“He’s five.” He couldn’t remember how old Timothy was, and it just sucked that he couldn’t remember.
“Temporary?”
“The kid’s not mine, and would you be willing to at least check Timothy out and see if you can help?”
“This is rather unusual,” she said. “I usually work through an agency.”
“Robert gave you a glowing review.”
He heard her sigh.
He wondered if Robert firing her was the last straw for her.
“Look, I don’t usually beg or offer anything, but I’ve fired three nannies already as they didn’t have the patience to be with Timothy. He’s lost his mom and there’s been some confusion about me, and I just want him taken care of.” I want him out of my hair so I can go on living my life without anyone else interrupting it.
“Can I meet Timothy first? And of course talk to you about any arrangement?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Good. I’ll be there nine o’clock tomorrow. Can I have your address, please?”
He gave her the address to his apartment, and before he said anything else she disconnected the call. Staring at his cell phone, Wayne couldn’t believe that he’d actually had to beg for her help and throw in several details.
Most women who knew Robert knew of him and were always willing to jump through hoops to make him happy.
Temperance didn’t sound impressed when she heard his name.
Maybe she didn’t know who he was.
He vaguely remembered Robert’s nanny. He’d gotten a glimpse of her with Britney a few months ago, but he couldn’t put a face to her name.
Oh, well. So long as she knew how to take care of Timothy he didn’t give a shit about anything else.
****
Temperance knew the man she was going to see. She didn’t know him personally, but his reputation wasn’t a good one. If he’d not mentioned Timothy or the fact the boy had just recently lost his mother, she wouldn’t be here at all.
Tapping her foot, she watched as the elevator’s floor numbers kept lighting up, taking her to the top. This apartment block was filled with luxury and wealth. Ten years ago, she would have been impressed. Now at thirty years old, she really did believe she had to change her job description.
For twelve years she’d been a nanny.
Moving from five homes, five different sets of kids, she was starting to want a family of her own. A life that didn’t involve being fired when a shiny new wife came into the equation. She’d never wanted to be a nanny, not really. She’d fallen into the job babysitting, and then staying at people’s homes to help them out.
Her love of kids had become a curse.
She didn’t have a boyfriend or a husband.
Her single status had been that way for five years now. The last boyfriend didn’t like her getting a phone call halfway through sex asking her to come home so they could go to a function. She’d been needed to look after a little girl.
Boyfriends hadn’t been big for her, though.
A size eighteen body rarely got her noticed, and if it did, it was usually for a good time and nothing else.
The elevator doors opened, and she went to the only door on the floor, knocking.
Within seconds Wayne Michaels opened the door.
He oozed raw sex appeal and everything there was to love about an older man who took care of himself. At forty years old, he had grey hairs at his temples, giving him that mature look. His body was impeccable from working out, and of course he was dressed in a suit probably worth more than what most people earned in a couple of months.
She’d startled him.
Temperance had been tempted to wear a buttoned suit, but children didn’t like people who reminded them of business. So, in a pair of jeans, white sneakers, and checked shirt, her hair tied up, and absolutely no makeup on, she didn’t look like she was going to an interview.
“Hello, Mr. Myers, I’m Temperance Michaels. We talked on the phone.”
“Yes.” He moved out of the way, letting her past.
He took the jacket that she held over her arm, and she forced a smile to her lips. She turned toward him.
His gaze was near her ass, and she quickly glanced down to see she looked more than fine. Had she sat on something?
Clenching her hands into fists, she forced herself to stand up tall and smile.
“I was expecting an older woman. Someone who looked like a … teacher.”
Temperance nodded. “He’s five years old?”
“Yes.”
“You mentioned that his mother had died.”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t think someone dressed for a funeral would give him any comfort.” She licked her dry lips, staring at him as he seemed to be watching her.
“How long have you been a nanny?” he asked, suddenly shaking himself out of whatever gripped him.
“Twelve years. I was recently let go from my last post. I have amazing references.”