Page 5 of Tempted

Besides the heavy, exasperated breathing on the other end she remained silent.

“Madison, I’m hanging up now.”

“I thought we were friends.”

“We are but now isn’t the time to talk about the virtues of our friendship. I’ll tell you what, how about I take you out to that steakhouse you mentioned to show my appreciation for all you’ve done.”

“Fine, Victor. I expect a call from you later this week.”

She didn’t give him a chance to respond before the call ended. Maybe he wasn’t being fair to Madison by taking her out so much. He enjoyed her company, but was it enough to go any further. It was a question he pondered when a knock on his study door interrupted his thoughts.

He took off his reading glasses and placed them on his desk. “Come in.”

Miss Davis, his housekeeper poked her head in the room. “There’s a Miss Brooks here to see you. I believe she’s your three o’clock appointment.”

“Thank you. Send her in.”

She nodded with a smile. “Should I bring refreshments?”

“Coffee will do for now.”

“I’ll get that right away.” She closed the door behind her, leaving Victor to compose himself. He wanted to get this sham of an interview over with so he could spend his time looking for someone more suitable to watch his children.

A knock on his door, brought him to attention. “The door’s open.”

Victor wasn’t sure what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t this teenager. No, perhaps not a teenager, but she couldn’t be more than twenty. She was petite with large eyes and a warm smile. She was much younger and prettier than he expected.

“Jasmine Brooks?”

Her plump lips tilted in a tentative smile making deep dimples pop out of her dark brown cheeks.

Cute.

Maybe a little too much for his comfort. He held his hand out to her as she approached. A flowery scent wafted to his nostrils, reminding him of lilacs.

When she placed her hand in his, Victor couldn’t help noticing how soft and tiny it was compared to his. A spark shot up his spine and heimmediately let her hand go with barely a shake. It probably seemed rude, but he felt like a dirty old man reacting to her this way. He was thirty-eight for chrissake, nearly old enough to be her father.

Her nose crinkled and her smile fell when he backed away so suddenly. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Meade.”

“Uh, yes, you as well, Miss Brooks. Please have a seat.” Victor welcomed the sanctuary of his desk, plopping down into his leather swivel chair with relief.

“Thank you.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners as wariness entered their dark depths. “I appreciate your granting me this interview.”

There was really no point in prolonging this process when his mind was made up for all intents and purposes. “And I appreciate your promptness for what it’s worth. My mother hasn’t stopped singing your praises since you two met. I’d also like to extend my thanks for watching my children when the former Nanny was—otherwise incapacitated.”

“It wasn’t a problem. They’re delightful children. I enjoyed spending time with them.”

She sounded genuine, but still she lacked the experience he required in someone he’d entrust with his children.

“Can I be honest with you, Miss Brooks?”

“Please call me, Jasmine. And yes you may. Before you say anything, though, I already get the feeling that I’m not the candidate you had in mind, and I don’t have any formal training in the nanny field as I’m sure you’d require.And quite frankly, even I have my doubts. But I really need this job, and I’m sure you can find someone with a more suitable background, but no one would be more careful with your children than I will.”

Victor shifted in his chair with discomfort. He wanted to ignore her impassioned words, but there was something about her that hit a nerve. Clearing his throat, he brought to mind one of his main concerns. “You’re quite young to be in charge of my children. Tyler is eight and Chelsea seven. Children that age need intellectual stimulation.”

She lifted one dark brow. “I’m twenty-six.”

He schooled his features to hide his shock. “You look much younger.”

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