Page 22 of Hearts Aweigh
Norville straightened. “I may have a larger audience on the MSBuckinghamthan I do at home. Glad I polished my sermon before I came. My preparation leaves me time to explore the boat.” He leaned his head toward Abby. “Now if I can find a guide who knows her way around, I’ll be all set.”
“That sounds—”
“Excuse me, Ms. O’Brien.” Spencer checked his watch. “I apologize for interrupting, but I have a business call in fifteen minutes. You mentioned Madeleine seemed uncomfortable today. It appears the governess will be unable to perform her duties this evening. Are there any other options for childcare besides this public area?”
Technically, her shift had ended five minutes ago, but she couldn’t pass Mr. Masterson to another employee when it involved Maddie’s welfare. Abby loved kids in general, but there was something about this darling girl that pulled at her deepest heartstrings.
“Yes, sir. Monarch provides one-on-one childcare service for an extra fee, but as a VIP, two hours a day is already included in your vacation package.”
He waved to the side. “The cost is of no consequence. What matters is that Madeleine is well cared for and I can trust the person supervising her.”
“Rest assured. Every one of our specialists has been through extensive training, including first aid and CPR.”
Spencer’s jaw firmed. “I don’t care how many certificates they’ve earned. I don’t want a random specialist.” His head tilted forward, and his voice lowered. “I want you.”
CHAPTER 10
WHAT WAS HE THINKING?“I want you.”Was he aiming for a harassment lawsuit?
Spencer had meant it in a business sense. But what if Abby had taken him the wrong way? The fact she’d agreed to visit his suite and discuss employment in private boded well. He risked a glance her direction. She waited patiently by his side. No shock or offense apparent.
He waved his key card in front of the door and opened it. Madeleine preceded them into the apartment and walked to the couch. After retrieving a book from the coffee table, she sat with her dress spread out as she had in the children’s area. Now that Abby had made him aware of it, the posture bothered him. Was his daughter comfortable? Why did she always look like a child model in a magazine spread?
“Thank you for making time to discuss this.”
“As long as it doesn’t take too long. I have a—wowzers!” Abby entered the expansive suite with mouth hanging open. “I’ve heard about this place from the housekeepers, but this is my first time seeing it in person.”
Spencer surveyed the open layout of the lavish two-story apartment with aversion. Shaggy area rugs covered hardwood floors. The furnishings were too modern, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed view of the ocean that reminded him how far from home this trip was taking him. “It’s adequate.”
“Adequate?” She held out her arms and spun in a circle. “It’s like a luxury penthouse. Oh my word, there’s even a piano!”
“Do you play?”
A secretive grin lit her face. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
Abby approached the baby grand near the balcony door. Sinking gracefully to the bench, she gave a serene smile. She wove her fingers together backward, stretched her arms out, and then pointed both index fingers.
Plink-plink-plink-plink.
The rudimentary sound of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” floated through the suite.
“What do you think, Maddie?” she called.
Madeleine discarded her book and moved to the piano. “I like that song.”
Abby scooted over to make room on the bench and proceeded to teach his daughter her two-fingered version of the famous tune. Spencer sighed with relief. It appeared that Madeleine would have no trouble adjusting to their new employee.
He went to the dining room table, where his office documents waited in organized piles. The stainless steel desk in the adjoining office had been insufficient. He sat in one of the upholstered chairs, sent a quick text to the office to postpone his scheduled call, then withdrew a blank piece of paper from a manila folder and made a quick list of his expectations.
He spoke as he wrote. “I appreciate your willingness to consider a position as Madeleine’s temporary nanny.”
Abby stopped playing. “It’s no big deal. Our ship offers the special service on every voyage.” She rose from the piano bench and walked over. “But I have a previous commitment tomorrow until two. I wouldn’t want my coworkers to suffer by having to adjust their work schedules on short notice.” She sat on the other side of the table, checking the time on her phone. “You can bring Maddie to the Kids Kingdom again, if you need to”—her tone took on a deriding quality—“work. On a cruise ship. When you’re supposed to be on vacation.”
He ignored her obvious sarcasm and pushed the piece of paper across the table.
Abby picked it up and read aloud. “‘The party of the first part—’”
“That’s me,” said Spencer.
