The Lumberjack's Nanny: A Forbidden Romance (Rockford Falls Romance)

by Natasha L. Black

  “I’ll let you know,” Max said to me, clearing his throat. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome,” I said. “Bye bye, girlie.” Sadie gave me a wave and they left.

  I pocketed the tip and put the money for the bill in the register. The rest of the night was busy, and I silently took inventory of the workers I had now, and which ones would want more hours as soon as school let out. I could make this work if he’d give me a chance.

  8

  Max

  Sadie and I went out for ice cream. Summer vacation was coming up soon, and we always had a weekly ice cream date in summer. It was something we both looked forward to, me especially because the longer work hours meant I got less time with her in the summer than what I’d like. We ate our ice cream while I drove us home. She was covered in chocolate from the tip of her nose down to her neck by the time we got out of the car.

  “Did you eat any of it?” I teased, trying to mop up her sticky face with a napkin.

  “Yeah,” she giggled. “It was melty.”

  “Go start your bath water and grab some pj’s. Do NOT get in the tub. I’ll be right there.”

  “I know, Daddy!” she sang out as she ran to her room to pick out pajamas.

  “And don’t leave stuff hanging out of the drawer!” I called after her.

  As soon as her bath was ready, I checked the temperature, cooled it off a little for her, and put her in to play. I looked at the calendar on my phone and tried to figure out how much time I had before the big orders started coming in for summer.

  School was out in two weeks, and that was right around the time Denise was moving. She said she’d keep Sadie right up till the day she left, but I knew she was worried about her mom and struggling with the logistics of the move. I’d planned on giving her the last few days off, along with a bonus to help her out. She’d been indispensable to us since Sadie was an infant. Back in those early days, she’d been a lifesaver. Once Sadie was in pre-K at age three, she wasn’t needed as often, but she was still a dependable part of our lives. Even though they weren’t together every day, she’d done a lot of after-school care and sick days the last couple of years.

  After her bath we read some of the new library books we’d picked up, and I kissed Sadie good night. Then I had time to really unpack the offer from Rachel. It had come out of nowhere, and I was taken aback at first. She always paid extra attention to Sadie, but I’d seen her with other kids—she was nice to them, good with them, but there was a special rapport she had with my daughter. The way Rachel looked at her, greeted her every time like she’d just been peering out the window waiting for Sadie to walk in

  I had to admit, the idea of Rachel keeping Sadie would take care of my problem. I just wasn’t so sure it didn’t invite another problem in the door. Because Rachel was really attractive. There was something about her. My instincts told me that Rachel was a lot of things, but a one-night stand wasn’t one of them. There was more to her and more to the spark between us than a quick roll in the hay, however satisfying. It would come with feelings and complications. And Sadie liked her. It horrified me to think of getting involved with someone Sadie knew and liked, someone who cared for her. It felt like a disaster waiting to happen. My little girl had already been walked out on by her mother. I promised her when she was a newborn that I would always be there for her and take care of her, that I would never parade a host of girlfriends through her life to confuse her, to play mom temporarily and then desert her when things went south in their relationships with me. I would protect Sadie no matter what. Even if it meant living my life alone. She deserved stability. She didn’t need to be subjected to a revolving door of casserole-toting local women who wanted to warm my bed and dress her up like a baby doll with a bow in her hair. I sighed.

  I did need a reliable babysitter. Instead of shackling myself into a loveless marriage to secure a woman to raise my child for me, I’d opted for single fatherhood. Now I needed to hire someone new to watch Sadie, and the decision felt so important. Whoever I chose needed to be loving and engaged, not some teenager who spent hours playing Fortnite or whatever and ignoring my daughter. They needed to be energetic and fun, interested in teaching her things, making sure she had a wonderful, small-town summer. Simple joys like drawing with sidewalk chalk, playing on her swing set, going to story time at the library and catching fireflies in a jar. The sort of carefree, old-fashioned childhood I wished I’d had.

  I made a list on my phone of what I wanted for Sadie now that Denise was leaving. Things like swimming lessons and trips to the park, a lemonade stand. Okay, so we lived out in the country, but I’d send all my workers up to buy lemonade off of her that day. It was all so sweet and wholesome, and I needed someone to make it happen when I wasn’t here. Someone who’d joke around with Sadie and let her be herself and follow her interests, not make up some kind of stupid routine like Captain VonTrapp or some shit. She could spend all day picking flowers in her bathing suit and not even brush her hair as long as she was happy. I needed someone who understood that. Someone who, say, saved the best coloring book for her and coaxed her to try some vegetables. I rolled my eyes at myself. The answer was so obvious. I just had to let go of the fact that I was so damn attracted to Rachel. I wasn’t going to act on it. I couldn’t even consider it, couldn’t so much as flirt with her.

  I called Noah and asked what he thought since he’d known Rachel a long time.

  “I think it’s a no-brainer, man. She’s fantastic. Except for one thing.”

  “What’s that?” I asked.

  “You’re going to have the worst case of blue balls in state history. Possibly in all of recorded national history. The world record people will come interview you.”

  “Shut up,” I said.

  “Why? They’ll want to document the fact that you have a hard-on that won’t go away for months.”

  “Rachel is not a conquest for me.”

  “Conquest? Dude, did you get up this morning and put on a top hat and ride a horse because that is some old-fashioned shit you’re talking right now. Conquest?”

  “She isn’t somebody I’m going to hook up with. A one-night stand with someone like her would just mess up my summer childcare arrangements.”

  “Oh. Really? That’s how you’re going to handle this? Pretend there’s no attraction and like you didn’t go after that jerk in the bar with murder on your face over her? I don’t think that’s the right way to go about this, but you’re a grown man. You’ll figure things out.”

  “Really? How would you deal with this?”

  “Easy. I’d talk to her. Tell her, hey, it’s obvious I’m attracted to you. If we’re going to work together this summer, I wanted that out in the open. I’m not going to bother you in any way, but if you decide you’re interested, let me know.”

  “So, you’d basically sexually harass her? Make her uncomfortable? Maybe get her to quit the job before she starts? How is that better than my method of ignoring any attraction until I have it subdued?”

  “Because it’s honest and leaves the door open for, I don’t know, happiness. She deserves for you to be upfront with her. And maybe you’d just agree that there’s a time and a place for any kind of romantic thing.”

  “I never said anything about romance.”

  “Oh. Or you could just go that way. With the cold bastard, you’d mess up my childcare plans, it would’ve just been sex anyway, I don’t give a shit about your routine. That is definitely one way to keep her away from you. I know you, bro. That’s not who you are. So why are you acting like a—well, like a frigid hardass who only cares about business and doesn’t want any complications?”

  “Because if you change the word ‘business’ to ‘my daughter’, it’s accurate. Because I don’t want complications or some weeping woman who professes her love to me all the time and—”

  “Yeah, I forgot how inconvenient that shit is,” he laughed. “Are you trying to convince me you’re a dick? What makes you think—and I r
ealize you’re above-average looking, and you have money—what makes you think Rachel would fall in love with you instantly and desperately? She’s always been pretty independent, boys on the side type. I have never in all my life seen her have to chase after a man or like, run after your truck howling about her devotion. Give the woman some credit,” Noah scoffed.

  “Fine, you have a point. If I didn’t see potential with her, I wouldn’t be acting like such an ass about it. I want to make sure there’s no misunderstanding. No flirting, no longing looks or innuendo. Nothing to make her think I’m interested because—”

  “Because you are.”

  “Well, exactly. Because I am, but I can’t be. It would be a mess and it would upset Sadie. I haven’t brought a bunch of women into her life. I’m not going to raise her like that.”

  “No, you’ve lived like a monk most of the time. Is that how you’re teaching her about healthy relationships in adulthood? Showing her you sacrifice everything for your kid?”

  “Of course not, and that’s not what she’s learning. She’s learning that I love her and protect her and put her needs above everything.”

  “Great. Definitely. And don’t ever let her catch you having a date or a friend or a romance. Because then she’d think those were possible in her life, too. When obviously you want her to grow up lonely and self-righteous in a cabin like you.”

  “I did not grow up—”

  “Lonely and self-righteous? Let me check the scorecard on that—yes, you did. Rich kid who didn’t get attention, decides he’s better off on his own. Semi-control freak single father who runs his own business and is determined to answer to no one. Scared to let anyone get close.”

  “You need to apply for Dr. Phil’s job, Noah. You’re full of shit and he’s already got sponsors who like that,” I said.

  “You’re a terrific guy, my best friend, and that’s why I’m honest with you. You deserve the truth, which is you’re not living your life.”

  “Because I don’t have a different woman in my bed every week?” I challenged.

  “No, because you don’t let anyone in except me and Denise and she’s moving away. Sadie’s getting bigger. She’s gonna have friends and birthday parties to go to and her world is supposed to expand as she grows. You can’t keep her at home in the mountains all the time.”

  “She is not isolated. She goes to the park. We eat at the diner.” I felt a little defensive. Had I been keeping Sadie all to myself so she wouldn’t get hurt? Or so I wouldn’t?

  “You’re a great dad. No kid could ask for a better one. And I’m not saying buy the kid a car or something stupid. I’m saying, you could socialize more, bring people around, go places, take her along. Open up a little bit.”

  “Is there a workshop or seminar you’re giving on how to live my life or just this one-time TED talk?” I snarked.

  “Fine, be defensive. I would be, too. I’m not telling you how to live your life. I’m telling you there isn’t only one right way. You can consider something other than Saint Max of the Mountains, a celibate hermit, raises his daughter far from civilization.”

  “I never said I was a saint at all. And I’d appreciate if you’d warn me the next time you’re going to bust my balls about how I parent.”

  “Your parenting is good. I know that. And I know after you get over being offended, you’ll think about what I said. How you’re allowed to enjoy life and go out with women if you want to. You’re even allowed to tell Rachel you like her, and you want to bone her, and she should feel free to contact you about that.”

  “Right. That works on women now? ‘Hi. I’d like to bone you?’”

  “Maybe use nicer words. Like, I bet your pussy tastes incredible.”

  “You’re the worst,” I shook my head. “Why did I ask for advice from you? Why?”

  “Because I’m your only friend. Because you’re a forest-dwelling loner who is couple bad decisions from being a suspect on a crime show,” he joked.

  “Right. I’ll keep to the straight and narrow then.”

  “Hire Rachel but give her the courtesy of telling her how you think of her.”

  “I’d prefer to keep references to sex acts out of the job interview,” I said.

  “You are so prissy. What if she says yes?”

  “What if she sues me for making improper advances?”

  “I don’t think she’s the lawsuit type, but I’ll let you decide that one. If you say you like her, you find her attractive, that’s not a bad thing to say to someone. Especially when you’re not pressuring her—you’re doing the opposite. Giving her a choice. That you want her, but you can put that aside and treat her as an employee if she prefers it. That’s the part where you’re supposed to hear bells and catch her in your arms so she can say she’s had a crush on you for years and was too scared to act on it.”

  “That woman doesn’t seem like she’s easily intimidated. So I doubt she carried a torch for me.”

  “Improper advances? Conquest? Carried a torch? Damn, are you my grandma now?”

  “Yes, and I’m very disappointed in you using all that bad language, young man,” I laughed. “In all seriousness, Noah, I know you want what’s best for me. But you have to let me be the judge of that. I’m not going to lose control and find myself unable to resist her. I’ve never met the woman yet who I couldn’t forget if I tried.”

  “Famous last words, my man, famous last words,” he said. I’m not sure why his joke felt a little dangerous, why it fell on my ears more like a curse than a throwaway remark.

  I was going to hire her if we could come to terms. There was no sense putting it off. I’d changed my entire lifestyle when I became a father. I didn’t believe there was much chance that my value system was in danger from being in close proximity to a waitress and babysitter. I wouldn’t suddenly throw out my plan to avoid a relationship or affair because of Sadie. There wouldn’t be a moment when I threw off all my closely held beliefs because the babysitter was attractive to me. Grown men don’t act like hormonal teenagers, especially when their daughter’s happiness and stability are at stake. I would not set my child up for another loss like the abandonment of her mother. I liked our life the way it was, far too much to tamper with it.

  9

  Rachel

  The morning crowd bought their coffee and muffins and rolled out to work, a steady stream of business from seven on. At eight, almost on the dot, Max came into the diner. I finished serving the fried eggs and hash browns to the mayor and topped off his orange juice. Then I went to the other end of the counter and took Max’s order. This had to be the moment of truth.

  “Morning,” I said. “What can I get you today?”

  “Large coffee to go,” he said. “And a minute of your time if you have it.”

  I nodded, told Tasha I was taking my break and got Max his coffee. We sat on the vacant stools at the end of the counter. He looked so handsome, and his hair was still wet from the shower.

  “Well?” I asked. “Have you decided if you want my help with Sadie Cakes?”

  “Yes. I do want your help. I’m here to offer you the job. Most days in summer I work eight to five, seven to six if it’s a long one with a big order to fill. Are those hours something that would work with your schedule here at the diner?”

  “Yes. I’ve been managing this place for a few years and make the schedule myself. I can make that work. We’ll have high school and college students wanting the day shifts, and I can work here at night and on weekends. You work five days, not six, right?”

  “Actually, I work four long days and take Fridays and the weekends off. I pay twenty an hour, for a ten-hour day. You’re on duty nine hours, but I like to have you there at least fifteen minutes before eight and in case I’m running a few minutes late in the evening, it’s covered.”

  “You’re gonna pay me eight hundred dollars a week?” I was dumbfounded. I had hoped for fifteen an hour. I was going to be watching one kid. Not that I wanted to argue to be paid l
ess, but still.

  “Yes. If there’s overtime or a weekend day, I pay time and a half. I’m not paying just for you to babysit Sadie.”

  “So do I need to clean the house? I can—”

  “No, I’m paying for my daughter to have your undivided attention. I could put her in daycare, but she wouldn’t get the one-on-one time or the enrichment of having a dedicated caregiver only responsible for her. She’ll have swimming lessons in town twice a week, and there are certain things I want her to do.”

  “You have a schedule?” I asked.

  “We do,” he answered. “We go to the library every week. If you would do that and try to go when it’s story time because she likes that. Go to the park once a week. Things like that.”

  “Oh. I just had this vision of having to blow a whistle and make her do calisthenics or something. I can take her on outings then, go feed the ducks and stuff, right?”

  “Yes, I have an extra booster seat for your car, and I’ll need a copy of your license and your insurance.”

  “Not a problem. What about restrictions? What don’t you want me to do?” I asked.

  “No smoking or drinking while you’re on duty, no illicit drugs. Don’t let her juggle knives or get a tattoo” he grinned, and I grinned back. “This is probably a conversation for when we have more time. Could you come over to the cabin, have dinner with us tomorrow night around six? We can discuss the ins and outs then.”

  I nodded, “I’ll be there. Can I bring anything?”

  “Pie. Definitely pie.”

  “Will do. See you then,” I said, “It’s going to be a great summer.”

  “I hope so,” he said.

  I was beaming, my face aching from smiling when he left. I had the job at a higher rate of pay than expected, and I’d be able to scrape together the rest of my down payment for the diner. I went and called Hugh, who was at home.

  “All I need is the summer,” I said. “And I’ll have the down payment.”