“Slow? You’re fucking the nanny.”
“Don’t be so crass. I love the woman, and she’s great with Amelia. The fact that she happens to be the nanny is an added perk. And, not that we’re telling anyone, but we’re trying for a boy.”
“Is that a thing?” I ask, sipping my bourbon. “Like special positions or some shit to make sure it’s a boy instead of a girl?” Jess and I only ever had one child, Julianna, who wasn’t the least bit planned. Jess never wanted any more kids.
“That would be fun,” Levi says with a wicked grin, “but I don’t think that’s how it works. Maybe, though, we’ll try it. Google it on the internet.”
I finish my bourbon and order another. I’m within walking distance to the hotel where I’m staying at one of Levi's properties. I don’t have to worry about getting behind the wheel of a car or even walking far.
“How is Jules doing? Is Wyatt watching her while you’re here?”
“Yeah,” I say, and glance at my phone. “I called and left her a message, but she was spending the night over Izzie’s.” My jaw tightens.
“You look stressed.”
“When am I not stressed? I can’t tell if Julianna’s sleepover is just girls hanging out type of thing or something more. And if it’s something more, I feel like, at fifteen, she should not be spending the night.”
“What do you mean?” Levi asks.
“Julianna likes girls.” I had less issue with it when they were sleeping under my roof and I was the parent who was home.
“Well, she can’t get pregnant.” Levi slaps my back. “Relax. She’s a teenager. They explore and whatnot. Remember when we were that age? Let's not think about that tonight, okay?”
I groan. Easier said than done. “Just wait until Amelia is fifteen and old enough to date.”
Levi’s top lip snarls. “Shut your mouth. My daughter isn’t dating anyone until she’s thirty.”
“Good luck keeping her from breaking that crazy rule.” Although it doesn’t sound half-bad. If I could keep Julianna from dating anyone until she was thirty—male or female—I’d be all for it.
I consume more alcohol than I should in a few short hours. Women are dancing, and a few come up to me, asking for a dance, wanting me to take them home.
I’m not interested.
They’re pale compared to the brightness of Cali. The woman crept not only into my heart and thoughts, but into the city. Why can’t she stay on the west coast? Why did she have to apply for a job and come to New York?
Levi glances at his watch. “I hate to do this to you, but I’ve got a woman at home and a daughter who needs tucking into bed.” He drops enough cash on the counter for the bartender, to cover our drinks.
Not that I need him picking up my tab. But it’s appreciated. I’m not sure I’m capable of counting out a proper tip. Too much booze makes math hard.
Although Julianna would call itmathing.The kid likes to turn nouns into verbs.
“See you tomorrow,” I mutter as Levi puts on his jacket.
“Let me walk you to the hotel.”
“It’s just across the street. I can manage myself.” I don’t need him babysitting me. I’m fine. Well, minus the heart-crushed anger rippling through me. Otherwise, I’m just dandy.
“We’re all paid up. I’m walking you home.” Levi grabs my coat off the back of the barstool and hands it to me when I stand.
I’m good with my balance, unlike that hot brunette who kept falling all over herself around me. Maybe I’m the reason that she kept tripping, getting all flustered around me.
Although she didn’t fall on her face this morning at the interview.
Too bad.
Levi walks me across the street like a child and steps into the foyer with me. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but we’re friends. Put your differences aside and hire Cali. She’s good for the resort.”
Why the hell did he have to bring upher? Just when my night was finally looking up. “I can take it from here. I don’t need a chaperone. Go home to your nanny,” I say with a smirk.