Page 94 of Part of Me (The Seaside Chronicles 2)

“I needed that,” Palmer said with a sigh.

“Hey, what’s going on with you and the nanny job?” I asked as I followed Harlee back to my office. She put her purse in the locked drawer while I took mine out. She was going to close the store for me today, so I could have the afternoon off.

“I just don’t know if I can give up my other jobs,” Palmer said. “I love working at the vet clinic, and I value my days at the pet shelter. I mean, I could still do a few hours at either place in the morning, since Charlie’s in school. The poop-scooping business isn’t a big deal. I can schedule that on the weekends.”

Harlee leaned against the doorframe. “It sounds like you’ve been thinking about it, at least.”

Palmer nodded. “I have. It’s a steady paycheck, and it could be fun. The only problem is…Charlie’s dad.”

I raised my brow. “You don’t like him?”

“Addie said he’s one of the nicest guys she’s ever met,” Harlee added.

“Oh, I like him. That’s the problem. Have the two of you seen the man? He’s hot as hell, and he has an amazing body. But do I really want to work for a man I’m physically attracted to?”

“I thought you swore off all men?” I asked with a wink.

“I have,” Palmer returned. “But after Addie and Gannon’s reception when we went to the bar to talk, my mind was…well, let’s just say I wasn’t thinking of fun games to play with Charlie. More like the fun games I wanted to play with his father.”

Harlee and I both laughed.

Palmer frowned. “So you see, I really don’t think it would be a good idea. Besides, I heard he’s found someone else.”

“What?” Harlee asked. “He hired someone?”

“Addie said he hired a high school student to help him out.”

“For now,” I added. “He needed someone quickly, but according to Addie, it’s only temporary. He’s still hoping to hire a permanent nanny.”

Palmer shrugged. “Why don’t you do it, Harlee?”

Harlee’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. “Me? In what universe do you honestly think I’d want to be a nanny?”

Palmer followed Harlee back toward the front of the store. As Harlee started to straighten up the clothes on one of the displays, my sister made her case.

“You volunteer in the children’s ward at the hospital. You organize the toy drive every Christmas. You plan all the kids’ events at the holiday boat parade. You were born to be a nanny.”

Harlee looked over at Palmer. “That’s different. I get to spend a little bit of time with them, then I get to leave. I don’t have to stay for hours every day and take care of one of them. I wouldn’t even know what to do with a five-year-old kid.”

Letting out a disbelieving laugh, Palmer asked, “And I do?”

“I’m going to head on out. Harlee, you sure you don’t mind closing up alone?” I asked.

Harlee gave me a soft smile. “I’m positive. Will you please go and do something for yourself for once, Sutton?”

Palmer turned to me. “Where are you going?”

I felt a smile spread over my face. “I’m going to Seaside Spa. I’ve booked a facial, a manicure, and a pedicure. Then I’m going to stop by the restaurant and surprise Mom and Dad with dinner at Pete’s Place.”

“Mom will love that,” Palmer said.

“Do you want to come with me to the spa? I’m sure they can probably work you in.”

Palmer reached for the newspaper that was still on the counter and put it into her bag. “I wish I could, but I’m working at the vet clinic this afternoon. Matter of fact, I need to get going. Enjoy your afternoon at the spa though!”

I laced my arm with my sister’s. “I’ll walk out with you. I parked out front today.”

After saying goodbye to Palmer, I slipped into my car and headed to the spa. As I pulled in and parked, I got a text from Brody.

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