Page 4 of Stealing Forever

When Declan Lane sees his daughter and me, his grin slips as his eyes rake over us. “What happened?”

Tossing his keys into a basket, he drops his bag before stalking toward us, hands outstretched when he’s a couple steps away. Sailor pulls from me and reaches for her dad, nuzzling in his arms when he takes her. Flour transfers, clinging to his black shirt.

“We had a bit of an accident.” Embarrassed, I brush my shirt, trying but failing to make myself more presentable. “We were making cookies and the bag of flour took a tumble...”

“Oh no.” Declan’s eyes widen at Sailor, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. “Is the kitchen a big mess?”

She nods her head yes, still sucking her thumb. Gently, he pulls it from her mouth. We’ve been working together to try and break her of the habit.

“That’s okay.” He kisses the side of her head. “Accidents happen. Do you want me to give you a bath, or Ms. Hailey?”

“Ms. Hailey,” Sailor tells him, shimmying against his hold. He places her on the floor, and she comes back to me and takes my hand. Pride settles in my chest at the simple gesture that means so much.

Before I started working for the Lane family, I was terrified Declan’s daughter would be a nightmare, or wouldn’t bond with me. There’s a reason why his past nanny quit, right? Although the conversation never came up, I’m not daft enough to think I’m the first nanny he’s hired.

“I’ll clean up the kitchen when I’m finished,” I promise Declan as I lead Sailor through their living room.

His only response is a grunt, but that’s nothing new. Declan is a good man and an excellent father from what I’ve seen, but he’s not overly chatty. Typically, by the time he gets home, he looks like he’s exhausted.

Once I have Sailor bathed and in her jammies, I settle her on the couch and put a movie on, then ready myself to deal with the mess in the kitchen.

Only, when I step around the counter island, the floor is spotless. In fact, the whole kitchen is completely clean.

A beeping catches me off guard, causing me to jump, slamming my hand against my chest. Turning, I realize Declan put the cookies in the oven.

My heart flips.

Pulling them out, I transfer the delicious treats onto a metal cooling rack before sliding the next batch in.

When I turn around, Declan’s leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, watching me. His hair is a mess from wearing a hat all day, curling around his ears, and he’s filthy—his T-shirt and jeans have dirt—and now flour—clinging to them.

Swallowing hard, I avert my gaze and pretend that I’m not insanely interested in him, and turn to clean a non-existent messy spot on the counter.

I shouldn’t be this attracted to him. For one, he’s eleven years older than me.Andhe’s my boss.Anda single dad. And myboss.

“You didn’t have to clean up this giant mess.” My voice is a lot breathier than it should be as I scrub the already sparkling stove. “I had planned to after Sailor's bath.”

“I know, but you’ve been with her all day. It wasn’t a problem.”

“You worked all day,” I counter. Glancing over my shoulder, I notice he’s now leaning against the island, leaning on his forearms. His gaze is dropped to his phone lying on the marble, and whatever he’s looking at is making his brows furrow.

Once again, I try not to stare.

I’ve worked for Declan for almost three months now, and I still haven’t built an immunity against his charm. The pathetic thing is, he’s not even trying to be charming. He just is.

Even if I was interested in him, which I’mnot, I’m not his type.

I’ve seen photos of Sailor’s mom. She’s stunning. Petite. Brunette. Tanned skin and chocolate brown eyes. A smile that I just know lights up every room she walks in.

Literally my opposite in every way.

I’m curvy, with flaming red hair, pale skin, and green eyes. I love myself, don’t get me wrong, but I know I’m not his cup of tea.

But again, I’mnotinterested in my boss.

“Fucking idiots,” Declan mumbles before locking his screen. Pushing it off to the side, he turns his attention my way. “Technically, you’re off the clock when I get home, Hailey. The least I can do is help out when I’m here.”

“It was a big mess though. So, thank you.”

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