“No, it’s fine. I appreciate you working on Friday nights, so just count the extra forty as a tip.”
My beautiful babysitter blushes.
“But that’s a sixty-six percent tip, Mr. Patton,” she murmurs, bright spots of color on her cheeks. “It’s too much.”
I smile, hoping I don’t look too much like an animal.
“No it’s fine,” I reply in a smooth tone. “Besides, I have a favor to ask.”
She nods, while struggling up from the couch. “Of course, anything.” I grab her elbow to help, and the shock of electricity between us goes straight to my groin, making me wince once again.
“Are you okay?” Tracy asks with wide eyes. “I shouldn’t be so ungainly because I’m only in my first trimester, but everyone’s different. Sorry about that.”
“No, no, it’s fine,” I growl. “It’s just the back acting up again. But I was wondering if you do overnights? And travel, occasionally?”
Tracy bites her lip and nods.
“Yes, but what kind of travel are we talking about?”
I nod.
“Well, this is kind of last minute, but Amelia and I are going to Bermuda next week. It’s a two-week holiday, and at first, I thought I’d be able to manage her myself. But now, it looks like I’m going to have to work through part of it, so I need a babysitter. Would you be available?”
Tracy bites her lip.
“Next week?”
I nod.
“Leaving next Friday to be exact. I know you must have other clients booked already, but I’m ready to make it worth your while. I’ll pay you two thousand dollars a day for your time, which would be about thirty thousand dollars by the time the trip’s over. Would that be enough? It would be all expenses paid, of course.”
Tracy’s big brown eyes go wide.
“Thirty thousand dollars? For two weeks?” she murmurs.
I nod.
“Yes, and of course you’ll have your own room and bathroom. A pregnant woman needs her privacy, and I respect that.”
The gorgeous brunette nods, although she’s still cautious.
“Yes, but does Bermuda have hospitals and first-rate medical care? It’s not that I’m fragile or anything. It’s just that being pregnant makes me careful, and I’d appreciate access to a doctor in case of an emergency.”
I nod.
“Yes, absolutely. We’ll be staying at the Rosewood Bermuda, which is a five star resort with every amenity at your fingertips. I’m sure they have a doctor on premises, and I belong to a concierge medical service as well, so we’ll be able to access health care even while abroad. I’ll absolutely make sure that you’re taken care of and protected, Tracy.”
The beautiful brunette bites her lip and looks unsure, but then a hesitant smile creeps over her features.
“Well, let me check with my other clients to make sure they’re able to find subs, but I think it’s fine,” she says in a melodious tone. “It’ll be fun, and I love spending time with Amelia. She’ll enjoy the beach, I’m sure.”
I grin, my heart practically pounding out of my chest at her assent.
“I think my daughter will have a great time, and she’ll be even more excited when she finds out you’re coming,” I say in a low voice. “It’ll be wonderful, Tracy, and thanks again for coming with us. I really appreciate this last minute favor.”
My gorgeous babysitter merely smiles again before looking at her phone.
“Oh, my Uber’s here,” she murmurs before shooting me another smile. “I better get going.”