Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“Noted,” she said with a hint of amusement. “And you make sure you don’t prey on a pretty young nanny who’s reliant on you for a pay check.” Before I could defend myself, Serenity ended the call.
“Damn!” I smacked the steering wheel and stepped from the SUV. I waved at Billie who was packing up her van parked on the driveway.
“Hey Billie, thanks so much for staying until I could get home.”
“No worries Dante, I know how hard it is to find good childcare when you’re a working single parent.” Billie was a single mom to a seven year old son herself. Little Jeremy often accompanied his mom on her jobs on the weekends, and sometimes after school. “Lena’s fine, just looked in on her, she’s playing and doesn’t seem to be upset.”
After Billie drove off, I took a rare moment to let the Texas sun beat down on my face before I stepped inside the sprawling ranch style mansion that I had moved into after my divorce.
“Lena?” There was nothing but silence, but a beat later I smiled at the sound of Lena’s tiny feet smacking against the tiled floor just outside her playroom.
“Daddy!” She rushed towards me and I bent to scoop her in my arms. “You’re home!”
“I am. How are you?”
Lena shrugged, her big blue eyes darted left and right. “I’m good Daddy.” She sighed. “Lisa is gone.”
I hugged my girl tighter. “I know honey but I’m working on getting you a nanny who will stick. I promise.”
“You can stay home?” There was such hope in her eyes.
“I can for a while, but sometimes I’m needed at the office Lena. You know that.” I barely had any time in my day for anything but the necessities, but I made sure we ate dinner together most nights. Still, I felt like I was failing in the fatherhood department.
“I know Daddy.” She sighed and her tone was so sad it was like someone had punched me in the heart.
“How about after I check a few emails, we go out for lunch? Your choice.”
Her eyes and smile both widen with excitement. “Okay Daddy. Promise?”
I nodded, hating that she needed a promise to believe me, but running a fashion empire was more than a full-time job, and there were many times in her short life that I had to break a promise.
“I promise Lena. One hour.”
“Okay.” She squirmed out of my arms and I lowered her to the floor. “One hour!” Lena ran off back to her playroom.
I followed her down the hall at a far more sedate pace and went to my home office to get sixty minutes—no more— of work of done before spending time with my kid.
Hopefully Ms. Majors would call with good news before the day was over.
Chapter 3
Lucy
“Sorry about the wait Lucy.” Serenity sighed and tossed her stylish green framed glasses on her petite glass desk. “Thanks for sticking around.”
I shrugged and kept a smile on my face because I liked Serenity, she was a good employer and made sure we received good wages. “Not like I have anything else to do.” I kept my tone lighthearted, so she’d know I understood she was doing what she could to find me a placement.
“That’s what took so long,” she explained. “I had a family all lined up for you, and you can still interview with them, but I received a call not too long ago from a very frantic father in need of a nanny immediately. I actually think you might be a better match for this family.”
A frantic father. “A single father?” I didn’t have a problem with single fathers in general, but those who used this service could be hit or miss.
“Yes. But don’t worry, one of his main requirements was that you don’t try to, and I quote, ‘worm your way into his bed.’ So,” she sighed and flashed a friendly smile, “you can see why I thought you might be perfect.”
I felt my face heat with embarrassment at the reminder of my first year with Elite Nanny Service. “I’m much better now,” I said defensively. “But I do admit that there might be a hint of bias where wealthy single dads are concerned.” Seriously, how hard was it for a rich, moderately good looking man to find a woman to warm his bed? “And the child?”
“A four year old little girl who is reading at an eight year old level. Loves princesses, unicorns and watching the cloud shapes roll by. Some educational games are required, and it’s full-time. Live-in.” Serenity watched me carefully, and I made sure to keep my expression blank while I mulled it over.
“You think this is a better fit than the original family?”
“I do, but the choice is yours.” Her lips twitched and I arched a suspicious brow across the desk.