Chapter 4
Alice
“This place is going to work perfectly.”
Whitney chuckles over our video call. “I thought you might like it. The neighbors are great, and it’s in a quiet neighborhood.”
I didn’t have much opportunity to check out the new rental when I arrived last night.
Whitney and Jack had picked up my car and drove it to the rental for me to prevent me from further breaking the law.
By the time I left Sutton’s house and walked the few blocks here, it was already dark, and I was beat from the long drive and eventful afternoon.
I took in a few boxes and promptly passed out.
My lips curve as I think about the excitement yesterday brought.
It’s a nice change of pace from a creepy stalkerish podcaster.
“What’s that smile for?”
“No clue what you’re talking about.” I frown into the camera before flipping to the back cam and panning across the bare living room.
The place is sparsely furnished, with a couch and a recliner.
“What do you think about hanging some art on the walls? The white is a bit sterile for my tastes. A punch of color would perk this place right up.”
“Spencer said you’re free to paint and decorate as you please, but if you have any questions, he’ll be by later with the sublease for you to sign.”
“Good. I was hoping for the chance to thank him, and last night was way too brief.” I flip the camera back around now that I’ve fixed my face.
“How did the rest of the night go?”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, you know. ‘This isn’t going to work,’” I deepen my voice to mimic Sutton’s. “I think he’ll come around.”
“He will. I know he’s a bit gruff, but Sutton is a good man.”
I’m not so sure about that, but he did smell good.
The memory of his body near mine in his kitchen and his masculine scent resurfaces with an accompanying tingle between my thighs.
It’s dreadful he’s a jerk. A hot, bossy jerk.
I could use a good lay, and the broody sex appeal oozing off that man promises a fantastic time.
“Perfect. I’ve had enough bad men to last me a lifetime.” I toss myself bodily into the recliner.
“Do you want to talk about that? Your reason for coming? You really didn’t say much. I’m happy to let you have your privacy, but you know you can tell me anything.”
“There isn’t much to tell. A nonexistent dating streak and needing a change of pace.
” I skip the part about my brother’s fuckup rising from the metaphorical grave.
“The only good man in my life is an eighty-year-old veteran who likes bird-watching and line dancing and makes a mean enchilada bake. I needed a change.”
“Maybe you need to date a little older.”
“They sure don’t make ’em like they used to, but Archie’s a little wrinkled for my tastes.”
“Ew. That’s not what I meant!”
I cackle as I roll off the chair and regain my feet. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”
“I just don’t want you to be lonely.”
“My vibrator keeps me company, and it doesn’t talk back. It also doesn’t take out the trash, but my old boyfriends didn’t either, so I’m not really missing anything.”
“At least your positivity is intact,” Whitney says sarcastically.
“I wouldn’t be me without it.”
I skirt past a few boxes of my belongings that I managed to drag in last night before I crashed on the couch and enter the galley kitchen.
The rich golden light of the morning sun illuminates the small space.
The lone piece of furniture, a modest square kitchen table, is tucked neatly in the corner.
It needs flowers and a light, airy tablecloth.
“Thank you, though. You and Spencer and whoever else had their hand in getting me this place and coercing Sutton into giving me a job. Although you did forget to mention he wasn’t aware he was getting a new nanny.”
Whitney laughs. “That was his brother’s idea. He thought Sutton might be a little too resistant if he asked for permission first.”
I recall his stunned expression and giggle along with her. “The reinforcements were a nice touch.”
“You’re going to be great. He just needs a little nudge. Once he sees how good you are with Nellie, his worries will vanish.”
“Let’s hope so.”
A knock rattles the storm door.
“I have a visitor. I should let you go and see who it is.”
“All right. Call me later. If you need any help unpacking, I’m not far away.”
The truth in those words injects me with a peace I haven’t felt in a very long time.
“I didn’t bring much, but if anything comes up, you’ll be my first call.”
“’Kay. Love you, bye!”
“Love you too, Whit. Bye.”
I shove my cell into the pocket of my shorts as the call drops. For one heartbeat, my nerves spike about who might be on the other side of this door. That’s all I allow before I swing it open to find out.
“Hi,” I greet curiously.
An older woman stands on the other side, holding a silver pan. I estimate her to be about mid-fifties. Brown strands of hair blow gently across her lightly wrinkled forehead in the warm breeze.
“Hi! I’m Francine. I saw you moving in last night and thought I’d come by to welcome you to the neighborhood. These are for you!” She thrusts a pan of what looks like frosted brownies into my hands.
I blink at the unexpected gesture.
“Hi,” I say again. “This is really kind. I’d invite you in, but there’s not a lot going on in there, though I can dig out my coffee pot if you’d like to have a cup.” I glance over my shoulder and back with a grin.
She wipes her hands on the frilly pink apron tied around her waist and crosses her arms. “Bah. That’s not necessary.
I don’t want to intrude. It’s just the houses are sparse on this side of town, and it can feel lonely, so I wanted you to know you aren’t, well, alone.
Unless of course you want to be alone! Oh goodness, don’t mind me.
If you need some quiet, just say so, and I’ll stay over in my own front yard. ”
My grin grows wider at her long-winded monologue. “It’s nice to meet you, Francine. I’m Alice. And this is a welcome intrusion. I’d like to be friends.”
“Great! If you need anything, my house is the tan one to the left, just down the sidewalk there. My husband passed a few years ago, so it’s just me and my cat, Percy. You’re welcome by any time.”
“I’m sure I’ll take you up on that.”
She rocks up on her toes on my front steps as if she’s trying to be discreet about peering around me. “Is it just you then?”
My chin flicks in confirmation. “Just me.”
“I thought I only saw you moving those boxes last night, and I thought to myself, ‘Where is her man?’”
“I don’t have one.”
I swear her eyes sparkle. “My sons are all married, but if you need any help, I’m happy to—”
The rumble of an engine rolling down the empty street turns both our heads. Curiosity takes the place of our conversation, stretching into a comfortable silence. Her line of questioning amused me more than anything, but I’m not upset about the momentary reprieve.
Any question about who is coming this way disappears as the black truck pulls to a smooth stop outside my new rental and the stern face of Sutton Stone emerges.
Or should I say, my new boss.
He’s not in uniform, which is a good sign. I wouldn’t put it past him to find a fresh reason to arrest me in order to keep me from showing up early Monday morning as his new nanny.
“Good morning, ladies,” he says on approach in that faux-friendly, authoritative tone he’s perfected for his career.
An unrefined snort slips from me.
Sutton and Francine both openly appraise me.
“Sorry, I think I swallowed a bug.” I make a show of patting my chest with a fist.
“Good morning, Sutton.” Francine sways in his direction. “Have you met my new neighbor, Alice?”
Sutton’s unreadable gaze locks on mine. The color a piercing shade of blue. “I have.”
Francine claps her hands together in front of her chest. “Did you know she doesn’t have a man in her life?”
“Somehow that’s not the most shocking thing I’ve heard about her,” Sutton replies, his tone dry.
I smirk.
Francine goes on, oblivious to the staring contest playing out in front of her. “Officer Stone is also single. He’s been raising the sweetest little girl by himself, and doing a fine job.”
“So I’ve been told,” I reply.
Francine’s gaze ping-pongs between the two of us. As the silence stretches, her eager expression becomes exasperated. “If the two of you would like to get to know one another, I’m happy to babysit at any time.”
Sutton’s jaw drops with what I’m sure is another sarcastic remark destined to convey his near-zero lack of interest.
“I think we got to know each other pretty well last night, didn’t we, Sutton?” I lean conspiratorially toward Francine. “He even let me try on his handcuffs.”
Her gasp lets me know I landed exactly where I’d hoped. A grin spreads across her cheeks while Sutton fixes his gaze over my head, ignoring the way his skin blushes.
“I’m going to put these inside. Be right back.” I lift the pan of brownies.
Something light and airy propels me inside. The screen door bangs shut, and I finally release a giggle. “That was fun,” I say to myself.
I take my time placing the treats into the empty refrigerator and give the two of them time to clear any misconceptions before my return.
I check my app monitoring my glucose, having already decided I’m going to have to taste one of those brownies.
I’m in range, sitting at 127 and steady.
I estimate the amount of carbs using a standard recipe and set up an extended bolus to deliver insulin half now and half in a couple of hours.
With that done, I hover beside the door. I need to gather my wits for whatever brings Sutton to my house not even a full day after we met.