I've told my family that's not true, but my mom is having a hard time believing a loving mother would leave her baby with a stranger.

Ignoring my mom's call, I check my emails instead, trying to find some work to do to keep my head out of all my problems right now. I open the email from Hugs of Love, the company I hired to find me a nanny. They're sending me the best candidates to interview tomorrow.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for a couple of seconds, afraid to fall asleep if I close them for too long.

The image of the woman I met yesterday at the store returns to my mind. I acted out, and I know it isn't her fault that I don't know how old Winston is. She was just trying to do her job, and I hurt her feelings. I should probably go back and apologize. Ask her out.

No.

I can't.

Winston needs me now.

I need to control myself and stop thinking about my next fuck. There's something more important to me now.

Chapter 3

Diana

Faking my curriculum wasn't as hard as I was expecting. Hugs of Love should do a better background check.

Fortunately for me, they don't and that's why I'm now stepping into Kevin Harrington's place, hoping to meet my nephew for the first time.

Some other women are here too, and I take them in, trying to evaluate my chances.

After Hannah told me Kevin had Winston, all I could think about was meeting him.

I tried to reach out to him at his office, but the moment I talked about the baby, his secretary told me they already had everything taken care of with Hugs of Love.

Kevin should probably get a new secretary, as the one he already has gives too much information to strangers, but that turned out to be a good thing, so I won't complain.

Learning that he wants to find a nanny for Winston is a good sign, in my view. It means he wants to make sure he's safe. He could have handed the kid to the social services when Hannah left, but instead, he brought a baby he doesn't know to his place and now is trying to find someone to take care of him.

Sitting on one of the chairs farther away from the other women, I watch the room. Even though the decor is simple, it's clear everything here costs more than my yearly rent.

My first thought when Hannah told me she left Winston with a stranger was to come here and get him. I could raise him. But now, seeing everything Kevin can give him, I know that's not what's best for him.

I could never give him the same things Kevin can afford. I don't even have a job right now, but if things go in the right direction for me, I can get this job. This would be perfect. I would be able to be in Winston's life, make sure he's loved, and I would be able to pay for nursing school.

Win-win.

Kevin Harrington enters the room with Winston in his arms, and I stand, trying to see my nephew for the first time.

I hate that Hannah could just leave him like that.

Kevin stops for a second when he sees me, his eyes lingering on me, as a small trace of recognition hits me.

My heart skips a beat, and my cheeks turn hot while he watches me attentively.

"Mr. Harrington, I'm Clare." The woman responsible for the interviews approaches him, getting his attention. "We're ready to start whenever you want."

He nods and, glancing at me one last time, walks into another room with Winston.

Taking a deep breath, I sit back on my chair, running my hands across my face.

Fuck, what if he knows I was working at the store? He'll know I'm not a real nanny.

One by one, all the other women in the room are called to meet Winston and Kevin. One by one, they all leave with happy smiles on their faces.