Page 8 of Billionaire Wolf Needs a Nanny

The solemn expression on Emilia's face finally broke, stretching into a smile. "Okay, Uncle Blake." She glanced over at me. "Can I eat the bunnies now, Lacey?"

"Of course, Emilia. They're all for you."

She scooched closer to the plate and picked up the fork. Spearing a nugget, she brought it up to her mouth and took a big bite. After chewing for a while, she grinned and murmured her approval.

She ate happily, tackling each bunny in the same order, body first, then the ears.

Together, Mr. Wulfthorn and I watched her eat her lunch without complaint.

"Impressive," he commented. "You did well, Okla--Lacey."

"Does that mean I've got the job, Mr. Wulfthorn?" I couldn't help but beam on the inside.

"Blake, please. Mr. Wulfthorn makes me feel like my father."

"So, what's the verdict, Blake?"

"You're skilled at getting her to eat, but I still have some concerns."

I gaped at him. "I just pulled off a miracle here."

"True, but your clumsiness makes me doubt your ability to keep Emilia out of harm's way."

Heat flushed up my neck and face as I recalled the incident in the coffee shop. That wasn't even my fault. The indignation burned, that he was holding the accident he caused against me.

"Not that you're to blame, there was no way for you to know I was standing behind you," he muttered.

I swallowed the triumph that bubbled in my throat. This was as much of an apology as I was ever going to get from a proud man like him.

The sun shining through the windows lit up his features. My breath caught at the long angular lines of his face. At that moment, he resembled a masterfully chiseled sculpture.

Blake studied his niece as she munched happily through her lunch. She made each of the nugget bunnies hop across the plate and then up to Mr. Snuffle's mouth before bringing each nugget up to her mouth.

Despite his closed-off demeanor, I could tell that he really did care for the little girl.

"This is the calmest mealtime we've had since she moved in with me." A frown formed on his face. "I'm not promising to hire you yet, but I'm willing to give you a chance."

I rose to my feet, even though I would never be tall enough to stand neck to neck with Blake. This was still a business negotiation, and I needed to be on firm footing. "What are you proposing?"

"I have an operations meeting with my staff downstairs for the remainder of the afternoon. If the kid is still alive when I come back from my meeting, then you've got the job."

I blinked. That was it? How hard could it be to keep my eyes on one little girl? "You've got yourself a deal."

Holding out my hand, I waited until he grasped mine in a firm handshake. To my surprise, his hand fit around mine perfectly. I had to fight back the sigh of disappointment when he finally let go.

Blake cleared his throat. "Emilia has a temporary play area set up in the waiting room. You can stay with her there while I'm gone." He let out a breath. "I'm trusting you with the most important person in my life. Do you have a handle on this?"

Did I? I didn't know if I could handle myself most days. Squaring my chin, I gave him a firm nod. "I will do everything to make sure she is taken care of. I promise."

"I'm sure you'll do your very best. If you need anything, ask Anna." He paused. "She looks innocent, but this one will try to bend you to her will. Be careful."

I glanced down at the little girl who had eaten all of her nuggets and was finishing up the last of her carrot sticks. Every drop of milk in her cup was gone. She beamed up at me, giving me a dimpled smile. How could that be true? Emilia was as sweet and cute as the bunnies she loved so much.

"You have your job, and I have mine. Please trust that I can do what you hired me to do."

"Very well." His tone was mild, like the skilled business negotiator he was. He revealed nothing of his true thoughts.

"Come on, Emilia," I called out. "I heard that you have a play area. Can you show me where it is?"

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