Page 26 of The Summer Arrangement
My sister walks into the kitchen and pours herself a glass of iced tea. “Want some? I’m gonna hang out on the back deck for a bit. Care to join me? It’s been forever since just the two of us hung out. You’ve been so busy this summer.”
Once we’re outside and settled on the deck chairs looking out at the ocean, my sister unknowingly asks a loaded question. “So… what’s the deal with Milli’s dad? What’s he doing here in Seaside that’s got you working so many hours?”
I’m not sure if it’s the way she’s asked or the fact that I’ve been extremely tightlipped when it comes to all things Cameron. But suddenly, my cheeks heat, and I feel the need to look anywhere but at her.
Being the oldest sister, she knows my tells better than anyone—And apparently, my silence speaks volumes.
“Oh…” she gasps, and her brows practically fly off her forehead.
In a singsong voice, she says, “The great secret keeper apparently has some of her own. Is her dad hot or something? Why are you suddenly acting so weird about this?”
Hot doesn’t even begin to describe Cameron. He is hands down the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Every time he’s in the room, my body lights up like it’s the friggin Fourth of July.
“Or something…” I finally admit when I make eye contact with her.
“What’s the deal? He’s treating you well, right? That girl is the sweetest thing. I can’t imagine her dad being an asshole to you.”
“Oh, he’snotan asshole in the slightest,” I say on a sigh, still not sure how to explain everything. I mean, where do I even begin?
“So… what gives?” My knowing sister persists. Lanie’s like a dog with a bone; when she wants information, she’ll press until it’s released.
Jumping to conclusions once again, Lanie quickly asks, “Elizabeth Renee Lancaster, do you like him or something?”
“Shhh… could you maybe not yell that? Geez, his daughter is sleeping right there in that room. God forbid the rest of the family find out anything. As if our world isn’t small enough, we don’t need Mrs. Buzzard down the street spreading gossip. You know Nana still has friends who love to spread all the tea… everywhere!”
In a much lower tone, she asks, “So something has happened?”
“Yes… and no… not in the way you’re thinking… Shit… yes in the way you’re probably thinking with your eyes bugging out like that, but not since being Milli’s nanny.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I met Cameron, Milli’s father, a few months ago at school.”
“Okay, so you knew himbeforeyou started working for him? If that’s the case, why were you so nervous about the interview process?”
“Again… yes and no.” How exactly do I explain this?
Taking in a huge breath to steady myself, I let the words pour from my mouth.
“Yes, we met andohmigod, let me tell you our chemistry was off the charts! So much so, I gave into all my rules and allowed myself to give into my feelings for one night. Hell, he’d been the man who’d been starring in every one of my fantasies for the past few months. We were both leaving town, so we never let things get too serious. I made him promise we’d enjoy our one incredible night, with no strings attached. Hell, we never even exchanged numbers.” Or last names for that matter.
“I swear, I had no idea it was him when I interviewed for this position. I didn’t even know he had a kid or was in Seaside of all places… but fate is twisted when she’s got plans we’re unaware of. Hell, even if I wasn’t his nanny, I’m sure our paths would’ve crossed this summer since he’s Cameron Kruse… You know… the guy who took over Tara’s job at the label.”
“No shit!” Lanie says on a sigh. “No wonder you’re so tightlipped. You’ve not only slept withyourboss, but apparently, everyone else’s boss, too. You sure know how to step in it… big time, little sis.”
Rolling my eyes, I agree wholeheartedly. “No kidding.”
“But how did you of all people become his nanny without knowing about it?”
“With him being an exec at the label, he’s extremely busy. So… his mother of all people interviewed me.”
For the next few minutes, I unload the entire situation on Lanie, including where Cameron and I left things. “I can’t afford to turn this down. With my student teaching next spring, I need all the cash I can earn now to survive.”
As a teacher herself, Lanie of all people knows I get topayan entire semester’s tuition so I can work more than full time—at a job I one day merely hope to have. I’ve worked throughout college, but I can’t next spring. My focus needs to be on finishing my degree.
“Okay… but you know this secret won’t contain itself. You’re gonna have to let everyone know you’re working for Cameron.” One look in my direction has her backtracking quickly. “You don’t have to tell them all the details but since two-thirds of our family technically work for the man, you may want to clue them in.”
“I don’t think either Jax or Finn will have a problem with it, as long as they never learn about our past,” I admit.
