Page 2 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Dragon
"Your special secret?" I ask, not quite understanding.
"Ember." Damon's voice is suddenly right behind us, making me jump. He sets down a plate of chocolate chip cookies that smell heavenly. "Remember what we talked about? Some things are just for family."
"But what if Luna becomes family?" Ember asks innocently. "She could be like a new mommy."
The silence that follows is deafening. My cheeks burn hot with embarrassment, and Damon looks equally uncomfortable.
"Ember, why don't you go play with Sparky in your room for a few minutes while Miss Hayes and I talk about grown-up things?" His tone is gentle but firm.
"Okay, Daddy." She grabs a cookie before skipping toward the stairs, then turns back to me. "You're pretty. I hope you stay."
Once she's gone, Damon runs a hand through his hair and sighs. "I apologize for that. Her mother left us two years ago, and she's... been hoping for someone to fill that role."
"There's no need to apologize," I say quickly. "It's completely understandable."
He gestures to the couch, and I sit, opening my portfolio on the coffee table. As I start to explain my qualifications, I notice he's looking at Ember's drawings with concern.
"She has a very active imagination," I say, trying to ease whatever worry is creasing his brow.
"Yes." His eyes meet mine, searching. "Miss Hayes—Luna—I should be upfront about something. Ember is... special. She sometimes says things that might seem strange. Her imagination, as you said." He pauses, seeming to choose his words. "It's important that whoever watches her understands that and can be patient with her."
"Of course," I nod. "All children have their quirks. I've worked with kids who believed they were mermaids, superheroes, you name it."
"Right." He doesn't seem entirely convinced by my answer, but continues, "The position would be Monday through Friday, 7:30to 5:30, with occasional evenings if I'm called to a job site after hours. As the ad mentioned, there's a live-in option. The guest house out back is fully furnished."
"That would actually be perfect," I admit. "I've been staying with my mother since my father passed, but she's... well, she could use the space, and I could use the independence."
"I'm sorry about your father."
"Thank you. It's been a year, but..." I trail off, not wanting to get emotional during a job interview.
"It doesn't get easier, just different," he finishes, and I get the sense he knows exactly what he's talking about.
We discuss salary and benefits, which are more generous than I expected. As we talk, I find myself relaxing despite his intimidating presence. There's something about Damon Thorne that's both terrifying and comforting at the same time, like a thunderstorm when you're safely indoors.
"When would you need me to start?" I ask.
"Yesterday," he says with a rueful smile. "But realistically, as soon as possible. My current childcare arrangement fell through when my neighbor broke her hip."
"I could start tomorrow," I offer. "I don't have much to move in, just clothes and personal items."
He looks relieved. "That would be..." He pauses, and I swear those golden eyes actually gleam for a moment. "That would be perfect."
"Daddy!" Ember's voice calls from upstairs, sounding alarmed. "It happened again!"
Damon is on his feet instantly. "Excuse me." He takes the stairs two at a time.
Left alone, I take the opportunity to look around. The house is beautiful but has an oddly sparse feeling, as if they haven't lived here long. There are no family photos on the walls, just landscape paintings. On the mantel, though, there's a single framed picture of Ember as a toddler, being held by a pretty woman with blonde hair who's looking at the camera with what seems like... fear?
"Sorry about that," Damon says, returning with Ember in his arms. "Just a small accident with her craft project."
I notice Ember's hands are slightly sooty, and there's a faint smell of smoke in the air.
"Nothing that couldn't be fixed," he adds quickly.
"Luna's staying, right Daddy?" Ember asks, looking at me with those striking golden eyes.
Damon turns to me, "The job is yours if you want it. Ember and I both think you'd be a good fit."
