Page 12 of Stick Move

Her words hit like a slap. “Right, of course not.”

Her gaze cuts to mine. “I didn’t mean…I just mean, you’re my boss and that was inappropriate.”

“I won’t tell if you don’t,” I tease. She gives a small chuckle. “Listen, Brighton. I’m not much into formalities. We can be partners in all this,” I tell her. I realize she blurted out something very personal, something that’s been bottled up inside for a while now. Does she not have anyone to turn to, a shoulder to cry on? She was popular in high school and had numerous friends. Sure, we’re long past those days, and some have moved away. Some stayed too. Did she not keep in touch with her girlfriends…boyfriends?

“Why don’t you guys get settled in, and maybe later, we can go over the rules of being a nanny and what’s expected of me.”

I nod as she steps away. I guess I never really thought about the rules involved. I’ll have to give it some thought.

“Oh,” she says, glancing at me over her shoulder. “I’m going to make dinner in a bit, and I have plenty for you and Camryn if you want…I’m sure you have plans, but...” She curves her lips in a smile and I sense she’s worried she’s overstepping.

“While you don’t need to cook for us, we’d love it. What can I bring?”

“Just your appetite.”

I jerk my thumb out toward my daughter’s room. “Do I have time to take Camryn for a swim? It’s all she’s been talking about.”

“Take her to the rooftop. I think she’ll really like that pool, and you can get her a drink with an umbrella in it. I don’t know any kid who doesn’t like a virgin Shirley Temple.”

“I loved the virgins when I used to work here.” Her eyes go wide and a big laugh rumbles from the depths of my throat. “That didn’t come out right. What I’m trying to say is Bill, do you remember Bill Howes?”

She nods. “He was head grounds man.”

“Right. My supervisor. He was a nice man. Use to sneak me virgin daiquiris in the summer when it was killer hot. They went down so good.”

“I can probably hook you up. Unless you’re not into virgins anymore?”

Wait, are we still talking about drinks?

“Now that I’m older, I like something with a little more…” I pause to search for the right word.

“Bite.”

Unable to help myself my gaze drops to her mouth as she wets her lips, like she’s envisioning biting into something, or something—someone—biting into her. “I was thinking kick, but yeah, bite works too.”

Her voice is low when she responds. “Got it.” She glances around. “I…uh, should let you two get at it.”

“Join us.”

“What?” Her gaze flies back to mine.

“For a swim. You don’t officially start her care until my season starts. Actually, these next few weeks are yours to do with what you want, but if you’re not doing anything, it could be good bonding time for you and Camryn.”

No, inviting her does not have anything to do with wanting to see her in a bathing suit. I don’t think. “Unless you have somewhere you have to be. Someone who might be waiting for you.” Dammit, does she have a significant other? I probably shouldn’t be fantasizing about a woman who’s with another man.

She huffs out a laugh. “Actually no. Allan…” She pauses for a second. “He broke up with me when he found out I had to sell this place.”

I eye her. “Sounds like you dodged a bullet.”

Instead of agreeing, she steps back. Is she still in love with Allan? What a stupid fucking name.

She waves her hand to nowhere in particular. “I probably should get working on dinner.” I nod, as she inches away, and that’s when reality of this entire situation—my knee-jerk reactions from the other day—comes crashing back again. Jesus, I never make snap decisions. Why did I this time? She goes still, like she can see my inner turmoil. “What?”

“It’s just…” I scrub my chin. “I hope I’m doing the right thing here. Camryn is the most important person in the world to me, and I don’t want to…” I pause and throw my arms out, emphasizing the extravagance of the place. “…you know.”

“Spoil her.”

“Right.”

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