Page 6 of Sexy Bad Daddy

“All of it.” She stops and I pass her before she calls after me, “Is that really why you won’t hire me? You’re scared I’ll fall victim to your charm and good looks.”

“It would be par for the course.” In this five-minute round trip, I have to admit I’ve had more fun than my past five dates. Which is exactly why I shouldn’t be thinking about her in terms of a possible nanny for Abby. Next time, I’m asking for a male.

“But not for me.” She grabs my arm. “I need this job. I have great references. I have absolutely no interest in you as a man. At least let me meet your daughter so you can see I’m great with kids.”

“Of course you’re great with kids. You practically are one.” I unlock my Range Rover, yank open the pristine white door, and toss the monkey onto the back seat. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go pick up my daughter from her uncle.”

Sliding into the buttery leather seat, I barely get the engine started before she hops into the passenger side and locks the door behind her. “I told you I’m twenty-six, and I have no interest in you besides your daughter. I have a boyfriend. We’ve been together for years. I have great references. Just give me a chance.”

“Get out.”

“No.”

I blow out through my mouth and slam my fingers against the steering wheel. “You’re going to have to exit the vehicle.”

“Not until you give me a trial run.” She pulls on the seat belt and latches it in place.

“Christ on a golf cart.” I glare at the ceiling. “I don’t have time for this. I’ll drop you off at The Ogden.”

Pulling out of my designated parking space, I head for the exit and swing into traffic. Just give me one good reason to tell her no.

“What did you say your daughter’s name is?”

“Abby.” I grip the steering wheel and creep along with the other cars. Why am I even telling her this when I have no intention of letting her work for me? “Wasn’t your employment terminated last time we talked?”

“It was.” She flicks her gaze in the direction of the window and winces. It’s subtle enough I almost miss it. “Which turned out to be great for you, because you need a qualified nanny and I need the employment.”

“What happened?”

“Uh, they didn’t think I was necessary with the eldest starting kindergarten.”

“Really?” Sounds like bullshit to me. I can’t imagine raising a child gets easier to handle alone at any point.

“Yes. Let me show you the letter of reference.” She starts shuffling through her satchel and pulls out a binder.

I glance over as she flicks through the inch-thick folder. “How many references have you got in there?”

“Enough to show that I’m an excellent choice for your daughter’s nanny.”

“Looks to me like you’ve moved around a lot.” I turn my focus back to the road. “Commitment issues?”

“No, I don’t have commitment issues.” She shoves her résumé back in her bag. “Most nannying gigs aren’t long-term. And my references are impeccable.”

“So how long did you say you’d been with that boyfriend of yours?”

“What’s that got to do with anything?”

“I want to know that you can actually stick with a relationship, work or otherwise.”

“Are you serious?” she asks. “You’re the one with the reputation.”

“At least I’m consistent.” I smirk. “Committed to being uncommitted.”

“Years.” She twists the fingers on both hands together. “And we’ve known each other longer. Are you reconsidering?”

“I’m weighing the options,” I tell her as we pull up to the curb outside the sports bar.

Twisting her whole body, she leans forward. “What can I do to convince you?”

“Leave me your references and let me think about it. Right now, I’m late for family dinner and daddy-daughter time.” I reach across to open her door. Giving her the position would be completely unwise when I’d much rather get her into bed. Only this nanny hunt has lasted months and I’ve gotten no closer to finding someone to look after my daughter. I can’t keep relying on Paynter and I do need the help.

Erin’s probably the best candidate Olive You Nanny has sent so far, and she does have great references. It could be ages before I find another option. I can’t exactly say no to her, for the sake of my kid, even if that means I’m going to have to deal with this attraction between us.

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