7. Chapter Seven
Kelsey has been my nanny for three days and the world hasn’t imploded, so I’d say we’re doing pretty well. Or at least surviving. I’ll take anything at the moment.
“You were right.” Evie’s eyes practically roll back in her head as she takes another bite of pizza. “This is the best pizza I’ve had in my life .” Her emphasis on the word makes it sound like she’s a pizza connoisseur.
I finish off my third slice, humming in agreement. Nothing can beat a good sourdough crust, in my opinion. Now, if we’re talking about the best meals I’ve ever eaten…I still can’t stop thinking about the Caprese chicken that Kelsey had waiting for me when I got home from work on Monday. Not that I’d ever admit that to her , but I wouldn’t be mad if I found a plate of it at my kitchen table once a week.
I don’t expect her to make me dinner, though. I didn’t hire Kelsey to take care of anything other than my niece, and I told her as much yesterday when I got home from work to a pot roast dinner that was as delicious as the recipe my mom made growing up.
I shake my head and pull myself from thoughts of Kelsey.
“Auntie D told me to tell you hi and give you a big hug,” I say.
Evie’s nose wrinkles as she nibbles on her food. “She always squeezes me too tight, and her room smells like old people.”
My sip of lemon water goes down the wrong pipe as I try to hide my laughter. I can’t deny anything she just said when it’s all true. After a few small coughs, I say, “She loves you though.”
Every Thursday, I go to a local florist shop on my way home from work, buy a fresh bouquet, and stop by to give it to my aunt. Since my great-uncle passed and my parents are traveling the world, I try to make sure she’s taken care of. It means I get home from work an hour later than usual on Thursdays, but I’m used to the routine now, and I typically enjoy my time with my great-aunt—except for when she’s smothering me in one of her hugs or trying to set me up on a date.
When I got home today, a part of me hoped Kelsey might’ve made dinner again even though I told her it wasn’t necessary, but instead of the smell of a home-cooked meal, I walked into my living room reeking of nail polish. I wasn’t mad about it, because there’s no way I’d have been able to paint Evie’s nails half as well as Kelsey did.
There she is again, popping into my mind unbidden. It seems the more I’ve been around Kelsey, the more she appears in my thoughts like a nagging fly that won’t leave you alone on a warm summer day.
It’s not like I’ve even spent that much time with her. Kelsey leaves my house every day just as quickly as I arrive, as if she can’t stand to be in the room with me for a second longer than necessary. I try not to let it get to my head. Besides, all my appointments ran over today, leaving me without a lunch break, so I was much too hungry to think about anything other than filling my growling stomach.
But now that my stomach is full of gooey cheese and pepperoni, the figurative fly is back taunting me.
I pay for the meal and grab the box of leftovers calling my name for tomorrow’s lunch. As we park in front of the house, Kelsey is walking out of her front door with a dog on a leash. I glance in the rearview mirror and see Evie’s whole face light up.
“Can we please walk Ms. Kelsey’s dog with her?” she pleads, giving me her best puppy eyes expression. “Winston is so cute.”
“Ms. Kelsey is home for the night, Eves. Just because we’re her neighbors doesn’t mean we—” Evie is out of the car, running toward her nanny before I can finish my sentence.
I unbuckle and grab the pizza box before chasing after her. When I reach them, Kelsey is kneeling, petting her dog while smiling kindly at my niece.
“I’d love for you to walk with us.” Kelsey glances up at me. “That is, if it’s all right with your uncle.”
“You can go as long as she’s sure she doesn’t mind.” I shoot Kelsey a meaningful look, trying to offer her an out.
She waves her hand like it’s not a big deal. “I’d love to have her join. Besides, it looks like Winston has a new best friend.”
“Okay, if you’re sure, then y’all have fun.” I’m heading to my house when Evie grabs my hand and pulls me to a stop.
“You have to come with us, Uncle Ty.”
“I don’t think—”
“Pleaseee.” She cuts me off with the cutest puppy dog eyes. “It’s getting dark. You wouldn’t let Ms. Kelsey and me walk alone in the dark, right?”
Winston looks at her and then up at me with the same expression. These two are going to be trouble together.
“How can I say no to those faces?” I raise the pizza box. “Let me put this in the fridge, and we can head out.” I jog to my house and hurry to unlock the front door, put the pizza away, and meet them back out front.
When I return, Kelsey is taking a picture of Evie and Winston, who both smile up at the camera. I’m a little freaked out by his facial expressions. Does Kelsey train all her dogs to smile? I don’t know if that’s even possible, but it’s either that or this dog has a major personality.
As we start walking down the street, I can’t remember the last time I took a walk for fun. It’s refreshing, and the changing of the leaves to a beautiful array of yellow, orange, and red colors makes for a pleasant view.
When the silence between me and Kelsey becomes too much, I clear my throat.
“So, is this one of the dogs you walk?”
She nods. “He was, but he’s my son now.”
I bite back a laugh at her calling him her son .
“Oh, so I should expect him to use my lawn as his personal restroom every day now?”
“Unless you’re ready to move your workout room to the other side of the house.” She smirks.
“We already know you like to stare at my muscles.” I flex. “So, I don’t see what the problem is here.”
“You’re the one who keeps bringing up your muscles.” Kelsey shoves my arm. “And I would suggest you stop saying things like that before you get punched in the face in front of your niece, like I promised.”
“If you keep flirting with me, I’m going to think you like me.”
We come to a stop while Winston sniffs some bushes.
Kelsey leans in closer and whispers, “Trust me, you wouldn’t be able to handle me flirting with you.”
“I’d like to see you try.” My lips pull up into a sly grin. I’m not sure what game we’re playing here, but whatever it is, I’m determined to win.
I hate saying that my sister is right… But right now, hiding in the family bathroom at Evie’s dance studio, I’m beginning to understand her wisdom in pulling Evie from dance while she’s staying with me.
Honestly, Tess was trying to do me a favor. I haven’t been here more than five minutes, and I’ve already been approached by almost every mom here—at least all the single ones.
I feel like a sheep in a wolf’s den, being attacked by the entire pack. Except I’m getting showered with flirtatious comments rather than bitten, although I’m sure some of these ladies would bite me if I let them. I shudder at the thought. I’d even prefer Kelsey’s biting words to these ladies, and that’s saying something.
After unlocking the door, I cautiously push it open and pop my head out, trying to see if the coast is clear. My gaze is instantly drawn to the group of single moms all standing together in the lobby a few yards away. I duck as I eavesdrop on their conversation.
“Did you hear he took Evie in last-minute to help his sister?”
“I love a man who steps up for his family.”
“ And he’s a pediatrician.”
“A hot children’s doctor who looks like he could be on the cover of Baywatch ? Yes, please.”
“I’d let him give me an exam any time.”
I look up as one of the blondes wiggles her eyebrows suggestively, and I think I’ve heard enough. Going back out there and braving the den of wolves is the last thing I want to do.
Turning the knob on the door, I close it as quietly as possible before locking it.
I’ve had the occasional woman flirt with me at the doctor’s office, but I have a strict no-dating-parents-of-patients policy. This blatant, outright flirting is uncharted territory.
If I’m going to survive dance class pickups for the next three months, I need to figure out a way to survive the overzealous women here.
I pull out my phone but pause when I realize I don’t have anyone to ask for help. My sister is out of the country, my parents are traveling, and I still don’t have any friends here. As crazy as it sounds, I feel like the one person I can count on right now is Kelsey.
Before I can think better of it, I text the one person I thought I would never ask for advice.
ME
I know we don’t necessarily have a texting kind of relationship, but please just pretend we do for the next five minutes…
Is there proper protocol I should follow when being cornered by single dance moms?
Her response is so immediate that the text vibration makes me jump.
KELSEY
RUN!
ME
And if running is no longer an option?
KELSEY
Where are you now?
ME
There’s a chance I locked myself in the restroom, hoping they’ll forget I exist.
KELSEY
That’s where you went wrong, Frankenstein. You gave them free rein to talk about you while you were gone. Now, they all probably want to lock you down even more.
I groan and then slap my hand over my mouth. Hopefully, none of the ladies heard me and took it as an invitation to join me.
My phone vibrates in my hand, pulling my attention back to our text conversation.
KELSEY
You may as well send me your last words to pass along to your family.
RIP *headstone emoji*
ME
You might want to cancel your comedy tour.
KELSEY
Is this how you treat the person you want to save you?
I’m not usually one for begging, but I’m willing to do just about anything to avoid the pack of amorous moms out there.
ME
Oh Great Crazy Dog Mom, what do you suggest I do to escape their flirtatious clutches?
KELSEY
What’s in it for me?
I should’ve known she wouldn’t just help me out of the kindness of her heart. I can’t say I blame her, though. I’ll do just about anything to escape these women. At this point, I’d give Kelsey my left kidney. Okay, not really. But basically anything besides that.
ME
Whatever you want. Name it, and it’s yours.
KELSEY
Evie says you know a good sourdough pizza place.
ME
Correction: I know the BEST sourdough pizza joint.
KELSEY
Pizza delivery for me and my roommates tomorrow night could convince me to help you.
ME
I’ll even throw in their cinnamon roll pizza for dessert.
KELSEY
You have yourself a deal, Doctor Evil.
Evie goes to Grace Dance Co., right?
ME
Yeah, why?
KELSEY
Stay put, I’m on my way.
I certainly wasn’t planning on leaving anytime soon. A glance at the sticky floor tells me I’ll be standing while I wait. I send up a silent prayer that no one needs to use the bathroom before Kelsey gets here to do…whatever it is she’s planning.
My fingers tap my sides in anxious anticipation. Why did I think it was a good idea to involve Kelsey? Maybe she’s not even coming and just told me she was so that I’d stay in here and make a fool of myself. Maybe she’ll show up just to make fun of me and see me squirm. Or she’s coming to conspire with the wolves out there, giving them my address and phone number so that I’ll never know peace again.
A knock sounds at the bathroom door. I lift my foot to go to the door, and it makes a squelching sound as it rips off the tile. Gross.
Or maybe—hopefully—she’s actually planning on helping me get out of this sticky situation.
In case it’s not Kelsey out there, I try to throw my voice. “Occupied.” It comes out sounding like a fake old lady. Just call me Mrs. Doubtfire.
A boisterous laugh I immediately recognize as Kelsey echoes from outside the door. I cringe knowing she’s probably garnering attention out there.
“You can give up the act, Doofenshmirtz.”
“Who the heck is Doofenshmirtz?”
“The evil guy in Phineas and Ferb .”
I scoff. “The kid’s show?”
“Precisely,” she whisper-yells. “Are you going to let me in, or did you decide to move in there?”
I turn the lock and throw open the door, yanking Kelsey into the family-sized restroom with me and locking it again.
She salutes me with a cocky grin. “Good afternoon, this is your savior speaking.”
“Did you just quote Top Gun: Maverick ?” I whisper. Because there isn’t possibly any way she could be quoting my favorite movie.
She smiles, and I’m momentarily stunned by how beautiful she is when she’s not insulting me. “Just call me Hangman.” Kelsey nudges my arm. “Get it? Because I’m not leaving you hanging.” Her smile falls as she looks around the bathroom. “You couldn’t have picked a better place to hide out?”
“Where do you suggest?” I ask, gesturing toward the door. “Behind the fake potted plant in the lobby? Or maybe underneath the waiting chairs? I’m sure they’d never see me there.”
“Okay, okay, I get it.” She reaches her hand out, and I stare at it blankly. Her expression turns teasing. “Have you never held hands with a girl before, Reed?”
I press my lips into a firm line and interlock our fingers. Her hand is slender and cold, making me shiver.
“Why are you acting so nervous?” Kelsey glances at me with a raised brow. “Have you really never done this before?”
“Of course I have.” I huff. “Your hand is just freezing. Speaking of hands… Why exactly are we holding hands in the bathroom?”
She shakes her head like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “We’re going to show all those single moms that their hot doctor fantasy is in the toilet because he’s off the market.”
“Please never use the phrase hot doctor fantasy again.”
Kelsey opens the bathroom door and yanks my arm, leaving me trailing behind her like a lost puppy. When we reach the group of overzealous moms, she comes to a stop and turns, pushing her body against mine and running her hands through my hair.
Her fingernails graze my scalp, and I suddenly understand why the dogs she walks obey her. I would do just about anything she said too if I got a daily head scratch like this.
Every ounce of my body is on high alert as her fingers leave my hair and brush my jawline and down my arms. Even through my long-sleeve shirt, I can feel the ghost of her touch.
I shouldn’t be enjoying this. I shouldn’t be enjoying this at all . Heck, the reason she’s even putting on a show is to stop the other women who were doing this to me twenty minutes ago, but for some reason, I don’t mind now. I should care, though. This is Kelsey Anderson we’re talking about, my obnoxious next-door neighbor. Although, she doesn’t seem very obnoxious now, showing up on her day off to save me.
“You’re supposed to look like you like me, Reed,” she whispers in my ear, sending another shiver down my spine and causing goosebumps to cover my arms.
I wrap an arm around her waist, pull her closer, and trace my thumb along her bottom lip. She inhales a sharp breath. “I’m not sure you’re prepared for me to pretend like I like you, Anderson.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’d have to do a lot more than that to catch me off guard.”
“Is that a dare?” I ask, my voice husky.
Kelsey’s gaze flits to my mouth before returning to my eyes. “It’s the truth.” She turns to the entourage of onlookers staring at us with expressions ranging from gaping mouths to palpable envy. “Sorry, ladies. He’s taken.” She pats my chest like she’s marking her territory.
The classroom door opens, and the moms disperse to find their kids after shooting glares at Kelsey and a longing look my way.
I slowly release my hold on Kelsey’s waist, surprised to find I’m reluctant for her to leave my arms. I hitch a thumb toward the classroom. “I should go find Evie.”
She smirks like she’s completely unaffected by what just happened and takes another step back. “I’ve gotta run if I’m going to make my work shift. Tell her hi for me. And don’t forget my pizzas tomorrow. A deal’s a deal.” Kelsey turns on her heels and hurries out the front door. I watch to make sure she makes it to her car safely before braving the sea of moms again to find Evie.
I’m pleasantly surprised that none of the ladies I pass tries to talk to me. Though, I’m unsure if it’s because of what Kelsey said or because there are children around now. Either way, I’ll take it as a win.
Evie bounds over to me and wraps her arms around my legs. “Thank you for letting me dance.”
“You’re welcome.” I wrap my arm around her as we head to the car. I help her get into her booster seat, and she beams up at me.
“Ms. Ava said I should still be able to audition for a solo in our fall performance.”
“That’s awesome, Eves.”
“You’re the best uncle.” She lets out a content sigh.
As I drive home, I can’t help but be thankful that I’m doing something right with her. Then the thought pops into my brain that Kelsey was the one who suggested putting Evie back in dance classes, and that reminds me of everything that occurred in the dance studio.
Her hands in my hair. The way her lips felt under my fingertips. Her body pressed against mine.
And now I’m not sure I’m doing anything right after all. Because if I’m getting goosebumps from Kelsey Anderson, something must be seriously wrong.