THE NANNY AFFAIR

Chapter Four : The Birthday

Of course I was ! What , do you think I’m some heartless monster? Maybe this arrangement was hasty ...

What ? No ! I don’t think you’re heartless . And I’ve already bonded with the kids !

Yes , apparently over disobeying me . You can understand why I wouldn’t want to encourage that .

That’s not what happened , and you know it . You’re just being stubborn .

I stepped forward , clenching my hands at my sides . True to form , Sam doesn’t back down .

He hovers over me , his gaze traveling over my face , lingering on my lips ...

I’m being stubborn ? What about you , Blair ?

My breath catches in my throat . My gaze wanders to his lips just inches away .

The heat between us intensifies , even without touching , and I can feel the magnetic pull toward his body ... our gaze lingering on each other’s eyes then down to the lips . We held our gazed at each other , until our lips drew closer , and closer until I regained myself and put some much - needed space between us .

I ... I need a second . I said panting heavily .

Taking a deep breath to steady myself , I step back just as I hear the sound of Sam’s cell phone ringing . He cleared his throat and walked over to the counter check the number and grimaces .

I have to take this .

Sam’s body language is tense as he reaches for the phone . Just before he grabs it , I managed to make out the name flashing on the screen ... Judith wheeler .

( Right . His fiancee )

Sam crosses the room toward his office to take the call , his back turned to me .

Can we talk when you get back ?

I ... don’t think that would be a good idea .

Sam ... Don’t say that .

Please Blair , not right now . Just stop .

You’re right . Consider it forgotten .

Goodnight , Blair .

I sigh and sink down to the floor as he leaves the room .

( I am in deep trouble ... )

A few weeks after my intense fight with Sam , things are finally starting to calm down... ...just in time for Sam’s birthday!

I start the day scrambling eggs as the twins gush with excitement over their dad’s birthday.

Mike came to me and asked. Do old people still like video games?

Don’t ask her that mike. OR We could get dad a chemistry set!

And I said to them. Both great ideas .... but if we want to find the perfect gift, we need to think about what he likes. Starting with what kind of person he is...

He’s old! That’s for sure.

Not just that bro.... he’s also nice? Right Blair?

Yes. Old and nice. But your dad is also down-to-earth and hard working . He likes simple, practical solutions and has a lot of common sense , so maybe... A home - cooked meal made by his kids?

“I hope you’re not making a big deal out of another trip around the sun”. Sam said while walking into the living room.

I looked up just as Sam walks into the room, buttoning up his shirt. For just a moment, I caught a glimpse of his chest and swallowed.

Good morning , everyone .

( I should wish sam a happy birthday , but I guess it’s best if I do it from afar. ) Happy birthday, Sam . Sleep well?

( Sam looks at me intensely. )

He answered. Could’ve been better.

Happy birthday , dad!

Thanks Mira .

Happy birthday, dad. You don’t look a day over a hundred!

( Sam slips onto the stool next to Mike and ruffles his hair . )

Well, that’s a relief . And thanks my boy .

Yeah , what your secret ? For someone so ancient , you look pretty incredible. I said.

Hahahahaha . Drinking lots of water ... and steering clear of beautiful women.

( His eyes linger on me for a moment too long before he gathers his things for work. )

I’ll see you all this evening. Mike don’t burn the house down . Mira ....watch over your brother.

What ? But I’m the responsible one, Dad! Mike said shocked.

Really Mike? Don’t worry, I’ll keep a close eye on him , Dad!

( Sam briskly heads out the door for work , and I try to shake off the suspicion that he didn’t say goodbye to me because his trying to keep his distance.... )

Later that day, I walk down through a local farmer’s market with Carson and the twins , looking for inspiration for Sam’s birthday dinner.

Alright, what should we make your dad for his birthday dinner? I asked.

Chicken nuggets! With a side of quesadillas! Mike answered.

And mozzarella sticks! Mira said.

I’m not sure we’ll be able to find those here...(I said shocked) Carson, you know sam better than I do. Do you have any suggestions?

Mr. Lockwood is a man with a sophisticated palate. You can’t go wrong with a gourmet meal made from fresh ingredients...

Well, we are surrounded by fresh ingredients.

But he’s also a man who appreciates the simple things in life. I’ve been through my share of drive-thrus with him . You can’t go wrong either way.

Okay Carson thanks for your help, well in that case...(I turned to the kids and said) let’s make something gourmet for your dad. Let’s go all out. Fancy charcuterie board to start, then a beautiful filet mignon over risotto. What do you think, kids? Can you help me with that?

Uh...I think so? Mira answered shocked.

Then let’s get started.

I started putting ingredients in my basket as the kids and Carson follow close behind. Before I knew it, we’re back in the car, heading back to the penthouse.

Dad is gonna be so surprised when he sees what we’ve made! Said Mira smiling.

Yeah, especially if we don’t set fire to the kitchen this time! Mike said laughing.

Yeah, let’s avoid that...I said shocked.

We’ll be home in about an hour, Miss Lawson. There’s some congestion on our normal route.

An hour? That’s basically forever! Mike said shocked.

Mike, watch your attitude. And besides, that’s just enough time for you to learn all sort of car games.

Wait What? Learn?

Yeah.

Whose gonna teach me then?

Hmm? Isn’t it obvious? Who else if not me?

Well I can. Carson said.

Huh! you Mr Carson?

Yes.

But...

But what Mike? Mira asked.

He’s old.

(We all burst into laughter)

Show some respect mike. Now apologize to Mr Carson okay.

Okay. I’m sorry Mr Carson.

Apology accepted mike.

Ok.

Is that what you were supposed to say mike? I asked.

No. He answered.

So....

Thanks Mr Carson. I won’t say such a thing again.

Hmm well everything is okay then. I said.

So, the games? Mike asked.

Oh! Right, there’s always ‘I Spy’ and ‘Alphabet’ and ‘Guess the Song’ and...

Okay, okay, I get it! We won’t be bored! Mike said shocked.

But Blair, what about the food? Won’t it spoil in the back? Mira asked.

It should be fine. We won’t be stuck in traffic for that long...

(Outside the window, a shopping complex catches my eye.)

Although, maybe we should stop and get some ice chest or something, just in case- -

Ooo, can we go to the mall? We could get a birthday present for dad too! Mira asked.

I was just gonna draw him a picture or something, but it’d be way better to get him a real gift. Said Mike.

(I looked up at Carson, and he shrugs.)

There’s no harm in waiting out the traffic at the mall. Carson said smiling.

Yeah! And Dad deserves a present. He buys us stuff all the time! Mira said.

Please, will you let us stop, Blair? Pleeeease?

Hmm! Alright Carson...let’s go to the mall.

Yeeeeyyyy. The twins said happily.

Soon, we’re strolling through the mall with the twins, scanning the storefronts for inspiration.

This place is huge! How’re we supposed to find anything? Mike said shocked.

Oh, I know! Follow me!

( Mira takes off around the corner. )

Mira! Wait for us! I shouted looking shocked.

We finally caught up to her inside a make-your-own toy store.

Mira! You can’t run off like that okay. But wow! This place is perfect. Sam will love a homemade stuffed animal made by his kids. The only question is... which one?

Oh, I know! I know! Mike said.

(Mike holds up the teal lining of a stuffed dragon.)

Oh! I guess that could work- -

Or what about this one? Mira asked.

I turned to find Mira holding up a stuffed lion.

Uh... that’s cute too- -

But mine’s better, right? Mike asked.

Well, it’s not about whose is better, but which one your dad will like...

Which is definitely mine, right Blair? Mira asked.

( oh boy... ) I said shocked. Well let’s splurge and get both!

Really? Mira asked.

Why not? it’s a special occasion. I answered.

Dad’s the luckiest guy in the world to get two presents! Said Mike.

You just have to stuff them with love. I said smiling.

Ew, Gross. Said mike angrily.

Yes, yes, we will! Mira said.

I smile as one of the workers help the twins stuff their toys, then wrap the gifts for them. After finishing up, I found myself strolling through the mall again.

We should find carson. Hopefully the traffic’s all cleared up and- -

But what about you? Aren’t you going to get dad something for his birthday? Mira asked.

Me? I replied shocked. That wouldn’t be....appropriate. And even if I want to get him something, I wouldn’t know where to start.

So? Dad doesn’t care about appropriate. I bet he wouldn’t mind! Mike said.

Yeah, especially if it means he gets an extra present for his birthday.

That’s...true, I suppose. But I don’t know what to get him...

It’s like you said before. You have to put yourself in Dad’s shoes and think about what he really wants. Mike said.

Mira and mike shared a mischievous grin before dropping into an act of pantomiming their dad’s mannerisms.

Mira : kids, I know you want to be in a rock band and that’s awesome, but Dad needs to focus , so let’s put the pots and pans away.

Mike : kids, this is the first chance I’ve had to take a hot bath in years, so please, please, please tell me what you just exploded in my bath water.

...it was a bottle of Alka-Seltzer. Mike said while laughing.

That’s it! I said smiling.

Alka-Seltzer? Mike asked shocked.

Seems a little boring to me... Mira said sadly.

No, I figured out what I should get your dad. I said smiling at the kids.

A few minutes later, I’m perusing the shelves at a spa center.

What is all this stuff? Mira asked shocked.

Mike picks up a seashell bath bomb and sniffs it.

Stuff to make you smell and feel good. I answered smiling at her. Now let’s get your dad a.....hmm, oh! A bottle of massage oil. ( all he needs now is someone to rub it all over him. )

Well, I still don’t get it, but if you think dad will will like it...

I do. Come on.

I purchased the gift, then called Carson to take me and the twins home, no traffic in sight.

That evening.....The kitchen is a war zone of sauces, flours, and ingredients I didn’t even know were in the house.

Is the sauce supposed to be boiling that high? I asked shocked.

Mira skims over the recipe and makes a face before looking up at me.

First, don’t freak out. Second... I think we doubled the garlic. Mira said to me looking confused.

I smiled at her and said. ‘That’s okay. More garlic means more flavor. We’ll just double other ingredients too’. Easy peasy. Plus, you get to practice your math.

Aw, man. Said Mike.

I continued slicing and dicing as the twins garnish the plates. Soon, there’s nothing to do but wait for the entree to cook.

Whew! I’m exhausted! Said Mike.

Yeah, I don’t know how you do this all day every day, Blair!

Mike and Mira plop down on the sofa, and I joined them after setting the timer.

Well, I don’t always make a three-course meal... but it is hard work.

What time is Dad getting home? Do we still have time to get ready? Mira asked.

Get ready? I asked.

Yeah, we always dress up fancy for Dad’s birthday! Clip-on tie,that’s for mike and a fancy dress and all for me!

Awww, that’s so sweet. I’ll keep an eye on the food while you two go change.

What? No! If I have to wear something fancy, so do you! Mike said.

Right, I’ll just, um...go look in my closet. And definitely won’t ask my bestie for help.

(The twins exchanged a confused look, before dashing off to their bedrooms to get changed. I took the timer with me as I enter my room and start looking through my closet.) (what the hell is a girl supposed to wear for her boss’s birthday dinner? I asked myself confused. I grabbed my phone and start furiously typing...)

Blair : ! ! FASHION EMERGENCY ! !

What shld I wear tonight for dinner?

M&M are insisting we all have to be ‘fancy’

Clara : I’ve been waiting for this moment MY ENTIRE LIFE. SUPER CLARA TO THE RESCUE!

Blair : Clara! Focus pls! I have abt 2 min to change

Clara : I got you! just look in your closet?

‘Look in my closet’? Clara, what did you do? There, in the back, is a garment bag I don’t recognize. I unzipped it... oh! She did good. It’s beautiful. Well, this is perfect, it will do. The timer dings, and I rush out to the kitchen to check on dinner. I found Mike and Mira peeking in the oven, trying to get a closer look...Beep, beep, coming through! I said to them. I slipped on the oven mitts and pulled the dish out.

Okay, looks like we just have to plate the dishes and set the table....I said

And put the finishing touches on dessert! Said Mike

And put the finishing touches on dessert- -

The sound of the elevator dinging interrupts me.

Is that your dad? He’s not supposed to be home yet! I asked shocked.

You have to stall him! Or else the surprise will be completely ruined! Said Mira.

But, why me? I asked.

Because your smarter than us and you look more charming than ever. Mike said.

Umm, thanks for the compliment mike even though it’s inappropriate. I said to him.

Your welcome Blair.

But- -

No buts Blair, Go, go, go! Mira said.

Before I could protest, the twins pushed me out into the hallway.

Oh! I said shocked.

Coming to greet me at the door now, Blair?

Sam! I wasn’t expecting you home so soon... and you brought company.

Sorry about that. My employees practically pushed me out the door. Something about enjoying my birthday...

Apparently he was coming home to a present none of us even knew about.

Blair this is Matt Flores, my assistant.

Come on, Sam. We’re practically brothers. Just because that’s my title at work doesn’t mean you have to introduce me to a beautiful woman like this. By the way miss, wow! You look really beautiful, and with that dress on you, you shine like the stars. And I would have you know that I’m very very rich and totally single.

(He smiled at me taking my hands in his.And for the first time tonight, Sams eyes lingered all over my body.Matt was still holding my hands, refusing to let them go.)

Matt, this is Blair, the kids new nanny and a woman of impeccable virtue. Sam said to Matt angrily.

That’s a strange way to introduce someone to me Sam. Matt said with a confused look.

Oh, Sam know my virtues are...Flexible, like me.

Matt’s grin widened, and he glances at sam.

It must be hard to sleep with her down the hall, huh? Matt asked Sam.

It looks like Matt is going to say something else...but Sam shoots him a glare and said ‘why don’t you check your time Matt’.

Ah. I’ll take that as my cue to leave. Said Matt smiling at me.

Yes, I believe we have a family dinner to get to, so...

Sam has already started walking down the hall towards the kitchen.

Wait! I shouted.( if he goes in now, it’ll ruin Mira and Mike’s surprise! I have to do something...) l, uh, have something I need to discuss with you! In .....private? I said nervously.

Oh. Of course. Is my office okay? He asked.

I’ll see myself out. Happy birthday, Sam. And Blair, I was a pleasure.

It was....something alright. Bye.

Matt leaves with a little wave. I followed Sam down the hall to his office.

So, what did you want to talk about? Nothing serious, I hope.

Yeah,actually...I wanted to apologize and ask about my...performance.

(Sam starts to pour some bourbon for the both of us.)

Oh? He said.

I realized that I’ve been at this post for a couple of weeks now and I wanted to make sure that you’re getting everything you want from me.

(Sam’s hand freezes in midair. His eyes shoots up to meet mine. And I saw his desire)

Everything I want from you? Yes you could say that.

(Sam holds my gaze for another beat... then offers me a glass. My heart races as my fingers brushed his.)

Sorry about Matt, by the way. We were practically raised together, but I know he can be a bit much. I hope he didn’t make you feel too awkward.

Oh, well... he was cute. But I can handle guys like him. I said to Sam smiling.

Yeah. Women tend to think that.

He also seems like the kind of guy who calls everyone ‘beautiful’, so don’t worry, I won’t take it too personally. So how’s this birthday stack up so far?

It’s hard to judge, since it isn’t over yet. But I’ll be pretty hard to beat the one a few years back when the twins tried to make me a birthday banner. It said ‘Heepy Bertdai!’ under a big doodle of what I think was supposed to be me. Not the most flattering portrait, but they tried. He said while laughing.

Please tell me you still have it.

Of course. It’s in the hall closet. What about you,Blair? Tell me about your favorite birthday.

That would have to be the one where... My friends kidn*pped me.

Oh My God. This have got to be interesting, I can’t wait to hear all about it. He said smiling at me.

Well, my first year of grad school, I was stressing over midterms, and my friends literally carried me out of the library. They practically forced me to relax. We went skinny dipping, played spin the bottle...and

Skinny dipping, huh? He asked looking me in the eyes and there it was again the burning desire.

Yeah, I may have been a little tipsy by that portion of the evening...

Sam chuckles and said. I almost wish I had been there...

Maybe Lockwood Enterprises should look into inventing a time machine. I said to him shyly.

I’m not sure my board would approve, especially with such personal motivations. But alas, we’ll just have to be content with being ships passing in the night.

Sam finishes his drink in a swift gulp before moving to stand. (I have to buy more time! ) I pretend to stumble and send myself splaying across Sam’s lap!

Oh. I said shocked.

Blair, are you okay? Sam asked shocked.

He pulls me to my feet, and I forgot all about my act as I gaze up into his eyes.

I’m fine. Just a little weak in the knees. I said shyly.

Blair... Sam said in a low and soft tone. His eyes lingered on my lips. We were about to kiss when, mike throws open the office door. Dinner is served! He said giggling.

We’ll be right there. He said not breaking his gaze from me.

I took a step back, trying to calm my pounding heartbeat. ( what was that? ) I asked myself shocked.

You ready Blair? Sam asked worriedly.

I took a deep breath and nod. I followed Sam to the dining room hand in hand, where the twins present their special birthday dinner to their dad.

Tada! Mike said

Start with the appetizer! Mira said happily.

Wow! You guys made me a Fancy charcuterie. This is delicious. Thanks, kids. He said smiling at the twins.

We did it ourselves! ...Well, mostly. Mike said.

Blair helped!

Oh! Well then, thank you too, Blair. Sam said smiling at me.

It was... easy with these two, and kinda crazy, even if the kids did play an impromptu game of football with a loaf of bread at the farmer’s market. But it worth it. I said smiling at the kids. Soon, I finished the appetizers, then help the twins bring out the entrees (steak and risotto).

Dig in. I said to them smiling. Sam all but moan as he takes his first bite of the steak and risotto. And I would admit that, watching Sam eat the steak and risotto makes me wet and a bit uncomfortable. I couldn’t bring myself to quit staring at his lips.

Ohmygod... I can’t think of a single thing that would make this birthday more perfect.

We can! Mike said.

Right! Don’t move Dad! Mira said.The twins bolt from the table, leaving me and Sam alone.

They get their subtlety from their mom. Sam said smiling at me.

Sure. I returned the smile back at him. Sam smiles softly.

Thank you again, Blair. I know you downplay what a big role you play here , but I appreciate it.

I smiled warmly at him and said. It’s my pleasure , especially when it makes the kids so happy. You should’ve seen their faces while we were shopping.

Let me guess, they had on their mischievous grins? Sam asked smiling at me.

That’s just what their smiles look like! I said taking a sip of my wine. The two of us laughed together for a moment.

I actually got you something too, if that’s okay. I said nervously without looking at him.

You did? Sam asked shocked.

I quickly grabbed the gift and passed it to him still wrapped in tissue paper. Sam gently opens the tissue paper and examines the bottle of massage oil with a c****d eyebrow and a scandalized little smile without breaking his gaze from me. I couldn’t help but blush.

Does it sound weird if I say that this is exactly what I need? He asked smiling at me with his gaze fixed on my lips.I was a bit uncomfortable, so I cleared my throat and shifted in my sit.

Am I making you uncomfortable Miss Lawson? He asked smiling at me.

Not at all. Everybody needs a comforting touch from time to time.

Well, it’s perfect. How did you know, Blair? He asked looking me in the eyes.

Hmmmmm...When it comes to you... I have a sixth sense. I said looking him in the eyes and licking at the top of my wine glass, seductively.

Sam eyes landed on my lips, he cleared his throat, and I noticed his sudden mode. (Oh my God. Is Sam Lockwood nervous right now? I asked myself)

Am I making you nervous Mr Lockwood? I asked smirking at him.

Hmm? Did you say something? He asked looking at me.

Oh, yes Sam I did. And am pretty sure you heard me. I winked at him. Sam eyes dropped to my lips again and he swallowed hard.Am I making you uncomfortable Mr Lockwood? I asked again smiling at him.

Are you trying to seduce me miss Lawson? Sam asked with a devilish grin on his face.

I should be asking you that Sam? I said looking him in the eyes.

I don’t know, what do you think Blair? He asked with a smirk on his lips.

Whoa! It’s getting hot in here. Don’t you think? I asked using my left hand to fan my face while adverting my gaze from him.

Really Miss Lawson? Is it getting hot? Cause I don’t feel hot, looks like it’s just you. He asked smiling at me.

I ignored his questions and smiled taking a sip of my wine. And you know, I’m also known for being a great kisser. He said to me smirking.

I chocked from the wine I was drinking and coughed out the wine I had in my mouth. A drop of wine landed on sam’s finger, we both locked eyes and he licked it off his finger still holding my gaze. I swallowed and cleared my throat breaking our gaze.

Are you okay Miss Lawson? What’s wrong? You know you can talk to me right? He said smirking at me.

Don’t even start. I said angrily trying to hide the huge grin I had on my face.

Oh, am sorry Blair, pardon me. He said smiling.

You know, sometimes, it’s like I can look at you and know exactly what you want. I said looking him in the eyes.

...And what is that? He asked returning the gaze back to me and my breath catches in my throat as I take in his intensity... we found ourselves leaning towards each other for a kiss, until....

SURPRISE!!! The twins shouted breaking our moment. The twins bound into the room with a wildly over-wrapped box. Sam opens the box to reveal a stuffed dragon.

It’s you, Dad! Mike said.

But there’s more! Mira shouted.

More? I’m getting spoiled tonight. He said smiling at me. I couldn’t help but return the smile back to him. Sam digs through the tissue paper to find...a stuffed lion.

It’s a lion! ‘Cause you’re our fierce protector’! Mira said smiling at him.

Yeah, and sometimes you breathe fire like a dragon when you’re really mad. Mike said.

Sam laughed and said. I love them both. Thank you.

Just wait till you see what we planned for dessert! Mira said.

I smiled, raised my wine glass and said. But first, I’d like to toast to... Family. When I moved in here, I thought I was just getting a job... but I’ve gotten so much more than that.

Blair, I - -

The sound of the elevator dinging interrupts Sam before he can say anything else. He frowns and said. I wonder who that could be...

I’ll go check. It’s your birthday. Stay and enjoy your dinner. I said as I cautiously enter the hallway to see a stranger standing by the elevator.

Oh, you must be the new maid. Here take this. The woman tosses her coat at my head. The fur trim blocks my view for a moment , but I’d recognize that face anywhere. ( Judith.....Sam’s fiancee? ) I said to myself shocked.