Chapter 4 Evan #2
“What kind of trouble did you get yourself into then?” Crossing my arms over my chest, I do my best to keep my gaze on my son because the attractive woman before me is so close to stealing my attention away.
It’s been years since I’ve spent a night with one, and it shows.
“We did something funny to the signs.” Leo can barely get the words out as he titters into his hands, blowing a humorous raspberry into them before pointing back at the locker rooms where the male and female signs have been switched.
Flo’s lips tilt downwards as she tries to hold in her laughter, but she ultimately fails, scrubbing a hand down her face as she grins. “It was a prank, Leo. You’re not supposed to tell them.”
“Oops, sorry.”
There’s a ghost of a smile that tugs at the corners of my lips at seeing my son so amused, but I push it away before focusing on Flo, offering her a sharp nod. “Thank you for taking care of Leo.”
“No problem. We had fun.”
With the air being so frosty between us, goosebumps pebble on my skin. But they feel different. Not the kind you get when you’re cold or scared, but the kind that crawls up your arms slowly when you feel something stirring inside of you.
I hate the sensation, and I rub at my skin with my calloused palms.
“We should go, little lion.”
My son giggles at my nickname for him. “Do we have to?”
“I’m afraid so. Auntie Gracie will be wanting to come home to a nice hot meal that you promised to help prepare, remember?”
My son’s shoulders droop. He loves my sister, but is clearly having a blast wreaking havoc with Flo.
She taps my son on the shoulder, sending him a smirk before saying, “I’ll show you how to use the puppy dog eyes correctly another time, kid. Daddy will never say no to you again. I’ve got it down, trust me.”
The thought of her using puppy dog eyes on me flashes in my mind, and I quickly swat them away, grounding myself before my body reacts to the thoughts.
That smirk of hers, so natural and knowing, is bugging me, and I swear I can smell her apple shampoo wafting up my nose and adding a hint of sweetness to this otherwise prickly situation.
“Okay.” Leo grins, unaware that there definitely won’t be a next time.
I plan to stay far away from her, as far away as I can get. She’s trouble. I can already tell.
“Thanks for taking care of Leo, Flo. As the coach, it means a lot.” Darrell appears, adjusting the red cap he’s wearing, covering his thinning hair.
He slips some cash into her hand, closing her fingers around it so she can’t refuse.
I’ll make sure to pay him back later. “If only you’d be around more often.
We could use someone like you when it comes to a”—Darrell shoots me a glare—“childcare emergency.”
I know what he’s hinting at, and I flash him a look, but subtlety is lost on him.
“I mean, the position is very much open,” he continues.
“No, it’s not.” I receive a glower in response.
Not for someone who works at Starbound. There’s no way I’d let anyone involved in that industry into my life because I know what they’re like.
I’ve met Alexander.
I’ve met the press.
They all want one thing—a good story and money.
Although I’m having a hard time convincing myself that Flo fits that narrative entirely because she looks at me like she can’t stand the sight of my face. Most people try to keep me sweet when they want something.
Where will she even find the time to look after a kid when she’s already working anyway?
“Ignore him, he hasn’t had his afternoon coffee, and he’s going delirious. Maybe you should go and lie down, West.”
“You are looking for a job, Flo,” Mae chimes in.
Darrell hums. “Oh really?” His eyes meet Flo’s wide ones. “Flo, out of curiosity, is that something you’d be interested in?”
I’m waiting for an immediate no, but it doesn’t come. Instead, Flo hesitates, her teeth toying with her bottom lip, eyes flickering down to my son. They shine brightly, and I see that twinkle in them that I really don’t want to. Like she’s actually considering it.
“I don’t want to pressure you into anything, but we really are in desperate need of a live-in nanny. Someone who’s reliable and who can put Mr I’m going to fire everyone in sight before giving them a chance, here, at ease.”
“You say we as if you share custody,” I add grumpily.
“A live-in nanny? Like I’d live with…” Flo’s gaze tangles with mine. “You.”
“Not in the house,” I pipe up, shaking my head. I seriously can’t think of anything worse than having this woman live with me. “There’s a cabin on my property I need to finish fixing up for when we find someone.”
When.
Meaning not her.
“You’ve seen the kid, West.” Coach gestures to Leo as he babbles to Donkey on the bench.
“He looks like he adores the girl, and I’ll help you find a permanent nanny in the meantime.
But do me a favour and give someone a chance for once.
You’ve met her, you know her friends, she’s great with Leo. What is there to lose?”
“My sanity.”
“You did say you wanted to move closer to the city. And you have a month-to-month lease on your apartment. Technically, you’re ready to move out whenever.” Mae shrugs at Flo, who sighs, her fingers twirling around her long hair.
“I mean, I am looking for something to do while I research the trip. It would definitely be a change from what I’m used to, but I’m not afraid to try something new, being jobless and all.”
Just the other day, she was working for Alexander, so what happened?
“This isn’t just something you can try out because it seems fun. It’s a lot of responsibility.”
“I’m aware.”
I meet her stare, and she raises it a notch, tilting her chin up, letting me know that if I want to object to this, I need to do it now because she’s about to accept.
I release a frustrated sigh. I’m really outnumbered here; backed into a corner like a measly mouse.
“Don’t be so moody. It’ll be for a couple of months at most.” Mae’s tone holds excitement. “Leo will have the best summer of his life.”
“I can sign a contract in my blood promising so if it’ll make you feel better,” Flo suggests, but I can’t tell if she’s trying to be funny or not. Her face is hard to read.
They’re not going to take no for an answer, are they?
“Damn it. Do you have a full legal driver’s license?”
“A full, one, yes. Legal, however.”
“Flo,” Mae warns her, shooting her friend a look that says Now isn’t the time for jokes.
“Do you know first aid?”
Please say no.
“The basics, yes.”
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-six.”
Jesus. Will she just run amok?
“I’m not looking for someone who will just watch him, you know? I want him to be busy, learn new skills, and have fun. This is more than just supervision.”
“You’re looking at the queen of fun. And responsibility, by the way. I’m still young, too, so I can probably pick him up without throwing my back out, if that counts for anything.”
I narrow my eyes into slits, ignoring the joke. “Do you have experience with kids?”
“I have a seven-year-old niece. She likes me.” Flo’s eyes flit over to my son again, and I swear I see them melt a little.
Leo flashes a toothy smile at both of us.
It’s a jab to the gut. He’s never had any say in who takes care of him.
He’s never cared before, but looking at his face right now…
I can see he wants this, and there aren’t many things that Leo wants, unless we’re talking desserts or staying up late watching Disney movies he’s seen probably one hundred times before.
His current favourite—Brother Bear, although I’m pretty sure he doesn’t actually understand what’s going on.
My coach is practically vibrating with relief. “Well, what do you say, Flo?”
She studies me before inhaling and dipping her chin, a small smile breaking out on her face. “Fuck it. I’d happily be Leo’s nanny. If Evan agrees.”
Everyone around me natters in excitement, but it’s like they’re not even here. I’m too busy focusing on how mine and Flo’s eyes clash, static electrifying the air, making my muscles taut and my stomach contort.
This woman is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. I know she’s going to test my patience—patience I simply don’t have.
But she doesn’t seem to like me, which is actually a good thing. I don’t have to worry about her wanting to spend more time with me than she needs to.
Plus, since she’s never done something like this before, she’s bound to mess this up and do something questionable that my coach can’t argue against.
I give her two days tops before she gets herself into trouble.
“Fine. We can try it out for a few days,” I mutter, my voice husky, knowing I’m going to regret this. “But one more F-bomb and I’ll change my mind.”
Flo smirks. “You got it, boss.”
“And don’t call me boss.”
Without a second thought, “Yes, boss,” slips from her wide lips, and I groan.
God forbid she calls me that on a daily basis. The reckless, impulsive part of me I’ve kept wrapped up for so long likes it, and I don’t need to be a genius to understand that’s not a good thing.