11. First Day on the Job
11
FIRST DAY ON THE JOB
KENZIE
I jolt awake, my heart racing. For a second, I don't know where I am. The room's unfamiliar, all soft shadows and expensive furniture. Then it hits me—I'm in Everett Logan's house.
My new home, at least for now.
I glance at the clock. 5:15 AM. It's way too early, but there's no way I'm getting back to sleep now. My body's humming with nervous energy like I've chugged three espressos.
"Lord, give me strength," I mutter, swinging my legs out of bed.
I need coffee. Stat.
I throw on my ratty old robe—the one thing I own that's seen better days but is too comfy to get rid of—and pad out into the hallway. The house is dead quiet, just the soft whir of the heating system and the occasional creak of settling wood.
It's beautiful, even in the pre-dawn gloom. All exposed beams and rustic charm, but with touches of luxury that scream 'Everett Logan.' I trail my fingers along the smooth wood of the banister as I head downstairs, still half-convinced. I'm gonna wake up and find this was all a dream.
The kitchen's huge, all gleaming stainless steel and granite countertops. It takes me a minute to find the coffee maker hidden away in a fancy pull-out drawer. I dump in the grounds, add water, and hit the button, praying the noise won't wake anyone up.
While it brews, I lean against the counter, trying to wrap my head around how I ended up here. A month ago, I was on a bus to nowhere, chasing some half-baked dream of a fresh start with a man I barely knew. Now, I'm living in a mansion on a mountain, nannying for the most eligible bachelor in Silver Ridge.
Life's funny that way, I guess.
The rich aroma of coffee fills the air, and I pour myself a cup, savoring the warmth between my palms. I take a sip, closing my eyes as the caffeine hits my system.
"Oh yeah, that's the good stuff."
A flicker of movement catches my eye, and I turn to see a light on down the hall. Everett's office, if I remember the whirlwind tour from last night correctly.
I glance at the clock on the stove. 5:30 AM. Either he's an even earlier riser than me, or...
"Does the man sleep?" I shake my head.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I'm pouring a second cup of coffee and heading down the hall. I tell myself it's just being considerate, but deep down, I know I'm curious.
Everett Logan's a mystery wrapped in an enigma, and I can't help wanting to unravel him, just a little.
I pause outside his office, suddenly unsure.
What if he doesn't want company? What if he thinks I'm overstepping?
"Damn, Kenz," I whisper to myself. "It's just coffee."
I tap lightly on the door, and a gruff voice answers immediately. "I smelled the coffee from the first drop."
I push the door open, and there he is. Everett is at his desk, staring at a computer screen bigger than my old TV back home. The blue light casts harsh shadows on his face, emphasizing the stubble on his jaw and the dark circles under his eyes.
"Brought you a cup," I say, holding it out like a peace offering. "Figured you could use it."
He looks up, and for a second, I see something flicker in his blue eyes. Something that makes my stomach do a little two-step.
"Thanks," he says, reaching for the mug. "But you didn't have to. You're here for the girls, not to wait on me."
I can't help the little snort that escapes me. "It's just coffee, Everett. Not a marriage proposal."
His eyebrows shoot up, and I immediately want to kick myself.
That's the way to relieve the tension, Kenz . Bring up marriage to the divorced guy on your first day.
But then the corner of his mouth twitches, just a little. "Fair enough. How do you take yours?"
"Two sugars, splash of cream," I reply, then add with a grin, "I like my coffee like I like my men – sweet, but with a kick."
This time, I definitely see a smile. It transforms his whole face, softening those hard edges.
"Noted," he says, taking a sip of his own coffee. "Black for me. I like it?—"
"Strong and bitter?" I finish for him, unable to resist.
He actually chuckles at that. "Something like that."
We lapse into silence, but it's not uncomfortable. I take the opportunity to really look at him, now that he's not scowling or kissing me senseless in a diner.
Everett Logan is a good-looking man, there's no denying that. His broad shoulders and chiseled jaw, with those piercing blue eyes that see more than I’m ready to expose. But there's a weariness to him, too, a heaviness that speaks of long nights and hard choices.
I take another sip of my coffee, letting the rich flavor linger on my tongue. Everett's watching me over the rim of his own mug, studying me with an intensity that should make me squirm.
But I don't look away. I meet his gaze head-on, arching an eyebrow in silent challenge.
The corner of his mouth twitches like he's fighting a smile. "You're trouble, aren't you?"
I shrug one shoulder, feigning innocence. "Me? Nah, I'm an angel."
He snorts, a deep, rumbling sound that sets the butterflies in my stomach fluttering. "Right. And I'm the Tooth Fairy."
"Well, you are awfully grumpy for this early in the morning," I tease, unable to resist poking the bear. "Maybe you need to work on your bedside manner, Mr. Logan."
His eyes narrow, but there's a glint of amusement there, too. "You're one to talk. I seem to recall a certain someone mouthing off to me in a diner not too long ago."
I laugh, the sound bright and genuine. "Hey, I was just defending my honor! That woman had no right to call me?—"
"A homewrecking whore?" he finishes, his tone dry.
I wince at the blunt words but nod. "Exactly. I may be a lot of things, but that ain't one of 'em."
Everett studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he sets his mug down on the desk, motioning to the chair in front of his desk.
I sit, and he leans back, giving me his undivided attention.
"You know, when I first saw you at that bus station, I'll admit I made some assumptions," he says, his deep voice low and even. "The way Ian introduced you, the scene Paige caused... I figured you were just another complication in my already messy life."
I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a hand, silencing me.
"But then you handled my daughters with such patience and kindness. You didn't have to step in, but you did. And the more I watched you with them, the more I realized..." He trails off, shaking his head slightly. "You're not what I expected at all, Mackenzie Duncan."
My breath catches in my throat at the unexpected compliment. I search his face for any hint of mockery but find only sincerity.
"Thank you," I manage, my voice a little thicker than I'd like. "That... that means a lot, coming from you. "
He nods, then leans forward again, resting his forearms on the desk. The movement draws my gaze to the corded muscles of his arms, and the way his shirt stretches taut across his broad shoulders.
That man is my boss! I scold myself, dragging my eyes back up to his face.
But he's watching me with that same intense look, like he knows exactly where my mind just went. There's a new heat in his eyes now, a smoldering spark that has my pulse kicking up a notch. The same heat I saw before he kissed me.
"So," he rumbles, his voice taking on a lower, huskier tone. "Tell me more about this 'angel' I've hired to look after my girls."
I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. The way he's looking at me, the promise in those words... it's like he's undressing me with his eyes, inch by scorching inch.
Two can play at that game, Logan.
Slowly, deliberately, I set my own mug aside and lean back in my chair, crossing one leg over the other. The denim of my jeans stretches taut across my thighs, and I don't miss the way his gaze flickers down, then back up again.
"Well," I drawl, letting just a hint of a Southern lilt creep into my voice. "I'm a hard worker, that's for sure. Loyal to a fault, some might say. But I also know how to have a good time when the work's done."
I pause, letting my eyes roam over him in an obvious once-over. "And I do love a challenge."
His jaw tightens, a muscle ticking in that chiseled cheek of his. But his eyes... they're practically smoldering now, burning with a heat that has me squirming in my seat.
"Is that so?" he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that vibrates straight through me. "Well, Miss Duncan, I'll be sure to keep you... occupied ."
The way he says that last word, all dark promise, and unspoken innuendo, has a flush creeping up my neck. I fight it back with a saucy grin.
"I'm counting on it, Mr. Logan."
We lapse into silence then, the air buzzing between us. But it's not uncomfortable, not really. If anything, it feels... charged.
Alive with possibility.
My gaze drops to his mouth, those full lips that I can still feel pressed against mine from that unexpected kiss. I wonder what they'd feel like now, in this quiet moment between us.
Soft? Demanding? A perfect blend of the two?
The electricity flutters south, and I squeeze my thighs tighter.
Everett clears his throat, and I snap my eyes back up to meet his heated stare. He caught me, and he doesn't look the least bit sorry about it.
This man—this gruff, brooding, impossibly handsome man—is going to be trouble for me. Big trouble.
But as a slow, wicked smile curves his lips, I can't find it in me to care.
Bring it on, Everett Logan, I think, holding his smoldering gaze.
"You planning on keeping me company all morning?" he asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.
I feel my cheeks heat up. Caught still staring like a schoolgirl with a crush.
"Just making sure you're not gonna fall asleep face-first in that fancy computer of yours," I stand, trying to cover my embarrassment. "What are you working on, anyway?"
He hesitates, and I can practically see the walls going up. "Just some work stuff. Nothing exciting."
I nod, not pushing it. I guess we all have our secrets.
"Well, don't work too hard," I say, backing towards the door. "Can't have you keeling over on my first day. Think of the paperwork."
That gets me another almost smile. "I'll do my best. The keys to the van are in the kitchen drawer, by the way. Feel free to use it while you're here. I'll need your license to add you to the insurance."
"Got it, boss. Thanks." I pause at the doorway, struck by a sudden urge to say something more. "Hey, Everett?"
He looks up, eyebrows raised in question.
"Make sure you get some sleep, okay?"
His expression softens. Then it's gone, replaced by his usual stoic mask.
"Yes, ma'am," he says, with just a hint of teasing in his tone.
I roll my eyes and head out, closing the door behind me. As I walk back to the kitchen, I replay our conversation in my head. It wasn't much, but it felt... different. Like maybe we're starting to find our footing around each other.
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into things. Lord knows I've done that before.
I shake my head, trying to clear it. I've got a job to do, and getting all moony-eyed over my boss isn't part of it. I need to focus on the girls and on building a life for myself here that doesn't revolve around Everett Logan and his stupidly attractive... everything.
Speaking of the girls, I hear the telltale sound of little feet padding down the hallway. Show time.
I plaster on my best Mary Poppins smile and head towards the noise. "Good morning, sunshines! Who's ready for school? "
Twin groans answer me, and I can't help but laugh. Some things are universal, I guess.
As I herd the girls through their morning routine – breakfast, teeth brushing, hair combing (a battle in itself with those curls). I try to keep my mind off Everett. But it's hard when every corner of this house seems to hold a piece of him.
There's a photo on the fridge that catches my eye as I'm packing lunches. It's Everett with the girls, all three of them grinning at the camera. They're on a beach somewhere, the twins building a sandcastle while Everett looks on with pride.
It hits me then, how much I don't know about this family. About Everett. The man in that photo looks so different from the brooding workaholic I just left in the office.
What happened to put those shadows in his eyes?
"Miss Kenzie?" Harper's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. "Can you help me with my shoes?"
"Sure thing, sweetie," I say, pushing thoughts of Everett aside. I've got a job to do, and I'm damn well gonna do it right.
As I help Harper with her laces, Hazel pipes up from the breakfast table. "Are you gonna stay with us forever, Miss Kenzie?"
My heart clenches at the hope in her voice. "I don't know about forever, honey. But I'm here now, and that's what matters, right?"
She nods, seemingly satisfied with that answer. But I can't shake the feeling that I'm already in too deep. These girls, this house... it's all starting to feel dangerously like home.
And home is something I've learned not to count on.
We pile into the van—a sleek, black monster of a vehicle that probably costs more than everything I own put together. I take a deep breath before starting the engine. This is it. My first real day as a nanny to the Logan twins.
As we pull out of the driveway, I catch a glimpse of Everett in the rearview mirror. He's standing at the window of his office, watching us go. For a second, our eyes meet, and I feel that same jolt I felt in the diner.
Then he's gone, and I'm left wondering if I imagined the whole thing.
I shake it off and focus on the road ahead. I've got two precious cargo to deliver safely to school and a whole new life to figure out.
Silver Ridge, here I come. Ready or not.
The drive to school is an adventure in itself. The twins chatter away in the backseat, filling me in on all the important details of their lives – who sits next to who at lunch, their favorite teachers, and why Billy Thompson is the grossest boy in the whole wide world.
I can't help but smile, remembering how Kendrick and I used to talk a mile a minute on our way to school. Meme always said we'd wear out her ears one of these days.
"Miss Kenzie?" Hazel's voice pipes up from the back. "Are you gonna pick us up after school too?"
I nod, catching her eye in the rearview mirror. "That's the plan, sugar. Unless your daddy says otherwise."
Harper leans forward, her little face scrunched up in thought. "Daddy's always working. He doesn't pick us up anymore."
My heart twists a little at that. I think about Everett, holed up in his office before the sun was even up. What kind of work keeps a man that busy?
"Well," I say, trying to keep my tone light, "that's what I'm here for. To help out so your daddy can work, and you two troublemakers can have some fun."
That seems to satisfy them, and they launch into a debate about what we should do after school. I half-listen, my mind drifting back to Everett.
There's more to his story. I can feel it. The way he holds himself, like he's carrying the weight of the world on those broad shoulders. The sadness that creeps into his eyes when he looks at the girls sometimes, like he's seeing someone else.
But that's not my business, I remind myself. I'm here to take care of the girls, not psychoanalyze their father.
No matter how intriguing he might be.
We pull up to the school, a cute little building that looks like it came straight out of a Hallmark movie. Kids are streaming in, backpacks bouncing, and voices raised in excitement.
"All right, ladies," I say, turning to face the twins. "Have a great day, okay? I'll be right here to pick you up when the bell rings."
They nod, but neither move to get out of the car. I raise an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"
Hazel bites her lip, looking suddenly shy. "Will you... will you give us a hug? Like Jillian used to?"
Oh, Lord. My heart just about breaks at that. I unbuckle my seatbelt and climb into the back, pulling both girls into a tight embrace.
"Of course I will, sweethearts," I murmur, pressing a kiss to each of their foreheads. "Anytime you want, okay?"
They nod against my chest, and I have to blink back tears. These girls, I swear. They're gonna be the death of me.
Finally, we untangle ourselves, and I watch as they hop out of the van and join the stream of kids heading into school. They turn back to wave, and I blow them a kiss, feeling a surge of protectiveness I wasn't prepared for.
As I climb back into the driver's seat, I take a deep breath. It's only been one morning, and already I'm in deep. These girls, this job... it's more than I bargained for.
But it could be what I need.
Meme used to say, "Love is the balm for heartbreak."
A girl can't go wrong with a double portion.
I pull away from the curb, my mind already racing with plans for the day. I've got a few hours before pickup and a whole town to explore.
Silver Ridge, here I come. Show me what you've got.
As I drive through town, I can't help but feel like I'm in some kind of Hallmark movie. Everything's so quaint, so picture-perfect. The main street is lined with mom-and-pop shops, their windows displaying everything from handmade quilts to artisanal cheeses.
I park the van and decide to explore on foot. Might as well get the lay of the land since most of the town is sleep.
The air is crisp, with just a hint of pine. I take a deep breath, feeling some of the tension from the morning start to melt away. This place... it's not what I expected. But then again, nothing about this situation is.
I pass by Millie's Diner, and my steps falter. The memory of that kiss hits me like a freight train. I can almost feel Everett's lips on mine, his hands cupping my face...
"It was just for show. Don't go reading into things," I mutter to myself.
But even as I say it, I know I'm lying to myself. That kiss was a lot of things, but 'just for show' wasn't one of them.
I keep walking. I've got more important things to focus on. Like figuring out how I'm gonna make a life for myself after this job ends.
I pause in front of a little bookstore, its windows filled with colorful displays. 'The Cozy Corner,' the sign reads. Before I can talk myself out of it, I push open the door.
A bell tinkles overhead, and the smell of old books and fresh coffee hits me like a warm hug. It reminds me of the library back home, where Meme used to take us on rainy Saturdays .
"Can I help you?" a voice calls out.
I turn to see a woman about my age smiling at me from behind the counter. Her name tag reads 'Lucy.'
"Just browsing," I say, returning her smile. "I'm new in town, thought I'd check things out."
Lucy's eyes light up. "Oh, you must be Kenzie! The new nanny for the Logan girls, right?"
I blink, taken aback. "Uh, yeah. How did you...?"
She laughs, a warm, friendly sound. "Small town, honey. News travels fast. Especially when it involves Everett Logan. It's been a lot of cowgirls trying to ride that stallion, if you know what I mean."
I feel my cheeks heat up. Great. It looks like the whole town knows about my little diner drama, and he's the town catch.
Lucy must see something in my expression because her smile softens. "Don't worry, we don't bite. Most of us, anyway. Come on, let me give you the tour. We've got a great selection of kids' books if you're looking for something for the girls."
As Lucy shows me around, chattering away about the best local authors and which coffee shops to avoid, I feel something inside me start to unwind.
By the time I leave the bookstore, arms full of new reads for the girls (and maybe one or two for myself), there’s a lightness in my step. It’s unfamiliar but a welcomed shift.
I check my watch and realize it's almost time to pick up the twins. As I head back to the van, I have an extra bounce in my step. It's been a good day.
And who knows? Maybe Silver Ridge has more surprises in store for me.