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“I guess we can just settle in. I can make something light for dinner.” Riley offered as I turned the car on.
“You weren’t hired as a cook, Riley.”
“You’re paying me enough for that. I love cooking so much and I don’t mind.” Her eyes were bright, and I shook my head. “We can figure something out.”
“You’re up for grocery shopping and planning meals? You have a crazy kid to take care of.” I reminded her as she laughed.
“Women do it every day.” Most women in my circle had nannies just like Riley and that was with a husband.
“I’ll give you a few weeks with Ella. I can have Lana shop and cook half the meals that she does now. Let’s start slow here, Riley.” I urged as she rolled her eyes. I backed out and headed home. I suspected that Ella might fall asleep during the drive and settled into the seat.
“I have gotten amazing things done taking care of kids. It’s not impossible,” Riley told me as I chuckled and shook my head. When I parked in the garage, I got out and went to the back to see that my daughter was indeed sleeping. I carried her inside and up the stairs, settling her into her bed before I rose to stare down at her. Ella was beautiful, and she did something to my heart that no woman had ever done. I smiled and turned to leave, glancing towards the stairs as I paused.
Should I go downstairs? Riley might need some time to herself since Ella was sleeping. She was on a break.
“Nathan? Would you mind if I took a walk on the beach? How long does she usually nap?” Riley asked up the stairs as I walked towards them.
“Take your time. I’m here to handle things and I can work in my office while she’s sleeping.” She gazed up at me with uncertain eyes and I stared at her for a moment. “Go. You’ll have no time to yourself during the day soon enough.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back soon.” She slipped on the sneakers that she was carrying and headed towards the back door with a smile on her face. I heard the door close and breathed in slowly. She had no idea what she did to me. I walked into my office and warmed up the laptop as I turned on her monitor. I bought a big pack of them when Brenda got sick, so I could hear the baby wherever I was in the house.
I read some emails as I sat in the chair, enjoying working from home. I worked fewer hours this way and felt so much more present in my house. I’d go back to the normal routine tomorrow, going to work after breakfast and coming home for dinner. There were nights I’d work late and even travel for meetings, but I’d try to keep to a normal schedule as much as possible.
I listened to the waves through the open window and returned some important messages. I could review some projects from home and even work on anything I was assisting on with the computer that I purchased for home. I had it all, and I grinned as I glanced around the spacious office. I had a great life.
Chapter 7: Riley
I headed down the steps and looked at the wide expanse of beach before me. There was nobody on it and I wondered if any of the people that lived here ever came out here. I would several times a day but looking around, I guessed they worked. I wouldn’t be free to pop outside starting tomorrow. I would bring Ella out here a lot to play though. It was perfect. When I was on the beach, I turned to look at the beach house and smiled. It fit in well here. I also noticed that I had a private deck
attached to my room and decided immediately that I’d be working outside at night as much as I could.
I turned to the left and headed that way, taking in the scenery. This was a picturesque beach with rocks scattered around and maybe some tidepools, which I loved. I eased closer to the waves and breathed in the air as my shirt blew around my body with a strong gust of wind. I was going to love it here.
I glanced to the left to see places on the cliffs that allowed some privacy and realized that it would be a great place to come and think. I kept going and climbed up a group of rocks to find a few pools with some creatures inside as I made a mental note to bring Ella here sometimes. It was a great lesson in life. I turned to look towards the house, feeling eyes on me as I searched the outside of the properties, but there was nobody there. I tried to determine who it was by the way I was feeling as I turned to look back at the ocean.
It had to be Nathan. I didn’t feel scared out here even as I searched the beach for anyone else out of curiosity. Why was he watching me? I shivered at the idea, knowing that we’d be on our own soon. Would it be uncomfortable with this attraction that I had for him? I knew that I could keep it professional but there would be times that I didn’t want to.
I needed to keep my senses about me for the sake of this job.
I walked down towards the other grouping of rocks before turning around. I wanted to be back there for Ella, so Nathan could get some work done. He ran a successful business and that had to be from hard work, hence the need for a nanny. I moved towards the steps as I grew close and scurried up them before turning around to snap a picture of the beach. I grinned as I sent it to my sister and shoved the phone into my jeans.
Walking inside, I headed to the kitchen as I listened for voices. It was quiet, and I assumed that Ella was still sleeping. I wanted some cold water, and I strolled into the room, taken by surprise by Nathan standing by the sink and looking outside.
“Is everything okay?” I asked softly as he turned to look at me. How could it be possible that he was more gorgeous at this moment? I froze in place as he held up an iced coffee.
“I needed a pick me up to get some work done. I’m tired myself after that lunch.” Nathan smiled crookedly, and I felt lust burning between my legs.
“Nothing wrong with you taking a nap. I’m here.” I smiled as he looked me over for a moment. “I’ll take care of Ella.”
“I’m buried in projects to review or I might. I am going to have a busy day tomorrow.” I nodded. “I’ll still have breakfast with Ella. I think that’s an important tradition as she grows up.”
“I fully agree,” I assured him as we smiled at one another. “I’ll make something for all of us. I like making big Sunday breakfasts as well. My mama did that when I was small, and I think it was the highlight of the week.” I smiled as I thought about her, trying to keep the joy in my face.
“You miss her,” he noted as I nodded.
“More than anything. I’m glad that I’m closer to my sister now because she reminds me so much of Mom. I might bring Ella over there sometime if you don’t mind?”
“Of course not. I trust you.” His eyes locked with mine and I felt something between us for that second. It was strong, and I understood that it would be hard to ignore forever. Nathan swallowed and glanced towards the stairs. “I guess I should get back to work. Get Ella after her nap just to set a schedule for her but I’ll be downstairs in a little while.” He wasn’t giving me an order as much as a suggestion and I nodded.
