Page 3 of Holiday Hire

The stranger with long, magenta hair, a diamond stud nose ring, and tattoos peeking out above her pink tube top says, "Sorry, Ruby. So I assume this is Ace and Wilder?"

Oh no you don't.

I take three long strides and step in front of my chair. I glare at my mother, stating, "We're not doing this."

Mom smiles at me. "Sit down, Alexander. We have some things to discuss."

"Like hell we do."

Dad orders, "Sit down, son."

I ignore him and pin my gaze on the stranger. She's wearing enough jewelry to stock a store. She rises, and I can faintly make out hearts and the letters D and A before her tattoo disappears.

I wonder,does she already regret inking some dude's name on her chest?

What's his name? David? Daryl? Dannie boy?

Doesn't matter,I tell myself.

My gaze drifts to her perky tits, the tanned inch of her skin between the top of her skinny jeans, and on to the rip on her thigh, exposing another tattoo I can't make out.

Where does that lead?

I raise my gaze back to hers, finding she hasn't flinched under my staredown.

Mom really got it wrong this time. This woman is definitely not my type.

She pins blue fuck-me eyes to my sneer, and smiles. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Phoebe."

Great. She thinks she has a chance.

"I'm sorry my mother wasted your time. She's delusional sometimes. I think it's best if you go now," I state.

"Alexander!" Evelyn, my bossy older sister, scolds.

"Stay out of this," I say to her in warning.

"Jacob," Mom says, imploring Dad to intervene.

Dad's stern voice cuts through the air. "Alexander, sit down!"

I take a deep breath, my insides shaking with anger. I'm tired of my family interfering in my life. Nothing says I need a wife to raise my children. They're surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles, and their cousins. I assume there are only a few moments in their lives when they don't feel love.

Dad repeats, "Sit. We have things to discuss."

I cave and take my seat, then refocus on Phoebe. "Appreciate your time, but my mother once again overstepped. I'm not trying to be rude to you. I'm sure you're a lovely girl, but it really is best if you leave."

Her eyes widen. She glances at Mom and says, "Maybe this isn't a good fit?"

"Nonsense." Mom pats her hand. She pins her glare on me. "Alexander, I just hired Phoebe to be the boys' nanny."

I jerk my head back. "Nanny? They don't need a nanny."

"Just for two months while your father and I are gone."

Wilder asks, "Where are you going? Can I come with you?"

"I want to come too!" Ace exclaims.

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