Page 87 of The Single Dad

But because I’m the nanny.

How many other nannies are here? Technically, I’m on the clock, but I feel as though I’m crossing about a million lines.

My eyes rake the room, searching for someone else with a child. There are a few small children accompanying their parents to this gala, so that in and of itself isn’t odd. But… my heart pounds uncomfortably as I realize that the women holding their hands are most likely their mothers.

And on top of everything… if there were other nannies in this ballroom, how many of them are fucking their bosses?

Maybe that’s why Declan was staring at me. He knows something.

For the next few minutes, while Cole talks to his friends, I do my best to keep my eyes off of him. I focus on a piece of the dance floor ten yards away, watching an endless parade of designer shoes cross the hardwood.

When I finally look up at the door, I see exactly the person I was hoping to see.

Olivia hovers by the ballroom entrance, wearing a deep purple dress that she wore to another friend’s wedding a year ago. She looks a little lost.

I glance up at Cole, then down at Archie, who looks bored out of his mind. I tap Cole on the shoulder. “Do you mind if I take Archie for a lap? I’d like to greet Olivia, if that’s okay.”

Cole looks at Archie, who has begun fitfully playing with the tablecloth, and nods. “That’s fine. Just keep your phone on.”

“Hey, kiddo.” I reach down to take Archie’s hand. “You wanna come meet my friend?”

Archie looks up with huge eyes. “You have a friend?”

I laugh, and even Cole smirks in amusement. “I sure do. Come on, let’s go talk to her.”

Archie and I make our way across the crowded ballroom. As soon as we’re within sight of Olivia, her shoulders drop in visible relief, and she rushes over to us.

“Oh, thank god,” she says. “I was starting to worry you were playing some kind of fu—” she stops abruptly halfway through the word, realizing that Archie is with me. “Um, some kind of funny joke!”

“Nice save,” I tell her.

“I don’t know how you do it day in and day out. I’d have slipped up a million times by now.” Olivia and I hug, and then she bends down to greet Archie. “Hey there. You must be Archer. I’m Riley’s friend, Olivia.”

Archie is often a gregarious kid, but with the noise of the ballroom and the sheer number of strangers around him, he’s a bit shy tonight. He half-hides behind my leg, but does reach out to give Olivia a handshake.

“You’re just like your dad,” I say, which makes him smile. “All business.”

“So, what have I missed?” Olivia asks, popping back up to my eye level.

“Not much.” I shrug. “Cole introduced me to a couple of his friends. There’s artwork.” I gesture to the sides of the room, where several dozen display easels hold paintings. I’ve been meaning to take a walk around the room and survey the artwork, but between Cole’s friends, Archie, and my own nerves, I haven’t gotten the chance.

“You look amazing, by the way,” Olivia says, reaching out to feel the fabric on my dress. “When did you get this? I feel like I would’ve remembered it!”

“Oh.” I drop my voice, embarrassed. “Actually, Cole got it for me. He ordered it, and it just… showed up a few days ago.”

Her jaw drops, almost comically. “No fu—”

I cough to interrupt her, and she puts a hand over her mouth as if silencing herself. Archie looks up at her, taking everything in.

“Sorry, sorry! I mean… no freaking way. That dress is gorgeous. It must’ve cost—”

“A fortune.” I sigh. “I know. But he insisted.”

She gives me a significant look. “Riley…”

“Don’t start.” I wave a hand, shaking my head. “Believe me, I’ve already been thinking about this for the past few days. We’ll talk about it some other time.”

I incline my head slightly to indicate Archie, who is looking between the two of us as if he’s watching a tennis match.

---