Chapter 21
Ace
I’m glad that I’ve convinced Lexi that we need a part-time nanny. As much as we’d both love to be the ones taking care of Luna full time, we both work and sometimes at the same time.
I got a recommendation for a nanny agency from Collins. He said that they’ve used the agency for years and they are trustworthy and responsible. So far, the impression I get of the woman seated next to Lexi is good. She knows her stuff and she looks dependable and serious with her job.
Her name is Helen Murphy and she looks to be in her early to mid-thirties. Her brown hair is held in a ponytail. She’s in a casual skirt and suit and a smile comes easily to her.
Lexi lays out our work schedules for her.
“I don’t work weekends so I might not need you then,” Lexi says.
I’m proud of the way she has taken charge of the interview. I want it to be something she wants rather than something she thinks I want. I also want to put everything within my power to do, at her disposal.
“How about we start with weekdays Monday to Friday and Saturdays when the need arises. I’m flexible.”
“Sounds good,” Lexi says.
Luna chooses that moment to come waddling into the living room, clutching her teddy bear. She’s completely taken to the condo. She’s so comfortable when she wakes up, she simply rolls out of bed. She’s learned how to swing her legs to the edge and then slide to the floor.
She rubs her eyes as she comes to us. I open my arms and she comes straight into them.
“Look who is here! Hi, Luna,” Helen says.
Luna peeks at her from the safety of my arms. “That’s Helen, Luna. She’s going to be taking care of you sometimes.”
“A little groggy after a nap, huh? You’ll feel better in no time,” Helen says. She speaks in a way that makes Luna sit up and take notice. She stares at Helen curiously. “I like your teddy,” Helen says and Luna glances down at the teddy and then smiles at Helen. We all let out a breath.
After we agree on the time, Helen leaves.
“You don’t think nine is too early do you?” Lexi asks.
“Try it out. If it is, we’ll readjust it,” I tell her and then sweep her into my arms for a kiss.
“You make everything look so easy,” Lexi says.
“That’s because most things are. We’re the ones who add complexity to simple stuff.”
It’s Saturday, the day of the barbecue. I’m looking forward to introducing Lexi and Luna to everyone and also to meeting the other families. It will also be nice for Luna and Lexi to leave the house. They haven’t left since they moved in days earlier.
We spend the morning lazing around, though we do manage a walk around the gardens of the complex. After we feed Luna, we get ready for the outing. We take turns getting ready. Lexi goes first and I stay with Luna in the living room playing. She’s amassed several teddies and toys but the original red one remains her favorite and is always by her side.
I bought a teddy for the birthday girl as well from Lexi’s suggestion. You can never go wrong with a teddy for a two-year-old.
When Lexi returns twenty minutes later, I whistle as she walks in. She sashays and catwalks across the room. She wears a maxi dress with slits at the sides. My blood heats up. She places her hands on her hips and all my blood flows south. My hands itch to rest on her curves. I imagine tracing the line of her curves with my hands, down her waist, hips, and then snaking my hand between her legs to feel the moisture that I know is gathered there.
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Ace,” Lexi says.
The woman can read my mind, or else she can see the indecent tent at the front of my shorts. “Guilty,” I growl. “But can you blame a man when you look like that?”
“Your turn to get ready, while I dress Luna up,” Lexi says. “Don’t forget we’re picking Jen up.”
My eyes follow her the way a puppy stares at their owner when they don’t get what they want. Lexi laughs at me and carries Luna to her bedroom for a change.
I plan on introducing Connor to Lexi’s friend Jen. I can imagine his reaction when he sees her. She’s a pretty girl and any man would be lucky to have a shot at dating her.
Ten minutes later and we’re on the way to pick Jen up. Lexi texts her when we get near her home and we find her waiting by the road.
“Hi,” she says as she enters the car next to Luna. “Hello, baby girl. She’s grown, Lexi.”
“Yeah, she has,” Lexi says.