Page 48 of Lance

“I was hoping you would agree to come and work for me,” he says. “As Simon’snanny.”

“Oh.I…”

“I know you said you were looking for a job, right? And I could give you plenty of hours.” He shoots me a quick, boyish grin. “And I could pay you really well. You wouldn’t have to worry about your bills oranything.”

“That sounds…” I don’t know quite what to say. Of course I do need a job, but Nia’s warning from last night is ringing loudly in my ears and I’m realizing just how much of a point she had. Look at me, all ready to throw myself at him just because he’s sitting close to me. Is it really a good idea to put myself in this position with a guy I clearly can’thave?

Especially when I want him sobadly.

“I just think it would be really good for Simon, you know?” Lance is saying. “He obviously likes you and he’s had so much upheaval already. I think it would help him, if you were around alot.”

Simon chooses that moment to pop up right in front of us, brandishing a handful of rings. “I got themall!”

“You did,” Lance says, glancing at his watch. “Only three minutes, too. I bet that’s arecord.”

“Easy peasy,” Simon says, smiling up at me. “Aquaman needs a bigger challenge than that, right,Willa?”

I look down into his grinning face, happier than I’ve seen it before. How on earth can I sayno?

I look over at Lance. He’s watching me, expectant. “When do Istart?”