Page 20 of Nanny for the Bikers

Before we leave, Ayla insists on changing Piper’s diaper. I watch, transfixed, as she scoops up the baby from Clay’s hands with a confident ease that belies her young age. How old is she anyways? Her hands move with a practiced grace, gently laying Piper down on the changing mat.

“You’re a natural,” I say, unable to hide the admiration in my voice.

Ayla glances up at me, a small smile playing on her lips. “I’ve had a lot of practice. I used to babysit for my cousins back home.”

As she works, I find myself studying her face—the way her brow furrows in concentration, the tenderness in her eyes as she coos at Piper. There’s something about seeing her like this, so nurturing and maternal, that stirs a warmth in my chest.

Ayla finishes changing the diaper with a flourish, snapping Piper’s onesie back into place. “There we go, sweet girl. All clean and ready for an adventure.”

She lifts Piper into her arms, nestling her close. The baby gurgles happily, her tiny hands reaching up to grasp at Ayla’s hair.

I feel a pang of something I can’t quite name—a longing, perhaps, for a future I never knew I wanted.

Shaking off the thought, I grab the diaper bag and head for the door. “All right, let’s hit the road.”

We pile into my truck, Ayla settling Piper into the car seat with practiced ease. As I watch her in the rearview mirror, I can’t help but marvel at how quickly she’s taken to this role.

It’s as if she was always meant to be here, caring for Piper, bringing light into our lives.

10

AYLA

The tires crunch against gravel as Kip eases the truck into a spot in the bustling bank parking lot. I’m sitting in the back, beside Piper’s car seat, with Shadow resting his head on my lap.

“Okay, we’re here,” Clay announces, putting the truck in park. “Kip, you mind staying with Piper and the pup while Ayla and I run inside?”

“You know, I can just stay out here too,” I offer. “No need for me to go in.”

“You sure?” Clay asks. “It might be a good idea to set up an account with a local bank, so you have somewhere to deposit those checks.”

That’s true… Kyle has access to my current account anyway, and I don’t need him stealing any more of my money.

“I’ll come in.” I give Shadow one last pat before reaching for the door handle. Clay slides out of the driver’s seat and walks around to my side, holding the door open with a gallant flourish.

“After you, m’lady,” he teases, lightening the mood.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I hop down from the truck, feeling a touch more at ease. Clay and I head towards the bank entrance.

As we step through the glass doors, a blast of cool air hits my face, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat outside. The bank lobby bustles with activity - customers line up at the tellers’ windows, their chatter mingling with the clacking of keyboards and the soft whoosh of the air conditioning.

I pause for a moment, taking in the scene. The last time I was in a bank, it was with Kyle, and the memory makes my stomach clench. His vice-like grip on my arm, the thinly veiled threats muttered under his breath... I shake my head, trying to dispel the unwanted images.

Clay’s hand on the small of my back startles me out of my reverie. “You alright?” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.

I nod, not trusting my voice. We make our way towards the “New Accounts” sign, weaving through the throng of people. As we walk, I can’t help but notice the curious glances thrown our way. Clay, with his chiseled jawline and confident stride, draws more than a few appreciative stares from the women in line.

“Quite the celebrity, aren’t you?” I tease, nudging him with my elbow.

He chuckles, the sound deep and rich. “Nah, they’re probably just wondering what a guy like me is doing with a knockout like you.”

I snort, feeling a blush creep up my neck. “Smooth talker.”

We reach the new accounts desk, and I take a deep breath, steeling myself. The banker, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, looks up at us expectantly.

“Hi, I’d like to open a new account, please.” My voice sounds stronger than I feel.

As the banker nods and pulls out the necessary paperwork, I glance over at Clay. He gives me an encouraging smile.

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