Free An Inconvenient Desire by Alexia Adams Page B

huge smile creased his face, and her heart sped up even more.
    “I leave the room for two minutes and this is what happens?” He sauntered over to them and wiped a finger down Hannah’s flour-covered nose. Olivia had put the high chair against the counter so Hannah could feel part of the cake-making enterprise. Having given her a bowl with a little flour and a spoon, Hannah was trying to copy Olivia’s movements as she folded all the ingredients together.
    “We’re baking a cake,” Olivia replied. Although her prep area was fairly tidy, the floor around Hannah’s chair was covered in flour. The little girl stirred her bowl again, most of the contents ending up on the counter or the makeshift apron Olivia had fashioned for her.
    “Daddy!” Hannah held up her bowl for Jonathan to see, tipping the last of the flour over her head.
    It was the first time Hannah had called him “Daddy.” The look of pure love that crossed his face caused Olivia’s breath to catch in her throat.
    It was hard to believe the little girl’s transformation in two weeks. Hannah had started talking more over the past couple of days, referring to Olivia as “Bibya,” which warmed her heart. The silent, sad toddler was now a vibrant, happy child chattering nonsense to her doll, playing tea party with Olivia, and making hundreds of pieces of artwork for Jonathan.
    “We are going to love your cake,” Jonathan said at last. His voice was a little raw. “Just like Daddy loves you.” He bent and kissed her little cheek before turning overly bright eyes on Olivia.
    If Hannah’s transformation had been amazing, it was echoed in Jonathan’s change in attitude. In the days since their “argument” on the terrace, he’d stopped being remote and had showered Hannah with love and attention. He’d also told Olivia often how much he appreciated her help.
    “I called my mother again,” he said.
    She stopped stirring the batter and put the bowl down on the counter. “And?”
    “And I asked her to be on standby, but that for the next few months I’d be keeping Hannah with me.”
    She couldn’t stop her smile. To hide her delight, she picked up the bowl again and beat the cake mixture with renewed vigor. “That’s great. One day, Hannah will tell you how much this means to her.”
    “You haven’t changed your mind about helping, have you? Because I can’t do this without you.”
    A flood of warmth swept through her. It was great to be needed. For a second she wished it was more than just her newfound nanny skills he wanted. But she still had her career aspirations and plans. Well, it wouldn’t hurt for them to be delayed. After all, she was enjoying this change of lifestyle. She’d just have to make sure she didn’t lose her focus on what was really important. Which was especially in danger when Jonathan touched her, even accidentally.
    “No, I haven’t changed my mind,” she said. His eyes searched hers.
    Maybe she could lift her restriction on physical intimacy. Set a time limit on an affair. How long would it take to get enough of him? A month? Two? Forever? No, she needed to stay perched on top of her self-imposed celibacy wagon, knickers on, because Jonathan was likely an addiction she wouldn’t be able to break.
    She put the bowl down and got the cake tin ready. Before she could pour in the batter, Jonathan ran his finger along the inside of the bowl then popped it into his mouth. His chest was pressed against her shoulder. His enticing aftershave filled her nose. When she glanced up, he gave her a cheeky grin and her heart rate sped up.
    “Yum, that’s good. And no box in sight. I knew you had talents,” he said.
    Oh, darling, you have no idea the things I can do.
    She cleared her throat. “Cakes are easy. Can you watch Hannah for a few minutes? I need to, um, call my agent and tell her I’ll be extending my holiday. I’ll clean up here when I get back.” Her voice came out all breathless.
    She poured the batter in the