AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Couldn’t resist again? Well, try.”
“Fine. I own the building where the center is located. Well, the bank does. And, since Luna and I live in the upstairs apartment, I technically do own a house.”
“How was that not an asset?” He considered it for a second. “Did you have it before you were married?”
“Xavier thought I was crazy for insisting on a prenup.”
“Not so crazy, after all.”
“And not homeless.”
“Tender Years is pretty successful, right?”
Her gaze narrowed. “Why? Are you trying to buy my business? Or the building? Neither are for sale.”
“Are you always this suspicious?”
“Can you blame me?”
“I guess not, but, no, I don’t want to buy your business.” His chuckle sounded flat to his own ears. “It’s just that, well, I’ve had trouble finding a good nanny, and—”
“And you wanted to know if there’s a slot available for Harper? We’ve been full. We even have a wait list. Hold on. Was this the real reason you asked me to meet you?”
Willow Merrill was too smart for her own good.
“Well, it was one of the reasons.”
“Figures. Of course, you need something from me.”
She probably assumed that the Coltons took from everyone in their lives, and he hated giving her proof.
“But I don’t need a slot. I just thought with you being in the business, you might know some qualified candidates for a private nanny position.”
Willow didn’t answer immediately and tapped her fingers on the table instead.
“Don’t you think I would have hired them to work for me if I knew of any good candidates?”
“Possibly.”
“And does this mean the Coltons are too good for a day-care center?”
This time he palmed his forehead. “I didn’t say anything like that. It’s just that my job isn’t nine-to-five, so I need someone at the house. It’s a convenience thing. And I get to see her more often. Besides, didn’t you already say you have a waitlist?”
She leaned back into her chair and crossed her arms, but this time she didn’t answer. One point for Asher, though he doubted he’d get many of those with Willow.
“Maybe it won’t work out indefinitely, but I’ve got to find something for Harper. Soon. Could you add her to your list, just in case a spot becomes open?”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Anne Sewall said you’re the foreman at the Triple R. That’s not a usual position for a Colton family member, is it?”
He lifted and lowered his shoulder. “Maybe not, but it’s perfect for me. I’m much happier on horseback, out riding the fence line, or helping to pull a new calf than I ever would have been working in the Colton Oil office like some of my siblings.”
She looked at him strangely, as if he’d surprised her.
“No desk job for you?”
