Page 39 of Mr. Wolfe's Nanny

I’d nearly forgotten on top of talking to the kids about their mother’s birthday, having cupcakes and then arguing with my son. I duck my chin. “I think that saleslady must’ve liked you.”

“I think if she liked anyone, she liked you. Theo…”

“I wanted you to have them, Quinn.”

“Why?”

I stroke the inside of her wrist again. “I don’t know if I can answer that yet. I just did. I know we need to talk about the other night...”

“We do. But not here.”

Not here. Not now. The kids. Work. Stuff.

I release her wrist. She’ll go talk to my son and I’ll go tuck my daughter in. Saturday night, I’m taking her out. I need to figure some things out and we still need to talk.

19- Quinn

Saturday evening and a rapid tide of Spanish flows around my quarters as I’m arranging my hair in an elegant up-do – I did a decent cover job of the remains of Theo’s love bite.

It’s comforting, the Spanish. Reminds me of being at my grandmother’s house again. Isa came over to help me get ready but Maria and Julieta refused to be left out. They’re like my honorary fairy godmothers. Honestly, it’s a lot of fun and all that’s lacking is some singing mice.

The official story regarding this evening is Mr. Wolfe has an event which he didn’t wish to attend alone. I mean, that is the truth. There’s nothing else going on. He asked me rather than some other woman of his acquaintance because he… well, he’s not looking to actually date anyone.

“It’s been five years. It’s time,” Julieta murmurs as she steps in to give my hair a few finishing touches.

“Thirty-eight is too young to remain a widower,” Maria says, nodding.

“Yes, and those children need a mother.”

“They have a wonderful father,” I say in defense of Theo and not wanting to get any hopes up regarding him.

He may never be ready to truly move on, though our trip to visit her grave gave indications that it’s possible. Am I reading too much into that? Would he have shared that revelation about Kathy with any woman he felt close to at that moment?

“They don’t have to have a step-mother when they have an excellent nanny who loves them,” Isa adds in defense of me.

Maria and Julieta share a glance but say no more of Theo or dating. I glance at the clock. It’s nearly time. I suppose Theo’s already waiting for me. Men have it easy.

His brothers, Grayson and Oliver, left with the children a little while ago on an overnight trip to the family cottage by the lake where sugary treats (nottoomany), scary stories (nottooscary) and late-night blanket fort construction (nottoolate) are on the agenda.

Ryder and Jill had been too excited over their plans with their uncles to question their father or nanny about what plans they had tonight. We’d agreed that was better. The answer might be confusing to them. It's not really a date. Right?

Hair and makeup complete and dress on, I get my final ego/confidence boost from the ladies and head towards the stairs. Theo’s waiting for me in the entryway, looking devilishly handsome in his tuxedo.

He glances up as I head down. His eyes, those arresting dark blue eyes, travel up my figure before stopping at my face. I feel like I’m floating down the last few steps which is probably unwise in heels.

A slow, sexy smile spreads across his face when I reach him. “Thank you,” he breathes.

“For what? You bought the dress.”

“Thank you for agreeing to go, for wearing that beautiful dress, for your hair, for all of it, Quinn. You’re gorgeous.”

I’m a little overwhelmed by his gratitude and admiration. Surely, he realizes he could have his pick of beautiful women to take out, ones he wouldn’t have to buy a dress for or pay a salary either.

Noticing my sudden bout of uncertainty and nerves, he suggests we get headed, helps me into my coat and then offers his arm.

“Have a good evening!” my trio of helpers call from the landing above as we reach the door.

Despite Isa’s concerns about my position in Theo’s household and the blurring of lines, I suspect the three of them are going to have a good giggle-fit discussing us once we’re gone. Theo grins and assures them we will, giving a wave as we go.

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