Page 18 of Stick Move

Slow, bro. Really fucking slow.

Laughing, because it took me far too long to put that together, I’m about to set my phone down when another text comes in.

Brady: How hot is the new nanny?”

An instant wave of jealousy and protectiveness grips me by my balls. I know he’s messing with me and for a second I think about not answering, but find myself texting back.

Noah: Hands off the nanny, bro. It’s a conflict of interest.

Brady: Oh, does that mean you’re interested?

Noah: Fuck you.

Brady: (Peach emoji, Eggplant emoji)

Noah: Real fucking mature, dude.

I tuck my phone away, open the door to my wing and look across the hall. Brighton left her door open for me, making the upstairs of the big house feel like one unit instead of two. I quietly walk across the hall, and just when I’m about to call out, I hear animated voices. I love how well they get along. Heck they played together in the pool, and basically ignored me as they had a good time—not that I’m feeling left out or anything. A smile touches my mouth as Camryn’s laugh carries through the house. Nothing fills my heart with love more than hearing her happy sounds.

“We never make pizza,” Camryn shrieks in her outdoor voice, probably because this estate is so big it still feels like she’s outside.

Brighton gasps. “Are you saying you’ve never had pizza?”

“I’ve had pizza, silly. It just comes in a box. A man brings it to the door. He’s a different man every time.” She pauses. “I like cheese and pepperoni.”

“That’s what I’m going to make just for you.”

I quietly walk closer, and they’re so enthralled in each other, they don’t see me leaning against the door frame. That’s okay. I enjoy watching them without them knowing, and I’m not a child. I enjoyed them playing in the pool together too. I zero in on Camryn as she stands on a chair at the kitchen island. With Brighton next to her, my daughter works to mimic her nanny by spreading out her own ball of dough.

“You’re doing such a great job. I can’t believe you’ve never done this before.” Camryn beams under Brighton’s praise. Okay, maybe now I am being a child, because I’d like to beam under her praise too. “Okay, pinch your fingers into the flour like this, and lightly sprinkle the surface.”

I exhale quietly. Well, I guess it’s too late to worry about them becoming close. On some level I suppose I knew it would happen. Heck, you can’t spend all your time together and not bond, right? And I want Camryn to have someone she can look up to. My biggest concern is what happens to Camryn when this arrangement ends.

After the NHL season, when I’m no longer in a bind, I’m sure I’ll find someone who really wants this job. Brighton will want to get back to work, putting her skills to use in the resort business. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. Right now, I just want to make sure Camryn is happy, and I can dive into the NHL season with my focus intact.

“I liked the pizza that the men brought,” Camryn says, now dressed in a light blue sundress, whereas Brighton has changed into dark shorts and a navy-blue t-shirt. It brings a smile to my face, because I’m sure she’ll be full of pizza sauce by the time they’re done, and no matter how dark her clothes are, it’ll show. That smile quickly fades and it’s all I can do to swallow a moan, because yeah, now I’m thinking about her in a French maid uniform.

Brighton blinks dark lashes over genuinely concerned eyes as she stretches her dough and gazes at Camryn. “Do you think you’re going to like this pizza?”

“I think I’m going to love it.” Camryn sneaks a slice of pepperoni from the bowl and plops it in her mouth. She giggles, does a little wiggle dance, but then goes a bit serious. “This is a big house.”

“It is,” Brighton agrees. “Do you like it?”

Camryn holds her arms out. “My room is really big.”

Brighton’s mood instantly shifts as understanding spills across her face. “Oh yes, it is. When I was your age, I used to sleep in that room too. Did you know that?” Camryn shakes her head no, but her eyes are wide, intrigued. “It was big. But you know what? I used to sleep with Charlie. He’s a big, brave fluffy dog.” Brighton crinkles her nose and hugs herself, getting flour on her shirt. “He kept me company all night and when I was with him, I never felt scared.”

My heart thumps in my chest. Jesus. What kind of father am I? I never considered a big bedroom in a giant estate might scare my little girl, especially one who grew up in a tiny room in a tiny downtown apartment.

“Where is Charlie now?” Her big blue eyes are wide, and the vulnerability shimmering there hurts my heart. At times I think Camryn tries to be brave for me, like she’s trying to take care of me. I don’t want her to feel that kind of responsibility. But the truth is, she’s always so brave when I’m away, acting like a big girl when really it has to be hard on her. Maybe that’s why she’s opening up so quickly to Brighton.

Brighton taps Camryn on the nose, leaving a streak of flour and Camryn laughs as she brushes it away. “Why don’t you wait right here, and I’ll go get him.”

She hurries off, and I wait a second, not wanting to interrupt whatever is happening here. Brighton comes back with a big, brown stuffed dog that she happily hands over to my daughter. My throat grows tight and raw at the compassion being displayed right before my eyes. How could I not like someone who offers such warmth and sympathy, such kind-heartedness to a child she’s just recently met?

Camryn gasps and hugs Charlie tight. “I love him, Ms. Brighton.”

I shift and the movement catches Brighton’s eyes. Her head lifts and I smile at her before mouthing the words, thank you. She gives a quick nod, and says, “I don’t need Charlie anymore. I’m used to sleeping here and my room is kind of small for the two of us now. I bet he’d love to be back in his old bedroom...” She pauses to tap Camryn’s nose again. “With you.”

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