6. Cohen
Chapter 6
Cohen
I run my fingers through my hair for the thousandth time, pacing in front of the massive oak door. The house feels too quiet, too still without Elodie's laughter filling the space. She's upstairs, in her room, probably playing or drawing—oblivious to the fact that her dad is overthinking everything right now.
We’d asked the kids to hang out upstairs so we could have an adult conversation with Skylar and make sure she was the right fit. Austin certainly had his reservations, and after her background check, so did I. But, Austin was right. She’s our only option right now. An agency would certainly be more efficient, but after the last experience we’re not comfortable with that option.
That trash they’d sent us came with glowing reviews and a list of references. Did they even check into their employees? Because after the way she spoke to our kids—we’d watched the security footage the next day, seeing her tear into Elodie and Lucas like they were criminals—she deserved jail time, not a job.
Skylar had stepped in then, and even though it wasn’t her responsibility, she made sure they were okay. She didn’t just sit there and do nothing. Maybe it’s that, more than anything, that has me considering her.
I peek out the window when I hear gravel crunching, watching Austin's black Audi pull into the driveway. Open-minded , I remind myself. For Elodie .
"They're here," I call out, running a hand through my shaggy hair. It needs a trim, but that's low on my list of priorities right now.
Thundering footsteps echo behind me as Theo bounds down the stairs. "Ready for this?" he asks, clapping me on the shoulder.
I let out a wry chuckle. "As I'll ever be."
We move to the front door, and I take a deep breath before pulling it open. The late afternoon sunlight spills in, momentarily blinding me. As my vision adjusts, I see her.
The woman standing before me is breathtaking. Chestnut hair frames a face that could launch a thousand ships, with sharp cheekbones and hazel eyes that seem to pierce right through me. But it's not just her beauty that strikes me; there's something achingly familiar about her, like I’ve seen her before but can’t place where.
"Hey, you must be Skylar," I say hoping my smile doesn’t come off too forced. "I'm Cohen. Come on in, we've got a lot to talk about."
Her eyes meet mine, and for a split second, I catch a flash of something—surprise, then shock, followed by a flicker of anger. It happens so fast, like a storm passing through the sky. But just as quickly as it came, the emotions clear, leaving behind nothing but a blank, professional expression. It’s like I never saw anything at all.
Skylar doesn’t immediately step forward, her gaze shifting from me to the open door behind me as if she’s deciding whether or not to trust the invitation. Then she meets my eyes, and for a split second, I feel a sharp jolt of recognition—something that feels like déjà vu, but it’s gone before I can grasp it.
"Mr. Rhodes," she says, her voice cool and professional.
I extend my hand, trying to ignore the jolt of electricity that runs through me when our fingers touch. "Please, call me Cohen. Come in."
She nods slightly, her lips curving into a polite but distant smile, and steps inside. There’s a tension in the air already, and I’m not sure if it’s coming from her or from me. Or maybe it’s both of us, drawn together by the weight of this conversation.
Or, maybe it’s Austin. He’s been acting strange the last few days. I catch a glimpse of him behind her, standing just at the threshold, his jaw tight, his gaze sharper than usual. It’s like he’s silently watching, waiting for something.
I hear Theo’s voice behind me, a light greeting to Skylar, but I can’t tear my eyes away from her. Theo, ever the social one, takes a step toward her, and for a brief moment, Skylar stiffens. Her eyes flicker to him, then she steps back instinctively—smacking right into Austin’s chest.
Austin doesn’t flinch, his gaze fixed on the interaction. I watch as Theo’s expression tightens, his eyes narrowing just a little too long at Skylar. It’s a look I recognize—something between curiosity and something deeper, more personal. It unsettles me, and I feel a tightness in my chest. What the hell is going on between them?
Austin, sensing the tension, steps forward, breaking the silence. His voice is sharper than usual, more clipped. "We don’t have time for nonsense. We need to get this sorted."
I feel the shift in the air as the casual note in Austin’s tone fades, replaced with something more authoritative. He’s never been one for drama, and right now, I can tell he wants this to be as smooth as possible—despite the obvious tension.
I look to Skylar, then back to Austin, offering a tight smile. I clear my throat, suddenly aware of how dry my mouth is. "So, uh, shall we sit down and discuss the details?"
Skylar nods, the same blank professionalism settling into place on her face. I can’t shake the nagging feeling that there’s so much more going on here than any of us are letting on. I feel like I'm missing something important and it’s starting to piss me off.
"Can I get you anything to drink?" I offer, more out of habit than anything else.
"No, thank you," Skylar replies, her tone clipped.
As we settle onto the couch, I notice how she sits ramrod straight, her posture screaming tension. It’s as if she’s bracing herself for something, and I wonder if it’s just the nerves of this interview, or something more personal.
Theo takes the seat next to her, a little too close, and I can’t help but notice how his gaze lingers on her, like he’s drawn to her in some way he still hasn’t fully understood. He can’t seem to keep his eyes off of her and he isn’t even bothering to hide his attention. Her eyes flick to him every now and then, like she’s trying to make sure he hasn’t somehow moved closer. I’ve never seen him like this—not with anyone.
Austin and I used to enjoy the draw our family name had on women—nothing serious, just fun and the kind of casual connections that came with our lives. But Theo...he’d always been different. While Austin and I reveled in the freedom and opportunity, Theo never chased. He’d participate, but he always kept his distance, as if there was a reason he couldn’t—or wouldn’t—get too close.
And now, watching the way his gaze lingers on Skylar, I'm wondering if I'm looking at the reason why.
The air between them crackles with unspoken history, and I feel a sudden, unexpected tightness in my chest. What the hell is going on here?
Austin drops into an armchair across from us, arms folded, his jaw tight, and his gaze cutting in and out of Skylar's direction. He’s been quiet since she arrived, and I can feel the tension thickening with every second that passes.
He clears his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Let's go over the schedule, shall we?" His tone is clipped, professional, but there's an edge to it that I've rarely heard from my usually composed brother.
"We, uh, really need someone right now," I begin, trying to break the silence, my voice coming out sharper than I intended. "After, well…everything with the last nanny, we’re kind of scrambling to find someone who can fit in and keep things running smoothly."
Skylar tilts her head slightly, acknowledging my words without giving away much. "I understand. I mean, I was there to witness that fiasco, so I really do understand. I’m confident I can handle whatever’s needed."
I clasp my hands tightly in my lap, feeling more on edge with every passing second. "We’re...we're in a tough spot. Elodie’s needs are pretty specific, and we need someone who can step in and not just care for her but understand how to handle the unpredictability that comes with her."
Austin shifts in his seat, obviously done with the pleasantries. His voice comes out sharp, cutting through the growing tension in the room. "We need someone who can start, like, yesterday."
I keep my focus on Skylar, watching for any signs of discomfort. There’s a lot of unknowns here, but we don’t have the luxury of being picky.
"I can start immediately," she says without hesitation, her face a mask of professionalism. But I notice the flicker in her eyes—there’s something else behind that calm demeanor.
I swallow down the growing frustration I feel, trying to keep it together. "All right, let’s talk specifics, then."
I can see Theo’s interest piquing. His usual cool exterior seems a little less under control now, and his focus is entirely on Skylar, like he’s waiting for her to say something—anything—that will give him the answers he’s looking for.
I shoot him a quick look, but he doesn’t even acknowledge it.
Austin pulls out his phone, probably accessing some meticulously crafted schedule. "We'll need you here from seven in the morning until five-thirty in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. Weekends are your own."
I watch Skylar's face as Austin rattles off a list of dietary restrictions, house rules and daily routines. She nods along, her expression neutral, but there's a tightness around her eyes that speaks volumes.
"Should you need to stay later, the kids have a strict bedtime routine," Austin continues. "No sugar after six, and..."
My mind wanders as I study Skylar. There's something about her that doesn't quite fit.
"Is that all clear?" Austin's voice snaps me back to attention.
Skylar nods, her tone clipped. "Crystal. I'll follow your instructions to the letter."
“I don’t see you taking notes, Miss Deveraux. Are you certain—”
"I think I can handle it," she interjects, a hint of challenge in her voice.
I can't help but smirk at the way Skylar pushes back against Austin's need for control. It's refreshing, in a way, but also unsettling. This isn't how things usually go in the Rhodes household and I’m not sure Austin will be able to handle it for long.
Austin's jaw tightens. "I'm sure you can, Ms. Deveraux. I just want to ensure we're all on the same page."
Austin clears his throat, drawing our attention. "Well, there's one more thing to discuss. I understand you'd prefer to stay in the carriage house rather than move in here."
Before Skylar can respond, Theo cuts in, his voice sharp. "Wait, what? Why wouldn't you want to stay in the house?"
I whip my head around, startled by Theo's sudden intensity. His usual laid-back demeanor has vanished, replaced by a tense, almost protective stance. What the hell is the history between these two? And why are they pretending it doesn’t exist?
Skylar's eyes lock with Theo's, and I swear I can see sparks flying between them. Her jaw tightens as she grits out, "It would be inappropriate and...uncomfortable."
The weight of unspoken history hangs heavy in the air. I glance at Austin, seeing my own confusion mirrored in his face.
"I don't see why it would be—" Theo starts, but Skylar cuts him off with a look that could freeze hell itself.
"Drop it, Theo," she hisses, her composure cracking for just a moment.
Austin, ever the peacemaker, waves his hand dismissively. "It's fine, really. But if you change your mind, just let us know. Having you in-house might simplify things, even if it is only temporary."
Skylar nods stiffly, her gaze fixed anywhere but on Theo or me. There's something cold in the way she holds herself now, and I can’t help but notice how she avoids any kind of eye contact with either of us. It’s like she’s already drawing a line between herself and us, and I don’t know if I’m supposed to feel reassured or more on edge because of it.
"Right," Austin continues, his tone forcefully cheerful. "How about a quick tour of the house?"
Skylar looks like she’s going to protest, but the words die on her lips. She stands with a slight rustle of fabric, her movements sharp and clipped as she follows Austin toward the door. I watch them both walk out, the air between us feeling just as heavy now as it did when they first arrived.
Theo and I are left in the silence. I glance at Theo, who’s still staring after Skylar, like he can’t stand the thought of her being out of his sight.
"You okay, man?" I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.
Theo startles, as if pulled from a trance. "Yeah, yeah. I'm good." But his eyes are still fixed on Skylar's retreating form.
I feel an unexpected surge of...something. Jealousy? Possessiveness? What the hell is wrong with me? I've just met this woman, and yet the idea of Theo having some sort of connection with her sets my teeth on edge.
"So, you two know each other?" I press, unable to help myself.
Theo's gaze finally snaps to mine. "We...uh, we ran in the same circles back in the day."
I raise an eyebrow. "Is that it?"
He has the grace to look sheepish. "It's complicated, Cohen."
I trail Austin as he leads Skylar through the house, his usual smooth professionalism faltering. She challenges him at every turn, her sharp wit clearly getting under his skin. And yet, there's something else there too—a spark, an undeniable attraction simmering beneath the surface.
"Seems like there's a lot of 'complicated' going around," I mutter to myself.