“Can I get you anything?” I ask her. ‘Perhaps a glass of wine?”
She looks a bit surprised. “It’s a bit early.”
“It’s almost three o’clock. I think that’s still within the realm of respectability.”
She nods. “You’re the boss. Just don’t fire me for drinking on the job.”
I laugh. If she only knew. I’m doing it to calm my nerves.
I pour a couple of glasses of chardonnay, handing one to her. “You seem to be in a better mood than you were last week.”
She looks a bit embarrassed. “I was just in shock the last time. I felt like I had been set up.”
If I am honest with myself, she was.
I hedge a bit. Okay, I lie. “Margaret was in charge of the selection of candidates. You can thank her.”
She looks doubtful but, apparently, decides to let it go. I am grateful for that.
“So what made you change your mind?” I ask as I lean against the front of the desk and take a sip of wine.
She looks at me quizzically, slightly startled. “About taking the job?”
Something in her response leaves me feeling that she is hiding something. Before I can comment on it, Margaret brings Holly in. I laugh at the wet raven ringlets surrounding her cherubic face. Her hazel eyes are full of excitement. Barkley, as usual, is right beside her. Barkley is his own story, a rescue dog with a penchant for trouble. He’s the gift that keeps on giving. As my mom would say, “It’s a good thing he’s pretty.”
“I thought I would bring Holly up to meet Rebecca,” Margaret says as she urges Holly in.
Barkley runs up to Rebecca, nudging her hand with his muzzle. I have to marvel at that. He won’t have anything to do with anyone other than Holly. He was an abuse victim before we took him in. Holly is his world. He just tolerates the rest of us.
“And who are you, handsome?” Rebecca asks as she rubs him underneath his chin. He’s a good-looking dog, just shy of a year old. His chocolate muzzle is split down the middle by a single white stripe. His feet and tail are dipped in white in contrast to his shiny chocolate coat. His brown eyes look at Holly adoringly, as does she.
“His name is Barkley,” Holly pipes up as she goes to pet him, too.
Rebecca looks up at me. “Is that with a ‘k’ or ‘c’?”
“Really? You have to ask?” I grin. “We thought it was an appropriate name for him after the first week.”
She just smiles and continues to shower affection on Holly and the pup. Watching the two of them is a bit unnerving. Holly is a bit like Barkley in a way. She is shy with most people, but she seems completely at ease with Rebecca. The picture before me is one I have always imagined but never allowed myself to think of beyond a dream. The reality of it is beautiful and frightening, all at the same time. It’s easier to have never had something than to have it and lose it. The pain is unbearable. I know that all too well.
“Margaret, I think I’m going to take Rebecca to check out the guesthouse. Is everything ready?”
She nods to me. “Holly, why don’t we go get you cleaned up?” She glances over at Rebecca. “Glad to have you on staff.”
As they leave, I laugh. “I think Margaret’s ready for a break. Two weeks have been enough for her.”
“Holly’s a sweet little girl.” Rebecca hesitates briefly. “What about her mother?”
That’s not something I am ready to discuss. “She’s not in the picture,” I tell her simply, hoping she will get the hint.
She does. “Let’s go check out my new home.”
***
I unlock the front door to the tiny house and let Rebecca in, watching her face carefully. She is trying to pull off a casual, unaffected look, but I can tell she likes it. It overlooks the pool and has its own private back yard. The house is simply furnished, but it has all of the basics: a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bath.
She turns to me. “All of this for a nanny?”
I shrug my shoulders. “It’s a big role. You’ll be a part of our family.”
An odd look crosses her face, almost guilty. “Are you okay?”
She appears to snap out of whatever it was. “Sorry. My thought derailed.”
I decide to let that go. We have time to talk. “I’ll let you get settled in. Dinner is at seven.”
Back at the main house, I find Margaret in the library, flipping through Rebecca’s file. “So what did she think of the guesthouse?”
I can tell by the tone of her voice that she disapproves. “She seemed to like it.”
Margaret sighs heavily.
I take a seat in one of the chairs. “I take it you have something you want to say.”
She takes the seat opposite mine. “Are you sure about this?”
This is unlike Margaret. I have never known her to question my decisions in the six years we have worked together. This is new.
“I take it you have reservations?”
She places the file on the table next to her. “What’s so different about her? The last nanny made half of what you are offering Rebecca and only had a single bedroom in the house. If I didn’t know you better, I would say you were trying to buy her. Why are you trying so hard to impress her? Lord knows you don’t have to even blink to impress any woman.”
I think about her comment. How much do I tell her? Lying to her, or half-telling feels like lying to my mother.
“Have I ever told you about my first love?”
She gives me a shrewd look. “Only enough to say she broke your heart.”
I flip through the book next to me absentmindedly. “I need answers.”
Margaret’s face is stern. “I am going to remind you that you have the emotions and trust of a four-year-old involved. If she hurt you this badly, how much more damage can she inflict? Think of Holly.”
I toss the book aside. “You need to stay in your lane.”
She stands up and gives me a withering look. “And you need to know that this is more than a job to me. You and Holly have become my family. I won’t let her hurt you again.”
I realize what she is saying. She and her husband never had any children. Her husband passed away nine years ago. I immediately feel guilty.
“I’m sorry, Margaret,” I say as I reach out to hug her. “You are a part of our family. Of course, you are concerned.”
She places a staying hand on my shoulder. “I’m just worried. I’ve never seen you like this before, even with Holly’s mother.”
I shrug that off. “You and I both know that Holly was all that ever mattered once I found out.”
Margaret nods. “I know. I’m just afraid for you both. I saw the way Holly acted with her. If you let her in and she leaves, it won’t just be your own hole to fill. It will be all of ours. Is it worth the risk?”
I look at her with the certainty that my brain denies and my heart demands. “Yes.”
CHAPTER 6
Rebecca
After Cameron leaves, I look around the guesthouse. Some guesthouse! Arthur, the butler, helps me to unload my belongings from my car. He seems a bit friendlier this time around. He even smiles a few times and attempts a joke or two. We finish bringing everything in fairly quickly. I didn’t bring much. After all, it’s not as if I plan to be here for long.
“Do you need help with anything else, Miss Rebecca?” he asks as he brings in the last box and places it on a table.
I smile at him. “Thanks, Arthur. I think that’s it. You’ve been a huge help. Do you live on the premises too?”
He nods. “I have a suite in the East Wing of the house. Margaret does, too. That’s where the previous nanny used to stay as well.”
I grin at him. “I take it Cameron and Holly are in the West Wing. I’ve never been in a house that had ‘wings’. It feels strange even saying it.”
He gives me one of his rare smiles. “I completely understand. It took some getting used to for me as well.”
> As he starts to leave, I stop him. “Cameron said dinner is at seven.” I look at my jeans. “Do I need to change?”
He shakes his head. “You’re fine. It sounds intimidating, but it isn’t. It’s always optional to join. Cameron has always made that clear. Sometimes I prefer to retreat to the privacy of my suite and heat up some soup and have a little peace and quiet.”
“I may still try and freshen up. I’ll see you at seven.”
Once he is gone, I take in the surroundings. The living room is cozy. The furnishings are simple but comfortable. It flows into a full kitchen. Off the kitchen is a bonus room with French doors that lead to a small patio that is flanked on both sides with fragrant gardenia bushes, creating a cozy and private outdoor living area. I think I may go back and retrieve my painting supplies. This will be the perfect spot to set up and paint. The lighting is ideal for it. I haven’t been able to paint much lately. The apartment was too cramped, and I was terrified of messing up the carpet. This is perfect.
I begin unpacking my clothes and putting them in the dresser. I hear Holly in the pool. I go to the window, looking out. Holly is in the water with Barkley tossing the ball. She is adorable. She looks just like Cameron.
Speaking of Cameron, I see him approaching the pool. He takes off his t-shirt and tosses it on one of the lounge chairs. I draw in a sharp breath. It’s bad enough that he is rich and handsome. Can’t he have at least one flaw? Alas, no. His body is tan and sinewy. I feel my pulse quicken merely at the sight of him.
He looks towards the guesthouse. I duck away from the window, leaning against the wall in embarrassment. Did he see me? Why do I suddenly feel like I am back in high school? No, I’m being too generous with myself. I am behaving like a seventh-grader with a crush on the best-looking boy in school!
I get back to unpacking. I realize my hands are shaking. And I’m supposed to be the evil mastermind? I’m off to a rocky start. Instead of feeling like a calculating adversary, I’ve regressed to the early days of puberty. Great!
***
I approach the house. I managed to get almost everything unpacked. I hate to admit it, but I’m starving.
As I enter the house, a delicious scent greets me. I find Margaret in the kitchen. “Margaret, that smells incredible.”
She gives me a slight smile as she takes a pan from the oven. “I wish I could take credit, but I’m a lousy cook. A chef prepares a menu each evening and delivers it to the house. He also prepares breakfast and lunch meals, but they are premade and delivered twice a week. All we have to do is follow the instructions and voila!”
“I can’t even imagine that kind of life. That has to be expensive.”
Margaret chuckles. “In case you haven’t noticed, Mr. Fletcher is doing quite well. I guess one of the perks of being a successful billionaire is that you can hire a chef to do all the cooking. It’s all healthy and delicious.”
I take a cucumber from the salad. It is remarkably fresh. “And now we have the secret of how the stars always look so perfect. It takes a lot of money to be perfect.”
Margaret takes out several plates. “Nobody is perfect. Sometimes perfection can be lonely.” She takes on a pensive air. “I see that here every day.”
I ponder what she just said. I had never really thought of it that way before. I guess it can be hard to trust others, let them in when you know their intentions may not be sincere. Sometimes it’s just easier to keep them out and not get hurt. The price, however, is loneliness.
Before I can comment, Arthur enters the kitchen. He looks kindly at me. “Did you get settled in?”
I smile. I am beginning to like Arthur. Underneath that stoic exterior lies someone who, I am beginning to realize, deeply cares, and wants to connect with others. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
He looks a tad embarrassed by the praise as a blush tinges his cheeks. “I was only too happy to help.”
At that moment, Holly and Barkley make their grand entrance, followed by Cameron. “Something smells good!”
I laugh as Barkley begins sniffing along the edge of the countertops. Margaret shoos him away. He takes to his doggy bed in the corner, sulking after having been scolded.
We all serve our own plates and sit down for dinner. I am new to everything, so I remain quiet for the most part. What intrigues me is the comfortableness of everyone. In a strange way, it’s much like a regular family dinner. They all talk about their day. Admittedly, Holly is the star. I smile as she launches into a story of her adventures with Barkley that day. I think some may be a bit over the top, but it’s cute. I find myself smiling, reveling in the warmth of the moment.
Afterward, I begin to help Margaret clean up. Cameron comes in and urges her out. “Just think of this as a ‘thank you’ for doing double-duty between nannies.”
Margaret and Arthur retire to their suites. Holly watches a cartoon with Barkley curled up next to her. She is beginning to look sleepy.
I bring the dirty plates into the kitchen. Cameron scrapes the leftovers, sans bones, onto a separate plate.
I give him a questioning look. “Are you saving those? Why? We have plenty of leftovers.”
Two seconds later, I get my answer. Barkley trots in and Cameron puts the plate on the floor.
He gives me a sheepish look. “Don’t tell my veterinarian.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
We finish cleaning the kitchen in comfortable silence. There is an intimacy in doing something that is normally seen as a routine chore. It makes him seem more real, more like the Cameron I used to know.
When we are done, I take Holly upstairs and tuck her in, reading a story to her. She is asleep before we even reach the end. I carefully ease off the bed, trying not to disturb her. I place a gentle kiss on her forehead. She stirs slightly. I quietly turn the light off and shut the door when I leave.
I return downstairs to find Cameron on the terrace. I open the door and walk out to join him. “Penny for your thoughts?”
He looks over his shoulder at me. “I was just thinking of earlier times.” He moves to face me. “You’re really good with Holly. She is already taken with you. I’ve never seen her like this with any of the other nannies.”
“She’s a special child,” I tell him. “You’re very lucky.”
He is quiet, reflective. “I’m going to go to the guesthouse. What time does Holly usually get up? What do I need to do to prepare for tomorrow?”
“She’s usually up by seven. Breakfast is in the fridge. All you have to do is follow the instructions. It’s usually an egg dish and fruit.”
“Do I need to have anything ready for you? What time do you usually leave for work?”
“I usually leave at seven,” he replies. “That way I get to kiss her goodbye. You don’t need to bother with me. The only thing I usually require is coffee. I didn’t hire you to wait for me. Holly is your focus. Not me.”
I give him an uncertain look. “I don’t mind. I’m going to go on to the guesthouse if you don’t need anything else from me.”
He shakes his head. “Have a nice evening.”
With that, I leave. Somehow, I feel he is deep in thought and needs space.
CHAPTER 7
Cameron
I watch as Rebecca walks to the guesthouse. I can’t explain it, but the simple act of cleaning the kitchen after dinner felt so normal, so right. It was unnerving. What have I done letting her back in? If she leaves again, the pain will be so much more than before. Can I handle that if it happens?
The next morning, I arise early. I smell the welcoming scent of fresh coffee, following it. Rebecca is in the kitchen. I smile. She is dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. Margaret will probably have a fir, but I like it. Her hair is loose around her shoulders.
She turns, obviously startled when she sees me. “I didn’t realize you were up yet. I thought it was just me.”
“What’s on the menu?” I ask. “I might act
ually have some breakfast for a change.”
She checks the fridge. “You have your pick of frittatas or French toast.”
“Frittatas,” I say. “How long have you been up?”
She glances at me. “A while. It’s difficult sleeping in a new place. It’s going to take some getting used to.”
I take a sip of coffee. She makes it strong. “Do you like the guesthouse?” I ask as I add a touch of cream. Wow!
She places the breakfast in the oven. “How on earth could I not? It’s perfect.”
“Holly sure has taken to you.”
She smiles as she takes a couple of plates out. “The feeling is mutual.”
Margaret enters the kitchen. She is in her usual professional attire. I have told her time upon time that she doesn’t need to go to that extreme. She insists anyway.
I watch as she sizes up Rebecca. “Is that what you are wearing for work?”
Rebecca looks a bit taken aback. She glances uncertainly at me. “I just assumed it would be okay.” She tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I can go change.”
I intervene. “Rebecca, you’re fine. Arthur and Margaret are the faces for me when I am not here. Holly is all you are responsible for managing. There’s no need to dress up for her. If anything, it’s silly for you to even try.”
Margaret gives a subtle cough in disagreement but lets it go. I love Margaret, but she can be a real stickler for the rules.
As if hearing his name, Arthur appears and pours himself a cup of coffee. “Good morning everyone. What’s for breakfast today?
“Frittatas,” I tell him.
He takes a piece of watermelon from the fruit bowl. “My favorite.”
I glance at my watch. “I need to hurry. I have a meeting beginning at eight. I can’t be late, and you know how traffic can be sometimes.”
Rebecca frowns. “Holly’s not up.”
I shake my head. “It’s fine. Let her sleep.”
Holly takes care of that as she runs in. “Daddy!” she yells as she hugs my knees.
Working For My Arch Enemy: Enemies To Lovers Romance Page 3
