Page 28 of A Whole New Play

“No… I mean, I don’t know.” He shrugs. “I paid previous nannies much more through the agency.”

“Well, they probably had more experience.”

“That, or I was being robbed.”

“That’s very possible.”

“Dad,” Andy whines from the couch. “Can you hurry up? I want to show Valerie my fort.”

“One minute, buddy.”

The six-year-old grumbles but goes back to playing with his toy wearing an adorable frown. Again, I can’t help but smile. There’s just something about the little guy I find adorably charming.

“What would be your rate for overnight stays?” Carter’s question recaptures my focus.

His expression is oddly blank when I meet his gaze.

I replay his question in my head. “You mean for when you’re out of town?”

He nods.

I consider the options. “The same as weekend hours, I suppose.” If the kids are sleeping, I’d feel bad about taking more money for just being in the house. I’d still collect a hell of a paycheck at twenty-five dollars an hour overnight.

“What if you were to be a live-in nanny?”

“Absolutely not.” I don’t even take a second to think about my answer.

He blinks. “That was quick.”

I chew the inside of my cheek. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. It was just a question. I know Rose Hill is a bit of a drive from the city, and I thought you living here might be easier.”

It might be, but I wasn’t interested in toeing that line with him.

“That’s nice of you, but the drive won’t be a problem. Promise.”

Intelligent brown eyes scan my face. Seeing my resolve, he dips his chin. “Okay.”

“Are you done talking yet?” Andy moans. He sits on his knees, leaning over the back of the couch, staring at me and his dad.

“Don’t you want the French toast I made you?” Carter asks, dodging his son’s question.

Andy doesn’t stray from his goal. “I’ll eat later. I want to show Valerie the fort.”

I chuckle at his insistent tone and the tired sigh that escapes his father’s lips. “What if Valerie is hungry? Did you even ask her?”

Andy’s eyes turn to me. “You aren’t hungry, are you?” His pleading look matches his pleading tone. Even if I was starving, he’d be hard to say no to.”

“I can wait,” I tell him.

“Are you sure?” Carter presses, frowning.

“It’s fine,” I reassure him then look at Andy. “I want to see the fort.”

“Yes!” Andy cries out, hopping over the couch, earning himself a reprimand from Carter.

“Sorry, Dad,” he says, not sounding sorry at all. He races to my side and once again latches onto my hand. “Come on, Valerie. This is going to be awesome.”

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