Her Questions

~~~CAT'S POV~~~

I sat on the sofa thinking about what happened. Did I just agree for Aenid and Faye to call me 'mommy'? What the hell am I thinking?

And what the hell are they thinking?

I didn't even know if they would just call me 'mommy' at school or anywhere all the time. I should have made it clear and yet, I just said yes.

"Cat?"

Oh! Well, I guess that answers my questions. They will just call me 'mommy' at school. But why did I feel disappointed?

I looked at Aenid standing in front of me with her books in her hand. Faye is still slumped on the carpeted floor with her head literally inside her bag searching for something.

"Yes, Aenid?" I smiled at Aenid who was looking at me apprehensively.

"Did you mean it when you said that it is okay for us to call you 'mommy' at school? You are not mad?"

My smile widened. What a considerate girl, I thought internally.

"Of course not! It is an honor to be called 'mommy' by two of the most wonderful girls I've ever met," I said and I just hoped that their father would not think that I want to be their mommy just because I agreed to be called by them as 'mommy'. What a complicated mess I made.

"Really?" Aenid's eyes sparkled in delight. And I also saw Faye looking up at us with excitement.

I nodded my head.

"Oh! Thank you, Cat!" Aenid drops her books and the next thing I know, there were two pairs of little arms wrapped around my neck. I almost lost my breath.

"So, tell me, how's school?" I asked when the two girls finally released me and I was finally able to catch my breath.

Just like usual, I sat there listening to their stories of what happened at school all day. They talked about what they did, what their teacher did, and what their classmates did as well.

That's my usual afternoon, it was just for a couple of minutes but for me and the girls, it feels like a whole day. I listen more than I speak because I believe that it is what the girls need. Someone they could talk to, someone they could confide in, someone who would listen. And I gave it to them.

Then I remembered my resignation letter. What if my boss accepts it? What will happen to these girls? I suddenly felt guilty at the thought of abandoning them though I am just a temporary I felt that they trusted me. I should think carefully about my resignation. If it comes to the point that I have to resign, and by that time, my boss hasn't found a permanent nanny, then I guess I should prepare them and myself as well for the inevitable separation.

I took the girls to the study room when I heard that their tutor had arrived. And that is also my cue to leave the house. My boss's house.

I almost forgot about my boss's condition of taking me home every day if I wasn't stunned when I saw my boss outside his house leaning on his car.

Damn! This man is going to be the death of my sanity! Why does this devil have to be so damn gorgeous?!

I noticed that he had already changed from his business suit to a plain white shirt and black trousers. I've never seen him in a casual outfit before and I must admit, he looks fresh and hot.

"Ready?" He asked.

I gulped and I saw him smirk.

Damn! I am ogling him and too obviously.

I shook my head. "Uhm...Mr. Vann?"

"Yes, Catherine?"

I resisted the urge to close my eyes. I love how my name rolled on his tongue. I felt my throat tighten and I had to swallow the lump again.

"Uhm...I'm afraid I am taking too much of your time. I don't want to be a burden. You don't have to take me home." I said after gathering enough air to speak because his gaze is literally taking my breath away.

I am still waiting for him to speak but instead, he walks toward me and puts his hand on my lower back as electricity shoots up again. I'll never get used to this. Or maybe I will.

He gently led me to the car and helped me get inside.

The ride back to my apartment was silent and awkward. He didn't even ask for my address. Why am I not surprised? Though in the corner of my eyes, I could see him glancing at me now and then. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes whenever he did because I am certain that he is just checking out if I am alright. Which made me realize that I am indeed alright.

Ever since I was hospitalized, I didn't experience any symptoms. Usually, at this time, I would have pain in my leg and lower back. But I don't.

His conditions worked?

Finally, we reached my apartment without any exchange of words. After he got out of the car, he quickly walked around and opened my side of the door. My boss is getting more and more peculiar.

I expected him to say something, like 'goodbye' then get back in the car and leave but it surprised me when he led me up to my apartment which is on the second floor of the building.

I didn't say anything because I know that he will just ignore me just like earlier. So I waited until we reached the front door of my apartment.

I stopped in front of my door and turned around. I didn't expect him to be following me too close. I blushed when I noticed that I was just a few inches in front of him. I take a step back in embarrassment.

I take in a deep breath to calm my nerves but how could I when he is intently staring down at me?

"Mr. Vann-"

"Nate,"

"Nate," I copied him into my confusion then it hit me. "Nate?" I looked up at him confused.

"You will call me Nate," He said.

"No. No no no." I said as I shook my head. This is too much. "That is not right."

"You will only call me Nate when it was just the two of us. Of course, you can also call me Nate around the girls," He is ignoring my refusal as he continues to stare at me.

"But-"

"That's an order,"

Why? I cried internally.

I turned my back on him and opened the door with my key. There is no use arguing with him when everything he says is an order. I pursed my lips and complained internally.

When I opened the door to my apartment, I took a step in and then turned around to thank him but to my surprise, he pushed the door wide open and let himself in without any invitation.

I panicked at the state of my apartment but then, I remembered that there is nothing to worry about. It may be small but it is clean and organized.

But still, it is my boss in my apartment. That is enough reason to panic!

I watch him as he looks around checking out every piece of furniture, every corner as if looking for something. I am not certain.

"Uhm...sir?" I called his attention while standing frozen at the doorstep of my apartment.

His head snapped and I quickly noticed the frown on his damn gorgeous face.

"Nate," I corrected myself. Then he continued to roam around my apartment. My face turned red when I saw him walk towards my bedroom. I quickly ran towards him and managed to stop him. I placed my body in front of him.

"What are you doing? You could've tripped and fallen! You could get hurt if you are not careful!" I could hear the annoyance and concern in his voice. And in a swift and gentle motion, he pulled me into him in a protective way that made my heart frantic. I could feel his tensed muscles.

"I...It's...well...that's...that's my bedroom," I stuttered, confused by his actions.

I felt his muscles relax.

But not mine. We are too close to each other. He is not hugging me but is still dangerously too close.

"I know," I heard him say softly. Well up until now I refuse to look up to him because I know that he is still staring.

"There is nothing to see," I said, focusing my eyes on the dining table.

He finally released me. "Are you okay? You are not hurt?"

I shook my head.

Then there was silence.

This is too much for one day. He is acting like a different person around me, and it makes me confused and uncomfortable. The way he treats me and the way he talks to me are too bizarre.

I should end the day here.

"Nate...thank you for giving me another chance for this job," I started and I heard him chuckle. I looked up at him with a frown.

"I think it is me who asked for another chance, not the other way around. Sit," He motioned for me to sit on the sofa and he did the same. How dare he order me around in my apartment!

"Still, thank you." I continued as soon as we got seated. "And thank you for..." I trailed not knowing how to describe his conditions. I saw him cock his head. "...those things."

"What things?" He asked, acting innocent.

"The chair, shoes, lunch?" I said with uncertainty. I didn't mention Daisy because I am not thankful for that.

At that moment, we just stared at each other in silence. His eyes were so hypnotizing and I cannot seem to pull my eyes off of his eyes.

Until my doorbell rang.

"I'll take it," He said and he quickly stood up.

"What? Wait!" I stood up and he eventually motioned me to stop and sit back.

I watched him as he opened the door. There stands a delivery guy.

A delivery guy? I didn't order anything. I heard them talking for a while. Nate takes out his wallet and gives the delivery guy some money then he leaves. Nate returned with a food box and placed it on the table.

"I already ordered your dinner. Make sure you eat this and do not skip dinner."

I stood up flustered. Did he order food for me? Why is he doing this?

"You should eat and rest. I'll pick you up tomorrow." He continued and I still can't find words to say.

He is still standing by the dining table. Then he takes a couple of steps and I didn't notice when he came in front of me. "Are you sure you are fine here alone?" I heard him ask and I just nodded my head.

Then he sighed heavily.

"Call me if something comes up. I'm leaving now so you can rest." I nodded my head again. I am now damn sure he hypnotized me!

He started walking and I wanted to call him back because I have a lot of questions to ask. I want to ask 'Why are you doing this?'

Then he stopped in his tracks and looked back at me. "Thank you for everything that you are doing for my daughters." Then he left.

That's when it hits me. He is doing this because of the way I treat his daughters. He is being good to me because I am being good to his daughters.

Why did it hurt me?