Chapter Twenty Summary & Analysis | The Au Pair Affair
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Burgess wakes up alone but elated, remembering that Tallulah slept in his bed. He is resolved to make her his “endgame” despite her earlier statements about wanting no commitment. During breakfast, Lissa is present; Ashleigh arrives to pick her up. Burgess flirts with Tallulah, briefly flexing his muscles, and puts on a jacket when she seems uncomfortable about his bare chest in front of his ex-wife. After Lissa leaves, Burgess returns to the apartment and passionately kisses Tallulah, lifting her against the kitchen cabinets. They grind through their clothes, and he brings her to orgasm. He carries her to his bed, retrieves her sweatshirt, and they agree to see each other later. Tallulah raises the concern that Lissa may be hoping for a reunion with Ashleigh, so they decide Burgess should talk to Lissa to manage her expectations. Burgess leaves for a meeting, realizing he has fallen in love with Tallulah.
Key Events
- Burgess wakes up smug and happy that Tallulah spent the night in his bed, but he is aware she still may resist commitment.
- Morning interaction with Lissa over pancakes; Burgess flexes and jokes about his “Diet of Doom.”
- Ashleigh arrives to pick up Lissa; Burgess puts on a jacket to cover his bare chest after Tallulah’s subtle discomfort.
- After Lissa leaves, Burgess initiates an intense kiss and dry-humping session with Tallulah against the kitchen cabinets, leading to her orgasm through their clothes.
- Burgess carries Tallulah to his bed and retrieves her favorite sweatshirt for her pillow.
- Tallulah suggests Burgess talk to Lissa about not getting back together with Ashleigh, to prevent false hope.
- Burgess agrees and leaves for a post-game meeting, internally declaring his love for Tallulah.
Character Development
- Burgess: Shifts from physical satisfaction to emotional commitment. He openly acknowledges that Tallulah is his endgame and is willing to address difficult topics like Lissa’s expectations to protect her.
- Tallulah: Despite physical vulnerability, she shows emotional maturity by advocating for Lissa’s well-being. She remains cautious about naming the relationship but participates fully in the physical connection.
- Lissa: Though absent for most of the chapter, her hopes for a parental reunion motivate a key conversation. She demonstrates comfort with Tallulah, hugging her before leaving.
- Ashleigh: Only mentioned as the driver picking up Lissa; her presence indirectly triggers the discussion about managing Lissa’s expectations.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Commitment vs. Freedom: Burgess’s determination to claim Tallulah clashes with her stated desire for no strings. Their physical intimacy deepens even as they avoid labeling the relationship.
- Physical intimacy as communication: Kissing, grinding, and orgasm become a language through which Burgess expresses his seriousness and Tallulah reciprocates desire without verbal promises.
- Family unit and belonging: Burgess feels that Tallulah’s presence makes his apartment feel like a home. The domestic scene of pancakes and shared laughter reinforces the theme of creating a family.
- Fear of disappointment: Tallulah’s concern about Lissa’s hope for a reunion highlights the emotional stakes for a child caught between adults.
- “Sir Savage” nickname: A motif of playful power dynamics, used by Tallulah to test Burgess’s reactions and deepen their erotic tension.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter solidifies the shift from a purely physical arrangement to an emotional commitment for Burgess. He acknowledges love and takes concrete steps to protect Lissa’s feelings, showing growth in responsibility and emotional honesty. The chapter also advances the central conflict: Tallulah’s reluctance versus Burgess’s determination. Their physical intimacy escalates while the narrative sets up a necessary conversation with Lissa that will impact the family dynamic.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Tallulah suggest that Burgess talk to Lissa about not getting back together with Ashleigh?
She is worried that Lissa is building false hope for a parental reunion. Tallulah wants to protect Lissa from severe disappointment, showing empathy and a long-term view of her role in the family. -
How does Burgess demonstrate his growing emotional commitment to Tallulah in this chapter?
He internally declares that she is his endgame, agrees to speak with Lissa about the family situation, and leaves a meeting with a smile on his face, deeply in love. He also retrieves her sweatshirt for her comfort, a small but intimate gesture. -
What is the significance of the kitchen counter scene between Burgess and Tallulah?
It represents a shift from private intimacy (the bedroom) to a more open, semi-public space in the apartment. The act of grinding through clothes provides physical release without full vulnerability, mirroring their emotional state—intense but not fully committed.