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“You’re busy making sure his needs are met, working to keep a roof over his head and food on the table.”
“Not to sound like an arrogant prick, but I could quit tomorrow and not have to worry about any of that stuff.”
He was loaded. Most people knew that. The family name was an easy search on the internet, and the winery and the vineyard’s worth alone was impressive. It was more than the money, though.
“You’re teaching your son values and work ethic. My mom worked a lot when I was a kid, but when she was there with me, she gave me a hundred and ten percent. That’s what I remember.”
“Sometimes it doesn’t feel like enough.”
“You don’t need to overcompensate because Gio’s mom walked out.”
“I’m not,” he said, the tone in his voice turning defensive. His eyebrows turned toward the bridge of his nose, confused wrinkles tugging at the edges of his eyes. “How did you even… never mind. Nothing is a secret in this town.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I overstepped.” I’d only known Franc for a couple of days, but I was so comfortable around him, I felt like I’d known him longer. It’s why I said exactly what I was thinking. But it wasn’t my place to speak so freely. I was nothing more than his nanny, and I needed to set up boundaries before I lost another job.
He thrust a hand through his hair and turned his gaze toward Gio, who was running around the pasture while Snowball and Jellybean chased after him.
“Maybe there’s some truth in what you said. I don’t want my son to feel like something was missing from his life.”
How could he not see how good of a father he was? Hell, I’d only been around for a very short time, and I could already tell this man would give his son the entire world if he could.
“You’re doing a great job at that, but it’s okay to have your own life, too. You’re still a person with your own wants and needs.” I glanced toward Addy, who had looked over at Franc. “Gio needs to see that you take care of yourself, too.”
“I haven’t put much thought into it since Gio’s mom left.”
“Maybe it’s time you did.” I nodded toward the pasture. Addy laughed at something Gio said. “Addy seems nice.”
Franc’s eyebrow arched. “Are you trying to play matchmaker or something?”
“No, of course not.”Way to set boundaries, you dope. “I’m just saying, she seems like she’s into you, is all.”Oh my god, could I ever just stop talking?
“Cindy’s been trying to get me to go on a date with Addy for years. We’re close in age. She’s intelligent and…”
“Pretty,” I added.
“Yes, that too, but I was going to say easy to talk to.”
“But?” I asked, wanting to know the answer more than I should have.
“But I have no desire to date.” He inhaled, his large chest rising and falling with the motion before his gaze turned to me. “At least I hadn’t.”
My stomach flip-flopped in a giddy excitement that should only be reserved for fourteen-year-old girls. Was he insinuating something? Was he… me? No. That was ridiculous. What could he possibly see in me that he didn’t see in Addy? Not to mention, she was much closer to his age. He even made a point to mention the age thing.
I shrugged, trying to act as cool and calm as possible. “Maybe you should.” I had no idea why I said that, but the words were out, hanging between us like an unbreakable force.
His lip quirked at the corner, that single dimple indenting his cheek. “Maybe.”
“What the hell are you doing here?” Brady said as I walked into the tasting room of his distillery. The last few times I’d been here, I’d been exhausted, cranky, and in the dumps. This time was different. The tension that had been a constant irritation, pulling and twisting my neck and shoulder blades, had eased. And somewhere between the last time I came here and now, the unwavering fear I was failing my son had slowly exited my thoughts.
“Was in the area.” I started toward the bar, but was stopped by a very excited Jack, Brady’s two-year-old Australian Shepherd. I bent down, taking his adorable face in my hands, and gave him a good rub on his ears before I took a seat on one of the stools.
Brady tossed a towel over his shoulder, grabbed my favorite whiskey, and pushed over a one-finger pour to me. I took the glass but didn’t immediately take a swig.
“It’s nice to see you not looking like shit.”
“Thanks, asshole.” Though there were no lies in what he said. Before Quinn showed up, I’d take refuge here after a frustratingly long day. My life had felt like it was spiraling out of control. The only thing that kept it in orbit was the pity my siblings took on me, offering to watch Gio for a couple of hours.
Brady held up his large hands and smirked. “Last few times, you looked like you were knocked around and dropped off on my doorstep.”
