Page 16 of Don't Fall for the Billionaire
“Yes. My other nanny, Maura, quit a month ago and moved back home to England to care for her ailing mother. I haven't been able to find anyone since.”
“This city is overrun with nannies. How can you not find someone?”
“Eloise can be difficult, and she has strong opinions. She and Maura got along okay, but when she's around you, she's a different person. You said you were unemployed, and you have a lot of experience with children. I'll pay you $1,200 a week with health benefits and paid time off.”
I sat there in shock, not knowing what to say. I desperately needed a job so I could open my pie shop. $1,200 a week was way more than I was making at my other job, but did I really want to take care of a kid every day? I liked kids and wanted my own one day, but I didn't know if I was ready to care for one yet. I lied to him last night when I said I had tons of experience with kids. I'd never taken care of a child in my life. But how hard could it be? It wasn't as if Eloise were a baby. She was an eight-year-old self-sufficient little girl. This could be the key to opening my shop.
“$1,500 a week and you have yourself a deal.” I smiled.
“1,200.” His brow arched.
I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was just as desperate as I was.
“$1,500.”
“1,300,” he said.
“$1,500 or it's a hard no, Mr. Cross. I know my worth.”
His eye narrowed at me while the corners of his mouth slightly curved upward.
“Fine, Miss Campbell. $1,500 a week, and I need you to start Monday morning.”
“No problem. What time would you like me to come over?” I asked.
“You can move in tomorrow afternoon.”
I gasped. “Move in?”
“Well, yes. I need you as a live-in nanny. Your room would be on the same floor as Eloise. You would have full access to anything in the house, including my driver, Dominic.”
“You have a personal driver?” Her brows furrowed.
“Yes.”
I wasn't sure if living here was a good idea. But then again, the thought of baking in that kitchen excited me. His appliances were a hell of a lot better than the crappy ones in my apartment. Not to mention the fact that I'd have over 8,000 square feet of living space, a pool, a hot tub, and a home gym. Then there was Ashton. Shit. Could I live here and stare at his hot sexiness 24/7? My mind already fantasized about what the rest of him looked like underneath his clothes. I'd have no choice. I'd have to get over it. He would be my boss, and that was a big no-no. I needed to secure my future, and Ashton Cross was offering me that.
“I can move in tomorrow afternoon.” I smiled.
“Excellent. Let's tell Eloise the good news.” He walked over to the intercom on the wall and pushed a button. “Eloise, come down here, please.”
I heard the pitter-patter of little feet flying down the stairs.
“Yeah, Dad?”
“Come sit down. I need to tell you something.” He led her to the couch.
“What is it?” She sat next to me.
“I offered Charlotte the nanny position. She accepted and will be moving in tomorrow.”
“You're my new nanny?” Eloise smiled, looking up at me.
“I guess I am.” I grinned.
“Yay!” She threw her arms around me. She got up and ran over to Ashton, throwing her arms around him. “Thank you, Dad.”
“You're welcome, sweetheart.”
