Chapter 1 #2
He chuckles softly, and steps out of the threshold, barefoot and all, to give me a full-body hug that catches me by surprise.
Heat instantly creeps to my neck and cheeks, and I silently pray Jason doesn’t notice how much his touch disarms me. Get a grip, Mila!
He pulls back first, his hands firmly gripping my shoulders as his gaze locks onto mine.
“Well, would you look at that.” He shakes his head in disbelief.
“You’re definitely a far cry from the little Rivera I remember all those years ago, always trailing after her big sister everywhere.
My how you’ve grown.” His lips curl into a half-smile as his eyes slowly travel down my body once more.
“That’s what ten years can do to a person. And FYI, I didn’t follow Skylar everywhere. She simply had what I didn’t at the time—a license and a car.”
He releases a low, raspy chuckle, and I feel it all the way down to my core. The interview hasn’t even started, and I’m already a puddled mess. Thankfully, he seems oblivious to the chaos brewing within me.
“Let’s go inside and get started, shall we? Ladies first.” He steps aside and motions for me to enter the house.
In the many years I’ve known him, this is my first time being inside his home.
Our paths rarely crossed despite him being a close friend to my sister.
The only times we’ve interacted was during my visits to his restaurant or to Skylar and Kaden’s house.
Apart from that, we had very little to do with each other.
I hear the front door close behind me and pause, waiting for Jason to lead the way.
The hallway is long and wide, with a staircase to the left leading upstairs to the second floor. Though simply decorated, it feels bright and airy. He guides me straight to the kitchen and dining area, where we take our seats at a large ten-seater table.
“Would you like something to drink?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m good for now, thank you.”
“Okay, great. Let’s dive right in then,” he says, pulling his phone from the back pocket of his jeans and switching it to silent before placing it carefully on the table.
“First off, this isn’t going to be some stiff, formal interview where I ask you to rattle off all your strengths and qualities.
We’re practically family, and the trust I have in Skylar extends to you as well.
So, let’s skip the formalities and just treat this like a friendly chat.
” He winks at me, and I swear I almost forget how to breathe.
“Works for me! Saves me from having to come up with multiple ways to describe myself as bubbly, energetic, and free-spirited.”
He lets out a hearty laugh, a sound that’s fast becoming my favourite.
“Your sister mentioned before that you’re the complete opposite of her.
She said you’re a real kid at heart, always full of energy and enthusiasm for adventure.
If that’s true then you’re practically the perfect fit for the job, because that’s exactly what my son needs. ” He smiles broadly.
His phone buzzes with a text, and he quickly swipes to check it. While he’s distracted, I let myself really look at him—take in every small detail. How can one man be this devastatingly good-looking to the point it almost hurts to stare too long?
Once he finishes reading the text message, he places his phone back on the table, this time with the screen facing down.
“Sorry about that. My bar manager was just updating me on how things are going at the restaurant. So far, no dramas—yet.” He shrugs casually, as if he’s accustomed to things going sideways.
“That’s always good news,” I throw in my two cents.
Jason is the owner of Hawkins’ Bar and Grill, a highly successful and popular restaurant and bar just twenty minutes from the city centre. Over the years, it has quickly become a top pick for both locals and tourists—a true hidden gem, as highlighted in several popular food blogs.
“That’s totally fine. If you need to go, we can reschedule for another time.”
He shakes his head, quickly dismissing the idea. “No, that won’t be necessary. The staff are highly capable of handling the restaurant without me for a day.”
“Okay, good to hear.” I glance around the room, noticing how quiet and still it is. It suddenly dawns on me that I haven’t seen his son once since I arrived. “Where is Jake by the way?”
“He’s at Dad’s. He usually stays over his grandfather’s house once a fortnight to keep him company and help the old man feel young again. Since Dad retired from the police force, he hasn’t had much to keep him occupied. But every now and then he helps out at the restaurant and with Jake.”
“What about his mum? Does he stay with her throughout the week too?” I ask curiously.
“He spends one week with me and the next with his mother. It works well for our family, and Jake seems happy with the arrangement,” he explains.
“And the babysitting hours? What would they be like?”
“I have Jake from Wednesday to Tuesday one week, and then alternate with Elena the following week. On the days I have Jake, he stays over at his grandfather’s house on Wednesdays, and attends preschool on Thursday and Friday until 4:00 p.m. I’ll mostly need your help on those two evenings while I’m at work and on Saturday and Sunday nights too from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sometimes it might even be more, depending how busy we are at the restaurant.
Is that something that would work for you? ”
I nod affirmatively. “That’s perfect actually. I have uni three days a week—Monday through Wednesday, plus tutoring on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Other than that, I’m free.”
He lets out a deep sigh of relief, a wide smile spreading across his face.
“I’m so relieved to hear that. You’ve really saved my arse, Mila.
I’ve been losing my mind trying to find a babysitter who’s available during the hours I need them.
Jake’s going to be over the moon. He absolutely adores Skylar, so I’m sure he’ll warm up to you just as quickly. ”
“I can’t wait to see him,” I reply with genuine enthusiasm.
Jason stands up and extends his hand to me. “Now that shit’s done, how about a tour of the house?” He grins, flashing a full set of straight, pearly white teeth.
I smile back and take his hand, letting him help me rise from my seat. “Thank you. I would love that.” I step back, giving him space. “Lead the way, Mr. Hawkins.” I motion for him to go ahead first.
He pauses for a moment, raising an eyebrow at me. “Mr. Hawkins is my dad. You can just call me Jason, Jase or J.” He gives me another wink, and this time, I’m almost certain my cheeks are turning a bright shade of red.
For the next half hour, he gives me a quick tour of his beautiful four-bedroom suburban home, each spacious room furnished with rich leather and dark wood, set against crisp white walls.
Framed pictures of his family and friends line the walls, accompanied by a few pieces of abstract art.
The whole place carries a distinctly masculine vibe.
When we step into the backyard, my eyes are immediately drawn to the long infinity pool with its built-in spa, no doubt well used. A cubby house and swing set sit off to the side, like it’s Jake’s own little private space.
After the tour, we return to the kitchen, where Jason walks me through Jake’s night-time routine—what he usually eats, the games he likes to play, and the books he enjoys listening to before bed.
Once all the important details about his son are covered, he wraps up the conversation, claiming he needs to get back to the restaurant. He walks me out to my car and opens my door, like the true gentleman he is.
“Are you available to babysit this Saturday?” he asks, rubbing the back of his neck, almost shyly.
“I know it’s a little short notice, but I’m kind of desperate.
The previous babysitter has completely bailed on me, and my dad’s off on a fishing trip this weekend.
If it interests you, I pay double on weekends. ”
“Yeah, that’s no problem at all!” More cash for me anyway.
His face brightens with a relieved smile. “Oh, thank God. See... life saver.” I let out a breathy laugh, and he releases one too.
After hopping into my car, I wave goodbye to him through the half-open window.
As I’m reversing out of the driveway; I notice Jason doesn’t leave right away.
He stays rooted to the spot, watching me until I’m safely on the road.
Only when he begins to fade in my rear-view mirror do I allow a wide, giddy smile to stretch across my face.
Jason is exactly the man I thought—charming, gentle, and kind-hearted. I don’t know what I was so nervous about. My day turned out even better than I could have imagined—a fun new job, extra money in the bank, and one hell of a sexy new boss.