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2025-04-22 06:00:20
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Resisting The Playboy's Charm 55
EvansOutside the windows in my home office, the sky is a gentle shade of deep orange, fading into the gray of the clouds. It's early in the evening, and from the other room, I can hear the sounds of Carolina playing with Brandon: her voice, and Brandon's cheerful peals of laughter.The doorbell sounds. I consider getting up to answer it myself, but I hear Carolina call out, and her footsteps echo in the front hall.There is a quiet exchange of words, unintelligible from this far away, and then the sound of the door closing. A few moments later, she appears in the doorway to my office.A large garment bag is slung over her forearm, and she wears a baffled, worried look on her face."What the hell is this?" she asks.I lean back in my chair, regarding her steadily. "It's a dress."She scoffs a little. "I know that, but what's it doing here?""I ordered it for the charity auction," I tell her. "I wanted to make sure you had something to wear."She blinks at me, seeming stunned, then unz
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22Resisting The Playboy's Charm 56
CarolinaOn the night of the gala, I get dressed and ready in my room.It's been a long time since I had to dress myself up for an occasion, and I don't think I've ever been to an event as fancy as this one, so I pull out all the stops.Of course, for me, that isn't much. I wash my hair carefully and blow it dry rather than putting it in the usual high ponytail. It wafts around my shoulders in sleek curtains; I can't stop running my fingers through it, surprised by the softness.I use a little bit of makeup, but not much. A slight blush, a little bit of nude eyeshadow, and a tasteful mascara. I don't want to show up bare-faced, but I don't want to look like a clown, either.Figuring out how to walk the line makes me a little nervous. It's so rare that I try to make myself look presentable like this. Usually, when I'm just working with Brandon, my goal is only functionality. I try to get my hair out of the way, and that's about it.When I'm finally almost ready, it comes time to put on
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22Resisting The Playboy's Charm 57
CarolinaHow many other nannies are here? Technically, I'm on the clock, but I feel as though I'm crossing about a million lines.My eyes rake the room, searching for someone else with a child. There are a few small children accompanying their parents to this gala, so that in and of itself isn't odd. But... my heart pounds uncomfortably as I realize that the women holding their hands are most likely their mothers.And on top of everything... if there were other nannies in this ballroom, how many of them are fucking their bosses?Maybe that's why Declan was staring at me. He knows something.For the next few minutes, while Evans talks to his friends, I do my best to keep my eyes off of him. I focus on a piece of the dance floor ten yards away, watching an endless parade of designer shoes cross the hardwood.When I finally look up at the door, I see exactly the person I was hoping to see.Olivia hovers by the ballroom entrance, wearing a deep purple dress that she wore to another friend
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22Resisting The Playboy's Charm 58
Carolina"What's the matter?" I ask Olivia, confused. "That's one of Evans's friends. He's—""Yeah, uh... I'll be right back," she says, sounding distracted. "Let me just—"She turns to slip away, and almost immediately collides with one of the waitresses, who yelps, nearly dropping the tray of cocktail shrimp she's carrying. A bowl of cocktail sauce slides off the edge and shatters on the floor, spraying red goo all over the white tablecloth.The waitress glares at Olivia, fuming, and my friend cringes. "Agh—I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking—"Reed arrives at our table, looking over at Olivia and the waitress in befuddlement for a moment. Then he turns to me."Hey, I just came over to let you know that the bidding's going to start soon, if you want to get a look at any of the artwork.""Thanks," I tell him, embarrassed on Olivia's behalf. She busies herself helping the waitress with the pieces of broken ceramic, as well as the dirty tablecloth.Reed nods. He glances at Olivia, and for a
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22Resisting The Playboy's Charm 59
EvansThe event starts to wind down around midnight. All of the paintings have been sold, and the crowd has thinned out considerably as the auction comes to a close.Sophie goes home shortly after Carolina does, and I retreat with the guys to a private cigar room off of the main ballroom. Everything's leather in here, and the air smells like smoke and whiskey."This place is very you, Dec," Reed says, flopping down into a high-backed armchair.Declan snorts, but doesn't disagree, as he pours glasses of whiskey for the three of us. We light cigars and settle into the chairs, listening to the murmur of voices coming from outside the door."This has been an interesting evening," Declan says quietly, after some time."Did either of you buy anything?" I ask, avoiding his gaze."I didn't," Declan replies. "Just made observations."That can't be good."Well, who wasn't making observations?" Reed says with a dry chuckle. He flicks some ash from the tip of his cigar. "I got a couple paintings
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22Resisting The Playboy's Charm 60
CarolinaEvans comes downstairs later than I do the next morning, which is a little unusual. Typically, he's the first one up, making breakfast in the kitchen. Brandon follows closely behind him, and all of us sit down to breakfast at the counter together.As we eat, Evans says nothing about last night, but I can't help noticing the awkwardness between us. Brandon chats happily about his favorite paintings from the auction, blissfully unaware of the tension.Evans gives one-word responses, and spends most of the time sitting in silence. I want to ask him what's going on, and the reason for this strange distance, but I don't want to seem clingy.Instead, I pretend that I haven't noticed the awkwardness, either. I talk to Brandon, trying to keep my voice easy-breezy. It's harder to put on the casual tone than usual.After breakfast, Evans picks up to head to the office. Brandon runs off to play with his toys in the living room as Evans pours himself a thermos of coffee. I sit at the cou
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22Resisting The Playboy's Charm 61
CarolinaI'm locked in.I take a deep, shaky breath. The closet is dark and small, and I've never been a fan of tight spaces.The panic wells inside me, and despite my attempts to calm myself down, I start to hyperventilate. The breaths are desperate, like my body is convinced that I'm not getting enough air.It's impossible to tell how much time I spend jiggling the door, slamming a fist on it—maybe Brandon will hear the sounds and wake up, come downstairs, and let me out. It's unlikely, though. The house is huge, the walls are mostly soundproof, and he's too far away.I can feel myself spiraling, holding on by a thread.I press myself into the jackets hanging in the back, which smell like Evans, and let out a desperate sob.Minutes pass. I try to count the time, to distract myself, but I keep trailing off, unable to focus on the count. My eyes adjust to the darkness, which only makes things worse; from the feeble sliver of light that filters under the door, I can see the walls to ei
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22Resisting The Playboy's Charm 62
CarolinaEvans breaks away from our kiss. As he withdraws, he tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear, and I relish the feeling of his hand on my face.He stands, reaching a hand down to help me up. As he pulls me to my feet, he says, "Come back inside with me."There's nothing I would rather do, so I nod, following him back into the house. He leads me upstairs to my bedroom, and for a few moments, I think he's about to take me to the bed—but instead, he brings me into the bathroom and flicks on the mirror lights.He reaches for the hem of my shirt, glancing up at me with a question in his eyes. In response, I lift my hands above my head, letting him undress me. His touch is gentle, and he moves slowly, a departure from the usual fierceness.He removes my shirt and my bra, then carefully undoes my high, messy bun—which has already almost fallen apart—letting my hair spill loosely around my shoulders."I've always found showers cleansing," he says quietly, unbuttoning my jeans. He slides
Dernière mise à jour : 2025-04-22
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Resisting The Playboy's Charm 113
CarolinaFor a few seconds, I'm silent, in shock. Then the tears start, and I'm powerless to stop them. "Of course," I manage to choke out, a feeling of weightless elation filling my heart. I feel as though I might drift straight out of this Ferris wheel, up into the sky. "Of course I will."Evans smiles, pressing a kiss to my lips over Brandon's head."Yes!" Brandon shouts, delighted, and Evans and I break apart. I smile at Brandon through my happy tears."What's up, bud?""You're getting married to each other!" Brandon exclaims, beaming. "This is the best birthday ever!" Then he frowns abruptly, noticing my expression. "Why are you crying? Are you sad?""No," I assure him. "Sometimes, people cry when they're very, very happy."The Ferris wheel lurches back into motion, and I feel Evans's hand on my shoulder, his fingertips brushing my neck.As we near the ground, I peer down at the crowd, my eyes widening when I recognize a few familiar faces. "Wait—Evans, is that Olivia?""I invite
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Carolina"Go easy on the cotton candy," I chide Brandon, whose lips are sticky and purple from the confection. "That stuff is gonna make you feel sick.""But it's my birthday!""I know," I say, "but you don't want to be sick on your birthday, do you? After all, you haven't ridden the roller coaster yet."He frowns, considering this, his gaze straying to the kiddie roller coaster across the fairway. Then he shrugs, conceding the point. "Okay," he says. "Everyone else can share the rest of mine."He hands the remaining candy floss over to one of his friends, Jazz, who eagerly tears off a chunk and passes it to the next child.I smile, stepping back to stand beside Evans. Brandon wanted to invite his entire class back to the amusement park for his birthday—a huge fling that would've been immensely difficult if it weren't for the presence of some of the other parents, extra watchful eyes on the kids."We should go on the roller coaster next," Brandon says, trying to cajole his friends. "W
Resisting The Playboy's Charm 111
EvansAfter I finish, Carolina is silent for so long that it terrifies me.I just unloaded my entire heart to her, but for the first time in my life, I'm not sure if I said the right thing. I'm not sure if there's anything else I should say, or if another word might only make things worse.I've always known how to handle myself in any situation, always prided myself on being able to manage whatever came my way. But as I gaze at Carolina, desperately wanting her to believe me, all of that confidence slips away.There are tears in the corners of her eyes. Did I just make her cry? Is she upset? Did I just fuck up again?I open my mouth, not sure what else is going to come out—probably a babbling mess of nonsense, to be honest—but before I can stammer a single word, Carolina leans up to kiss me.We stay there for a few moments, locked in a deep kiss. All I can think about is how soft her lips are against mine, the scent of her floral shampoo that I sought in the sheets of my empty bed for
Resisting The Playboy's Charm 110
CarolinaIt's a long drive, all the way from Evans's place up to the Bronx. With each passing minute, I grow more confused, until finally, Evans pulls into a tree-lined asphalt drive, dappled with sunlight.I don't know what destination I was expecting, but whatever it was, it wasn't this. We're at Woodlawn Cemetery.Evans drives slowly through the wrought iron gates, then up the winding access road, in silence. I turn to him, frowning."Evans—""Almost there," he says.He stops the car beneath the sweeping branches of a massive maple, then steps out, gesturing for me to do the same. I hesitate for a few moments, watching as he crosses the street and approaches a simple, granite headstone.Finally, my curiosity gets the better of me. I climb out of the car and approach him. He turns to face me."I wanted to take you to meet my sister," he says. He's smiling, but there's something sad in the depths of his eyes. "I thought that the most important ladies in my life should get the chance
Resisting The Playboy's Charm 109
CarolinaOutside of Evans's ceiling-high windows, there's a flawless view of the winding branches of the oak tree in the backyard. I wake to the sound of a bird, sitting on the branch, chirping a morning tune.I'm nestled into Evans's arms, and that feels... good. Warm. Right. He's still asleep; the bird hasn't woken him. I spend a few seconds dwelling on the blissful feeling, the pleasant soreness in my muscles, as I watch the chickadee hop around on the branch and finally take flight.As soon as it vanishes out of sight, the reality of everything starts to sink in, and I bite my lip as a knot forms in my stomach.Shit. What did I just do?This was a huge mistake. The wound of our breakup was finally starting to heal over, enough that we could have a nice dinner without any awkwardness and with minimal hurt.And now, after this, I've definitely just reopened it, to its fullest extent.It's just going to get harder and harder every time I let myself have a taste. I can't let this cycl
Resisting The Playboy's Charm 108
CarolinaEvans trails his mouth over my neck and shoulders, teeth scraping my skin as I hook my legs around his waist, both of us desperate for the other."So fucking perfect." His voice is muffled against my skin, as if he can't bear to pull away long enough to speak. "You taste so good, Carolina. Every inch of you. I need you so goddamn badly."His hands move to the waistband of my pants, working the button and zipper down, and I rock from side to side a little, lifting my hips enough for him to slide them off. He takes my panties with them, and I hiss out a breath as the cool marble meets my bare skin."I need to be inside you," Evans groans, nearly ripping my pants off my legs as I desperately kick off my shoes. The heat between us is like an inferno, and I swear the rest of my clothes are about to burn to ash just from touching my skin. "Can I...?""Yes!" It's a breathless gasp, and I nod, reaching for his pants too.He's still wearing his shirt, and so am I, but I hardly even ca
Resisting The Playboy's Charm 107
CarolinaA rush of memories hits me as I walk down the second-floor hallway, especially as I walk past the room I lived in while I worked here. Unable to help my curiosity, I pause outside the door, leaning in to survey my old living space.It's almost empty. The bed is made, but it looks like it hasn't been touched since I was here. It's a little depressing, so I move on quickly.Brandon, in his room, has already put on his pajamas with lightning speed. He's crawling into bed as I enter."Story, story, story!" he chants, an eager grin on his face."Ah, ah," I say. "What are you forgetting?"Brandon frowns for a moment, unsure; then realization dawns on him. He climbs back out of bed and goes into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Only once he's back do I settle on the side of his bed, racking my brains for a story.Eventually, I spin a tale about our two betta fish meeting in a stream and becoming friends. Given what I know about betta fish, this is a pretty fanciful story—if Gill and
Resisting The Playboy's Charm 106
CarolinaWe all head up to the registers together, and once everything is paid for, I pause by the door awkwardly, glancing back at Brandon and Evans."Well, it was really nice to run into the two of you," I begin, expecting to ungracefully part ways."You should come have dinner with us!" Brandon bursts out loudly—he's having an energetic day.I cringe internally, glancing over at Evans. "Um, I don't know if that's a good idea, kiddo.""But it would be so fun!" Brandon cries.Evans nods, his eyes warm as he meets my gaze. His voice is sincere as he says, "Please. You should join us."Whatever I was expecting Evans to say, it wasn't that. I open my mouth to refuse, then close it, considering. It couldn't hurt to just go over for dinner. In fact, it might help with the heartache I've been feeling—a reminder that time moves on, or something."Okay, sure," I say hesitantly. "I didn't have anything to do this evening, anyway."Rather than taking the subway back to my place, I get into the
Resisting The Playboy's Charm 105
CarolinaThere are at least fifteen different brands of fish food at the pet store, which makes shopping for my still-unnamed betta fish way more difficult than it needs to be.It's a low maintenance creature, so I don't know what could possibly necessitate all of these different brands. One promises shinier scales, and the other claims to promote healthier fins. I shake my head, weighing one option in each hand.Finally, I decide to make the choice at random. If I picked wrong, my unnamed fish will just have to cope with subpar pellets.I toss the box into my shopping basket and continue down the aisle. I have to pick out a new filter for his little tank, then I'll be on my way.As I round the corner into the next aisle, I almost run straight into someone. I stumble back, startled, and drop my basket. The box of fish food slides across the floor."S-sorry," I stammer, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment."No worries," says a familiar voice.I freeze with my hand halfway to the fish
