Page 1 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

1-Quinn

“We’re closing, Ms. Batista. The board had hoped we could float along for another year but it’s proven impossible.”

I look over the severance papers and my hands begin to shake. I breathe deep, willing them to be still. I’d heard the rumors. I hadn’t wanted to believe them. “What will I do?” I whisper, mostly to myself.

“Cook County is hiring,” Mr. Percy says guiltily, eyes on my trembling hands.

It’s two weeks until the start of school. Can I find a full-time position on such short notice? And, he knows why a public school would be hard for me. Too many faces in the halls, too much movement, too much noise, too much for a basket case like me to manage.

I’ve worked at Price Academy since I finished my education degree six years ago. Without this place, I’m not sure I would’ve ever put that degree to practical use. It was perfect for me; a very small, private school outside Chicago where I never had more than eight students per class. But those eight students per class with a total enrollment of sixty-four couldn’t keep our doors open.

“I’ll write you a letter of recommendation for any place you want to apply, Quinn. Any school would be lucky to have you.”

I nod and clutch the papers to my chest. “Thank you, sir. I’ll see about clearing things out.” I don’t want Mr. Percy to witness one of my ‘spells.’ I’ve got to get out of here.

I return to my classroom and look around. Solar system mobiles made last year are still hanging from the ceiling. I’d brought hampers from home to prepare for the new school year. I’d been so excited. Now, I’ll be hauling them back home again and the school’s supplies and equipment will be liquidated. Poof, all gone.

I call my sister, the only family I have left and the one person I can always count on.Isa doesn’t remember the night our parents died. She was fast asleep in the back of the SUV and unconscious after the crash. But I remember it and I will never be the same because of it.

She answers, sounding out of breath. I can hear Lucas babbling happily in the background. “Hey, Quinn. Got your room set up yet?”

“No,” I whisper before panic swallows me whole.

∞∞∞

Two weeks later, I’m out with Isa and a group of friends. They’re Isa’s friends. I’m her weird, older sister with issues. Not that Isa or her friends would ever say that.

The girls have been encouraging me to alleviate my depressing job news by finding some casual male distraction tonight. If only I was wired that way. I’ve spent the past few days staring at postings and frozen with fear. I have to push past this. My savings won’t last indefinitely no matter how much I freak out over being forced outside my comfort zone.

If I’m not at home, Sapphire is my favorite Friday night spot. It’s subdued to put it mildly and I know the other girls agree to this place for me. There’s a dancefloor but there’s not the loud thumping bass like most nightclubs and it’s never overcrowded. Just soft music, the clink of ice cubes in glasses and rumbles of conversation. I can handle it here.

Around nine, I’m alone at our usual corner table when I hear a bark of laughter as two men walk in I’ve never seen, one dark and one fair. Every single woman (and some who probably aren’t) is taking note of them – eyelashes fluttering, backs arched and hair getting artfully tossed. They’re both handsome but my eyes are drawn to the latter.

Tall, dark blond hair, five o’clock shadow. Ruggedly handsome. Scratch that, more like ruggedly gorgeous. Older by a few years at least, I’d guess. He’s wearing a white button-down, rolled up at the sleeves, dark-gray dress slacks and a fancy-pants wristwatch.

He scans the place and our eyes meet. His are the deepest blue I’ve ever seen, like the precious gems for which this place is named. He doesn’t break eye contact right away and, amazingly, neither do I. Am I imagining this or did the room just crackle with electricity?

I feel the corners of my mouth tugging upwards. I don’t typically smile at strangers in bars but I’m smiling at him. And he smiles back. Damn, he’s got a killer smile. Turning that on unsuspecting women should be illegal.

Funny enough, I’m not nervous. I could almost be normal.

His friend says something in his ear. He nods and gives me another smile before turning away. I watch them take a seat at the bar. Oh well.

But then, he looks back at me.Me. I’m too much of a scientist to believe in that fated-mates crap but I won’t deny the power of magnetism when it hits me square in the chest. He would make for one hell of a distraction, wouldn’t he?

Hmm. I need a refill and our server’s been busy. I start to slide off my stool, surprising myself. I never make first moves. Or any moves. I rarely leave our table when I’m at Sapphire without Isa by my side.

But, Mr. Handsome is right there and Captain Morgan’s numbed my usual apprehensions just enough. I walk over to the bar and take a seat. Okay, I’m four seats down from them but I came over. Please, give me some credit for that anyway.

Jessica, one of Isa’s more flirty friends, comes over to the pair with her brightest smile aimed at the dark-haired one. He smirks at his friend before he goes to dance with her. One down. How soon before one of the other girls makes a move on my Mr. Handsome?MyMr. Handsome? He’s not my anything.

“This seat taken?”

I jerk back, totally unprepared for the voice or stranger’s hand on my shoulder. Another man has made a move before Mr. Handsome has even noticed mine.

“Uh…”

He doesn’t wait for my answer. He takes the seat next to me, right between me and the guy who prompted me to leave my safe space. Speaking of space, he’s not giving me much. He crowds me.Breathe, Quinn.

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