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Ethan opened his door. Another end to a very long day, but this time he had been able to work without distractions. His new nanny had texted him a couple of times with updates on the children, but she hadn’t done anything wrong. Or at least, he didn’t know about it. All in all, her first day was more promising than most.
He could tell Willow didn’t warm up to her right away. She hadn’t liked it when he told her they’d have Poppy as a temporary nanny, but his daughter usually took time to let her guard down. He’d hoped at least the honesty of telling Willow upfront that Poppy wasn’t going to stick around would score him some points in the long run.
Sighing, he put the jacket of his suit in the coat closet, then headed to the kitchen to go look for something to eat. He could have grabbed something on the way home, but he’d felt so guilty for being away for so long on the new nanny’s first day, that he just hurried home.
“There you are,” she said as she removed a casserole from the oven. The aroma of cheese and Italian spices filled the air, and his stomach rumbled in response. “Hungry?”
“You didn’t have to cook. Lydia left a lot of precooked meals. She should be back in a couple of days.”
She waved him off. “This was not a sacrifice. The kids are upstairs and I had some free time. Besides, this oven… is pretty cool. I had to try it.”
A part of him softened, and his shoulders dropped, as if that slice of domesticity brought warmth to his chest. Then, he squared his shoulders. Domesticity? Poppy was hired help, and she wanted to take on the world with her podcast. She wouldn’t be here, playing house if he hadn’t twisted her arm. This was a transactional relationship, and he shouldn’t, wouldn’t forget. Because forgetting could cost him everything. He’d lose his nanny, his life would go back to chaos, and he’d possibly lose money. “How was your day with them? Are you having buyer’s remorse yet?”
She chuckled. “No. It was fine… school pick up went without a hitch. Willow said she could do her homework by herself, and I helped Archie with his.”
“Good.”
She chewed her lower lip, and the way she looked at him… like those gorgeous eyes held a secret she was about to spill. “He’s a sweet boy.”
“Give him a few days… you may change your mind.”
She set the table, and his gaze kept straying to her. A surge of heat flooded through him, and he chastised himself immediately. Thinking about how lush her ass looked in those jeans, or how she slightly bent over the table to lighten the candle was not appropriate. From what he knew of her, Poppy was a good person—a bit all over the place sometimes, but he wouldn’t take advantage of her.
Though if she didn’t read his mind, she’d never know…
“I love your décor, by the way. It’s sophisticated, but not ostentatious. I have to say, I wasn’t expecting your place to be so inviting.”
“I can’t take credit. My ex decorated it,” he said, wishing he’d sounded less bitter. He’d played with the idea of redecorating everything, but then decided maybe the kids liked the way it was, and he’d hate to bring more changes to their lives. Darcy had put them through enough.
“Oh. She has good taste.”
“I guess.”
“Is there something I should know about her? Willow mentioned she hasn’t seen her in a while, but does she call? I wasn’t sure if there’s any kind of custodial agreement.”
“I have full custody. Last time she showed her ass here was two years ago. I have no idea where she is, but hope she’ll stay there,” he said. Two years ago, he’d given her one last chance. He should have known. He hadn’t loved her anymore by then, but had wanted to do right by the kids, and give them an intact family. A mom. Only to find out, a couple months later, that she’d maxed out her credit cards, given an enormous chunk of it to her lover, a fellow addict she met during rehab. She’d been plotting to get his money and start a new life elsewhere.”
“Sure, I understand.”
Did she? He doubted, but he didn’t want to bring it up and extend an already awkward conversation. Poppy wasn’t to blame for Darcy’s mistakes, and didn’t need to hear his sob story. Hell, he wasn’t an angel, and should have been more proactive in the beginning. Should have divorced her much sooner. But now, at least his kids were safe, he had custody, and was divorced. His ex could no longer hurt the children more than she already had.
“Is there anything else I should know about? Like a girlfriend or something—someone who may be close to the kids?” she asked.
“No one,” he said.
A lovely shade of pink stained her cheeks. “All right, great. I mean, not great, but you know… it’s good to know these things.”
“Indeed. What about you? Any boyfriend that may be knocking on my door?” he asked. In all his years working, he’d never asked an employee that question. It was not any of his business, and frankly, unprofessional given it was totally irrelevant to their position. Still, his gut clenched, and a chilly liquid spread through his veins like he feared her reply.
He’d assumed she was single, but she could be engaged for all he knew.
“No boyfriend.”
Good.A pang of relief rolled down his spine. Her answer switched his chronological age for an instant, and it was like he was a carefree teenager inside. Inside. He cleared his throat. He’d be a fool to show his emotions. “All right, then. I’ll go get the kids to eat.”
A thump startled Ethan from his sleep. He sat upright on the bed, and glanced over at Archie, who slept soundly by his side. Every so often, his son had nightmares, and ended up sleeping in his room. But an earthquake wasn’t capable of waking him up. Ethan slipped out of bed, and left his bedroom.
