No one knew about my history with Caleb. It was always something I had to go through alone, making me hate him even more for putting me through the wringer with his over possessive bullshit. The number of dates this man ruined for me while I was in college would blow anyone’s mind. Not to mention, all the parties he would miraculously show up to. It was ridiculous.
I was young.
Naïve.
Fucking stupid.
Thinking he was doing it because he was in love with me when in reality who the hell knows. Having his daughter look up at me with such a guarded expression hurt my heart for her. This wasn’t about Caleb and me—this was about his kids.
Jax unknowingly kept me in the loop over the years. He didn’t hide his distaste for Caleb’s wife and his concern for their kids. Jax was their godfather, and he loved them like they were his own. He often stated that Tessa wasn’t fit to be called, “Mom,” saying Caleb was raising them on his own, and all she did was spend his hard-earned money.
He felt bad for Ethan and Ariel. Now seeing Ariel for myself, I couldn’t help but love her immediately, which only added to my confused emotions on where I stood with Caleb.
And what would come of us.
Chapter 12
Evie
Kneeing to her level on the ground, I greeted, “Hi, Ariel, I’m Evie. Did you know that my favorite movie is The Little Mermaid?”
She shyly smiled, hiding part of her face behind his leg.
“You kind of look like her.”
“That’s what Daddy says.”
Hearing her address him as Daddy did all sorts of things to my core.
Stupid vagina.
“Maybe we can watch it today?”
“Ariel’s screen time is reserved for Saturday afternoons only.”
I glared up at him, quickly remembering that Khloe mentioned his schedule for his kids was asinine. It was crazy, the way his demeanor suddenly changed with Ariel there. I was used to the hot and cold from him, but not in this form.
Not wanting to argue with Caleb in front of his daughter, I replied, “I guess we can watch it on Saturday.”
She didn’t say a word, eyeing me suspiciously.
“Oh!” Out of nowhere, a woman appeared near the foyer. “There you are,” she said to Ariel, crouching to her level. “I was just looking—”
Caleb interrupted in an annoyed tone, “How hard is it to keep track of a little girl?”
What a grump! Who is this man?
“Hi,” I announced, bringing the woman’s attention over to me. “I’m the new nanny.”
“You are?” Ariel chimed in with her bright hazel eyes staring into my soul.
I smiled at her adorable face. “Do you want me to be?”
She instantly gazed up at her father, waiting for his approval. It was like a knife to my heart, the way she was waiting on him to lead her one way or another.
“Ariel.” The woman nodded at her. “Your piano instructor will be here soon. We need to get you dressed.”
She frowned.
What five-year-old needs to be learning the piano?
Ariel reluctantly left with the woman. I could tell she wanted to tell her dad she didn’t like the piano but was scared to.
The little interaction I had with his daughter was enough for me to go against everything I refused to give into. The kids needed me—that much was evident. End of story.
The last thing I wanted was to get emotionally attached to his children in an unprofessional way, but it was obvious I’d have no choice in my affection for them. It was only day one and already Ariel had me wrapped around her little finger, and I knew it would be the same with his son.
The connection between Caleb and me was obviously extending to his children in a way I didn’t anticipate.
Taking a deep, reassuring breath, I bartered, “Ignore the contract I made for us. I only have one condition, okay?”
“And what’s that?”
“Absolutely no sex.”
He scoffed out a chuckle.
“I mean it. I’m your nanny for the next three months, but that’s it. Do you understand?”
“Do you?” he arrogantly countered.
“I’m with someone.”
“Bullshit.”
“See, unlike you, I’m not a liar.”
“You weren’t with someone a month ago.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m with someone now.”
“What’s his name?”
“I’m not telling you his name.”
“Why? Because he doesn’t exist?”
“Because it’s none of your business.”
“You’ll be living with me and taking care of my kids. Everything you do will be my business.”
“Talk about red flags, Mr. Hawkins. I’m being serious.”
“I’ll remember that the next time you’re begging me to make you come.”
“You’ll be waiting forever, seeing as it’s not happening. Now do we have a deal?”
He stood back and fully opened the door, nodding toward the entryway.
Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this?
The kids needed me. I just had to keep reminding myself of that. My sole focus was on them.
Just them.
I stepped inside, taking in his home as we walked toward what I assumed was his office. His house was stunning, immaculate, and everything was in its place. It didn’t look like the kids were even living there. No pictures adorned the walls along the hall, nothing made the house feel homey or loved.