Page 4 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

“Ladies first.”

Quirking an eyebrow, she sat. These days, she was unaccustomed to chivalrous behavior. She’d taken her boss to task over that. She wanted to be treated as one of the guys. No special treatment. Zach bristled for a while but had come around in time.

Rusty’s courteousness caught her off-guard. Since he wanted her to treat him like the other applicants, she scanned the prepared list of questions. “What experience do you have?”

“Raising a three-year-old. I’ve been the primary caregiver to my daughter since she was born. Although I don’t have any formal education, I have plenty of practical experience. My first-aid and CPR are up-to-date.”

His index finger lightly tapped the table, even as he held her gaze.

Is he nervous?

“I also study, informally, child development. I’ve read dozens of books, but to be honest, they’re only guidelines. Children don’t come with instruction manuals—that’s for sure.” He paused, his brown eyes growing even darker, if that was possible. “I love Mira, but I know I can be fair dealing with both girls. I’ll never take sides.”

He wasn’t lying. Earnestness radiated from him and his calm was unwavering. He honestly believed he could treat her sister the same way as his daughter.

“That’s quite a promise.” Could she do the same thing? Not ally herself with Calleigh if push came to shove?

He entwined his fingers. “It is, but this is important. I’ve been trying to raise Mira the best I can, but the truth is, she’s lonely. She needs more socialization. Calleigh can be the sister Mira never had.”

“There are lots of only children in the world. There’s nothing wrong with that. I was raised as an only child.” Was her voice betraying her indignity? Or her pain?

“I wasn’t.” He offered a quick grin. “I have three younger sisters. I grew up in a loud household with lots of love.”

“I don’t think Calleigh needs noise right now. She needs nurturing. She needs understanding. She needs love.” Remy needed those things also, but her needs would come second. They always had and always would.

“And I can give her all of those things. I can help her deal with her grief just as I can help you deal with your grief.”

What the hell?“That’s very presumptuous of you. I’ll have you know I’m dealing with my grief just fine.” Great, another man explaining to her how she should be coping.This is becoming tiresome.

He smiled, a touch of sadness tainting his expression. “There are five stages of grief, Remy. I don’t think you’ve made it through all five.”

She tried to keep her anger in check, but he hit home. She couldn’t let herself go down the rabbit hole of self-pity. Who the hell was he to tell her whether she was handling her parents’ deaths? She glanced down at her sheet.

“Are you aware this is a live-in position? I work a lot of hours, and you will be compensated accordingly.” She closed her eyes. Well, that was a stupid question. She wasn’t going to let a man move into her house. When she opened her eyes, soft brown ones gazed back at her.

“I understand your apprehension. I’m a strange guy you’ve never met. I can provide references.”

“Most rapists and child molesters can provide references.”

She flinched at his sharp intake of breath.

Oh, damn. Had she miscalculated? She was alone, in her home, with an unfamiliar man. What had she been thinking? She needed to have her head examined.

Yet, he didn’t scare her. Something in his demeanor engendered trust. Fear was the least prominent emotion she felt. Curiosity, the strongest. Why would a man want to become a nanny? Sure, men stayed home with children, but not many.

“You can trust me. I’d never do anything to hurt you or Calleigh.” He leaned forward. “I’d give my life for Mira. That’s how I’m built. I want to do what’s best for my daughter. This solves both our problems.”

He was right. Her sister needed a nanny and both girls would benefit from having a companion.

“I still have several more interviews to conduct. I’ll get back to you.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “That’s it?” His bright eyes dimmed. “You’ve already decided.”

In that moment, she opened her mind to the possibility. The large rancher house didn’t have a nanny suite, but the master bedroom was on one side while the three bedrooms were on the other. She had a baby monitor set up. She could install nanny cameras around the house. It might be a good idea anyway—no such thing as too much safety.

Her condo building had on-site security at all times, and she had an alarm in her suite. Of course, she’d be giving up her studio apartment. Even if she had room for Calleigh, she wouldn’t move her. The little girl needed security and stability. Staying in her childhood home was the best way for her sister to cope.

At least that was what the doctor told her.

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