Page 8 of Military Daddies' Nanny

She gave me a very comforting vibe.

I read through her reviews, noting the positive feedback from various families. They praised her patience, kindness, and the way she connected with children.

She sounded promising.

I scroll through her profile, looking at her picture again. There’s a warmth in her eyes, a genuine smile.

Maybe she’s what we need.

It’s a gamble, but I need to do something for Bella and Jason. They deserve more than just a father who’s always busy with work.

I resolve to send her a message in the morning.

Maybe this will be the change we need.

Chapter 3

Nancy

“Hi, I just arrived.” I quickly fire a text to my prospective client before grabbing the door handle to the Haven Cafe.

I push it open to reveal a very cozy but warm interior, a welcome contrast from the hustle and bustle going on outside.

This is the usual meeting spot where I engage my new clients. I like picking the location because it makes me feel at ease and in control.

The warm atmosphere helps me keep my nerves in check.

As soon as I walk in, the familiar aroma of roasted coffee beans and cinnamon rolls hits my nostrils, and my stomach immediately grumbles in response. I haven’t had anything to eat yet.

I scan the room in search of this man…Drew Johnson. From our little chat online, he’s a busy single dad and he needs help with two kids, a boy and a girl. That was all the information I’d gotten over text.

I prefer to meet up in person to really hash things out, both so I can get a good feel for the client, and so that there are no misunderstandings. I’m not sure I will recognize him even if I see him, though. The only thing I’m working with is his profile picture, and that’s just a side profile.

Fortunately, I am eight minutes early, so he's probably not here yet. I move over to my usual table and sink into my chair, the worn leather a familiar comfort.

My phone buzzes a second later, and I reach into my purse to fetch it. It’s a text from him, “Over here. By the window.”

I raise my head abruptly and look straight ahead, and just then, my eyes meet the sexiest gaze I’ve ever seen in my life. My heart skips a beat.

His eyes hold me captive for a few seconds. The world seems to have spun to a stop at that very moment, but eventually my brain catches up and I look away.

Damn! Could this be him?

I feel a clenching sensation in the pit of my stomach. It’s excitement.

I grab my purse tightly and take in a deep sharp breath, forcing my feet to move, one in front of the other.

As I approach his table, I try my hardest to control my nerves.

“Excuse me?” I start, my voice barely above a whisper.

He looks up, and my stomach does a little flip-flop as his light brown eyes, warm like honey, meet my gaze again. The corners of his lips crinkle in a polite smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, leaving a bit of mystery behind it.

He looks to be in his thirties, with the beginnings of crow's feet and smile lines etched on his face already. These are doing nothing to hinder his good looks.

His smile softens the sharp angles of his jawline, which otherwise hinted at a strength that went beyond just the well-defined muscles I could see straining beneath his black V-neck shirt.

He gestures to the empty seat in front of him.

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