Page 4 of An Unexpected Match

He raised an eyebrow.

“Yet, you’re trying to hire on to do something that has nothing to do with your chosen career. You’d do better to get an internship with a graphic arts place or ad agency. I expect meals to be on time, a certain amount of care around the house, though I have a cleaning service that does the major work. And a lot of attention paid to my children.”

“I can do it.”

“There’s more to this job than just watching the girls. There are trips to the doctors and dentist. Shopping when they need new clothes.”

“If I can work and attend classes, I’ll graduate in another three semesters. I’d be willing to give you another six months after that. By then your younger daughter will be in kindergarten and you’ll have after-school care available for both.”

“That isn’t enough.”

“Why not?”

Arden thought she was being generous in agreeing to stay. It’d put her future on hold, but she’d relish the chance to finish school sooner. Why couldn’t he see she offered the perfect solution?

She really wanted this job, noneededit. Otherwise, who knew how long it’d be before she’d graduate? She was already twenty-five. If she could be lucky enough to combine work and college, she’d be twenty-seven by the time she graduated. She wasn't getting any younger.

“My job is such that I can be gone with an hour’s notice and I may not return home for several days, sometimes longer. I need someone responsible to be there twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to take care of my children when I’m gone. Someone they’ll know and trust. Someone I know and trust and can depend on.”

“I’m dependableandreliable. And I’m willing to negotiate almost anything.”

Arden didn’t want to appear desperate, but she was. She had no apartment, no current job, and finals started next month. She needed to get settled before then. Why couldn’t he cooperate?

“It doesn’t appear that you have much trouble finding work. Seven jobs in seven years,” he said.

“But I had a place to stay that cost nothing. Now I don’t. That means it’ll take me that much longer to save enough to pay for a full semester. And the workload at school is always so heavy, I can’t work most jobs and keep up with my assignments. But I could manage with your girls. I can do my projects at night while they sleep. I’d be the best nanny you’ll ever find.”

“What happened to your home?”

She took a deep breath. It wasn’t really any of his business. Especially if the interview was the sole contact she had with the man. And she really didn’t want to go into it all. It always made her furious.

“Circumstances changed, that’s all. One aspect that appealed strongly to me about your position is that I’d have room and board. I’d be great with your kids. Call the librarian, she’ll verify how much the story hours were loved. Attendance increased by leaps and bounds while I was there. Call the day-care center, they’ll tell you how reliable I am. Call any of the people on the list you want. They’ll all tell you I’m conscientious, trustworthy. I never miss work. I’m never late. And I work hard, giving a full day’s worth for a day’s pay.”

Brendan Ferguson almost smiled at her impassioned speech. She really seemed to want the job. He glanced back at the folder, knowing the prudent thing would be to keep searching. Despite her enthusiasm, her listing of accomplishments that would enable her to watch Hailey and Avery, he didn’t want Arden Glover.

He wanted someone older, more settled.

Someone who wasn’t pretty, vivacious, and so alive.

Startled at his train of thought, he kept his eyes on the folder. He’d learned to analyze things quickly and decide with little to go on but his gut instinct. But the feelings crowding him now had nothing to do with a nanny for his daughters.

Maybe a younger woman would be better able to keep up with the girls. Not that they were a problem. Still, at five and three, they had a lot of energy. Yet because they were so young, he didn’t want their lives disrupted again anytime soon.

He had to admit that none of the other women he’d interviewed met all his requirements. Not that there’d been that many applicants. Only seven before Arden Glover.

Time was growing short. His sister, Ella, was leaving next week and he had to find someone before her departure.

He looked at Arden. She met his gaze squarely. Her blue eyes shone with sincerity. So different from the caramel brown of Lannie’s eyes.

Of course, everything about Arden Glover was as different from his late wife as possible to be. Lannie had been petite, sweet, shy, and sexy in a quiet, womanly way. She hadn’t wanted a career. She’d loved caring for their home, watching Hailey. She’d so been looking forward to the birth of their second child.

Her dark brown hair and brown eyes had passed to their daughters. At least he had that part of her forever.

But he missed her with an ache that never quite went away, even after three years.

Time was running out. If he didn’t find someone to watch the girls by the time Ella left, he didn’t know what he’d do.

“Avery starts first grade in three years. I’d want a commitment for that long,” he said at last, his mind searching for alternatives.

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