ALEX.
The next morning, I tried to convince myself that everything was fine, that I could handle being in the same house with Niko Carter without constantly replaying last night’s conversation in my head. Or worse, replaying that night in the club.
But as I settled the children on the enormous velvet couch for our scheduled Christmas movie—the second activity of the week—my thoughts refused to cooperate.
The movie was “The Santa Clause,” one of those feel-good classics loaded with holiday magic and cheesy humor. Lucas and Sofia were instantly absorbed, laughing and whispering excitedly, but I barely registered any of it. My mind was too busy looping around Niko like a carousel I couldn’t get off.
It was ridiculous. Three days! I had only been here three days. My contract would last an
