Page 6 of Rolling with the Single Daddies

Evie laughs harder.

“Hi there, Evie,” Avery coos, her voice gentle and soothing. “What’s your bear’s name?”

Evie hesitates for a moment, then, in that adorable toddler way, she mumbles, “Beary.”

Avery chuckles softly, her laughter like a melody that fills the room. “Beary, that’s a great name.” She leans in closer, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest. “I bet Beary has all sorts of adventures with you.”

Evie stands, extending her arms to Avery, who looks to me for permission. Another respectful move.

I nod. Evie babbles excitedly about her day, her words a jumbled mix of toddler talk and enthusiasm as Avery lifts her and settles her onto her hip.

The two of them seem to be having a private conversation I can’t understand.

Avery’s good. I like her… in a professional nanny sense.

I can’t help but feel a pang of something deep in my chest as I watch them. Avery’s patience and warmth with my daughter, her ability to make Evie smile so easily, offer glimpses of the future I lost.

For the first time in a long while, I feel a flicker of hope, even if Avery’s paid to be here. She’ll be good for Evie.

“See?” Diego nudges me. “She’s great with kids.”

I grunt noncommittally, not wanting to admit his instinct might have been right.

Going through the usual motions, I pose a few scenarios to see how she answers, confirm that she has first aid and CPR training, and mostly watch in awe at how she and Evie get along.

Live-in parenting help would be a relief.

I’m feeling pretty good about this, when Diego says, “Now that you agree we should hire her—”

I shut him down. “We haven’t settled on the details. Don’t jump ahead.”

“Bane, this is the first time I’ve seen you smile since…”

His words taper off. At least he has a miniscule shred of restraint. But he’s right. Avery’s already bringing me back to life.

The second we agree to a trial arrangement and move toward the door, Diego cuts back in. “Now, it’s time to head to dinner.”

His hand placed on her lower back, and their bodies turned away from me, make it clear this isn’t a group invite.

I freeze, caught off guard. The thought of Diego and Avery going out together sends an unexpected surge of…somethingthrough me. Irritation? Jealousy? Protectiveness? I’m not sure, but I don’t like it. I don’t want him fucking this up.

“Dinner?” I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral.

“A date… You should try it sometime.” Diego winks, grabs his leather biker jacket, and guides Avery out the door.

I fight the urge to stop them. He has every right to date her. But he conveniently left that part out of his explanation. I knew he was up to something.

Four

Avery

The maître d’ leads us to a secluded table, and I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. This needs to be my first and last date with Diego if I’m going to be a live-in nanny for his roommate.

Diego pulls out my chair, his fingers brushing against my shoulder as I sit. The touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I mentally shake myself. Boundaries.

Although, I could get used to this kind of living.

Needing to stay in control of my timeframe, so my breasts don’t get too full of milk, I insisted on driving my own car. I may have set a new, low benchmark for the valet.

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