Page 30 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

“Moments that will someday become memories,” I repeat. I’m blessed with many good memories from childhood and I want that for the Wolfe children, too.

Theo grins. “I like that. Ryder and Jill tell me you’ve selected the perfect tree for their tire swing.”

“They’re your trees and we don’t have to. Some parents consider them unsafe.”

“I was going out in small craft on Lake Michigan with my granddad as soon as I could toddle around. I think with a few precautions there’s no harm in having a tire swing.”

Pleased, I sip my coffee and ponder when we might get the rope and tire. The gardener will be back on Tuesday but it’s edging towards winter...

“I wanted to ask a favor of you, actually, before the kids join us,” Theo says, breaking in on my thoughts. He rubs at the back of his neck in a gesture that’s surprisingly boyish for him. “There’s an event coming up, work related. It’s a journalism awards thing next weekend and I’ve been asked to present at it.”

“Oh. Do you need me to watch the kids?” It’s not like I’ve got any serious weekend plans anyway.

“Um… no. I was wondering if you’d be willing to go with me.” My eyes must boggle and that boyish rubbing at the back of his neck continues. “I go stag to most everything. Obviously. But this event lasts a few hours and would be much less tedious if I had a companion.”

“A companion?”

“An escort.”

“Escort?” My heart starts fluttering madly. I don’t think it’s panic causing that.

“Look, there’d be no expectations or anything. It won’t change anything between us. It’s just dinner and conversation with some dry old journalists my parents’ age. Clap and smile, pose for a picture maybe. Probably boring as hell.” He snorts and stops rubbing his neck. “I’m really selling this for you, aren’t I?”

I give him a confused nod. “Why me?”

“I like talking to you, Quinn. We get along well. Not sure that’s much incentive for you though,” he says, chuckling. I’d consider being with him the incentive. “There will be a good many people there and if you’re not comfortable with it, for whatever reasons, I completely understand. I can ask someone else to go or-”

I’m not sure why I’m immediately answering, “I’ll go!” but I do.

He looks a little surprised by my quick response. I can’t blame him. I’m not sure if I’m jumping more at the chance to be alone with Theo away from the house, which does appeal, or if the thoughts of him taking someone else, like maybe Mrs. Childress, prompted me to speak up.

But me? At an awards event? “How many people will be there?”

“A couple of hundred.”

My heart rate increases at the mere thought. Oh my. “That’s a lot of people.”

“I know. Quinn, I don’t want to put you in a bad situation.”

“We’ll be seated?”

“Yes. Once we get past the gauntlet of the entryway, we’ll steer straight to the table where we’ll eat and stay there. I’ll be by your side except when I’m presenting and that should only be a few minutes. Again, if it sounds like too much-”

“Is it dressy?”

“Yeah, black tie.”

“Oh.” What have I volunteered myself for? I don’t have any-

“If you need a dress, I’ll gladly pay for it. Whatever accessories you need, get them, all on me.”

“Okay.”

“Really? You’re sure?” I nod and he looks so relieved. Did he fear being turned down? “I really appreciate it, Quinn. I’ll get the details to you later, alright?”

“Alright,” I murmur as I catch Maria stirring the eggs with a grin. Great. Our voices are low but she’s got the ears of a mouse. I’ll be getting interrogated soon.

Theo rises from the table a moment later before the kids have come down. Is he leaving already? He notices me scowling. “Early meeting today. I’ll go up and say goodbye.”

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