Page 3 of Wild Christmas
“You’ve got an entire suite of rooms at your disposal, a bedroom, separate bathroom, and a living area. Like I said, I need you here in case I have to leave in a hurry, but we’re not friends. We’re not roommates. You’ve got your own space, and when you’re not with the girls, I expect you to stay in it.”
“Wow.” My mouth drops open. The arrogance of this man. I was never treated this rudely by any of thewealthiest families I crossed paths with during my time in France. I’m not going to put up with it now.
I open my mouth to tell him I’m not taking the job when the hum of an engine snatches my attention. Through the window, I glimpse a large classic car pulling up out front.
“Is that a Cadillac?” It seems as out of place on the mountain as a Tesla.
“That’ll be Danni, dropping the girls off. She’s been helping me out while I’m between nannies.”
The car door open and two little girls scramble out, their hair wild as they run for the front door. For the first time since I’ve met Mr. Grumpy Pants, the scowl leaves his face and his expression softens. “They wanted to meet you.”
“Oh no…” I start to say, but it’s too late.
The door to the cabin bursts open, and two little girls barrel down the hall. They slow to a trot when they see their father, and the youngest crashes into the back of the oldest.
“Are you the new nanny?” the oldest, Dora, asks with wide hopeful eyes as deep green as her father’s. I don’t have the heart to tell her I’m not taking the job.
“Maybe,” I say.
She seems to take that as a yes, because she jumps from one foot to another and the biggest, warmest smile spreads across her face. “I made a clock in school today.”
She pulls a clock face out of her school bag and proceeds to tell me how to tell the time. Meanwhile, the youngest has gone to her father, and he scoops her intohis arms. She puts her little arms around his neck and plants a kiss on his cheek. Nate smiles, revealing a dimple on each cheek that I had no idea was hiding there.
I’m fascinated by the change that’s come over him upon the arrival of his daughters. He kisses the cheek of the little girl and nuzzles into her neck, making her giggle.
Suddenly with the laughter of little girls, the house feels like a home.
A woman in a red polka dot dress with its skirt flaring out and her hair in a 1950’s style role waves from the door.
“I can’t stop. Bettie’s asleep in the back.”
“Thanks Danni,” Nate calls.
She glances at me with a warm smile. “Sorry I can’t stay to meet you properly. I’m sure I’ll see you at the club.”
I’m not sure what club she’s talking about, and the woman frowns at my confusion.
“Make sure you bring her to the club, won’t you Bit Rate. Don’t keep her locked away here.”
She waves goodbye, and I turn to Nate. “Bit Rate?”
“It’s my road name. Danni’s one of the old ladies at the Wild Riders MC.”
I nod slowly, wondering about this man who loves computers and bikes and his girls. There’s more to Nate Martell than a tight pair of buns, and that curiosity as much as the little hand that slips into mine makes me decide to take the job.
Dora squeezes my hand, “Can I show youyour room? I made you a card, and you can sleep with Bongus so you don’t get scared.”
She tugs at my arm, and the last of my doubts leave me. The girls need a nanny, I need a job, and it’s only for six weeks. Maybe I can stay out of the way of their grumpy dad, and we can all get along just fine.
This time when she tugs on my hand, I let her lead me out of the room. “Show me where I’ll be sleeping.”
2
NATE
Islide the graphics card into the back of the PC, and it falls into place with a satisfying click. I pick up the back panel and hold it in place. The tiny screws are delicate, and I take one in my hand.
“Why aren’t you working in your office?” I glance up to find Maisie staring up at me, her brown eyes round and curious.
