Page 48 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

That only makes her cackle. “Consider it one of my many talents. He is very good-looking for an older man.” I don’t think of Theo as an older man but Isa’s only twenty-two. “How serious is it getting, Quinn?”

“I told you. We’re enjoying each other. It’s casual, separate from the kids and-”

“I know what you told me but how serious areyougetting about him? You’ve had your heart eyes going the whole time we’ve been watching the men.”

I blink my traitorous eyes. Am I that obvious?

Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I notice Jonathan saying something that has the brothers breaking into boisterous laughter. Then, Theo glances my way again and gives me a wicked grin. Do they know? That we’re… that he’s banging the nanny?

I breathe and push the troubling thought away but my pleasure in the day wanes. I never thought I’d be a woman who sleeps with her employer. Now, I live in his house, take care of his kids and welcome him into my bed while getting paid well for it. I’m not as at ease with this situation as I’d like to pretend.

Isa’s still waiting on an answer. I don’t know what to say. If I confess I’m getting attached, maybe more than attached, will she warn me against it? Pity me?

Luckily, Jill comes over just then needing attention and sparing me from giving any reply. I avoid being alone with Isa and those uncomfortable feelings the rest of the day.

25-Quinn

The following Monday morning, Theo and I are standing in front of my car with the hood raised. “They just replaced the starter for me in October,” I say, scowling. Damn, car.

“Think it’s the alternator,” Dan says from behind the wheel. “Won’t even crank now.”

“Great,” I sigh.

“We’re doing something about your car,” Theo mutters. “Dan, see what you can do about this and I’ll drive the kids to school today and then drive into the city. If Quinn’s car’s not fixed in time for pick up, I’ll ask you to get them.”

“You got it, boss.”

Dan goes to change out of his suit and Theo tells the kids to hop in his new SUV, a Porsche Cayenne.

As they’re climbing in, his hand settles at the small of my back. “You can ride along with us if you want.” No one can see how he’s touching me but I’m blushing from the delicious, possessive feel of his hand there.

“Won’t that make you even later to work?”

“I wasn’t looking forward to listening to that old windbag Sanders complaining in today’s meeting anyway. I’ll text Dad. We’ll take the kids and then ride back together.” His hand slips lower, squeezes my ass. “They won’t miss me until noon.” There’s no mistaking those bedroom eyes. I think Mr. Wolfe wants to play hooky for a bit today with me. No complaints here.

When we reach the school, Mr. Carter flags me down before I can head back to where Theo’s parked. He keeps asking me if I’d be interested in substituting. Private or public, schools are always looking for qualified subs. I tell him maybe at some point and he flashes that winning smile at me.

He’s undeniably handsome and very kind. If only I could introduce him to Isa. I think they might hit it off. Of course, if my sister’s happy with taking a cruise and potentially finding herself a vacation hookup there, that’s fine, too.

“What did he want?” Theo asks when I join him. Yikes. He was in a good mood driving here. Has he changed his mind about coming back to the house for a little Monday morning delight?

He notes my surprised expression and softens his voice. “Sorry. He’s, uh… friendly, huh?”

“Yes, he is.”

“And good-looking.”

Oh. “I was just thinking that.” Theo’s hands are gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles are turning white. I’m smirking. “I was thinking I’d introduce him to Isa if she was interested though she may consider thirty too old.”

He relaxes, chuckling and passing a hand over his face, knowing he’s been caught acting jealous. “We said monogamous, Theo.”

“I know. Sorry. Was he asking you about working here again?”

I hesitate to answer at first because… well, Theoismy boss. Plus, Julieta said the only tolerable nanny he’s had for the children prior to me wound up quitting after three months because she wanted to move to California. But substituting wouldn’t involve quitting. It’d just be an adjustment on those rare days they needed someone to fill in and only when I was available.

“It’s okay. You can tell me,” he says quietly next. “I’d rather know than be surprised. I don’t like secrets, Quinn.”

Oof, I imagine he doesn’t. There’s part of me which understands why Kathy didn’t want to admit her diagnosis or share it with her husband right away - it would be a horrible thing to come to terms with on top of worrying over her pregnancy - but the bigger part of me feels like that was a mistake, one that Theo at least is still dealing with.

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