I juggled my responsibilities so that I could take the next day off. Taking Seanan to the zoo, I gave her all of my attention. Returning home, I had the cook fix her favorite meal and left her in front of the television for an hour. I locked myself in my office, checking email quickly to see if there were any fires to put out.
I spoke to the cook, asking her to watch the little girl until I could provide a new nanny. She grudgingly accepted, making it clear that she wouldn’t be able to do both jobs. I agreed to eat leftovers and takeout for a few days until the situation could resolve itself.
Working from home, I managed to get a few things done. It wasn’t bad; fatherhood just tied my hands when it came to client meetings. I didn’t hold out a lot of hope for this new nanny, whoever Hud found. But if she managed to stay for a few months, at least I could put in an appearance at the office.
Seanan was taking her nap the following Monday when Hud knocked on my door. I pushed away from the stock ticker, looking up as he entered the room. Walking behind him was a young woman, as fresh-faced and voluptuous as I had ever seen. My libido was instantly engaged, though I told myself I was too old for her.
She had soft chestnut hair that flowed gracefully over her shoulders. Her eyes were bright and her lips were full. Dressed in a two-piece pantsuit that did nothing to hide her chest, she appeared as if she were on a job interview. I could instantly tell that she was kind. She had a wholesome vibe that I knew Seanan would warm to.
I caught myself wishing that she could join my staff. It would be a pleasure to look at her every day, even though she would be off-limits. She entered the room without fear, marching up to my desk and holding out her hand.
I rose to my feet, allowing myself a sweeping view of her form. Beneath her waistband, I could tell that her hips were stacked. The jacket she wore stretched tight across her midsection, fitted to her body and accenting her breasts. I took her hand with pleasure, noting the confidence in her grip.
“This is Breanna Murphy,” Hud introduced.
“Call me Bre,” the vision said.
“Is that an American accent?” I teased, already prepared to hire her.
“It is,” she replied. “I’m from California.”
“Have you ever been to Ireland before?”
“No. But my grandmother was born here.”
“Ah, so you’re coming home.”
“In a way.”
“Do you have any experience with children?” I asked, getting right down to the point.
“I had some babysitting jobs when I was a kid,” she said. “I’m good at making up games and playing pretend.”
“Seanan will like that,” I concluded. “How old are you?” It was none of my business, and an outlandish question to ask, but I had to know. She appeared to be no older than twenty, and if she was going to walk around my home looking like she did, I wanted to know exactly what the difference was between us.
“I’m twenty-five.”
That was better. At thirty-two, that only gave me seven years on her. Still, as a member of my household staff, I would have to keep my hands off. I wasn’t interviewing for a playmate, at least not one for myself.
“Hud will show you to your room,” I replied, sitting back down. “I believe Seanan is taking a nap, but when she wakes up, you can meet her.”
“I got the job?” she asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
“If you want it.”
“I do.” She blushed and turned away. “Thank you.”
“Hud, please tell the cook to resume her normal duties.”
“Yes, sir,” Hud said, reaching for the door.
The two of them left, creating a vacuum. I stared at the spot where she had been standing, fighting to control my thoughts. I would have to put her out of my mind, focus on my work like I had planned. Once Bre got settled, I could return to the office, and I wouldn’t have to imagine her in the next room.
I knew exactly which chamber Hud would give her; I knew the layout and the position of the bed. She was under my roof now, a person in my employ. I could fantasize all I wanted, but I could never touch.
CHAPTERTHREE
BREANNA