Page 23 of Nanny for the Don

I consider taking care of it in the shower, just to clear my head. But I know better. That wouldn’t be enough to erase the images of her, the way she felt, the way she fluttered around me. Those memories are going to be with me for a long, long time.

I shake my head, realizing this is already more than I bargained for. She’s not just another woman; she’s already making this more complicated than I intended. I wanted to keep things simple, strictly physical, but I can sense it—she’s starting to get under my skin. And that could be dangerous.

I turn off the shower and grab a towel, drying off as I wrestle with the truth that’s been gnawing at me. Maybe I’m getting in over my head with Willow. She’s not just a fling to scratch an itch; there’s something about her that’s different, something that’s already making me want more than I should.f.

Wrapping the towel around my waist, I step out of the bathroom, ready to start the day. But no matter how hard I try to push her out of my mind, she’s there, lingering in the back of my thoughts.

I get dressed in my room and head downstairs just in time to see my little girls bursting through the door with Ms. M, fresh from their trip to the park. The moment they spot me, their faces light up, and they rush toward me with such enthusiasm their hugs nearly knock me off my feet.

“Papa!” Giulia squeals, clinging to my leg, while Lucia wraps her arms around my waist, looking up at me with those big, innocent eyes.

“Do you still have to do work, Papa?” Lucia asks, her voice tinged with hopeful curiosity I can never resist.

Readjusting my priorities, I shake my head. “Not a chance,” I say, ruffling her hair. “I’m going to spend the rest of the day with my little princesses like I promised.” Their squeals of delight fill the room, and it’s impossible not to feel the warmth of their joy. “How about we make it a special day? What do you say we go to the zoo?”

Their eyes widen with excitement, and they both start bouncing on their toes, practically bursting with happiness. “Yes! Yes!” they chant, almost in unison.

I turn to Ms. M, who’s watching the scene with a soft smile. “Take the day for yourself, Ms. M. We’ve got it from here.”

“You got it. I’ll be around if you need anything,” she replies.

“Did they have breakfast yet?” I ask, noticing how hungry I’m starting to feel myself.

“Just a little fruit and yogurt to start,” she says.

“Well then,” I grin, turning to the girls. “How about some of Papa’s famous chocolate French toast before we head out?”

Their eyes go wide, and they both nod enthusiastically. “Yes, please!” they shout, and I laugh at their infectious excitement.

We head into the kitchen, the girls chattering excitedly as I gather the ingredients for our breakfast.

“Papa, can I stir?” Giulia asks, standing on her tiptoes to peek into the bowl.

“Of course, princess,” I say, handing her the whisk. “Just like this—nice and steady.”

Lucia, not wanting to be left out, tugs on my shirt. “I want to dip the bread!”

“Alright, alright, one at a time,” I chuckle, guiding her over to the bread. “You dip it in the egg mix, just like this, and make sure it’s all covered.”

Soon, the kitchen is filled with the sweet smell of cooking French toast, and the girls are grinning from ear to ear as we work together.Once the toast is golden brown and drizzled with chocolate, they’re sitting down at the table, practically bouncing with excitement.

Just as I think Willow must have left, she swings through the kitchen, catching me by surprise. “Just wanted to say goodbye to my little ladies,” she says, a warm smile on her face.

“We’re having Papa’s chocolate French toast, and we’re going to the zoo!” Lucia announces, beaming.

Willow smiles. “Sounds like a perfect day. Have so much fun, and I’ll see you this evening.”

Before she can leave, the girls rush over to hug her, holding her tight. “Come with us!” they plead; their voices full of innocent insistence.

I watch as the girls go absolutely crazy over Willow, clinging to her like she’s their favorite person in the world. It’s captivating, the way she’s so at ease with them, her laughter mixing with theirs as they chat. Even though it’s her day off, she’s in no rushto leave, clearly enjoying the moment just as much as they are.

“Please, Willow, come with us!” Giulia begs, her arms wrapped tightly around Willow’s waist.

“Yeah, we want you to see the lions and the monkeys!” Lucia adds, squeezing her legs.

Willow crouches down to their level, smiling warmly. “You know I’d love to, but today’s your special day with your papa. Besides, I’ll be here when you get back, and you can tell me all about the animals you saw. Deal?”

“Deal!” they both chirp, though they still don’t let go of her..

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