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“I wasn’twandering. I ran errands in town and got groceries on my way home.”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s not safe for you to be out after dark, and there’s no way that thing is keeping you warm in this weather.” He motions to my puffer coat. “You’re beautiful in whatever you wear, so a few extra layers won’t do you any harm, if you’re concerned about how you look.”
I gaze up at him, blinking in confusion. Did Dylan Stafford just call me beautiful?
I refuse to admit that he’s right however, about how cold I am, considering he’s scolding me like a child.
“Yes, Dad,” I mock loudly.
I startle when Lola erupts into a fit of giggles, and I catch Johanna out of the corner of my eye, attempting to contain her amusement. I forgot they were out here with us.
“I mean it, Marlow.” Dylan keeps his voice low as he takes a step closer. “We might live in a small town, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t people who would take advantage of you walking alone at night. You need to be more cautious.”
“Why, Dylan, it almost sounds like you’re worried about me.” I bat my eyelashes.
He opens his mouth to respond, but Lola runs over, tugging on my coat.
“Hey, Marlow.” She beams up at me.
“Hi, Lola.” I lean down to give her a side hug.
“What have I told you about interrupting?” Dylan asks her.
“Not to do it,” she grumbles.
“Exactly. Marlow and I were in the middle of talking about something important.”
“Are you asking her to be my new nanny?” Her eyes are filled with hope.
A lump forms in my throat.
Dylan runs his hand across his chiseled jaw and kneels in front of her. “Ladybug, we’ve talked about this,” he says in a gentle tone. “Marlow already has a job.”
She’s asked him more than once if I could watch her? My heart warms from the sweetness.
“But Daddy, what if she wants two jobs? Why can’t we ask her?” Lola pleads.
“Because I don’t—”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Johanna interjects, coming to stand next to me. “Marlow, I’m not sure if Dylan told you that Kendra quit or that he can’t find a replacement.” She ignores Dylan’s glacial stare as she speaks. “Is there any chance you’d consider watching Lola on weekday mornings and occasionally in the afternoon? Dylan would be happy to pay you a premium wage,” she says confidently. “I can’t think of a better person for the job, and Lola is so fond of you. We both are.”
I’ve already contemplated offering to help at least a dozen times since I found out that Kendra quit. It would mean I’d have to work longer hours to finish my collection for the art show on time, but it’s a sacrifice I’d be willing to make for Lola’s sake. The fact that Dylan is opposed to the idea is the cherry on top.
Dylan stands up. “Mom, I don’t think—”
“I’d love to be Lola’s nanny,” I interrupt him. “I have a flexible schedule, and my mornings are free, so it works out perfectly. Besides, who could refuse when Dylan’s willing to pay a premium?” I can’t help taunting him.
I flash him a broad grin, my eyes bright with amusement, a stark contrast to his dark, brooding glare.
I’m not offering because of the money. I’ll have to buy Lola a giant unicorn stuffed animal or hire a petting zoo in the summer with the money I earn. I’m sure Dylan would love that.
He arches a brow at my response. “You would?”
“Sure, I can’t think of anyone who could say no to spending their mornings with the cutest six-year-old in Aspen Grove.” I grin at Lola who’s practically bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement.
“Do you have any experience with kids?” Dylan asks and I go with the truth.
“Honestly, not really,” I shrug. “I was an only child. There weren’t many young families in our neighborhood, so I never babysat or anything like that.” I hold my hand out before he can interrupt. “But I take care of Waffles, and I’d like to think I do a great job.”
