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“Why did the coach have to kick Cinderella off the softball team?”
“Hmm. I don’t know. Why?”
“She kept running away from the ball.”
Andie giggles uncontrollably while Karen moans at the corniness. Whatever it takes to make my baby smile.
My bodyguard,Nico, opens the car door for Andie and me. Andie smiles. “Good morning, Uncle Nico.”
Nico flips one of her curls. “Good morning, Curly Sue.”
Andie giggles, like she does every time he calls her that. She adores my two-hundred-and-fifty-pound Italian bodyguard who has about fifteen years on me. I think she sees him as a bit of a grandfather at times, calling him uncle even though he isn’t. He equally adores her.
Nico has been with me since I hit it big over twenty years ago. The paparazzi’s interest in my life skyrocketed along with my business. I was a bit of a playboy before I met Jenny and, for some reason, they loved to follow and photograph me. When it became intrusive and unsafe, I hired Nico to run my security team.
While interest in me has simmered down since Jenny died and I sold my business, I keep Nico around for safety and because I can’t bear to let him go. He’s practically a member of the family at this point. I have a lot of money, which always makes me a potential target. Andie too. I need to keep her safe.
I haven’t dated since Jenny passed, but if and when the time comes, I’m fearful that the paparazzi will be back in my life. It’s probably one of the reasons why I’ve avoided dating. One of the many reasons. Relative anonymity for the past few years has been nice. That, and I can’t have the only woman who has piqued my interest.
Nico drives us to The Primary Academy, Andie’sschool. The school psychologist said to make my goodbye as quick as possible, so that’s what I did. Andie was hysterically crying. It was heartbreaking to leave, but I did it. I know it’s time. Of course, I called the school ten minutes later. They told me she was fine and already playing with a new friend. Let’s hope it sticks.
We make our way to Daulton Holdings. Nico looks at me in the rearview mirror. “Your mother is coming at the end of the week, right?”
I narrow my eyes at him. I swear he and my mother flirt constantly when she’s in town, though I think it’s harmless. I hope it’s harmless. “She is. Perhaps it’s a good time for you to take a vacation.”
He smiles at me. “No, I’m good. You never know what kind of trouble your mom and Andie will cause.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. I catch a glimpse of him laughing to himself in the rearview mirror.
We arrive at Daulton, and I make my way up to the office. I stop by the desk of Reagan’s assistant, Sheila. She’s a little older than me and wears colorful glasses.
She looks confused. “Mr. Windsor? I don’t think she’s expecting you until next week.”
“I know. I thought I’d come by and get some of the administrative items out of the way so I can hit the ground running on Monday. Is she available?”
Oddly enough, Sheila doesn’t pick up the telephone and buzz into her office. She simply stands and puts her ear to Reagan’s door.
After a few seconds, she says, “Have a seat. It will be about ten minutes. Maybefifteen.”
That was extremely bizarre. I ask, “Is Skylar available?”
She sits back at her desk and buzzes Skylar who agrees to see me. I immediately head down to her office and knock on the door.
“Come in.”
I walk in and smile. “Wow, you look wonderful.”
She rubs her severely pregnant belly. “I don’t feel wonderful, but I’m not nearly as big as Reagan, so it could be worse.”
Skylar is Reagan’s younger sister. They look alike, both good-looking, tall blondes in their early thirties, but unlike Reagan who has blue eyes, Skylar has big green eyes. They’re both extremely attractive and extremely taken, and both are at least eight months pregnant.
Skylar is the Vice President of Strategy and Operations, focusing on both property development and building new businesses from the ground up. She has a very good reputation in the industry. Though I’ll be focusing on existing businesses, I’ll still work closely with her.
“I haven’t seen her yet. Frankly, it was odd. Sheila listened at her door and then told me to wait ten minutes.”
Skylar lets out a laugh. “Someone should give you fair warning. Reagan and Carter get intimate in the office at some point every day.Everyday. Sheila is the gatekeeper. She’ll keep you out of the line of fire.”
“I…I…I have no words for that.” I barely remember what sex feels like.
