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"We want Grace to have the best," Jessie says, her tone hinting at regret.
I feel a twinge of concern but nod in understanding.
Carrigan interjects. "You'll have a guest room for overnight stays. Let me show you."
I thank her, thoughts racing. How can I connect with Grace when her life is dictated by schedules? How can I be her nanny when her days are filled with endless lessons?
Then I recall Aidan's words from our interview. "Grace is my world... I demand perfection in her care."
I know my job isn't just about managing Grace's day or making sure her homework's done. It's more about being there for her, building a bond, and being her emotional anchor when she needs it most.
And yeah, trying not to get fired along the way.
Taking a deep breath, I keep that in mind as Carrigan stops at a door, motioning for me to go in. "Here's the guest room. Make yourself at home."
I step inside, greeted by a cozy yet elegant setup. The large window offers a view of the backyard, the bed's decked out with crisp white sheets, and there's a desk with colorful pens and stationery. It makes me smile, imagining a seven-year-old here, expressing herself through letters or doodles.
Maybe this gig won't be too bad.
Dropping my bag on the table, I feel a sense of readiness for this new chapter. Heck, I might even find some humor in the chaos. I can almost see myself sharing hilarious stories with Talia and Ayo over wine. But first, a quick refresh.
I assume the door across the room leads to the bathroom and bingo, it does. It's spacious and modern, complete with a huge bathtub, separate shower, and even a towel warmer.
And then, there's Aidan Sullivan.
Naked.
The white towel he's using barely covers him as he dries his hair, his back and... other assets fully exposed.
His broad shoulders. His tapered waist. His ass.
I'm frozen, unable to move, speak, think, or breathe. Well, except to take in the view.
Until he lifts his head, his chocolate-brown eyes meeting mine in the mirror.
Panicked, I slam the door shut, the sound echoing. Moments later, Carrigan, Aidan's housekeeper, checks in with a timid smile. "Everything okay? Getting settled?"
I snatch my bag, heading her way. "Yep, all set. Could you introduce me to Grace now? That sounds like a good next step."
I hurry down the hall, not looking back, eager to meet Grace and maybe, just maybe, start forgetting the embarrassing spectacle I just witnessed.
* * *
Carrigan gently pushes open the door, revealing a room ablaze with colors, overflowing with toys and art supplies. At the center of this vibrant chaos sits Grace, her brow furrowed in deep concentration as she colors.
"Grace, honey," Carrigan's voice is as comforting as a warm, freshly baked cookie. "Meet Lacey. She'll be spending some time with us this summer."
Grace, a spitting image of Aidan Sullivan but with light brown skin and coily hair, glances up. Her big brown eyes, so like her father's, size me up with a child's unfiltered honesty before she shrugs, seemingly deeming me harmless, and turns back to her artwork.
"Wanna color?" she asks, not looking up.
It feels like an important invitation.
"Absolutely," I respond, settling on the plush carpet beside her. Carrigan slips away, leaving us surrounded by the colorful oasis of Grace's world.
I pick up some markers, helping to fill in the sky on her page, not too worried about staying within the lines. Grace doesn't mind. She's focused on her own creation, her vision coming to life with bold colors and imaginative shapes.
As we color, my eyes drift to the walls, adorned with a gallery of drawings, each vivid piece spinning a tale of adventure.
