Cherry Poppins Page 3
I close the door and sink to the floor, trying to recapture my breath, trying to recapture the shred of civility I have left.
She’s ripped up the shell of my civility and pulled out my primal nature. The savage primitive side that’s been hiding below the surface for my entire life.
My animal side. Whatever is left of my barbarian ancestry.
It’s out now and I don’t know how to control it.
She shoves the salmon into her mouth like she hasn’t eaten for days. I wonder if she has.
I grin as I watch her. I like feeding her and watching her eat.
“Where were you living before this?” I ask before taking a sip of beer.
She puts a finger to her lips as she chews the big piece in her mouth and then swallows it.
“You know… around.”
Around. She was probably living on the streets. By herself. Unprotected. That thought makes my stomach harden. Anyone could just harm her or look at her.
Christ. It’s enraging me.
I squeeze my beer glass and take another sip, trying to keep it together.
“So, what are the boys’ names?” she asks between bites.
“Lucas and Liam,” I tell her. “They’re cute kids.”
I’ve only had them for about a year, but they already feel like my own. I was worried at first when the police told me that they now belonged to me, but it’s been an amazing year watching those adorable kids grow.
Now, I feel so blessed that my sister Elena put me as their legal guardian in her will. They light up my days and give me something to live for.
“They look cute,” she says as she looks over at the picture hanging on the fridge. “I can’t wait to meet them.”
I sigh. Now I have something else to live for.
I tell her about the boys and what she can expect tomorrow while she finishes up her plate. My poor little cherry looks exhausted and I just want to give her what she needs, so I bring her back up to her new room and let her settle in.
She’s been through a lot, but she’s home now.
I’ll let her have tonight to recuperate.
But tomorrow…
…she’s all mine.
Chapter Five
Avery
“Mmmmm,” I moan as I stretch out in the nice soft bed. It doesn’t click where I am at first. I’m too busy enjoying the soft sheets and nice fluffy pillows. I haven’t slept this well… well, ever.
“Who are you?”
I turn my head with a gasp and see two young blond boys staring at me. They’re standing beside my bed in their matching dinosaur PJs looking at me with curious looks on their faces.
“Are you a burglar?” one of them asks.
“No,” I answer with a laugh, although I might be considered one in the eyes of the law since I lied to get this job and I shouldn’t really be here. “I’m your new nanny.”
God, that feels weird to say. I can barely take care of myself, let alone two young children.
“What’s your name?”
“Aver— Poppy.”
“Averpoopy?” the one on the left repeats with a tilt of his head.
“No,” I say with a giggle. “Poppy. Which one of you is Lucas?”
The one on the left raises his hand with a big smile on his face.
“So, you must be… Santa Claus,” I say to the one on the right.
They both burst out laughing. “No!” he says with a toothy grin. “I’m Liam!”
“Yeah, that’s Liam,” Lucas adds. “Santa Claus lives in the north pole with the elves and hobbits.”
“Hobbits? Who told you that?”
“Uncle Noah,” they both say at the same time.
I grin when I picture the sexy yet intimidating Mr. Steele with these boys on his knees, making up stories. It makes him even hotter if that’s possible.
They both climb in bed and suddenly I have one on each side of me kicking their feet under the covers.
“We’re hungry,” Lucas says.
“Yeah, and we want ice cream for breakfast.”
“You know what?” I say as the three of us stare up at the beautiful recessed ceiling. “Ice cream for breakfast sounds delicious.”
They pop up like little twins in the box. “Really?”
“Oh yeah,” I say with a nod. “With sprinkles.”
“And chocolate sauce?” one of them asks.
“Definitely!”
They leap out of bed and holler in excitement as their little feet pitter-patter down the hall. I climb out of bed and look down at the clothes that Mr. Steele left out for me. A pair of his pajama pants and an Aerosmith t-shirt. Everything is way too big, but I’ve managed to tie the string so it stays up. I slide the big comfy housecoat on and hurry after the boys.
Mr. Steele is gone for work and the house feels empty without his commanding presence in it even though the two boys are jumping up and down by the fridge.
There’s a note on the kitchen table, but the boys won’t let me stop and read it. They rush over and each grab a wrist. They’re pulling me with all of their might toward the fridge.
“Okay, okay,” I say with a laugh as I let them lead me over to the freezer. “After our ice cream, I’ll make you some eggs. Deal?”
They nod their heads up and down like eager puppies.
I fill up three bowls of ice cream and add some sprinkles and chocolate sauce.
I’ve completely won them over by the time I drop the bowls in front of them. All it took was a bit of sugar.
Mary Poppins would be horrified.
I down a couple of scoops of ice cream before the note calling me is too hard to ignore.
While the boys are busy, I reach over and pick it up.
I had to go to work early, but I’ll be home for dinner.
The chef usually comes at 3:30.
Chef?!? I thought that I was the chef. Thank god, because I can’t cook for the life of me. Hence, the ice cream for breakfast.
Have a great day with the boys. Just to let you know, I have cameras around the house.
I like to know that my boys are being taken care of.
My eyes dart up to the camera in the corner of the ceiling. It’s pointed right at me and I can’t help but wonder if he’s watching me now.
Shit. I should have washed my face. And probably not have given the boys ice cream first thing in the morning.
I fix up my hair and turn back to the note.
I have some packages coming in later this afternoon. Please open them when they arrive.
See you soon.
- Noah
A warm shiver ripples through my body when I read his name. I like knowing that he’s watching me. I love having his eyes on me.
I cross my legs as I remember back to last night. The heat returns between them as I nibble on my bottom lip.
“That was good,” Lucas says as he licks his chops.
“Mmmhmmm,” Liam adds as he licks the bowl.
“We’re going to like having you here,” Lucas says with a big grin on his ice cream covered face.
“Good,” I say with a smile. I think I’m going to like it here too.
It feels so safe.
With Noah protecting us and watching over us, it feels like nothing can cause us any harm.
I glance at the clock, counting the hours until he returns.
My heart is pounding as I dial the number.
This is so wrong. You’re going straight to hell, girl.
It starts ringing and my hand begins to tremble.
“Hello?”
“Can I please speak to Poppy White?”
“This is her.”
“I’m calling in regards to the nanny position.”
“Yes, for Mr. Steele. Is my interview still on for six o’clock?”
I wince. “Unfortunately, the position has been filled.”
“Oh.” I can hear the disappointment in her voice. “Who got the job?”
The fake Poppy White.
I hang up with my pulse racing.
Yup. Going straight to hell.
This guy is unreal. I’m standing in awe in front of my new bed that’s full of my new clothes.
Liam and Lucas are on the bed in the middle of my new wardrobe trying things on. Liam puts a big summer hat on his head as Lucas tries on a bra.
“Not that,” I say, grabbing it from him. I hide it behind my back as the two boys burst into fits of laughter. We’ve been having the best day. These two cuties have already won me over.
“Your uncle has spoiled me,” I say with my cheeks blushing as I open another box. There is a stack of dresses inside and I pull the top one out.
Yes. I’m wearing this.
I’ve been looking for the perfect outfit to wear for when he gets home and I’ve found it.
It’s a cold shoulder dress that ends above my knees. I hold it up against my body and smile. I’ve always wanted a dress like this, but I’ve always been forced to settle for whatever ugly over-sized dresses the thrift store had in stock.
I can’t believe this is mine.
“What do you think boys?” I ask as I press it against my body and move my shoulders like a model.
“Wear this one,” Liam says as he reaches into the box and pulls out a lacy black piece of lingerie. I gasp when I see it.
“Gimmie that,” I say, grabbing it. I stuff it into my dresser with my cheeks burning.
I’ve felt my desire for Noah growing stronger throughout the day. Being around his stuff, his smell, it’s all working together to heighten my need. The fact that he bought me an entire wardrobe—more clothes than I’ve had for my entire life combined—is also helping too.
I want him.
I’ve been craving his touch all day. It all happened so fast. The instant attraction. The intense intimacy. I feel like it’s taking control of my body.
I glance over at the clock.
Ugh. Still two hours until he gets home.
I continue going through boxes that were delivered and there’s everything a girl could want. Make-up, shoes (God, there are so many shoes!), jackets, accessories, jewelry, perfumes. I set everything up in my walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom with my twins helping me.
The chef comes at three thirty and starts cooking up dinner while I get ready in the bathroom with the boys. They make a mess of my make-up, but they’re so cute that I don’t mind.
When I’m finally done, I step back and gasp. I’ve never looked this beautiful before. I don’t look like the same girl. I look like a woman now.
I’m used to getting ready in gas station bathrooms with nothing but some make-up I bought from the dollar store.
“You look pretty,” Liam says and Lucas nods in agreement.
“Thank you,” I say and then I burst out crying. I’m laughing and crying at how stupid this all is. I’m crying because I’m looking how I’ve always wanted to look, but the tears are ruining my freshly applied makeup.
By the time Noah is about to return, I’m all set with my new look, feeling sexier than ever.
The table is set with fresh flowers, wine, a table cloth, and candles. A Kaleo CD is playing and the chef is gone, but she’s left a delicious smelling dinner of roast beef on the oven.
The twins are curled up on the couch watching a movie as I check my reflection one last time in the mirror.
My stomach is a ball of nerves, but I look good and am excited for the man of the house to return.
The door opens and my heart starts pounding.
The master is home…
Chapter Six
Noah
I’m wringing my hands together under the table as I watch Poppy move around the kitchen like she belongs here. There’s a smile on her blushing face as she mixes up the salad and then pours two glasses of wine.
She got the wardrobe I sent her and it was worth every penny. That dress is making my fingers ache with the need to touch her. I called my personal shopper and told her to go nuts. I gave her full access to my credit card and told her that I want Poppy’s huge walk-in closet full of everything a girl could dream of.
I want to spoil her. I want her to gasp every time she walks into her room and sees all of the lavish stuff I’ve given her. But most of all, I want her to stay.
I know that buying her stuff won’t be the thing that makes her truly happy, but it can’t hurt, right?
She walks over with the wine, looking radiant in her new dress. It’s pink and flows around her, making her look like she dropped from the heavens. Her shoulders and legs are bare and I swallow hard when I wonder which one I would like to kiss first.
“Is this enough?” she asks when she hands me the wine. Her shy eyes quickly dart to mine and her cheeks turn a little pinker when they dart back away.
Our fingers graze when I take the wine from her and it’s like a jolt of adrenaline shoots straight to my cock. It hardens and aches as I stare.
“You’re more than enough for me,” I answer even though I know she was talking about the wine.
Her smile turns into a goofy grin, but she quickly turns away to hide it. My heated eyes are locked on her as she walks back to the granite island and takes her glass.
“How was work today?” she asks as she takes a small sip of the wine.
A little groan escapes from me as I watch her pink lips wrapped around the glass.
“Busy. As usual.”
“What kind of work do you do?”
“I’m the CEO of a large international engineering company.” I tell her a little bit about it, but then I’m quickly back onto her. I want to know everything about her. She’s been on my mind all day and I’m intensely curious about every last detail.
“Do you like the clothes?”
“Are you kidding?” she asks with her brown eyes lighting up. “I love them. But you didn’t have to. Really, you didn’t. It’s too much.”
“No. I want you to have it. You’re with me now and I’m going to take care of you properly.”
I can tell that she’s not used to getting nice things. She doesn’t look comfortable taking it.
“But, Mr. Steele—”
“Call me Noah. And this isn’t up for discussion. You’re keeping it.”
She looks up at me with a shy smile that makes my heart hurt. “Thank you.”
“Did you open every box?” My voice comes out deep and husky. There’s something in there that I picked out myself. I went on my lunch hour and bought it.
Her beautiful little tits start moving up and down as her breathing picks up. “Yes.” Her voice is small and timid. Her cheeks flush. She knows what I’m talking about.
My dick aches as I picture her in the black lingerie. I’m dying to see her in it.
“Nobody sees that except for me. All of the rest is yours. That one is mine.”
She swallows hard as she stares back at me, but there’s excitement in her wide eyes.
I lean forward as she opens her mouth, but as usual, the boys pick the perfect time to interrupt us.
“We’re hungry,” Lucas says as he rushes into the kitchen with his brother.
“Yeah, and we want ice cream for dinner,” Liam says.
“Ice cream for dinner?” I ask with a laugh. “Have you lost your mind?”
“We had ice cream for breakfast,” Lucas says.
“With chocolate sauce,” Liam adds.
Lucas is nodding his head up and down like a little jackhammer. “And sprinkles.”
“For breakfast?” I say with a grin on my face.
“It wasn’t exactly for breakfast,” Poppy says, looking a little panicked. “It was closer to lunch, and you two were supposed to keep it a secret!”
It was breakfast. I was watching them on my laptop at work.
The cameras around the house feed into my laptop and I can check up on the boys to make sure they’re being taken care of properly. But today I wa
sn’t watching the boys. I was watching Poppy. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
I hardly got any work done. I spent most of the day with the door to my office locked with my dick in my hand. I don’t know how many times I jerked off while watching her dance around the kitchen, while looking at the smile on her face as she opened the boxes of clothes, while doing anything. Everything she does turns me on, and this afternoon, I found myself jerking off while watching her make goddamn grilled cheese sandwiches. I don’t know how she made that erotic, but she did.
It killed me whenever she went into her room where there were no cameras. I would squeeze the arms of my chair in a fury as I waited for her to come back out of her room. It was pure torture. When she finally came out in her new dress… fuck… my blood was flowing so hot, I thought I was going to explode.
But it’s not just her looks that make her a nanny worth keeping. She’s good with the twins. They already seem to love her.
“Maybe if you two eat all of your dinner, we’ll have some ice cream for dessert,” she says to them. “If Mr. Stee—Noah, thinks it’s okay.”
They turn to me with pleading looks on their faces and I make them suffer for a few seconds before I say yes.
She’s perfect. A perfect nanny and a perfect girl for me.
I sip on my wine and watch her in awe as she handles the boys, feeding them and making sure they’re well-behaved.
Every second I watch, is a little deeper I fall for her.
When the boys are settled with their food, she serves me a plate. My body is growling with hunger, but I’m not sure if it’s for the food or for her.
“Poppy, can you sing for us?” Lucas asks as she sits down.
We all laugh at the horrified look on her face.
“I don’t sing,” she says as the horror turns into a beautiful laugh. “I’m not one of those nannies.”
Whatever kind of nanny she is, she’s perfect. I don’t want her to leave.