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I sighed. “That all makes sense. Let’s face it, he’s probably going to meet me at the door and let me know he was out of line and not thinking clearly.”
Marissa made a non-committal noise. “He might, he might not. Real life is often stranger than fiction. You’ve either got a great start to a fun new job, a funny story to tell about that one time you did a very un-Lexie type thing,orthe beginning of a love story worthy of a romance novel.”
I snorted. “You’re right. I’ll at least go and see if he’s even still offering.”
“Why don’t you get a number in your head. Like decide you’ll only consider it if he’s offering something like ten percent more than what you’re making now.”
“Good idea. Okay, so I make a measly $13.67 an hour right now.” Yeah, as someone with an actual college degree—and the debt to prove it—that was insulting on so many levels. “I’ll only consider making the craziest decision I’ve ever made if he offers at least twenty percent more than my current hourly rate.”
“I’m horrible with math, so I have no idea what that amount would be, but I think you’ve got a good start. Figure out the amount and keep it in mind when he makes his offer. If it would work out best for you, and you still feel drawn to the job, take it. Making more moneyandbeing happier with your job isn’t a bad thing at all, even if the way it came about sounds a bit crazy.”
We said goodbye and I headed to the shower.
An hour later, I’d worked myself up trying to think of any and every question Hayden might throw my way while he tried to determine if I was the right person to entrust with the care of his son.
If he even wanted to go through with the crazy idea in the first place.
Punching the address into my phone, I took a deep, cleansing breath and tossed my long auburn hair over my shoulder. Glancing down at my khaki shorts and soft blue t-shirt, I wondered if I should have dressed up a bit. But being a nanny definitely wasn’t about dressing up, so I shook my head and put the car into drive.
Pulling up at a gorgeous home at exactly two o’clock, I gave myself a little pep talk in the mirror. I’d answer his questions honestly. I’d understand if he had to withdraw the hasty offer. I’d only consider the job if it was at least a twenty percent pay increase.
Hoping Hayden had Jack down for his nap, I smooth my hands over my hair and rang the bell just as my stupid brain gave the first thought to Jack’s mother.
Oh my god.
Hayden probably had a wife.
She was likely going to be there for the interview.
Why in the world hadn’t I thought of that before now?
Some beautiful woman with her life completely put together was probably going to answer the door and I’d be standing there like a dork with the hots for her husband.
Or maybe he was gay.
Maybe Hayden’s husband would answer the door.
And Hayden would be all, “Honey, this is the girl from the frozen section I told you about.”
Then his husband would laugh and say, “Lexie, it’s so good to meet you. Isn’t Hayden the sweetest man. He works so hard for our family. Come in, come in, let’s see about making you the nanny of our precious little boy.”
Just as I was about to turn and run away, the door opened.
And there stood Hayden.
Looking good enough to eat and almost as frazzled as the day before.
“Will your wife or husband be joining us in the meeting?” I blurted out.
Hayden’s eyes went wide. “Um, what?” He cocked his head with a frown. “I’m single. No wife, no husband, no partner or significant other of any type.”
Feeling foolish, but relieved, I nodded and let him usher me into the house.
“Jack just went down, but not without a fight. I hope you hadn’t been standing on the porch long.”
“No, just walked up.” And had time to freak the fuck out, I thought to myself. “Is he feeling better?”
“I think so. He’s still cranky, but not as bad. He slept pretty well last night. The fact he fought the nap so hard today makes me think he’s on the mend.” Hayden led the way to the kitchen. “His doctor said the ear infection would probably go away on its own, and I kinda hate pumping him full of antibiotics, but I couldn’t stand seeing him in so much pain.”
