Page 7 of The Nanny Contract

Out of nowhere, the camera’s flash started going off, blinding me so that I could barely see anything. But I definitely saw Henry take out his phone and snap a picture of me in all my absurdity.

Casey and Henry exchanged a look, both their grins barely concealed.

It was good to see that they were getting along.

Martin entered the room quietly, pushing a tray filled with various breakfast foods and more coffee.

“Casey and Henry!” my mother exclaimed, stealing everyone’s attention. “Come and stand for the photo,” she directed them.

“Nope!” Henry said and quickly darted out of the room.

“Hey!” I called out after Henry. “Donotpost that photo online.”

Casey smiled, clearly amused. “Oh Betsy, I’m not the most photogenic person. Unless you’re looking for a ‘before’ picture for a makeover show.”

Who was Casey kidding? The man was strikingly good looking. The kind of handsome that turned heads and lingered in minds.

Betsy appeared unamused. She gave him a sharp look, one eyebrow arched like a queen issuing a decree.

Casey walked over, almost as if he were gliding. “Don’t blame me if this ends up as one of those awkward family photos!”

He moved with an ease that caught me off-guard, surprisingly at home in my mother’s orbit where she intimidated most.

Her wealth, her personality, her presence.

And mother loved being the talk of the town. Constant coverage by the gossip rags, the tabloids.

She was having fun, all the while utilizing connections and wealth to propel the family forward. She was a fierce protector, and we were all grateful for her.

As Casey stood next to me, I found myself hoping this would all be over soon. It was a complete humiliation to sit in a chair with a rooster on my lap.

However, when his arm gently draped over my shoulder, his touch was light and steady, catching me off guard.

Instinctively, my body tensed, but I hoped he wouldn’t notice. I found the warmth of his hand on my shoulder disarming. It was suddenly impossible to focus.

He leaned down and whispered in my ear so that Betsy couldn’t hear. “I guess when the queen commands, we must obey.”

His easiness took me by surprise, and the sound of his voice sent a shiver down my back.

I must have appeared frozen to him, but he handled it graciously.

“Relax,” he added, his tone laced with comforting humor, “they’re not going to engrave this photo on a monument.”

I was glad that he mistakenly thought my tension was because of the photo. I knew deep down that it was something else entirely.

The camera clicked. I was suddenly reminded that this moment would be documented forever. And in my mother’s hands no less.

I knew I needed to shake it off and maintain my composure.

Having a new presence in the house had obviously thrown me.

The photographer stopped snapping, clearly satisfied with his masterpiece.

Casey stepped back, removing his hand from my shoulder and leaving me surprisingly disappointed.

I risked a look at Casey and noticed his eyes meeting mine. A mischievous smile spread across his lips and lingered for a brief moment. My breath caught in my throat, and I immediately forced myself to look at the rooster and fix its crown.

As if it was a matter of great importance.

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