Page 88 of A Whole New Play

“I’ll be in in a few minutes,” I reassure her gently. “I just need to talk to my dad.”

Abby and Andy’s attention shifts to the man behind my shoulder.

“Hi, Coach Palmer,” Andy greets.

Abby waves a tired hand.

“Hey, guys,” Dad’s tone loses his irritation when he speaks to the twins. “How was Minnesota?”

“It was fun,” Andy says through a yawn of his own. “But I don’t like hotel beds. They aren’t comfy.”

Carter uses that as his cue. “Let’s get you two inside. You can catch up with Coach another time.”

The twins don’t argue. They hike their backpacks on their shoulder and shuffle into the house. I’ve never seen anyone look so cute when they’re tired.

I watch Carter open the door and usher them inside. He casts another worried glance over his shoulder. I offer him a half-smile.

His lips tighten with reluctance. “Let me know if you need me.”

“I will.”

He nods, looks at Dad, and then steps inside to follow his kids.

“What the hell are you thinking, Valerie?” Dad growls the moment the front door closes.

Indignation ripples through me.

I know what he’s asking, but I’m going to force him to say it out loud. “What do you mean?”

He doesn’t hesitate, “You’re dating Carter Jones.”

“I am.”

“He is older than you.”

“Not that much older.”

“And he’s your boss.”

“Not for long.” Carter and I haven’t discussed the specifics, but he knows being a nanny isn’t my long-term plan.

Most likely, I’ll continue until the Rough Riders season ends. Then, I’ll help him find a replacement while I take the next steps in my career.

You need to figure out what those steps are, first…

“And he has two kids.” Dad crosses his arms. His shoulders are tense and his lips are pulled down in a deep frown. “Carter is a decent guy, but this relationship isn’t right for you. Not when you’re in the middle of figuring out your life and career.”

I don’t blame him for thinking so. I had the same thought when I was trying to convince myself to resist the attraction I felt to the star linebacker these past few months.

I blow out a breath, bracing myself for his reaction to what I’m about to share. “Do you remember when I told you I met Carter when I was on vacation with Megan?”

His expression turns wary. “Yes.”

“Well, we didn’t just meet there. We went on a date. And we, uh…” My cheeks burn hot, but I force myself to admit, “We spent the night together.”

“Valerie…” He closes his eyes and groans. “I don’t need to know that.”

“Except you do,” I counter. “You need to know that what’s happening between me and Carter started long before I became his nanny.”

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