3. Three
Three
Bane
Diego’s carefree attitude grates on my already frayed nerves.
“What were you thinking?” I demand, my voice low but intense as I roll my chair away from my desk and square off with him. “Hiring a nanny without even talking to me first?”
“I was just going to have her come over for an interview at first, but one thing led to another and it just seemed more efficient—”
“Efficient?”
Diego raises an eyebrow, unfazed. “Relax, man. I found a solution to your problem. You should be thanking me.”
“Thanking you?” I scoff. “You don’t even know this girl. How can I trust her with Evie?”
“You know I’m a good judge of character. It was like fate unrolled a series of events that led me to the shop the same day as she was coming in. It’s meant to be.” Diego shrugs. “Plus, she’s got a kid of her own. ”
I run a hand through my hair. “That’s not the point. It’s my decision to make as Evie’s father.”
“Sorry, man. You know I love Evie like my own. But I get it. I won’t mistake how much I care for her with—”
Before Diego can finish, the doorbell rings. My stomach drops. She’s here. “Stay out of this.”
I stride out of my office, then turn back. “In fact, stay out of sight.”
I open the front door, ready to politely send this stranger away, but the words die in my throat. The young woman standing before me—all wide hazel eyes and gentle curves—stirs a long-buried feeling to life. Probably just a long overdue need for sex, nothing more than lust.
Completely inappropriate. I snuff it back out of existence. But as I stare at her, I’m hit with a sense of kindness and warmth that has me cooling my jets on sending her away.
An interview wouldn’t hurt.
“Hi,” she says softly. “I’m Avery. Are you Bane? Am I in the right place?”
I nod, but my blood hasn’t quite stopped boiling. Letting my anger at Diego vent toward her would be unfair.
“Did Diego have a chance to talk to you? He tried to hire me to help with your daughter.” She nervously brushes her fingers over her freckled cheek. “I assumed you’d want to interview me before making the final decision.”
That was the right thing to say. No one in their right mind would find this situation acceptable.
I nod, extending a hand. “I’m Bane. He mentioned he’d set this up.”
Avery steps inside and her eyes widen. “Oh, Diego? I didn’t realize you were going to be here.”
Dammit, I told him to stay out of this. My gaze drifts to her full tits as she’s surprised by Diego.
I’m not like that. I can control myself. But fuck, they’re making my dick hard. How old did he say her baby is? Could she still be nursing?
What the hell is wrong with me?
“Business partners and roommates.” Diego’s tone is suspicious. That’s never good. Based on how objectively cute… attractive… sexy Avery is, I have a feeling his concerns weren’t for Evie.
After a moment of small talk, I’m comfortable introducing Avery to Evie. I’ll deal with Diego later.
Avery crouches beside Evie’s playpen, speaking sweetly to her. My daughter’s face lights up, she tosses her favorite stuffed bear over the top to Avery, and belly laughs.
The potential nanny has quick reflexes, acting surprised and catching the bear after a few fake bobbles.
Evie laughs harder.
“Hi there, Evie,” Avery coos, her voice gentle and soothing. “What’s your bear’s name? ”
Evie hesitates for a moment, then, in that adorable toddler way, she mumbles, “Beary.”
Avery chuckles softly, her laughter like a melody that fills the room. “Beary, that’s a great name.” She leans in closer, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest. “I bet Beary has all sorts of adventures with you.”
Evie stands, extending her arms to Avery, who looks to me for permission. Another respectful move.
I nod. Evie babbles excitedly about her day, her words a jumbled mix of toddler talk and enthusiasm as Avery lifts her and settles her onto her hip.
The two of them seem to be having a private conversation I can’t understand.
Avery’s good. I like her… in a professional nanny sense.
I can’t help but feel a pang of something deep in my chest as I watch them. Avery’s patience and warmth with my daughter, her ability to make Evie smile so easily, offer glimpses of the future I lost.
For the first time in a long while, I feel a flicker of hope, even if Avery’s paid to be here. She’ll be good for Evie.
“See?” Diego nudges me. “She’s great with kids.”
I grunt noncommittally, not wanting to admit his instinct might have been right.
Going through the usual motions, I pose a few scenarios to see how she answers, confirm that she has first aid and CPR training, and mostly watch in awe at how she and Evie get along .
Live-in parenting help would be a relief.
I’m feeling pretty good about this, when Diego says, “Now that you agree we should hire her—”
I shut him down. “We haven’t settled on the details. Don’t jump ahead.”
“Bane, this is the first time I’ve seen you smile since…”
His words taper off. At least he has a miniscule shred of restraint. But he’s right. Avery’s already bringing me back to life.
The second we agree to a trial arrangement and move toward the door, Diego cuts back in. “Now, it’s time to head to dinner.”
His hand placed on her lower back, and their bodies turned away from me, make it clear this isn’t a group invite.
I freeze, caught off guard. The thought of Diego and Avery going out together sends an unexpected surge of… something through me. Irritation? Jealousy? Protectiveness? I’m not sure, but I don’t like it. I don’t want him fucking this up.
“Dinner?” I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral.
“A date… You should try it sometime.” Diego winks, grabs his leather biker jacket, and guides Avery out the door.
I fight the urge to stop them. He has every right to date her. But he conveniently left that part out of his explanation. I knew he was up to something.