I stare into his eyes for a long moment to gauge my true feelings.
Will it be awkward to work for the only man I’ve had a one-night stand with?
Yes.
But can I handle it?
Also, yes.
My head swirls with a mirage of what-ifs.So many things could go sideways—but does that mean it will?
Sighing heavily, I release the pent-up tension quickly growing within me.
I must trust my gut instinct.
Squaring my shoulders, I sit up straighter and speak my truth.
“Look. I’ve never been in this situation either. It’s truly an interesting predicament. But the truth is, I really like your daughter. Please know, if you choose to hire me, I will always put her needs first. I’m honest and hardworking. I’m great with kids, and you can trust me to care for her the best way I know how. Will I be perfect? No. But I don’t think anyone who works with children is. But I promise I’ll give my best effort to whatever situation I find myself in with her. She and I will have trials and errors as we navigate our relationship, as working with any toddler will be.”
“I already know you’re a good fit for the job,” he states pointedly. “That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it.”
Rolling my eyes, I try my best to lighten his mood. “It’s okay, Cam. We’re both adults. Sure, you’ve got this sexy older manthing going for you, but I can control myself andnotbehave like a teenager who’s discovered her first crush.”
“Hey, I’m not that much older,” he cuts in, with a grin forming on those sexy lips.
Raising a brow, I question, “Just how much older are you than me anyway?”
“I just turned twenty-eight in January,” he admits sheepishly.
“Good to know.” Again, my words roll off my lips before I can think better of them.
When his eyes bulge, I quickly add, “Honestly, Cameron, I can handle it. But at the end of the day, it’s you who must decide. The real question is,can you?”
His eyes pin mine, and I can tell his wheels are spinning.
The silence that lingers between us is thunderous.
Sweat forms on the back of my neck, as I wait for his response.
I feel the tension rolling off him in waves.
This can’t be an easy decision for him.
Our chemistry has always been undeniable, but at the end of the day, I really do need this job. I know I can put whatever feelings I have for this man aside. After all, I’m only here for the summer.
How hard can it be?
He exhales heavily and, once again, looks to the floor. Then he levels me with a serious stare. “The only question I have left is… when can you start?”
Three days later, I’m up at the crack of dawn. I’m ready for an adventurous day with Milli, and I’m eagerly walking the quarter mile to their house. I’ve brought myMary Poppinsbag, and I’m certain I’m prepared for anything this toddler throws at me.
It’s barely six thirty in the morning, and although I’m not expected until seven, I need Cameron to know I’m taking this job seriously. Experience has told me it’s always harder for parents to leave on their first day with a new sitter. He needs to feel confident he’s leaving his daughter in good hands by the time he steps out that door. My promptness is just a step in that direction.
Not wanting to wake Milli, I knock quietly and wait.
I should’ve known better, as the sound of stomping feet quickly approaches.
The lock on the door disengages, and my tongue nearly sticks to the roof of my mouth when I’m greeted by a shirtless Cameron. Thankfully, I don’t get a chance to ogle or make a fool of myself, as Milli practically throws herself at me in excitement. I’m suddenly too busy catching my balance.