Page 14 of Nanny for the Bikers

The question comes as a shock to me.

His unexpected proposition hangs in the air between us, and I find myself at a loss for words.

There’s no way he’s serious right? No way that a complete stranger would ask me to be their child’s nanny after a short conversation.

7

AYLA

Me, a nanny? It’s absurd. I shake my head, trying to dislodge the very notion. Memories of babysitting my little cousins years ago flit through my mind - the tantrums, the spilled juice, the utter exhaustion at the end of those long afternoons. But I also remember how rewarding it was when they would fall asleep in my lap or when they would hug me with teary eyes as they said goodbye when their parents picked them up.. Could I take on the responsibility of caring for a baby full-time?

My hands clench into fists at my sides. I’ve always been the one taking care of others, putting their needs before my own. But this...this is too much. Panic rises in my throat as doubts swirl in my mind.

I’ve always loved babies, but that doesn’t mean I can be a nanny.

Clay’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. “Ayla, I know you’re hesitating, but I truly believe you’re perfect for this.” His earnest gaze locks with mine, unwavering. “Piper adores you already. That’s not something to take lightly.”

I glance down at the baby nestled in his arms. Piper’s wide, innocent eyes meet mine, and she lets out a delighted coo, pudgy hands reaching for me. Despite myself, I feel a smile tugging at my lips. “She is pretty cute,” I admit softly. “But I don’t have any experience being a nanny.”

Clay chuckles, the sound warm and rich. He shifts Piper in his arms, bouncing her gently. “Experience isn’t everything, Ayla. Business is all about connection and you have that with her.”

“I can’t, Clay,” I sigh, tearing my gaze away from Piper’s adorable face. “I’m supposed to be on the road.”

“Where are you headed, anyway?” Clay asks, tilting his head curiously. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

I tense, the question hitting a little too close to home. “Just... getting away,” I mutter, my gaze skittering away from his. “Needed a change of scenery, I guess.”

It’s a half-truth at best, but I can’t bring myself to reveal the messy reality of my life; especially not to a stranger. The pain, the betrayal, the desperate need to escape. It’s too raw, too vulnerable. And I’m not ready to let anyone see that part of me. Not yet.

Clay’s expression softens, his eyes filled with a mix of understanding and concern. “Listen, Ayla,” he begins, his voice gentle yet firm. “I know we just met, but I have a proposition for you. Why don’t you come and stay with us in Wolf Pike for a while? It could be a good interim spot for you.”

I blink, taken aback by his sudden offer. “You’re insane. We just met and you want me to take care of your child. ”

He shakes his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I’m serious. I have a room you can stay in, and I’ll pay you…” He pauses, considering. “How does one thousand dollars a week sound?”

A sharp laugh escapes me, disbelief coloring my tone. “A thousand a week? You’re joking, right?”

But Clay’s expression remains serious, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m completely serious, Ayla. And if that’s not enough, I’ll raise it to fifteen hundred.”

My jaw drops, my mind reeling at the staggering amount. “Fifteen hundred dollars a week? Are you crazy?” I blurt out, a nervous chuckle bubbling up my throat. “I can’t stay with you. I mean, for all I know, you could be some kind of serial killer.”

Clay’s eyebrows shoot up, amusement dancing in his eyes. “A serial killer, huh? As fun as that sounds, not the case this time.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out his phone. “Here, let me show you something.”

He taps the screen a few times before turning the phone towards me. “This is my LinkedIn profile. As you can see, I own Rev & Ride. It’s a shop where I restore classic motorcycles and keep new ones safe for riders and I have plenty of connections in Wolf Pike. I’ve lived here my entire life. Ask anyone about me and while they can tell you wild stories of my youth, I’m a businessman and a pretty good one at that.”

I study the profile, taking in the details of Clay’s life. It all seems aboveboard, but a part of me still hesitates. The offer is tempting, almost too good to be true. But it’s different…and I’m not the best with different.

And yet, the thought of not having to sleep in my truck is enticing, especially as I think about my gas tank inching closer to empty with each passing mile… I can’t expect handouts at every gas station and I do need money now more than ever.

I bite my lip, torn between the safety of the familiar and the allure of the unknown. Can I really trust this man? Can I trust myself to make the right decision?

What do I have to lose?

The question echoes in my mind. And as I stand there, the weight of my past pressing down on me, I realize that maybe, just maybe, this is the lifeline I’ve been desperately searching for.

“Alright,” I say, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. “I’ll agree to your offer on one condition.”

Clay raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “And what might that be?”

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