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I rose to shake her hand, my ankles protesting my choice of shoes. But I didn’t want this woman’s first impression of me to be enormous slippers. “Thank you for coming. I appreciate you meeting here.”
“Oh, it was my pleasure. Lovely office you have here,” she cooed, settling her bag by her feet and aiming a sunshine-filled smile my way.
“Thank you. This is my first time interviewing a nanny. So let me know where I go wrong.” I clenched my teeth, shocked by my brief confession.
Nancy, to her credit, didn’t blink twice. “You’re doing great so far.”
I snorted but pressed on. “Thanks. Apparently I needed that.” I flicked my gaze over her resume, my mind suddenly blank. My throat tightened, and the carefully typed words blurred in front of me.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” I said in a rush. “I’m not sure what’s wrong with me.”
“Oh, darlin’, there’s nothing wrong with some feelings. Especially at this phase in your life.” She leaned towards me, one arm disappearing into her bag. “Can I get you a tissue?”
“No, no, I’m fine. Thank you.” I sniffed loudly. “It’s been a long few days. Okay, Nancy, what I wanted to ask you was how your schedule typically works and how flexible you are with hours and location.”
Nancy smiled and then launched into her plan for arriving early to help me get the baby and me ready before taking him out for a short morning adventure. I stared at her, listening but not processing.
Because I realized with a start that she was giving me the single mother plan. Because that’s what I was to her.
Crap. My eyes flooded once again. This time I was forced to take a short breath and run a finger along my eyelashes to chase away a rogue tear.
Nancy didn’t bat an eye. Her face was understanding and warm as she considered me carefully. Almost desperately, I searched for my next question. I’d written them all down to prepare for this, and yet suddenly I couldn’t find anything.
I shuffled the papers on my desk, mumbling softly to myself. Outside my door was a loud set of footfalls, followed by a louder voice that definitely belonged to Luna. I hesitated, blinking slowly at the door.
“You can’t go in there; I have to talk to her first!”
“Let’s just ask her, then,” a low, rough voice answered back. Moments later, and far before I’d had time to grasp what was about to happen, Brady and Luna came tumbling into my office.
Nancy’s calm face was gone, now replaced by one that was of genuine surprise. I’m sure my expression was similar.
“Brady?”
“Did I miss it?” His wide, dark gaze jerked to Nancy.
“Miss what?”
“The nanny interviews?”
My brows rose. “Obviously not. She’s right here.” I gestured to Nancy, who stared openly.
Brady looked at Nancy again and then back at me. Other than the heavy breathing, I was almost angry at how good he looked. His skin was glowing and honey gold. Those almond eyes were bright and awake, and his hair looked freshly cut.
To my surprise, Brady approached Nancy and leaned down, his hand extended. “My name is Brady Martinez, I’m the father and am so glad you could make it. But would you mind if I sneak in just something really quickly for her?” He nodded towards me with a heart-pounding smile on his lips. No woman could resist that. I know I couldn’t; even now.
Nancy looked confused but nodded, rising as Brady guided her to her feet. “Do you want me to…?”
“No, don’t go. You can stay.” Brady swallowed hard, turning to face me head-on with only the heavy desk between us. I stayed seated, unsure my knees could support me just now. “I just couldn’t wait another day to say this.”
“Brady, what are you talking about?” I looked nervously at Luna, who eyed us from the open doorway. Clearly she wasn’t going anywhere. And with Nancy standing a few feet to the side, Brady now had a full audience for whatever this was.
Unbuttoning his suit jacket, Brady sat in my guest chair. Long, muscled legs flexed as he crossed one leg at the knee and gave me his full attention.
My stomach twisted up in knots. “What are you doing?”
“I’m interviewing.”
“Excuse me?”
