Page 8 of One Night With The Nanny

It was his sole purpose in life, so Reid didn’t consider it a big deal at all. Every member of their big, beautiful family was an extension of Reid. He felt when his brother was worried and his niece was struggling and Reid couldn’t rest easily until he knew they were happy again. He’d even sensed Walker’s shame at missing it and was proud of his brother-in-law for diving in head-first and learning everything he could to help Charlotte.

Having everyone over for brunch was Reid’s way of monitoring their progress and seeing where he was needed next. At the moment, all was peaceful in Reid’s little kingdom and he was looking forward to a quiet yet productive week for the agency.

Reid was also enjoying the twinge in his lower back and the slight rawness between his cheeks. They could have used a little more lube that last time but Reid had run out. He considered them battle wounds and a reminder that he had lived.

“Isn’t it a perfect morning?” He was about to correct himself and observe that it was actually 12:00 on the dot and officially afternoon, but paused when the buzzer peeled.

“I’ll get it,” Dash called, vaulting over the arm of the sofa and pressing the button on the intercom. “Yes?”

Norman cleared his throat, making the intercom and Reid’s nerves crackle. “There’s a gentleman here for Reid and the agency,” the doorman said in a whispered rush. “Says Mrs. Cameron sent him.”

“Oh! Send him back!” Dash said brightly and went to get the door.

But Reid’s senses were tingling ominously, like something he didn’t want was about to walk through his front door.

“Wow!” Dash whispered out of the side of his mouth and winked at the room before fanning himself suggestively

“Who…?” Reid asked as he rose, raising a brow at Agnes.

“You’re going to adore von Hessen. He’s a lovely man!” she whispered at him and Reid definitely didn’t like the maniacal smile curving her lips.

“Agnes, what have you done?” Reid asked weakly, then sniffed when he recognized his scent. “Oh…no,” he said as he turned to the door.

Reid’s brain rejected the image immediately, refusing to believe that his partner from the previous evening’s ride was standing in their living room. That was utterly impossible and the tall, incredibly graceful, gorgeous older man in the perfect pea coat and charcoal wool trousers had to be a hallucination.

“Wes?” Max asked, sending the cup and saucer in Reid’s hands crashing to the floor.

“Wes?” Fin echoed loudly and Gavin’s brows shot up.

“Did you say Wes?” Gavin verified and Max nodded slowly as he pointed at Reid.

“He’s Wes, is he not?”

A loud hoot burst from Fin as he pointed at Reid. “What have you done now, Wes?” and there was a suggestive cough from Gavin.

“I definitely wasn’t expecting something like this to happen,” Gavin said sarcastically, reclining in his armchair. He was beaming as he planted his chin on his fist. “Tell us, how do you know our friend, Wes?”

“Out!” Reid ordered, rushing at Max. “You have to go right now.”

“Not so fast!” Agnes shouted from the kitchen. “And I knew it!” she boasted and clapped, before becoming utterly serious. “Max needs your help, Reid.”

“He stays,” Gavin declared and gestured for Dash to close the door. “What can we do for you, Max?”

“It’s my daughter…” Max said, his eyes darting between Reid, Agnes, and Gavin. “I’m losing her and Agnes said he could help.”

Reid spun back to Agnes. “Is he married?”

“No,” she stated firmly.

“Whew!” Riley wiped his brow and lowered onto the bench next to Penny.

“Okay… It isn’t that bad,” Reid said to himself, pushing out a slow, steadying breath and asking himself what 007 would do.

The back door opened and Walker tripped over the threshold. “Max…? What are you doing here?” he asked, offering his hand as he hurried through the kitchen.

“Agnes said Mr. Marshall could help me with Mia,” Max explained.

“Absolutely,” Walker said with all seriousness. “He saved my life and got Agnes to settle down. Which was so good for my peace of mind, let me tell you,” he added.

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