7. Lizzy
Three days later, I’m up at the crack of dawn. I’m ready for an adventurous day with Milli, and I’m eagerly walking the quarter mile to their house. I’ve brought my Mary Poppins bag, and I’m certain I’m prepared for anything this toddler throws at me.
It’s barely six thirty in the morning, and although I’m not expected until seven, I need Cameron to know I’m taking this job seriously.
Experience has told me it’s always harder for parents to leave on their first day with a new sitter.
He needs to feel confident he’s leaving his daughter in good hands by the time he steps out that door.
My promptness is just a step in that direction.
Not wanting to wake Milli, I knock quietly and wait.
I should’ve known better, as the sound of stomping feet quickly approaches.
The lock on the door disengages, and my tongue nearly sticks to the roof of my mouth when I’m greeted by a shirtless Cameron. Thankfully, I don’t get a chance to ogle or make a fool of myself, as Milli practically throws herself at me in excitement. I’m suddenly too busy catching my balance.
“Iz… You here!”
Doing my best to ignore my body’s response to Cameron, I force my focus on the eager girl before me. Patting her on the back, I match her enthusiasm. “Yes! I get to spend the day with you.”
“Yay!” With puppy dog eyes, her long lashes bat at me as she asks, “We swim and read books?”
Ohmigod. This girl is absolutely adorable.
“Of course. You have swim lessons, right?”
Nodding profusely. “Yep. I see Cora.”
Not fully following, I finally glance at Cameron for assistance, “Cora?”
When I meet his eyes, he smiles wide and nods. “Yes, Milli. You’re swimming with Cora today.”
To me, he says, “Cora’s her swim instructor.”
“Yay!” Milli squeals, as she fists her hand and pumps it in the air. “I’m hungry, Daddy. Bacon?”
The moment Cameron nods, she’s off like a rocket into the house, leaving the two of us to stare after her.
Shaking his head, Cameron turns to me. “Have you eaten? I’ve got omelets… shit… speaking of which, I’ve gotta get those…”
I follow him as he strides to the kitchen.
“Sorry, I’m not ready. I wasn’t expecting you so soon.”
“Uh, I’m from an Air Force family. Early is on time. On time is late.” I can’t help it. It’s been engrained in me since before I could make the choice for myself.
This earns me a devious grin. “Good to know…”
Once in the kitchen, he efficiently plates three large omelets and readjusts the temperature on the griddle.
“Uh… if you’ll excuse me. Milli’s orange juice won out against my shirt just as you arrived, and now I need to…
uh…” His brows raise, and he looks to his chest for explanation. “Find something else to wear.”
Reaching for what I now recognize as a shirt on the counter, he adds, “Please… help yourself. I’ve made plenty.”
Without another word, he dashes out of the room, and I’m left staring for far longer than I’ll ever admit.
Why world—of all people—why him?
Why does he have to be the only person I’ve been able to think about since the day we met?
Why couldn’t he be some random single dad in Seaside?
I need this job.
I can be professional.
But Gah—That man makes my panties melt with just a simple smirk.
Gah, get it together, Elizabeth.
This isn’t the time nor the place.
I’ve got a job to do and even if Cameron’s the only man who’s lit my body on fire from the inside out, I need to put any feelings I might have for him aside—for now.
He can star in every single one of my fantasies— when I’m off the clock .
Damn him, for being a DILF.
Oh, my fucking god. I’ve never been into any dad I’ve worked for.
Look what he’s turned me into.
This is one-hundred percent Cameron’s fault—and mine for agreeing to go out with him in the first place.
Why did I break my rules for him?
Focus. You’re here to do a job.
Speaking of job—where’s Milli?
Shit! I can’t lose her in the first five minutes on my very first day. I’ll be fired before he can even leave for work.
Frantically looking around the room, I find her obliviously sitting at the kitchen table.
She’s got a crayon in one hand and is diligently coloring her own picture on a piece of construction paper, while chomping on a long piece of bacon from the other.
Thank God she’s so focused on her drawing, she doesn’t even notice I’m having an existential crisis.
“Hey, Milli, you ready for an omelet?”
She’s so focused on her drawing, she doesn’t even look up. Face down, she mumbles something that sounds like, “Uh-huh.”
Needing to make myself busy so I’ll stop thinking about Cameron in the other room changing, I focus on Milli’s needs. Walking to the stack of plates set out on the counter, I can’t help but grin at the stack of bacon sitting next to a large pile of omelets.
Geeze, these omelets are enormous . Who the heck is he planning to feed this morning?
There’s no way Milli can eat one on her own. Taking the spatula propped against the griddle, I split one in half, then add another slice of bacon to her plate. Not seeing any forks set out, I make myself at home. After two failed attempts, I find the silverware drawer.
“Want some help cutting this up?” I offer, setting her plate beside her.
Milli’s so engrossed in her drawing, she doesn’t even react. That is until Cameron unexpectedly breaks the silence in the room a few seconds later.
“Mills, it’s time to put the drawing aside and eat.”
His no-nonsense tone has her setting the crayon down and looking eagerly for her plate as if she had no idea I’d put it beside her in the first place.
As Cameron approaches, I catch the faint scent of his cologne. My mouth waters, and tingles spark up my spine as flashes from our night together pop through my mind. Needing to keep my sanity, I clear my throat and force myself to breathe through my mouth.
Focus your attention on Milli, Elizabeth.
Quickly holding up her fork, I ask, “Want me to cut this up for you?”
Beautiful blue pleading eyes that match her father’s level me. Add in the tilt of her head and the most adorable “Please,” rolling off her lips, my heart completely melts.
From my years of working with children, I can tell there’s not an ounce of manipulation behind this request. Clearly, Milli has manners—or at least the adults around her have worked with her on this.
From my peripheral, I spot Cameron grabbing an omelet for himself at the counter. “Have you eaten?”
“Not yet. But I brought something in my bag,” I admit, placing Milli’s plate in front of her.
“You’re welcome to anything we have here.
Milli was extra helpful in helping me break eggs this morning, so please eat.
Otherwise…” He grins knowingly at his daughter before adding, “We might have omelets for breakfast and dinner… reheated eggs turn rubbery.” His faux-horrified expression is hilarious.
“Well, we wouldn’t want that now,” I say on a laugh.
Without another word, he piles food onto two plates, grabs utensils, and brings them to the table. Placing a plate in front of me, as if it’s something he does every day, he walks to the chair on the other side of Milli and eats.
As I bite into the cheesy goodness, I notice there’s not only bacon but mushrooms, along with some seasoning that makes me eager to eat more. Once I finish chewing, I remember to thank the cook. “This is delicious. Thank you.”
“It’s not a problem. I don’t get to do breakfast like this every morning, but I try when I can. You’ll find Milli’s not too picky when it comes to food.”
“That’s good to know. Do you have a specific meal plan for Milli?” Some families are rigid, others are lax. I’m more of a mood eater but I can adjust to whichever suits their needs.
Cameron shakes his head. “Nope. My fridge and pantry are stocked, so help yourself. I’ve got a little of everything. I’ll get you a credit card to use when we’re done eating in case you have any expenses while you’re out and about together.”
“Okay,” I say, taking another bite. This is standard. Many families I’ve worked with often hand me a card to use for expenses while spending the day with their children.
“I’ve got a few meetings today, so if you need anything small, a text would be best, unless it’s an emergency. I’m never too busy for my daughter.”
“Is the number you originally called me from your cell?” I ask, making sure I have his most direct line of communication.
“Yeah. You can text me anytime if you have questions. I’ll try to get back to you as quickly as I can. Service out here at the beach can be spotty, so I’ll text you the land line, should there be an emergency.”
“Oh, I’ve already got it, unless there’s a different number I should call. Since Sloane has worked there, I’ve had the studio’s main line.”
“Ah…” A slight grin tugs at his lips. “I keep forgetting how small our world is. If you call the main line, they’ll put you through to me.
“Milli’s swimming class is at nine this session. She’s got multiple suits, so I find it best to let her have a choice if you want to arrive on time. You may pride yourself on being early, but I swear, toddlers have no concept of minutes ticking by.”
“Oh, I’m fully aware. Trust me.”
Eyeing his daughter, he says, “She’s mostly potty trained, but we’re still using swim diapers and Pull-Ups at nap time. Milli, will you tell Lizzy if you need to go?”
“Uh-huh.” She grins and puffs her chest. “I’m a big girl.”
“Yes. You. Are,” he drags out with a grin and bops her on the nose, making her giggle with delight.
To me, he continues, “Her bag is well stocked with everything you should need. She’ll need reminders if she’s too engrossed in her activities.
As you could see with her drawing, she’s extremely focused when she’s engaged.
She waits until she’s ready to burst, then rushes to the bathroom, which unfortunately results in accidents. ”
“That’s to be expected,” I assure him. “She just turned three, right?”
“Yep. When’s your birthday, Mills?”
A grin splits across her face. “June eleventh,” though it sounds like elebenth. Holding up three fingers in my direction, she adds, “I’m three now.”
“That’s right,” Cameron agrees. “Even big girls need help sometimes, so if you need anything, you be sure to tell Lizzy, okay?”
She rolls her eyes and huffs. “Hmph… Daddy. I can’t do it all myself. I only three.”
“Three going on thirteen,” Cameron grumbles under his breath.
Covering my mouth to hide my reaction, I do my best not to laugh at their interaction. Without thinking, I add, “I’m the youngest of four girls. What can I say? She’s not wrong.”
“Lord help me when she’s a teenager.” He rolls his eyes, and my belly flips at the sexy smirk thrown my way.
He’s your boss, Elizabeth.
Forcing myself to stay professional, I clear my throat, then ask, “I know your schedule can be unpredictable at times, but should I feed Milli dinner if you’re not home by a certain time tonight?”
Closing one eye, he stares at his plate of food for the briefest of moments. “I think I have a light afternoon. I can double check my schedule, but if she’s hungry, feed her and yourself for that matter. No one wants to see hangry Milli, trust me.”
“Hangry isn’t a good look on anyone.” Me especially, I almost add, but he doesn’t need to know that, just yet.
Pivoting back to Milli, I quickly add, “I forgot to ask earlier. Does Milli have any special toys or blankets she uses for comfort… especially at N… A… P time?” I spell it out in case naps happen to trigger her. There’s no way I’m starting the morning off on a bad foot if I can help it.
“She’s usually pretty good, especially if she’s swimming this morning. She’ll be exhausted. She couldn’t wait to see you today. She’s been up since five thirty.”
“Wow. Is that what time she usually wakes?”
His head shakes before he tussles her hair. “Nope. This girl usually sleeps in ‘til nearly seven.”
This gets her attention. A wide smile spreads across her face. “I play with Iz today! We’re gonna swim and read!”
Oh, my heart. Milli is the cutest.
Matching her enthusiasm, I exclaim, “Yep, I’ve even brought some of my favorite books!”
“Oh…” Cameron says on a laugh. “You’re gonna be her new best friend. She’ll never let you go home now.”
“Oh, she’ll tire of me. I’m sure,” I insist. “They always do eventually, especially at nap time.”
“Speaking of nap time,” Cameron draws out. “I’ll admit, we’ve gotten a little out of our routine since being out here at the beach. But typically, at bedtime, she’ll snuggle with her green blanket that’s on her bed, and I’ll read her a book or two before she falls asleep.”
No kid is ever that easy all the time. “Does she nap as easily, too?”
Wincing, Cameron quickly adds, “Don’t judge me…
but we’re flexible when it comes to napping.
The reality is, sometimes I’m traveling, and she sleeps in the car.
Other times, we’ll snuggle on the couch or in my bed, and I’m not stupid enough to move her.
Desperate times call for desperate measures as a single dad.
I can’t always be home, but she usually naps between noon and three, so she’ll sleep at night. ”
Thank God, he’s down to earth. I can only imagine how crazy his schedule is, but above all, it’s obvious he puts Milli’s needs first. There’s nothing worse than parents who fail at this simple task. His flexibility will help her adjust to changes in her routines.
“I can work with that.”
Before either of us says another word, Milli springs from the table. “I gotta go potty!” And just like that—her little feet scurry out of the room down the hall.
The moment she disappears, he sighs heavily. “I’ll get this one, then head off to work… Little Miss Independent still needs help, whether she wants it or not.”
Standing, he rinses his plate, then loads it in the dishwasher. “Besides, it’s only a matter of minutes before I’m beckoned.”
As if on cue, “Daadddyyy… I’m done!” echoes through the house.
“On my way,” he answers, then turns to me. “In case I forget to tell you, I do appreciate you being here… Even under our unusual circumstances, you really are the most qualified candidate. Milli’s lucky to have you, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have her with someone I trust.”
“That’s the whole point,” I say without a thought.
Though I’m not sure who I’m talking to—him or myself.
With a quick nod, he turns and disappears down the hall.
Apparently, I’m not the only one challenged by our circumstances.