I’m the goddamn problem.
There was something about this girl that I couldn’t get enough of. That I wanted more of. That was different than the dates I’d gone on in the past.
But every time I started talking to a woman, things would fizzle out when I couldn’t give her more of myself.
I was sure this would be no different.
That, somehow, I would fuck shit up between us.
It was better that things had ended before they even began.
“Maybe you’re right,” I said. “Maybe there is no problem.”
Dominick’s hand went to my back, patting just below my shoulder. “There’s no law that says she has to move in right away. See how things go for a few weeks. Make sure you don’t have to take ten cold showers a day. Then, make the transition.”
I nodded. “I can do that.”
But could I?
Goddamn it, yes. Of course I could.
Jenner held out his glass in front of me. “Congratulations, brother. You’ve finally got yourself a nanny. Now, we can drag your ass out whenever we want.”
“Hardly.” I laughed as I clinked glasses with him and then Dominick. “She’s going to relieve Hannah’s duties, not mine. Nothing’s going to change with my availability.”
“That’s right; he’s going to stay home, but now, he’ll be cuddling with Sydney,” Dominick teased.
“Such a dickhead,” I groaned.
“I’ve got a question for you,” Jenner said, pausing. “When you last saw her and went back to her place, did you schedule another date with her?”
The morning following my meetup with Sydney, I’d texted my brothers, telling them how it had gone since one of them had asked.
I was wondering if my honesty had been a mistake.
“We didn’t set a date, but I was definitely going to see her again.”
Jenner looked at Dominick and then back at me. “Now, I know why you’re sucking down that scotch like it’s water.”
“Right … fuck me,” I sighed.
“My advice,” Jenner said, “skip the glass and just start drinking from the fucking bottle.”
Me: I’d like you to come over and hang with Everly for a bit. I want to see how she interacts with you under normal, expected circumstances. I know this is last minute, but are you available tonight?
Sydney: Hi! Yes, I can make it tonight. What time?
Me: Would 6 work?
Sydney: That works. Usually, I lesson-plan, carving out time for learning, fun, outdoor activity, and exercise. With me, it’s not all play time. Would it be okay if I planned something for Everly and me to do? I realize it’ll be dinnertime, followed by a bath and reading her a story in bed. I promise I’ll account for all of that.
I stared at her text, blown away by what I was seeing, and it wasn’t because there was a hell of a lot of scotch flowing through my veins.
Granted, I’d never had a nanny before, but I was positive Hannah did none of those things. Her time with my daughter was all about fun. But that was what Hannah was there for.
This—Sydney—was different.
Me: You can do whatever you want. My plan is to sit back and observe you two together.
Sydney: Perfect. Thank you. See you tonight.
There was no question that Eve was going to immediately connect with Sydney. My daughter wasn’t shy. She didn’t lack for personality. She found a way to charm everyone she encountered. And the moment Sydney walked into my house, surprising Everly, I saw my little one in action.
She flew off the couch, running straight toward Sydney. “Syd!” She hugged Sydney’s waist. “You came back!” She glanced up at her, smiling. “And you brought presents!”
Since I was nearby, Sydney handed me everything she was holding and reached down to pick up Everly.
Fuck me.
The two of them couldn’t be any more beautiful together, and her having my baby in her arms was certainly a sight I could get used to.
She was dressed casual in loose-fitting jeans and an off-the-shoulder top—not even the oversize clothes could hide the perfection of her body. She had put her hair in a ponytail and had little makeup on.
She looked stunning.
“I don’t know if I’d call them presents, but I brought lots of stuff,” Sydney said. Although I’d never doubted her strength, she lifted Eve with ease, like she was an infant. “I’ve missed you, Miss Everly.” She hugged my girl and then pulled back, so she could look at her face. “Your dad invited me over to hang with you for a little while. Does that sound cool?”
“Sooo cool.” She brushed her hand back and forth over Sydney’s bare shoulder. “I wanted you to come to my pancake party. Daddy said you were busy. Chef Craig made the pancakes, but mine are better. Next time, I am going to make the pancakes, and you haaave to come.”
Sydney gave me a quick glance, and my dick instantly fucking throbbed. “I’ll do my best to be there.”
Eve held out her pinkie. “Promise?”
“Promise.”
Sydney carried Eve into the kitchen, setting her on a stool, away from where Craig was working. Since I wasn’t far behind, I placed her things right next to her, the closeness giving me a whiff of her coconut scent that I loved so much.
Damn it.
I needed to put distance between us, so I took a seat behind the bar, and now had a perfect view of the girls.
“I made us a little plan for tonight,” Sydney told her.
Eve’s face lit up, her large eyes going wide. “You did?”
Sydney nodded. “You and Dad are going to have dinner—”