by Sky Winters
Cassie looked over the girls, who’d reacted to the flight as though it was the most normal thing in the world.
Josh hopped out of the pilot’s seat and opened the back door for the group. Cassie hopped out after the kids, and once she was on the helipad she took a look at her surroundings. Just like she’d been able to see from up high, the massive mansion she now stood on was almost wrapped up in the forest. Mountains rose to the east, and she wasn’t able to see any other houses nearby. The place was isolated and alone.
“Come this way,” said Josh, taking the lead again.
“This is really…isolated,” said Cassie. “Don’t see many other houses around.”
“They’re out there,” said Nick. “We like to keep in touch with our neighbors. And isolated is just how we like it. We spend so much time at work that having a quiet place to come home to is just what we want.”
“But don’t worry,” said Josh. “You’ll still get good phone reception here, and the internet connection is top-notch. You’ll still be very much in contact with the rest of the world. And you’ll be able to go into the city whenever you want.”
“Let’s give her a tour of the rest of the place,” said Nick. “Maybe we’ll even bump into the reclusive artist.”
Josh laughed.
“We can only hope.”
“Let’s go!” said Amy, tugging at Nick’s pant leg. “I’m hungry!”
“Lunch sounds good,” said Josh. “And during the trip over I realized we failed to discuss salary with Cassie.”
Cassie noticed she’d been so caught up in the interview that she’d forgotten to ask about things like that.
“Come on,” said Josh. “Let’s work out the finer details inside over some food.”
Josh lead the group off the helipad and into the house. After winding through another long hallway, the group entered a large, impressive living room. The furniture was modern and stylish, the floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over the woods, and a huge fireplace dominated the space.
“I’ll make some food,” said Nick. “Josh, why don’t you discuss salary and all that with Cassie?”
Josh nodded.
“Steak sandwiches?” he asked.
Nick gave a thumbs-up as he stepped into the spacious, open kitchen. He opened the fridge, and Cassie saw it was absolutely packed full of meat.
“You guys are some serious carnivores,” she said as Josh led her over to the dining room table.
“We’re…big on protein here in the household,” said Josh. “But we’re more than willing to accommodate guests. Just make a note of what sorts of foods you like, and we’ll have them delivered with the rest of the groceries.”
The two of them took seats at the dining room table. Josh removed a notepad from his briefcase, along with a pen.
“Okay,” he said, shifting into businessman mode. “First of all, as we discussed, this is a live-in position. You’ll have your own private space in the east wing of the estate, and all expenses will be covered by us. You’ll be signed on as an employee of Hart Holdings, which means you’ll have access to all of the benefits that any other employee would have, including full medical and dental.”
Then he jotted down a number on the note pad and handed it over.
“This would be your yearly salary,” he said. “I believe that, as the ad said, it’s more than competitive.”
Cassie took a quick look at the piece of paper, her eyes going wide when she saw the number.
“Oh, wow,” she said. “That’s…yeah, that’s pretty competitive.”
“And because you’ll be staying here free of charge, you’ll find that you’ll be able to save a good portion of it.”
The sounds of sizzling steaks filled the air as Nick prepared their lunch.
“What else?” asked Josh out loud. “Now you’ll be responsible for the girls for most of the day. But Monday through Friday they’ll be with private tutors, so you’ll have some of the day to yourself. We’ll assign you one of the cars, and you’ll be free to take it into town should you want to. We only ask that you let us know when you leave, so we can get ahold of you in the event of an emergency.”
“Just heard from Caleb,” called out Nick. “He’s out in the woods.”
This struck Cassie as odd, and a little interesting.
“Out in the woods?” asked Cassie.
“That’s right,” said Josh. “We’re big into nature here, if you couldn’t tell by where our home is. We all like to take frequent…walks…outdoors to clear our heads. And Caleb seems to find it very good for his creative energy.”
Cassie perked up right away at this.
“I feel the same way,” she said. “I love to be out in nature; really helps me feel artistically inspired.”
Josh raised one of his thick eyebrows.
“Does that mean you’re an artist?” he asked.
“Something like that,” said Cassie. “I mean, I don’t go around saying I’m an artist or anything.”
Nick let out a bark of a laugh from the kitchen.
“If you were an artist like Caleb you wouldn’t be talking like that. You’re too humble.”
Josh chuckled.
“Seriously, though,” he said. “What sort of art interests you?”
“I love to paint,” she said. “Though I haven’t had much time for that recently.”
Cassie knew this was a nicer way to put the fact that Chris had all but forbid her from painting.
“And I love to take pictures. One of my favorite things to do is to go out into nature and snap some shots. Then to come home and spend hours editing them, touching them up, and making them perfect.”
“That’s so wonderful to hear,” said Josh.
“Excuse me?” asked Cassie, shocked to hear support for her art rather than the dismissal she was used to from Chris.
“That you’re an artist,” he said. “We’re looking to get the twins into some more creative activities, and if you’re willing to teach them, we’d be more than grateful.”
Cassie glanced over to the twins, who were both seated on the enormous living room couch watching TV.
“I’d absolutely love to,” said Cassie. “I can take them out for nature walks and show them the basics of how to take pictures.”
She felt herself get more excited as she spoke.
“And one of my favorite things to do is paint pictures inspired from the photos I take.”
“Excellent,” said Josh. “In that case, we’ll have to give you access to one of the spare rooms near where your bedroom will be. We’ll bring in some equipment and you can turn it into your own personal studio.”
He went on.
“But, as you surely surmised from the interview, Amy is a little more into traditionally ‘girly’ things, so expect some shopping trips in your future.”
He quickly added something.
“And we’ll be giving you an expense card for any such purchases.”
Cassie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It all sounded so perfect to her.
The sizzling from the stoves quieted down as Nick took the steaks off the burners and began preparing the sandwiches.
“But,” said Nick. “This is all dependent on you passing your probationary period, let’s not forget.”
Josh nodded.
“That’s right,” he said. “We’ll be giving you a week to see how the job works out. If it does, then wonderful. But if we or you feel this isn’t a good fit, we’ll send you on your way, compensating you for your time.”
Josh leaned back in his chair and folded his hands on his stomach, just as he’d done during the interview.
“Any other questions?” he asked.
“Yes,” said Cassie.
The non-disclosure agreement did give her pause. It struck her slightly as the sort of control Chris had subjected her to. Though the men did seem to be lenient about the whole thing. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder what was so secretive about their family tha
t they’d ask her to sign something like that.
“I have an aunt in town,” she said. “And I ought to let her know that I’m going to be here for the time being.”
“Of course,” said Josh. “We’ll be providing you with your own phone today, and you can feel free to contact her. I only ask that you keep the NDA in mind. You can tell her about the job, but all information about our personal lives is strictly confidential. If she asks, simply tell her we’re three business partners who’ve found it more convenient to live together. And that the girls are mine.”
“But they’re…all of yours,” said Cassie.
“That’s right,” said Josh. “Just think of us as three fathers.”
“Well, that is what we are,” said Nick as he sliced through a few loaves of bread with a large knife.
A look of realization crossed Josh’s face.
“Oh, and one more thing,” he said. “The five of us occasionally like to take evening…walks through the woods. These are strictly family affairs, so you won’t be allowed to come. I hope you understand.”
“Sure,” said Cassie.
She realized there was now another curious aspect to this family.
“And while we’re gone,” said Josh, “your time will, of course, be your own.”
“All right!” called out Nick. “Lunch time!”
The girls sprang up from the couch and hurried over to the dining room table. Nick arrived moments later, a plate of steak sandwiches in his hands. He set the food down on the table and the girls quickly snatched up sandwiches and began eating.
“Hey!” said Nick. “We’ve got a guest. And at least let me put down some plates.”
He stepped away and returned moments later with five plates, setting them out on the table.
“Don’t wait for us,” said Josh to Cassie. “Dig in.”
Cassie’s stomach growled as she picked up one of the sandwiches. She noticed right away that the sandwich was just packed full of meat—the family wasn’t kidding about being carnivores.
Before she could take a bite, however, the front door to the mansion opened. Cassie turned in her seat to see that the third father had arrived.
CHAPTER 6
CASSIE
Just like the other two fathers, Cassie noticed instantly this man was as gorgeous as they come. But unlike the button-down, business look of Josh and Nick, this man was much more rakish in his appearance.
His hair was jet black and shoulder-length, his hair tucked behind his ears. His eyes were a gorgeous chocolate brown, and his slim face was strikingly handsome. He was dressed in dark, slim jeans with rips here and there, a chambray shirt, and black boots. His arms were covered in tattoos, and a cocky little smirk played on his lips as he entered, a large portfolio folder tucked under his arm.
“Hell yeah,” he said, making a beeline for the food. “Just in time for lunch.”
Without even noticing Cassie, he plopped down in one of the chairs and snatched up one of the sandwiches.
“Hey, Chef Nick,” he said. “Mind grabbing me something to drink? I think I’ve still got some of those IPAs left.”
He took a big bite of his sandwich, shaking his head at how delicious it was.
“Hey, ladies,” said the man, reaching over and mussing the hair of the two girls, one after the other.
“Hey, Caleb,” said Sam, a big smile on her face.
“Hey!” exclaimed Amy, not pleased to have her hair mussed.
Josh and Nick continued to stare at Caleb. Finally, Josh cleared his throat.
Caleb looked around mid-bite, his eyes settling on Cassie and going wide.
“Oh, shit,” he said, noticing Cassie.
Then his hand shot to his mouth as he realized he’d sworn in front of the kids.
“I mean ‘shoot’,” he said.
The girls giggled.
“We have a guest,” he said, wiping his hands before extending one of them over to Cassie. “Totally forgot my manners.”
Nick flashed him a grin.
“Do you even have any to forget?” he asked.
“Hey, now,” said Caleb.
Cassie reached over and took his hand. Like Nick and Josh, his grip was firm and warm.
“Caleb Wright,” he said.
“Cassie Mayer.”
Caleb glanced around to the other fathers.
“New nanny?”
“Probationary period,” said Nick.
“Ah. Does she…does she know about?”
He moved his finger in a circle, indicating the family situation.
“She knows we’re all fathers of the twins,” said Josh.
“And I’m assuming she doesn’t know..”
Josh raised his palm, indicating for Caleb to stop talking. Caleb stopped right away.
“So,” he said, trying to change the subject. “How are you liking things so far, Cassie?”
“It’s good,” she said. “I mean, I’ve only been here for an hour or so. But you guys all seem great. And these are really good sandwiches.”
Nick nodded and smiled in appreciation.
Cassie went on.
“So, Caleb,” she said. “You’re the creative person behind the company?”
“I like to think so,” he said. “These other two are business-minded in a way that my brain just doesn’t operate, and sometimes I think they just threw me a bone, so I’d have something to do during the day.”
“Caleb is being cute,” said Josh. “You’ll have to get used to that with him.”
“Truthfully,” said Nick, “Caleb is a creative powerhouse. You notice the logo for the company?”
“Yeah,” said Cassie. “Really nice design.”
“That was Caleb,” said Nick. “Anything graphics or style-related that you see is either done by Caleb or has gotten his final approval.”
“Caleb is the best artist in the world,” said Sam.
“And Cassie is an artist, too,” said Amy.
“Girls,” said Josh. “Let’s go with ‘Miss Cassie’ for now.”
“It’s fine,” said Cassie. “I think just ‘Cassie’ is nice and casual.”
The girls smiled at this as they chewed their food.
“An artist?” asked Caleb, his interest piqued. “What medium?”
“Just paints and photography,” she said.
“You into nature photography?” Caleb asked.
“Yeah,” she said. “And I’d love to get a chance to take some shots of the property.”
“I’m sure you’ll get your chance,” said Caleb. “Maybe during the day when the girls are with their tutors.”
“So,” said Nick, setting down his sandwich. “What’s on the agenda for today?”
Josh wiped his hands on his napkin and spoke.
“We’ve got some family matters to discuss, and I think it’s time the three of us get together and talk about what’s in store for the company over the next few months.”
“I agree,” said Nick. “Now that we’ve got a nanny to look after the girls, that’ll free up some time for what we’ve got planned next.”
“Then how about this,” said Josh. “Cassie can take the girls into town for the afternoon, and the three of us can have a little meeting. Then maybe Cassie would be nice enough to bring some food back from town for dinner.”
“Then can we go for a night run?” shot out Sam, her face bright and eager.
Josh raised his eyebrows.
“Maybe,” he said. “And let’s…not bore Cassie with talk about our evening outings.”
His tone suggested he didn’t want the subject to continue any further. This struck Cassie as very, very strange. She was beginning to think there was something odd about this family, perhaps something even odder than the fact that there were three fathers to two girls.
She wondered just what she’d gotten herself into.
“That sound good to you, Cassie?” asked Josh. “You can take one of the cars. And it seems like it might be a long drive i
nto town, but it’s only about twenty minutes or so. Pretty straight shot.”
“If the girls are good with it, then I’m more than happy to,” she said. “How about it, girls? Maybe swing by the bookstore, do a little shoe shopping after that?”
“Yeah!” they both said in unison.
“And can we get pizza for dinner?” asked Sam.
“Sure,” said Josh.
“Just as long as you get more than we got last time,” said Nick. “I need at least one for myself.”
Cassie raised her eyebrows. Nick was a big guy, sure, but one whole pizza sounded like a lot, even for someone his size. The major appetites were something else that stood out to her.
She put it out of her mind as best she could as she took a few more bites of her enormous steak sandwich. Cassie couldn’t believe just how much meat there was.
“Okay,” said Nick, once they finished up. “I cooked, Caleb, you clean.”
“Fine, fine,” he said.
“And I’ll take Cassie to the car,” said Josh. “Girls, you get ready to go.”
The girls agreed, and Josh got up, gesturing for Cassie to come with him.
“Now,” he said. “We’ve got a few options. Nick’s a big car guy, and he’s picked up a few on a whim that he’s probably only put a few hundred miles on.”
Buying cars on a whim was something Cassie had a hard time wrapping her head around. The life this strange family lived was something she couldn’t even believe.
And as she walked with Josh, her mind went back to how attractive he was. All of the men, actually, were stunning to her in their own ways. Josh was commanding, a true leader. Nick was tall and built like a truck, but his muscular body was a contrast to his mathematical mind. And Caleb was the sort of rakish artists who knew just how to cast a spell on a girl that she’d never forget.
Being around the three of them all at once was something Cassie had a hard time dealing with. She felt her heart being pulled in three different directions.
“Okay,” said Josh, opening up the door to the garage. “Take your pick.”
The garage was huge, just like the rest of the house. A half-dozen cars were there, ranging from a huge, jet-black Humvee to a small, sporty car that looked like something an international spy would drive.
