Page 21 of The Nanny

That is a good question. I’m free to travel anywhere in the world, but I keep finding myself tethered to Scotland. While definitely a beautiful place in its own right, Glasgow isn’t ever going to be described as sunny and warm. Pop stars aren’t writing songs about being carefree and partying in Glasgow.

But L.A.? Me?

“I guess L.A. has never really been on my radar,” I answer. “I’ve been there a few times for business but I can’t say I’ve ever had a chance to relax and unwind there.”

“Sounds like that might be the problem. When is the last time you’ve had a chance to relax and unwind? Honestly? Has it been a year? Five years? Ten?”

He knows me too well. And he isn’t wrong. Italy was supposed to be relaxing. Coming home to Glasgow was supposed to be peaceful.

“I don’t have time to relax,” I say because it’s the simplest version of the truth I can offer him right now. “There isn’t really an easy way to unplug and escape from my life.”

“Maybe not,” he concedes. “But you don’t have to totally unplug and escape. Just dial it back a little. You should come out here for a while. I’m releasing another movie soon. Big studio production with a red carpet premiere and everything. The whole nine yards. We’ll get into some trouble just like the old days.”

I laugh. “I’m too old for that kind of trouble. You are, too.”

“Nah, age is just a number. Seriously, though, you should think about visiting. You could almost be anonymous here—nobody knows your whole family history like they do over in England. And since everyone out here looks like a goddamn supermodel, you’ll blend right in.”

I can’t help but laugh again. We’ve been on the phone for less than five minutes and I already feel better than I have in days. Maybe weeks.

Shit, do I really need to fly to L.A.?

“Can I bring a few people? Some staff? My daughter? Her nanny?” I doubt he had my entire entourage in mind when he extended the invitation, but I can’t leave Isla behind right now and she won’t go anywhere without Ella.

Yeah, that’s my excuse. Ella will be there for Isla, not for me. I can’t keep mixing business with pleasure.

Not as much as I have been, anyway. That only leads to trouble.

“Bring whoever you want,” Deacon says, and I can just picture him shrugging it off. Since I’ve known him, he has never cared about the details in life… Except for his production company, which he treats like his baby.

He has plenty to say when his company is the subject of conversation.

I sigh. “Maybe I should come. I could use a distraction.”

Deacon gives a low chuckle. “Just get your ass out here, okay?”

“I’ll give it some thought.”

That’s the closest I’ll come to a commitment right now, but if I’m being totally honest with myself?

I’ve already made the decision. We’re going to America.

CHAPTERTEN

KEIRAN

Even after almost twenty-four hours of trying to talk myself out of going to California, it’s still the only damn thing on my mind. The more reasons I come up with to stay in Glasgow, the more I want to pack my suitcase and get the hell out of here.

So far, I’ve been weighing the pros and cons in my head without mentioning the possibility of a trip out loud to anyone else. That’s about to change.

I knock quietly on Ella’s bedroom door before poking my head inside. “Are you awake?”

She opens her eyes and yawns. “I guess I am now. What do you need?”

“Come for a run with me.”

“What?” She groans and turns over, then pulls the covers up over her head. “No.”

I know she doesn’t enjoy an early morning jog like I do. I normally value the silence that I can only find in these pre-dawn hours more than anything else, but today is different. I want her input and this is practically the only time we can leave the penthouse without being hounded by photographers.

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