Page 9 of The Summer Arrangement
Hell, it took her weeks to have smooth drop-offs at preschool this year. I’ve never seen her so taken to anyone. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to find anyone who’s won over my daughter in such a short time.
But given our history, as brief as it was—can I really go through with hiring her?
If everything goes to hell in a hand basket, like it usually does in my relationships, can I take the risk of hurting Milli like that?
“Look, Elizabeth,” I start, but she cuts me off.
“It’s Lizzy. I only use my government name for resumés and official documents, Cameron.”
God, I love how she says my name.
Memories of our night together flash through my mind. The way she called out my name as she fell apart was such a turn-on. The way she?—
Focus, dipshit. She’s talking.
“We clearly know each other well enough for you to call me Lizzy. But beyond that…” She looks to the window beside us as if it will give her the words she’s looking for. “Beyond that, I’m gonna be real with you. I need this job. When I got the call from your mom for this second interview, I was beyond thrilled to know I’d only be working with one family this year, rather than random people the agency assigns. I already told Booked at the Beach I won’t be returning, but… maybe they haven’t filled the position just yet.”
She trails off for a moment, then pins me dead in the eyes and somehow manages to slay me with her next thought. “I get it if you don’t think I’d be a good fit for Emilia, given our brief history. But if you choose to hire me, I give you my word that Icanbe professional. My focus will be onher. I’ll be the best damn nanny you could hope for.”
Fuck… how does her conviction both make me proud and devastate me at the same time?
I shouldn’t feel this way for someone I’ve known for such a short time. I shouldn’t feel such a sense of loss for her insisting she’ll be professional.
“You’re the only person Milli’s grown this comfortable with in such a short time,” I say before I can think better of it.
But what does this mean?
Do I really want to hire someone I’m this attracted to?
Fuck, even as she stands there staring at me, I’m recalling how good it felt to be inside her. How the taste of her lingered on my tongue long after we parted. If I’d known that I’d see her again, I probably would’ve pushed for things to continue.
I haven’t felt this way about anyone since being a father became my number-one priority. Can I really push all these feelings aside?
Is it even possible to keep things strictly professional?
Can I do it for Milli’s sake?
I have always put Milli’s needs above my own. She is my top priority.
However, Lizzy’s the only one we’ve interviewed who even came close to meeting the qualifications. Not only does she have what it takes on paper, but if I put my feelings aside, I’m not the only one she’s made a connection to.
Milli freaking hugged her before she left.
Can I take this new connection away from my daughter?
Lizzy breaks my inner monologue when she asks, “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“Where do I even begin?” I sigh.
God, it’s like I no longer have a filter around her. What the hell is wrong with me? I’m an executive at a major recording studio. I keep my private thoughts to myself.
Her expression softens, and her shoulders relax. “The beginning’s a great place. I’m sure, like me, my presence is a bit of a curveball.”
Thank God, she’s willing to address the elephant in the room.
“Truth? I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. Hands down, even without another word from you, after talking with my mom and looking into your references, I know without a doubt you’re the most qualified candidate for Milli.”
She nods once but doesn’t say anything.
