6. Lucas
Chapter Six
LUCAS
I’m up early, the sun streaming through the shutters, and the house feels particularly quiet without the kids here.
Natalie is fast asleep, so I throw our clothes in the washing machine and then the dryer while I check my emails and have some coffee.
Taking her dried clothes back upstairs and laying them on the empty bed, I hear the sound of the shower running.
My cock stiffens, imagining her soaping those glorious curves, and I start to head towards the bathroom.
There’s a knock downstairs and I reluctantly change direction, heading towards the front door instead.
Eva is standing there with the kids. Yesterday’s immaculate outfit has been replaced by another designer ensemble, but this one has some muddy handprints up the front. Zoe is looking sheepish, while Logan just looks bored.
“Hey Lucas, dropping them back a bit early because I need to get back to the city ASAP. Went well yesterday. Zoe fell in a puddle - we had some rain in Newhope unfortunately. Is the nanny here yet? She can get her changed. I need to speak to you.”
I open my mouth, not sure what to say, but Zoe gets there first. “I don’t need to get changed. I’m hungry.”
I give her a hug. “Logan, take your sister to the kitchen and get some cereal. I’ll be there in a second.”
Once the kids are in the kitchen, Eva strides into the living room.
“As you know the business is doing well. But I’m getting some criticism for the fast part of our fast fashion operation.
Some press about the garment manufacturers and the amount of waste we generate.
And that stupid, out of context quote where I said clothes are fun and the environment is boring.
I need some positive PR.” Eva stares plaintively at me. “You can help me.”
I notice Natalie’s sandals behind Eva on the fireplace, with her bag sitting neatly next to them.
I need to get Eva out of the house before she notices.
She’ll make a meal out of this situation if she finds out, since she already thinks Natalie is a gold digger just for being young, pretty and taking this job.
I’m not really listening as Eva jabbers on about the eco credentials of her business. I nod. “Sure, I realise this is important, we can talk about it. I’m sure we can work something out.”
“Great. Wow - I wasn’t expecting you to be so compliant. Okay I’ll email you. Gotta go. Thanks for being flexible.” She smiles at me, turns on her heel and heads to the door, shouting goodbye to the kids as she goes.
I can’t help but be relieved she’s gone without finding out about Natalie. Not that I intend for Natalie not to be a part of my life. After the last couple of weeks and last night, I know for certain that I’ve fallen head over heels for her. But I want Eva and Natalie to meet on more equal terms.
There’s the sound of footsteps running down the stairs.
Natalie looks shocked and hurt.
“What’s wrong?” I go to wrap my arms around her but she shrugs them away. She crouches to put her sandals on.
“Lucas, I can’t do this. I’ll always be some kind of dirty secret to you. How can the nanny make it work with the boss? You’re my employer. And, I don’t think you’re who I thought you were...” Tears glint in her eyes.
“Natalie, it won’t be like that, I -” She holds up a hand and cuts me off.
“There’s a power imbalance, I have none. And you have it all.” We both stare at each other.
There’s a crash from the kitchen, followed by crying.
I head into the kitchen. Zoe’s standing by an overturned chair, bits of cereal and milk in her hair, while Logan backs away shaking his head. “It wasn’t me, Dad. She was trying to do a circus trick.”
I pick out the cereal from Zoe’s hair, giving her a hug while she sobs. She’s overtired and needs some time to decompress.
“How about some popcorn and we watch Frozen 2 on the sofa?” I suggest. She smiles wanly back at me.
I get the pan out and hear the sound of the front door closing gently.
The woman of my dreams has just walked out of my life.
What am I going to do to get her back?