be crazy not to hire her. But the neckline sat just under her collar bone, leaving her looking classy and sexy at the same time.

  “It’s been a day here,” she said. “I’m no miracle maker like you, so Morgan has not had a nap. I would think after dinner, she’ll be ready to hit the sack.” Skirting past him she added, “Oh, dinner is in the crock pot. It’s a pork roast. I hope you like it.”

  Taking in a deep breath, the smell greeted him. His stomach rumbled. “I’m sure it will be satisfying.”

  “I hope. I just threw it together this morning.” She stopped in front of him and sighed. Then she bent forward to slip on her heels and he got a slight peek inside her dress. Good God, she had on a red lace bra under that dress. “The gravy is loose. Expect Morgan to lick hers off the plate. This kid loves sauce.”

  She stood and his hungry eyes gazed down her body once again, and yes, those calves were damn sexy in heels. His imagination had nothing on reality.

  “Okay, I think I can handle it. Get out of here and good luck.” Before he ravished her and had his way.

  “I have no doubt you can. If I had an extra room, I’d move you in here.”

  If that were true, he knew there was no way he could sleep, knowing she was down the hall in another room with little to nothing on. Baseball, basketball, soccer…go away hard-on.

  She dashed around the room collecting her purse, a binder, and kissing both the girls. She waved then stopped in front of the door. “Call me if you need me.” And she was out the door.

  “Mr. Jamie,” Morgan called from the foyer.

  Walking over to her, he said, “Yes.”

  “Mommy forgot to get me out of the naughty chair. Do I have to stay here until she gets home?” She looked up at him with puppy eyes.

  He laughed. “No, sweetie. Come on out and I’ll get dinner finished up.”

  Standing, she wrapped her arms around him giving him a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. I really like you.”

  His heart melted and he hugged her back. These kids had already stolen his love. There was no turning back.

  ****

  The interview went well and Olivia was almost positive she had the job. She was excited yet scared to death. It had been so long since she worked. She would be doing reception work at a doctor’s office, and while it wasn’t the most glamorous job, she couldn’t believe it paid so well. The hours were perfect too.

  As she let herself into the house, a wave of sadness come over her. It was one of the first nights that she hadn’t been home to tuck the girls in. She couldn’t even imagine what it would be like if Eric decided to ask for partial custody of them.

  Pushing those thoughts deep into her mind, she found Jamie on the couch. His eyes were closed, and the TV was on low with some singing reality show on. Unable to stop herself, she brushed his dark hair from his forehead. His eyes opened and she moved her hand away.

  “Sorry,” she whispered.

  He sat up as she came around and took a seat on the couch also.

  Jamie rubbed his face. “No, I’m sorry for dozing off.”

  “It’s fine. I do it often. If I’m lucky, I wake in time to at least sleep a few hours in my bed. Usually not, I hate sleeping in the big thing all by myself.”

  “How did the interview go?” he asked, rapidly changing the subject.

  She shrugged and leaned back into the cushion. “Pretty sure I have the job. It will be a change, but I’m looking forward to it.”

  He nodded, still groggy, but his gaze was locked on hers.

  The air felt thick between them. She was tempted to crawl over and climb into his lap and see if they could continue where they’d left off the other day. She wanted to explore each part of him. Each and every manly part about him.

  “I guess I should get out of here.” He started to stand.

  “I…” She didn’t want him to go. “Can you stay a little longer?”

  He shook his head. “It’s not a good idea. You know that.”

  Tears built in her eyes and she turned her face from him. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her emotional. Deep down she knew he was right, it was best for him to go. Yet she couldn’t help not wanting to be alone again.

  She stood, turned off the TV, and started toward her bedroom as her tears threatened to gush out. “Lock up on your way out. I’ll let you know when I need you again.”

  Not even glancing back, she entered her bedroom, closing her door slightly. Kicking off her heels, she undid the belt and dropped it to the floor. She then turned on the lamp next to the bed and felt a tear trickle as the light dimly lit the room.

  Reaching behind her back, she cursed as she reached for the zipper. Damn, she forgot she had Morgan zip it up. She’d try the hanger trick she’d heard of. She turned to get a hanger, but then stopped.

  “Let me help.”

  “I thought you were leaving.”

  “Turn around.” His tone demanding.

  But she did as he asked. A big hand brushed hers away and slowly moved her zipper down until it stopped at her lower back. He pushed her dress off her shoulders and it fell to the floor in a pile around her ankles. His palms rubbed along her lower back and then spun her around.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

  Olivia stared up into Jamie’s face. His fingers lightly stroked the top of her bra.

  As his eyes took her body in, she finally felt desirable. It had been a long time since she had even felt attractive. Yet the way his eyes devoured her, she knew he liked what he saw. That alone turned her on more than anything his finger was currently doing.

  “I thought you said this wasn’t a good idea.” She chewed on her bottom lip

  “It isn’t.” His palms rubbed her stomach, then up her sides. “You’re so soft.”

  Jamie gripped her waist, picking her
up and placing her on the bed. “We really shouldn’t.”

  He leaned in, taking her mouth to his. As his tongue entered her mouth, all thoughts left. Damn, this man could kiss. She felt like she was on fire suddenly and needed more. But they couldn’t do anymore. In fact, she had to stop this right now.

  “Jamie, stop.” She pushed him back. “Stop.”

  He stared into her eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

  “I’d love to see where this would go. Believe me. Stopping this is the last thing I want, but my girls are right down the hall.”

  “I shouldn’t have come back here. I should’ve left.” He took several steps back, putting the much needed distance between them they both desperately needed.

  “I’ve been letting lust cloud my judgment. I should know better than this.” Olivia sighed.

  “It isn’t your fault. I played a part and should’ve resisted what I feel for you.”

  She smiled, happy to know he was having as much a hard time as her. “At least I’m not alone trying to resist this.” Her fingers motioned between them.

  “I’ve never felt something so strong.” He raked his hands through his hair.

  “It’s best if you just go.” Olivia could not risk him being in her bedroom a moment longer, otherwise she’d ask him to stay.

  He nodded. “Yes, its best I go. You’re right.”

  “I’ll call you soon.”

  She expected him to turn and leave, but instead he came closer to her and brushed his lips to her cheek. “Rest good tonight, beautiful.”

  Olivia curled up on the bed, snuggling into her pillow. What had just happened? Jamie coming into her bedroom had surprised the hell out of her. It was going to be hard to be around him and not pursue something. Perhaps she should find a new sitter, and then date him. Because at this point, they’d crossed a line and there was no going back.

  Chapter Four

  It was almost lunch time and Olivia still hadn’t found the motivation to change out of her old ratty, pink robe. Emily cooed in her bouncer, happy as can be, and Morgan was in the dining room doing a puzzle while complaining that summer vacation was too long. Olivia couldn’t agree more. The few weeks that were left couldn’t go by fast enough.