Page 1 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Dragon
Chapter 1 - Luna
I check my reflection one last time in the car mirror, smoothing my hands over my hair and taking a deep breath. My first real nanny position. My first chance to prove that my childcare degree wasn't just a waste of time and money like my aunt Barbara had so helpfully suggested at Dad's funeral.
"You've got this, Luna," I whisper to myself, trying to believe it.
The GPS says I've arrived at my destination, but I double-check the address on my phone against the imposing house before me. It's not what I expected for a single dad working construction: a beautiful two-story cedar home nestled at the edge of the woods, with a wraparound porch and large windows. In a town called Cedar Falls, it fits right in, but it's definitely more upscale than I anticipated.
My palms are sweaty as I grab my portfolio containing the few jobs I did before my degree, references, and childcare certification. The ad had been straightforward: Single father needs full-time nanny for 6-year-old daughter, live-in option available, competitive salary.
When Mr. Thorne called after receiving my application, he'd sounded desperate for help, which is probably the only reason someone with my limited professional experience got an interview.
The gravel crunches under my sensible flats as I make my way to the front door. Before I can even knock, it swings open, and I have to physically stop myself from gasping.
The man standing in the doorway is... enormous. I'm not short at 5'6", but I have to crane my neck to look up at him. Mr. Thorne must be at least 6'7", with broad shoulders that fill the entire doorframe. His black hair is slightly disheveled, as if he's beenrunning his hands through it, and his eyes… Are they actually golden? They seem to almost glow in the shadows of the porch.
"Miss Hayes?" His voice is even deeper in person, rumbling from his chest.
"Yes, um, Luna Hayes. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Thorne." I extend my hand, hoping he doesn't notice the slight tremor.
His massive hand engulfs mine, surprisingly gentle despite its size. "Damon, please. Come in."
I follow him inside, trying not to stare at the way his back muscles move beneath his simple black t-shirt. This is completely unprofessional. I'm here to interview for a nanny position, not ogle my potential employer.
The interior of the house is warm and inviting, with comfortable furniture and tasteful decorations. Not what I expected from a single dad, though there are telltale signs of a child: a small pink backpack by the stairs, a stuffed dragon on the couch.
"Can I get you something to drink? Water? Coffee?" he asks, gesturing toward the kitchen.
"Water would be great, thank you."
"Daddy, is she here?" A small voice calls from upstairs, followed by the patter of little feet.
"Yes, Ember. Come down and meet Miss Hayes."
A little girl appears at the top of the stairs, and my heart immediately melts. She has her father's dark curls and the same striking golden eyes, though on her tiny face they look more magical than intimidating. She's wearing a purple dress with leggings underneath and clutching another stuffed dragon.
"Hi," she says shyly, descending the stairs one at a time.
I kneel down to her level when she reaches the bottom. "Hello, Ember. I'm Luna. That's a beautiful dragon you have."
Her face lights up. "This is Sparky. He's my best friend. Do you like dragons?"
"I love dragons," I say honestly. "They're magical and strong."
"Just like me and Daddy," she says with a serious nod that makes me smile.
Damon returns with my water, and I notice a flash of something—worry?—cross his face at his daughter's words.
"Ember, why don't you show Miss Hayes your drawings while I get the cookies I baked for our guest?"
"You bake?" The question slips out before I can stop it.
The corner of his mouth quirks up. "Single dad. You learn to do everything."
As he disappears back into the kitchen, Ember tugs on my hand. "Come see! I drew my family."
I follow her to a coffee table where several crayon drawings are spread out. She points to one showing two figures. One very tall with black hair, one small with the same dark curls, both standing in front of a house that looks like this one.
"This is me and Daddy," she explains, then points to another drawing showing the same two figures, but with what looks like red and orange flames coming from their mouths. "And this is our special secret," she whispers.
