Page 46 of Nanny for the Doctor

If Reed wants to make this better, he’s going to have to start with a bit of groveling.

“I want you to come back.”

Our eyes meet once more, and I hold his stare.

“Please come work for me again. Henry adores you. I need you. And if I’m going to get better at this balance thing, I need some help. I’ll also double your salary.”

My mouth falls open as my heartbeat soars. Did he just saydoublemy salary? Did he just admit he needs help?

Spinning visions of bills and savings accounts fly through my brain like Dorothy’s house in the twister. Double my salary would half the time it’ll take until I can start working toward my teaching degree.

I’d be able to start school in just a year, and I do love Henry. He’s the best kid I’ve worked with.

But I can’t let myself be charmed by an amazing salary and Reed’s distractingly good looks.

“I have stipulations.”

“Of course. Hit me.”

“No more yelling at me when I’m just trying to help.”

“Done.”

“And no more last-minute double shifts. It’s too hard on Henry and me when you change plans so late in the game. Plus, it makes getting him to sleep a disaster. Your son can hold quite the grudge.”

Reed sucks in a deep breath, his eyes finding the middle distance between us. But then he slowly nods.

“That’s going to be hard, but okay. I’ll try my best to give you both a better heads-up when plans do change and avoid staying too late if I can.”

It’s not exactly a yes, but it’s something.And what about the sex?

“What would this mean in terms of thethingbetween us?”

My heart swells in a way I’d rather it didn’t. I know we only slept together twice, but I’ve been crushing on Reed since I was sixteen.

I’ve had feelings for him for a long time, and adding the sex just made them more complicated.

I know I want to keep going there with him. Even now, it’s like my body is on fire just being around him.

But if that’s going to mess with my financial situation, I can pull it together.

“I’m not sure. I wasn’t exactly prepared for that to happen once, let alone twice. But…” Reed shakes his head. “I just don’t know.”

I swallow that down, a part of me sinking into the floor boards, but that’s not the important thing right now.

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.

“Alright. But I need some time to think about this. I won’t lie and say I don’t desperately need the money, but this is a big commitment.”

“I understand that. Take some time.” He shrugs. “Try to get back to me before Monday if that’s possible, though. Finding child care at the last second is certainly a challenge.”

I can’t help but smile. It’s good for Reed to have some alone time with Henry, and if he realizes how hard it can be to entertain a kid, that’s even better.

“I can do that. I’ll send Henry out.”

Reed nods, turning toward the stairs and gripping the handrail. Abruptly, he spins around.

“Actually, Henry has a standing monthly sleepover at his aunt Heather’s place tomorrow night. Would you like to join me for dinner? We can chat some more, and you can fill me in on all your remaining stipulations.”

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