Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
I tried not to give him a smirk as he attempted to hide a smile and failed.
“You come highly recommended by your sister and mother.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that one.
“And I trust you, Palmer. I don’t know how to explain it…I think you’d be good for Charlie. He needs someone like you in his life, especially since he doesn’t have his mother around.”
“I’m not his mother, Mason.”
He sighed and rubbed at the back of his neck. “I know that. I’m not looking for a mother for him, I’m looking for a strong woman in my son’s life. And if I’m being honest, I want you in our lives, too.” Then he added, “As a friend.”
Okay, wow, that sweet gesture made my heart do a weird little flip.
I wrung my hands together while a million and one reasons filtered through my mind as to why I shouldn’t take the job. But I also thought about why I should accept Mason’s job offer. It would be an experience no doubt, and Charlie was such a sweet kid. And then there was Mason.
Before I could think about it another second, my mouth decided it wasn’t going to wait up for my brain any longer.
“I’ll do it.”
Mason opened his mouth as if ready to argue his point some more, then shut it. And then it appeared. The smile that made my stomach flutter and my heart race. Oh good…the dimples were also out. Perfect.
He stood, which made me stand as well. He walked over to me, and I sucked in a breath before I found my voice.
“But we need to make one thing clear,” I stated as I put my hands on my hips. “Our relationship stays strictly business. That kiss…”
My voice trailed off as Mason’s eyes drifted to my mouth. For a hot second, I was sure he was going to lean down and bridge the distance between us with those soft, plump—wait.
No! No! No!
“What about the kiss?” Mason asked with a teasing smile.
“It was a mistake,” I reminded him. “I should have never kissed you back.”
Mason leaned in some, and I felt my breath catch in my throat. “I wasn’t the one who kissed you, Palmer. You kissed me.”
I opened my mouth to deny it, but then realized he was right. “I was drunk.”
He slowly raised a brow and tilted his head.
“Maybe I wasn’t drunk,” I said, “but I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
Mason nodded and took a step back. I instantly missed the heat from his body. With a smirk, he said, “Fine. All business.”
“Fine. I saw that your little temporary nanny was cooking for you. Will you need me to make meals?”
He held up his hands. “That was a misunderstanding. I don’t need you to cook or clean—nothing like that. I simply need you to be there for Charlie. Maybe give him an after-school snack. I can handle dinner.”
“What if you’re running late with patients?” I asked.
“I make it a habit not to over-schedule so I can be home for my son. It’s a rule that I won’t break.”
And there went my heart. Again. Melting into a puddle right there on my floor. Well, the floor actually belonged to Mason—or would, when it was all said and done.
“Um, we should probably talk about pay,” I said.
I could see his body relax some, and I tried not to smile. The relief was practically dripping off him. “You can stay here rent free, of course, and otherwise, give me a number you feel is fair.”
Staring at him, I said, “Rent free?”
He shrugged. “Yeah. I wasn’t going to charge whomever I hired if they wanted to live here.”
“Well, I mean, I can always help out anytime you need. Like mornings, or if you do happen to need to work late, or…if you, um…go out on a date.”
“That’s good to know. Thank you.”
I hated that my stomach dropped in disappointment when he ignored my comment about dating.
“When would you want me to start?” I asked, wondering if I was making a huge mistake.
“As soon as you can.”
I paused for a moment. I could still do my dog walking and poop-scooping jobs while Charlie was in school. I’d have to give up a couple other jobs, but the longer I thought about it, the more excited I got.
I couldn’t figure out where my change of heart was coming from. Was it the idea of spending time with Charlie? Or seeing Dr. Zaddy more often?
Oh Lord. Damn you, Ms. Seaside.
I took a breath to calm my nerves. “Okay, well, I can start tomorrow if you need me to.”
“Yes!” Mason practically shouted. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Tomorrow would be amazing. I’ll let the school know you’ll be picking him up. I just need your license plate number to give to them.”
I nodded.
Mason reached for my hand, and I prayed he didn’t hear the way my breath hitched. “Hey, are you sure you want to do this? I know I’ve been asking you over and over…” His words trailed off when his eyes met mine.