Page 32 of Bad Nanny

“Brett has nothing to do with the uniform or apparel decisions for the Pacific Storm.” Lex was right; Brett had only been involved because the general manager and owner were two of his best friends.

“Look, it’s time to focus more on yourself. Me and Lex have got this when you start slacking off because you fall in love...if you’re not already there.” Noah smirked, and I resisted the urge to lunge for him.

“And when it ends badly? I have Delaney to think about.”

“So? For all she knows, Josie is just her nanny. Besides, when school starts, things will be different.” Lex put his phone down. “You’re all set for Saturday at seven-thirty. I’ll send you the address and the person you need to ask for.”

This was such a bad idea. There were a million reasons why I shouldn’t ask Josie out on a date but a million reasons why I should. She was kind, patient, creative, and amazing with Delaney. And, yeah, incredibly beautiful. I couldn’t get her out of my head, no matter how hard I tried.

Maybe my brothers were right, and I deserved to be a little selfish for once. Since Victoria had left, my whole life had revolved around Delaney and work. Before that, my life hadn’t even revolved around my own daughter, just the growth of the business. When was the last time I did something for me?

One date wouldn’t hurt, right? If it was a disaster, we could pretend it never happened. Although, the thought of never kissing Josie again... No. I couldn’t think about that.

A mix of nerves and excitement coursed through me—a feeling I hadn’t experienced in years. So what if there were risks? The best things in life were often on the other side of fear.

I checked myself in the mirror for the third time, trying to decide if I wanted to wear a polo shirt or button-up shirt. Lex had said it was casual and outside, but did that mean mini golf or a bar?

I was an idiot for trusting my brothers.

My phone pinged with a reminder that I needed to pick up Josie in five minutes. Button-up shirt rolled to the elbows, my favorite jeans, and a pair of Chucks it was.

I took a deep breath and headed downstairs, the smell of popcorn making my stomach growl. Noah lounged on my couch like he owned the place, an array of junk food spread out on the coffee table. He must have gone back out to his car once I had let him in.

“Ready for your big night?” Noah flashed his trademark grin as he popped a cheese puff into his mouth.

Delaney ran out of the kitchen, two plastic bowls in hand. “Daddy! Uncle Noah brought all my favorites!” She dropped the bowls onto the table and picked up a bag of candy that was as big as her head.

My heart did a little flip at her excitement, but a partof me worried about leaving her for the evening. I looked at my brother. “Okay, you know her bedtime is eight-thirty sharp, right? And make sure she brushes her teeth before?—”

Noah held up his hand, cutting me off mid-sentence. “Gabe, relax. We’ve got this covered. Go out and have fun for once.”

“Yeah. Don’t be such a wet noodle.” Delaney stopped in the middle of pouring candy into a bowl and looked up at me, her eyes wide.

“A wet noodle, hmm?” I lunged for her, scooping her up and tickling her as she squealed. She dropped candy all over the table and carpet, but that was Noah’s problem now.

Laney’s giggles and Noah’s confidence gave me enough reassurance to let go...just a little. I put Delaney down, careful not to put her on top of the candy. “Call me if?—”

“Dude,” Noah interjected with a chuckle. “Get out of here before you’re late. You need to make up for all your grumpiness by making a good impression.”

I knelt down in front of Delaney. “Be good for Uncle Noah.”

“I will.” She threw her arms around my neck, giving me the best kind of squeeze—the kind that made me regret not being as present for the first four and a half years of her life.

Standing back up, I took one last look at my brother. “Clean up this mess before it makes the carpet all sticky.”

“Yes, Dad.” Noah rolled his eyes and dropped to the floor to pick up the candy. “Have fun.”

I made my way down the hall to Josie’s studio and knocked lightly on the door. My heart was already racing in anticipation of seeing her dressed up for our date.Our date.

“Just a minute!” Josie’s muffled voice called out from the other side of the door.

I straightened my shirt and ran a hand through my hair, trying to act casual. Why was I so damn nervous?

This whole thing was crazy. I was going on an actual date with my nanny. But the more I tried to talk myself out of it, the more I wanted it. Wanted her.

Tonight, she’s not the nanny.

As the door opened, my breath caught in my throat. Josie looked stunning. Her usually straight hair, that she often wore in a ponytail or messy bun, fell in soft curls that framed her face. She wore a lacy top that dipped just enough to reveal the swells of her breasts, and the fabric clung to the curve of her waist before flowing outward, hinting at the shape beneath. I had to force myself not to stare too hard.

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