Page 1 of The Accidental Nanny
CHAPTER ONE
Gemma
Admiring myself in the mirror, I smile at the way the white mini dress shows off my flat stomach and slight curves. It suits me.
“Fern, what do you think?” I place the matching white shoes on my feet before stepping out of the changing room, twirling around for her.
“I thought your parents said you were meant to be searching for a job, not shopping again?” She frowns at me.
“Oh, my God, seriously? How do they expect me to find a husband if I don’t look my best?” I say, staring back at the mirror and giving myself an appreciative once-over.
“It sounds like you want a sugar daddy.”
She hasn’t noticed the sales assistant who walked into the changing area. The lady looks at us both as she takes the pile of discarded clothes that are left on the rack.
Fern’s face blushes when she realises what she said. I would never be friends with her if it weren’t for her stepbrother. She’s too geeky and as virginal as they come, but Wesley is super-hot.
I befriended her at school when I found out they were related, even if it was by marriage. My aim was to get with him, but he must be gay or something, as he never looked my way. Fern assured me he wasn’t. I felt sorry for her once I knew her better and decided she needed me.
“Don’t be such a Debbie Downer. My parents make threats all the time. They never follow through. What are you wearing tonight?” When she doesn’t answer, I look at her jeans and unflattering top. “Oh no. Not on my watch. If you want to be seen with me in public, you're not wearing that.” I look at a woman walking past us. “Excuse me, can you get me the blue dress in the window? Size twelve.”
“I don’t work here,” the woman replies.
“Find someone who does.” Does she think I have all day? The woman walks off, ignoring me. “Rude.”
“Gem, you can’t speak to people like that. She was a customer,” Fern says in earnest.
“Well, she didn’t look like one.” Looking around for someone to help me, I can’t see anyone.
“I’ll get it.” Fern walks off.
Checking myself out, I admire my new dress again, waiting for her return.
“Gem, I can’t afford this.” Fern stands there with the dress in her hand, looking at the price tag.
“Why?” I snatch the blue maxi-dress out of her hands. It’s only a little shy of two thousand pounds.
“I don’t earn that much, and I’m saving for my new car,” Fern insists.
“Your brother can buy it. He’s got enough money,” I point out.
“No,” she says, her voice firm.
“You deserve to pamper yourself, and it will complement your red hair perfectly. Plus, you have the height to pull it off. Just try it. You don’t have to buy it but at least see how you feel when you’re wearing it.”
She agrees but I can tell she’s reluctant. I quickly get dressed in my own clothes and wait for her. When she steps out of the dressing room, I can’t bring myself to admit how envious I am of her curvaceous figure. She thinks she is too big at five foot ten, but Fern doesn’t realise how stunning she is.
“See. Come on.” I stand by her side.
“I can’t. I don’t get an allowance like you.”
“What about your inheritance.”
Her face turns red, and her lips close as she breathes heavily through her nose. I might have said the wrong thing. I know this is a sore spot for her.
“That isn’t there so I can spend it on a dress,” she says whilst rushing to get back into her own clothes.
“Fern, I didn’t mean it. I just wanted you to enjoy tonight. You've been withdrawn since—” I try to argue with her, but she cuts me off.
