THE NANNY AFFAIR

Chapter Five : The Fiancée

(I watch as Sam’s fiancée sweeps into the penthouse like she owns the place.)

Uh, come in.... I said shocked

I’m Judith wheeler, The wheeler Industries. As the new maid, you will probably be seeing me here a lot and - -

I’m not a maid. I’m Blair Lawson, the kids’ nanny.

Oh. Well, in any case...

(Judith gives me a meaningful look, clearly

expecting me to get out of her way.)

Uh...let me take you to Sam and the kids.

Oh! There’s no need for that girl. I know my way around here.

I was just trying to help.

I know, that’s your job, after all you are the maid.

What?

Do you really need me to repeat myself?

No, no of course not.

Good.

We were just having a surprise birthday dinner for Sam... An impromptu thing the kids threw together at the last minute.

How sweet. Hope they didn’t leave the kitchen in tatters.

They actually did a great job. And I think we even have enough leftovers for you to try some.

Oh,uh, that’s quite alright. I have a strict diet.

(Judith pushes her way past me, heading straight for the dining room.)

Judith ? What are you doing here? Sam asked shocked.

Happy birthday! Gummy-bear.

(Judith greets Sam with a kiss on the cheek, then she offers him a small velvet box...)

Platinum cufflinks? Thank you, they’re wonderful.

(And boring. Sam already has, like, a million of those.)

Only the best for my gummy-bear.

(Judith reaches out and tousles Mira’s hair. She stiffens in her chair.)

Aren’t you happy to see me, Mike? I brought presents for you kids too!

I’m Mirabel. Not Mike. Do I look like a boy to you? I am clearly a girl. Anyone can differentiate me from my twin brother Mike. So - -

That’s what I said. How would you like a new watch? It’s Armani! I got a matching one for you too, Mike.

Thanks, just what I always wanted. Mike said angrily.

You have good taste. She said smiling at the twins.

(Has she even been around kids before?)

What a thoughtful gift, Judith. Armani timepiece might be a little mature for them, but that’s something we can discuss later. Sam said softly.

You’re never too young to become a style icon.

(Judith moves to sit in the open chair - - my seat - - when she notices me still standing there.)

Well? Aren’t you going to clean up the dishes?

Huh? Uh... Like I told you before, I’m not the maid. I’m here for the kids. And even if I was, that’s not how you speak to other people. I said to her in a very high and angry tone.

Semantics. If you’re not going to clean up, then you’re dismissed.

Judith, you can’t just - -

Ooo, Sam, you will never guess who was in first class with me on my flight!

- - talk to - -

Chrissy Teigen! Can you believe it? Now there’s a style icon.

She...

Sam tried to cut in again, but Judith talks right over him. He shoots me an apologetic look...and whispers. I’m sorry.

Sam... ( At least he tried. But that’s not good enough. Judith just won’t let him get a word in edgewise. )

( Judith is still yammering as I start to back toward the door. )

...Goodnight, everyone. I said sadly as I returned to my room.

I return to my room and plop onto my bed, still unsure what just happened. I pull out my phone to text the one friend I know who will understand...

Blair : OMG Judith is here.

Clara : WHAT!!!

Blair : she dropped in unannounced during Sam’s bday dinner. She’s freakin terrible! You should’ve seen the way she was treating everyone. She LITERALLY called me the help.

Clara : Gross. What did Sam say?

Blair : Nothing

Clara : EXCUUUUUUUUSE ME?!

Blair : He tried. But Judith kept talking over him. Honestly, I think Sam was too shocked to do more.

Clara : I hope so cuz otherwise...

A knock on the door pries me away from the phone screen... ( if it’s Judith with dry clean or something, I swear I’m not accountable for my actions. ) I said to myself angrily as I walk towards the door.

I opened the door to find...

Blair.

( uhhhh! My eyes widened as my breathe caught up in my throat,It’s Sam. Sam is standing in my doorway, shirt half way unbuttoned and chest bare, looking tired and disheveled... and yet somehow, still incredibly sexy. )

Sam, hey...is everything okay? I asked shocked.

Can we talk? Judith’s gone, and the kids are done for the night.

I frowned at him.

I was about to go to bed, actually.

It won’t take long. I need to apologize for what just happened.

I stared at him shaking my head. I adverted my gaze from him to the floor and when I looked up at him, he stared at me apologetically. I stared at him trying to study him. Sam shut his eyes and massaged his neck tenderly and releases a heavy sigh. My hands itch to help him relieve some of that tension, to stroke him, to touch him...His gaze meet mine, pleading with me.

Please. I don’t like how we left things back there. He said staring at me with his brow creased.

( Hmmm. Do I let sam into my room to hear his apology? I asked myself. Yeah. I will, that way I get to spend sometime with him, I mean it’s his birthday after all, and who knows, we’ll never know how close we’ll get or what might happen. Having this thought made me smile. ) Sam stood there looking at me confused at my sudden expression.

“Is that a smile I see”? He asked in a seductive tone while grinning at me with his brow raised.

“What?” No....I replied immediately, denying him from having an opening to speak to me in that tone while staring at me mischievously.

Blair. He called out my name with a worried look. I looked at him without altering a word. After a lingering look, “Fine”. I stepped back and gave Sam space to enter the room. I closed the door behind him and turn, gasping softly when I find him surprisingly close.

I’m so sorry, Blair. I never should have let Judith talk to you that way. I should’ve been more insistent that she stop immediately, instead of trying to wait for an opening. He said as he reaches out and places his hands over my shoulders. I tense, wanting him to touch me and leave me alone all at once.

Sam...Did you know she was coming? I asked as I removed his hands from my shoulders and walked towards my light stand putting enough space between us.

Shit! Blair, I had no f*****g idea she was coming. I had no idea. “f**k”. He cursed out as he walked towards me with an apologetic tone.

Blair. He called me as he reaches for my hand, I dashed to the corner of my closet. He looked at me with a confused look. “Are you running from me?”. He asked frowning at me.

“No”.

It’s obvious Blair your running from me. He said as he walked towards me again.

“Stop!”. “I’m not”. I shouted glaring at him, to show that I’m just upset and not running. Even though it’s one hundred percent true. I’m definitely running and i don’t even know why I’m running from Sam. I mean which woman in her right senses will run away from The Sam Lockwood. Sam stopped on his track shocked.

His expression changed as he clenched his jaw, curved his hands into fists and narrowed his eyes at me. He held my gaze for sometime while I chocked my head to the side and thought to myself, why did his expression change so suddenly, and why the f**k is he staring at me like he wants to devour me. Is he mad at me? No I don’t think so, I’m the one who’s supposed to be mad, me and not him.

The silence was killing me and he was just standing there staring at me without a word. Finally, he sighed heavily breaking his gaze from me, released his hands and rubbed them against his face in frustration. He took a deep breath trying to calm himself. As I felt his gaze leave me I sighed softly turning my gaze to him to find him staring at me.

The kids are asleep, you shouldn’t be shouting by this time of the night.And you can’t stay in that corner for ever, since you said you aren’t running from me, you should come out. He said to me calmly as he walked backwards, leaving enough space for me to come out freely.

And you shouldn’t be here by this time either. I said as I walked out from the corner of my closet glaring at him.

“Blair!” do- -

Why didn’t you stop her right away? I asked cutting him off.

I didn’t want to cause a scene in front of the kids... but that’s no excuse. Especially since Judith ended up doing that anyway. He said in an apologetic tone.

She made me feel like I wasn’t even there. I said to Sam sadly.

I told her that was completely unacceptable as soon as I finished putting the kids to bed.

Despite everything, a smile tugs at the corner of my mouth at his words. I cleared my throat and pretended to be mad even though I’m not made anymore. With a serious face, I asked. “Oh! Aunt Judith didn’t want to do it?”

Sam walked toward me slowly studying my reactions, thinking I would run again, but this time, I stood there staring at him and studying his every move. He hesitated and then looked me in the eyes and places his hands on my shoulders before he answered. S-She... struggles with them. I decided to save us all an hour or two and take over.

I meet Sam’s gaze, and feel myself start to thaw a bit. His hands slip away from my shoulders, causing me to shiver as they go.

Sam, I...I...looking at him melts my heart so much that I can’t even stay mad at him, I need some time to think this through, but looking at him and him staring at me passionately, made me say the opposite of what I was going to say. “I forgive you Sam” Damn! Did I just say that? What the heck I wrong with me? Argh!

Are you ok, Blair? I want to be happy that you forgave me but, you don’t look okay. Are you okay with it? Did you forgive me from your heart? He asked with a concerned look.

“Ah! Of course Sam, I forgive you and I mean it”. I’m definitely lying now, I mean staring at him made me say the wrong thing and now seeing him look this concerned makes me think I said the right words. You make it hard to stay mad at you Sam and Damn that is so much true. God his so f*****g hot.

“Good” he said smiling at me.

It’s not the same as an apology from her, though. Also, why isn’t Judith here, talking to me herself? Is she too good to apologize to ‘the help’? I asked in an angry tone.

He looked at me and replied. I told her to go home. I just...I just wanted to enjoy what was left of my birthday. Everything had been so perfect... until she got here.

His tone and expression changed and he looked at me sadly without another word as if he was at the verge of collapse. My heart ache seeing him like that. I wanted to hug him, to hold him tight and let him know that I’m here for him and always will be. And yet I can’t, he hasn’t given me enough reason to say that nor hug him, the only thing we’ve done so far is fight and flirt a little but Damn, I’ve fallen for Sam Lockwood, and the worst part is that, he definitely doesn’t have feelings for me. I’m sure of it, so there’s no way I’m saying or doing anything that will hurt me at the end. Although there’s one thing I can do to get my hands on him, without him questioning me. But I don’t know if I should. Well, I’ll just keep quiet for now. Sam closes his eyes and rubs his neck with a pained expression. s**t! He looks like his life is being drained from him, but f**k it. He looks so damn cute.

I just got these knots out and they’re already back. He said to me with his eyes closed. Almost without realizing it, I step forward and offer...”Maybe I can do something about that for you”.

I moved behind Sam and slip my palms over his shoulders, digging my thumbs into the tense muscles. He groans loudly. Ohmygod... That feels... but you’ve already done more than enough, Blair. He said in a low tone shocked.

Not as far as these knots are concerned. I said grinning at him or is that you don’t want the massage? or is it something else?. I asked smirking at him seductively.

I...l...

What? A cat got your tongue, Mr Lockwood?

Blair... Sam moans again, and a shiver courses through me at the sound. My lips find his ear, speaking just above a whisper.

“Tell me where it hurts”?

A little higher....Almost - - ohhhh... He moaned softly. My thumbs dig into his back, and I feel him melt into my touch...

You should take off your shirt and get on the bed. I said in a low tone.

Trying to get me out of my clothes Miss Lawson? He asked smirking at me.

I don’t know, what do you think? I asked as I told him to take off his shirt and sit on the bed.

Sam swallowed and turn, giving me a long look before obeying. I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking... But then Sam flicks open the buttons on his shirt and shrugs it off his shoulders. All my thoughts disappear as he tosses the shirt to the side. For a moment I forgot what I was gonna do when I admired his hot body. Those muscles, the abs and his perfect curves. Damn Mr Lockwood.

Are you okay? Sam asked. But I couldn’t even hear him, because I was lost in his perfect body.

Blair!. He called out staring at me without another word waiting patiently. And immediately, I realized myself. Holy s**t! What the f**k have I gotten myself into? I asked myself with my brow furrowed. I swallowed hard and said to him... “sit”. He obeyed immediately not breaking his gaze from me.

Lie on your stomach, so I can massage your back. I ordered and so he did. I brace my palms against his shoulders and work on the stiff muscles, relishing the chance to touch him.

You sure know how to make a man feel... Mmmm.

I’m a woman of many talents.

You’ve been proving that since day one. I suppose that’s another reason why I couldn’t stand Judith treating you like that.

We don’t have to talk about it. I mean, you’re right, it was messed up, but... birthday law mandates that we pause that conversation and focus on you.

You’re to good to me, Blair.

And don’t you forget it. I massaged him higher until it was ok and I decided to massage him lower. My thumbs travel lower along Sam’s torso, until I’m rubbing my hands along his hips. My fingertips graze the curve of his ass... “is this okay”? I asked.

Blair... Sam shifts under my touch before he replied. “Yes, I just feel ... restless.

I know what you mean, Sam. Sam twists and lied on his back to face me, and suddenly, I’m gazing directly into his eyes. He sat up and looked at me. I didn’t know when I skimmed my fingers along his jaw, drawing him close...“so... when do I get my massage”? I asked gazing at him. He reaches for me his eyes darkening with desire...

Sam, I - - he pressed his lips to mine and my eyes widened in disbelief. “f**k”. Is Sam Lockwood kissing me? Yes! definitely Yes, and why the hell am I not kissing him back? I didn’t expect this, even if he was going to kiss me, did it have to be today? He shouldn’t have kissed me. f**k my heart is beating so fast that it might explode. I was flirting with him, so what did I expect, for him to flirt back without doing anything? s**t! Blair, your a f*****g psycho, isn’t this what you’ve always wanted? I mean, I even had a dream about him on the day of my interview.Sam pulled back and looked at me.

Are you okay? Did I do something wrong? He asked worriedly. I couldn’t even answer, I zoned out for a minute. s**t! “Is there someone”? He asked shining his bright eyes at me. And the only thing I could say after I felt Sam Lockwoods lips on mine was...

“What”?

Fuck, there’s someone, right? s**t, son of a f*****g b***h, I’m such a d**k. He cursed himself.

Sam...I called him, but his not even listening to me, he’s cursing and talking to himself pacing.

Damn! Blair, I’m so sorry I had no idea you aren’t single. I mean how can a beautiful woman like you be single? You f*****g mother fucker i***t. What the - -

SAM!

I called out his name out loud. He froze, his back facing me... “I’m sorry, Blair I shouldn’t have kissed you. I’m so sorry”.

I frowned and said to him. “There’s no one sam. I’m single, and I’ve been single since birth.”

“What”? He turned to me. “You are?” He asked.

Yes Sam I’m single, don’t worry, you did nothing wrong. But, your fiancée...she - - “leave Judith out of this Blair. Right now she’s not important, but you are, Blair. He smiled at me. The next minute, he furrowed his brow.

What’s wrong? I asked worriedly.

You said you’ve been single since birth?

Yes I have. Why?

Wait, so, you’ve never dated anyone?

That’s right?

Fuck! Blair. How do you satisfy yourself if you don’t date someone? So, you choose to go about?

Huh? I don’t understand your question Sam. What is it about?

It’s - -

Dad? Can I have my nightlight tonight?

Startled back into reality by Mike shouting from his room, I jumped to put some space between us.

Sounds like mike needs you. I said with my voice shaking.

Sam nods, eyes still locked on mine. Finally, he pulls his shirt back on. “Be right there, buddy!”. He said to mike with a loud voice. Blair...

It’s okay. Go. I said to him before he could continue. Sam gives me one final lingering look before turning to leave. I swallowed hard watching him go.

The next morning.

I find Judith taking up my usual spot, baking something in the oven. From the smell of things, she doesn’t have a lot of experience in the kitchen.

Judith! I didn’t hear you come in. If you’re looking for Sam, I think he already left for work...I said in a shocked tone.

Actually, I’m here for the twins. I hope you like goat cheese because I’m making everyone breakfast quiches with cauliflower crusts. She said to me smiling.

...Yum...I said in a soft and boring expression.

Mira and Mike trundle into the kitchen behind me, still half asleep.

“What’s that smell”? Mike asked with a disgusting expression.

“I think it’s coming from Judith”. Mira answered with a worried look.

Good morning, kids! I’m taking you too out for some stepmommy-twins bonding time today! After we have a nutritious, homemade breakfast, of course. She said to the kids grinning. I glared at her and decided not to mention the cardboard box for frozen breakfast quiches stuffed in the trash can.

And don’t think I forgot about you, Blair. You get to spend the day helping Matt Plan the engagement party.

Is that the thing Dad was telling us about the other night? Mike asked with his brow furrowed.

Yeah, Aunt Judith won’t be just our aunt anymore. Mira said with a pained expression.

That’s exactly right, kids. Your father and I are going to make our official debut to the world as an engaged couple... And Blair, we need you to make sure everything is just right for the party. She said to me grinning widely.

Huh? Oh, Hell no. Did Sam say it was okay? I asked glaring at her.

Sam doesn’t have a say on this Blair, but I do. And there’s nothing you can do about it Blair. She laughed out at me. Of course she will laugh, cause right now she has the upper hand. And s**t! I f*****g hate it so much. But anyways, I have an advantage though, spending time with Matt and getting to know him.

Let me think about it....

There’s no thinking about that Blair. She said to me smiling.

Hmmmm! Spend the day with Matt, you say? Well, there are worse ways to pass the time. I said smiling widely at her, to hide the fact that I was affected by her decision.

Yeah, and I think we’re gonna find that out the hard way. Mike said to Judith with an angry face glaring at her.

I wouldn’t get too comfortable around Matt, Blair. A word to the wise...he’s a total player. She said in a serious tone.

I raised my brows at her. “who says we aren’t playing the same game”? I asked smirking.

Well, l - - Judith looked at me with a shocked expression. The oven dings and interrupts her before she could continue. Judith hurries to remove the quiches. She ignores me and looked at the twins.

Let’s dig in, then get dressed for the best day ever! She said to them smiling.

Yay. Mike said sadly. I took his hand in mine and squeezed assuring him that everything will be fine.

“It’s gonna be okay guys don’t worry, if you get bored just think about your daddy okay?” I whispered to them so Judith wouldn’t hear me.

“Okay” they whispered.

Thanks Blair. Mike said with a weak smile.

We’ll miss you, Blair. Mira said sadly.

I’ll miss you guys too. I hugged them and gave them a kiss on their foreheads.

After forcing down two store-bought quiches, I took the subway to Lockwood Enterprises to meet Matt.

Blair, it’s delightful to see you again.

Hey, Matt... it’s good to see you too. ( argh! Let’s get this over with.) if we’re gonna have to plan a fancy party, at least we can have a little fun doing it. I said to him smiling.

You took the words like out of my mouth. I usually have to do all the party planning by myself, which leaves me drowning in caterers and decorations...but now we can drown together. He said returning the smile back to me.

You’re really not trying to sell this, huh? I said with a serious face.

Come on, Blair, I thought we could be honest with each other. Let’s go get our hands dirty. Matt leads me to his office, and the two of us got to work.

Here are judith’s lists for us... Matt said to me with all seriousness.

That’s not so bad.

Plus these. He added another list.

Wait, seriously?

Don’t forget these. He handed a box of lists to me.

You’ve got to be kidding me! Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke. I said with my brow furrowed.

Even I’m not this funny. I don’t know why she bothers asking for help if she’s going to micromanage like this.

‘Entrees suggestions’... ‘Decorations do’s and don’ts’... party games that highlight not only Russos and Lockwoods as companies, but also as a ‘couple’... Damn... There’s something seriously wrong with her. I mean, this is intense. When did she even have time to do all this? I asked shocked.

Matt smiled at me and said... “I’m pretty sure vampires don’t sleep”. Ready to wade through the appetizers? Matt passes me yet another list.

It’s all deconstructed fancy stuff... Aren’t there going to be kids at this thing? I asked him.

Kids have never been Judith’s strength. He said as he take a deep breath.

Well, I say we try...to sneak sliders in there. Matt’s eyes grin with mischief, and he grins.

Somebody not liking Judith over there? He raised his brows at me.

I didn’t say that! She’s so... refreshing. Like a cold jog. Reminds you that you’re alive. I replied immediately almost shouting in a shocked expression.

Because you feel like it’s killing you? He asked smiling.

...No comment. But I’m really not trying to mess with her. I just want the people at her party to actually be able to eat.

As someone on the guest list, I appreciate it.

Appetizers, check. What’s next? I asked.

A few hours later, Matt hangs up the phone after bargaining with an antiques dealer over the chandelier Judith apparently has to have at the party.

I think that’s actually everything. Drinks? He asked smiling at me. I grin as Matt moves to the cart in the corner of his office, casually pouring two glasses.

I have to say, I’m pretty impressed by the way you tackled everything. When we first met, I figured you were...

just a party boy? He asked smiling.

Can you blame me? I smiled back at him.

I know Sam introduced me as his assistant, but my actual title is Deputy Chief Operating Officer. It’s a little more complicated than taking messages and scheduling meetings. He breathe out before he continued. There are days Sam and I don’t even see each other... or our father, for that matter.

I raised my brows and looked at him for a minute before speaking. ‘Our father’? I thought you were just unofficial siblings.

I lived with the Lockwoods throughout middle and high school. They particularly adopted me, all that’s was missing was the paperwork. Matt seems suddenly preoccupied with his drink, trying to act a little too casual. Sam always had everything handed to him growing up, no questions asked. The important job, the cute kids, the fancy fiancée and a pretty nanny... But me? I’ve had to work for everything, and it’s still not enough. I’m right behind him though. It’s a close call which one of us will win in the end.

Oh! Do I sense a little sibling rivalry here?I raised my brows and asked.

“Of course not”.He said shocked.