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Thinking he was doing it because he was in love with me when in reality who the hell knows. Having his daughter look up at me with such a guarded expression hurt my heart for her. This wasn’t about Caleb and me—this was about his kids.
Jax unknowingly kept me in the loop over the years. He didn’t hide his distaste for Caleb’s wife and his concern for their kids. Jax was their godfather, and he loved them like they were his own. He often stated that Tessa wasn’t fit to be called, “Mom,” saying Caleb was raising them on his own, and all she did was spend his hard-earned money.
He felt bad for Ethan and Ariel. Now seeing Ariel for myself, I couldn’t help but love her immediately, which only added to my confused emotions on where I stood with Caleb.
And what would come of us.
Chapter Twelve
—Evie—
Kneeing to her level on the ground, I greeted, “Hi, Ariel, I’m Evie. Did you know that my favorite movie is The Little Mermaid?”
She shyly smiled, hiding part of her face behind his leg.
“You kind of look like her.”
“That’s what Daddy says.”
Hearing her address him as Daddy did all sorts of things to my core.
Stupid vagina.
“Maybe we can watch it today?”
“Ariel’s screen time is reserved for Saturday afternoons only.”
I glared up at him, quickly remembering that Khloe mentioned his schedule for his kids was asinine. It was crazy, the way his demeanor suddenly changed with Ariel there. I was used to the hot and cold from him, but not in this form.
Not wanting to argue with Caleb in front of his daughter, I replied, “I guess we can watch it on Saturday.”
She didn’t say a word, eyeing me suspiciously.
“Oh!” Out of nowhere, a woman appeared near the foyer. “There you are,” she said to Ariel, crouching to her level. “I was just looking—”
Caleb interrupted in an annoyed tone, “How hard is it to keep track of a little girl?”
What a grump! Who is this man?
“Hi,” I announced, bringing the woman’s attention over to me. “I’m the new nanny.”
“You are?” Ariel chimed in with her bright hazel eyes staring into my soul.
I smiled at her adorable face. “Do you want me to be?”
She instantly gazed up at her father, waiting for his approval. It was like a knife to my heart, the way she was waiting on him to lead her one way or another.
“Ariel.” The woman nodded at her. “Your piano instructor will be here soon. We need to get you dressed.”
She frowned.
What five-year-old needs to be learning the piano?
Ariel reluctantly left with the woman. I could tell she wanted to tell her dad she didn’t like the piano but was scared to.
The little interaction I had with his daughter was enough for me to go against everything I refused to give into. The kids needed me—that much was evident. End of story.
The last thing I wanted was to get emotionally attached to his children in an unprofessional way, but it was obvious I’d have no choice in my affection for them. It was only day one and already Ariel had me wrapped around her little finger, and I knew it would be the same with his son.
