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Lola’s at the kitchen counter, perched on a bar stool, her mouth full of cereal. She’s decked out in her favorite unicorn sweater, grinning from ear to ear. My heart swells with warmth at the sight of her. Regardless of my mixed feelings toward Marlow, Lola is thoroughly enjoying herself. And her fishtail braids.
Another text from Marlow pops up.
Marlow: I better go. We have a schedule to keep, and I wouldn’t want to get in trouble with the warden if we’re late.
Dylan: Text me when you drop Lola off at school.
Marlow: Sure thing, boss. ??
Even in text messages, she’s snarky, and her sunny disposition shines through. It’s incredibly irritating so I’m not sure why I’m smiling at my phone.
I tuck it in my pocket as I exit the elevator on the top floor of the Stafford Holdings office building. With only five minutes before my first meeting, I have to hurry if I don’t want to be late. My plan is thwarted when I get to my office to find Cash lounging in my chair, his hands interlaced behind his head.
“Do I need to remind you that breaking and entering is a crime?”
“Good morning to you, too,” he says casually.
I place my briefcase on my desk and take out my laptop, but he doesn’t make a move to leave.
“Any specific reason you’re in my chair with a goofy grin on your face?” I ask skeptically.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, there is.” He drops his arms and leans forward. He’s always had a flair for theatrics.
“Well, are you going to tell me what it is?”
“Mom called Presley last night and told her that Marlow is Lola’s new nanny.” He pauses for effect. “The same Marlow you were complaining about a couple of days ago. Care to explain?”
“Why don’t you tell me how you got this information first?”
Because I sure as hell didn’t tell him.
“Naturally, Presley called me as soon as she finished talking with Mom so we could chat.”
“Naturally.” I deadpan.
Presley was born seven years after Cash, but despite their age difference, they’ve always been close. Since Presley moved to New York, Cash and her talk almost every day, which apparently include conversations about my new nanny.
“So, what gives?” he prods, drumming his fingers against the glossy black wood of my desk.
“There’s nothing to tell.” I tuck my laptop under my arm in preparation to head to the conference room. “I haven’t been able to find a permanent replacement for Kendra yet. And when Lola practically begged Marlow to be her nanny, Mom intervened and said she thought it was a good idea. Marlow’s only helping temporarily until I find a long-term solution.”
“Uh-huh.” Cash doesn’t look convinced. “And what happens when Lola falls in love with Marlow?”
Unfortunately for me, she’s probably already halfway there.
“I’ll figure it out,” I mutter.
“And what happens when you fall in love with Marlow?” His hazel eyes bore into me as he brushes his shaggy brown hair away from his face.
That’s not going to happen.
“I think you’ve had enough fun for one day.” I round the desk and grab him by the collar of his black shirt. “Get out.”
He laughs as I practically shove him out of my office, not caring that a group of employees have stopped to watch our exchange.
“Have a wonderful day, Dylan. Don’t think I didn’t notice you avoided my question.” Cash says with a smirk, whistling as he waltzes down the hall.
8
