Page 14 of Gabriel & Skye

“You know if you ever need a hand with pick up or drop off, I can help out,” Hartley says. She works in her father’s law firm in town.

“Thanks, Hart. That’s nice of you. Sometimes I do get stuck. I don’t suppose you want to be a nanny, too?”

She laughs. “I think I’d better stick to family law.”

“Are you still looking for someone?” Gray frowns. He knows what a hardship this is.

“Don’t you start. Me and Geraldine had a good thing going, then she had to go and ruin it.” I will get over it someday. The woman has every right to retire. I just love her to pieces, and she’s been so good to us. It’s hard when things have to change.

So fucking hard.

“How selfish wanting to retire at her age.” Gray looks at me pointedly. “But I get where you’re coming from. It’s a big loss.”

“I have someone in mind,” I say. “Nannies aren't easy to find in small towns.”

“I’ll keep my eye out, and if I hear of anyone, you’ll be the first to know,” Hartley says.

“Thanks.” I smile appreciatively. “Good help is hard to find around here.”

“Anytime.”

I glance up. The cute girl from behind the counter has gone.

I reach for my phone as I stand. “I better head out. Got a bit to get through today.”

“See you later,” Gray says.

I nod to Hartley.

“Bye, Gabe.”

As I’m leaving and heading toward my truck, my phone beeps.

Skye Hendry

I’d love to chat. What time works for you?

I smile to myself.

Today might just be a good day after all.

4

Skye

I’m nervous as I text Gabriel Bassett back. I’m kinda shocked to get the text from him in the first place.

I mean, he was kind of a jerk in the cafe, but somehow I think my coffee making skills are coming to an end. And if I can get a job as a nanny, it would be way better than screwing up Aunt May’s reputation.

It also occurs to me that Gabriel has no idea who I am. We were never formally introduced. So I don’t know if I gave a good enough impression at the cafe, or if he’ll overlook the fact that I can’t make coffee for shit. Though, he said the second cup was, and I quote, ‘perfect.’

I can’t deny the man is easy on the eyes. And those lips… holy shit, yes.

The fact I can’t stop having visions about peeling that man’s clothes off and tugging on his tie while he kisses me with those perfect lips kept me up most of the night. Not that I appreciate him sending his coffee back. Rude.

I’m grateful that Aunt May didn’t see the exchange. I just don’t think coffee and me are a good combination.

Mr. CEO

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