Damaged Goods: A Single Dad & Nanny Romance

by Rye Hart

  “Thanks for the heads-up. I’m sure she’ll be a real pie face, and I’ll get stuck entertaining her,” I said, groaning out loud.

  “Or she’ll be hot as fuck, and you can make her your baby mama! Either way, you can use the time to figure out what you’re going to do, because crisis or not, we’re not missing out on this rodeo. I’ve got to buy at least six head and one sow at this auction. I have Jimmy coming out to pick up my take and bring them home, so we don’t have to miss out on anything hauling animals back.”

  “I’ll be lousy company.”

  “And that’ll be different how?” Rick deadpanned.

  I lifted a brow and gave him a hard stare, trying to get him to break, but that kind of shit only worked on other people. I had never intimidated Rick a day in our lives.

  “Suck it up. You’ll figure this out, and I’ll help. I’ll keep my eyes peeled at the rodeo. Maybe you’ll find you a hot little buckle bunny who wants a baby.”

  That was precisely the type I didn’t want.

  “I don’t think you’re going to be helpful. My kid will end up with a stripper for a mother if I let you help. I need someone who’s going to have her own life and talents in an industry that’s not going to tarnish my kid’s life or my family name. My uncle will shit a solid gold brick if I bring some pole dancer into the family, although I’m sure that’s what they all expect. That would probably explain why I never even heard of this baby clause from my uncle’s mouth.”

  “Fine, then, use the rodeo to clear your mind. You’ll start shooting blanks if you’re all stressed out.”

  Great, something else I had to worry about. What if I couldn’t have kids?

  “I’ll be there,” I finally said with a sigh.

  But not before I made an appointment for a sperm count.

  Fuck my life…

  CHAPTER THREE - BELLA

  As our plane landed, Kayla reached over and grabbed my hand.

  “Thanks so much for coming. I’m not sure I could have gotten through this without you.”

  I rolled my eyes. She meant the two shots in the airport bar and whatever pill she’d popped in the bathroom that she’d sworn was prescription.

  I squeezed her hand back and smiled. “I’m glad I could help.” What I was really glad about was that I had gotten all my things out of the house earlier that morning, and by the time Gavin got home from work, I’d be landing in Dallas, too far away to deal with any of his bullshit.

  “We should have planted a secret camera so we could have seen his face when he realized that you’re gone for good.”

  I had to admit that I would pay money to see that.

  “I told him I was leaving, and he’s tried to be a sweetheart the past few days thinking I’d change my mind, so, yes, he’s going to be pissed. I did manage to cancel all the wedding plans and secured refunds for all but two things I paid for. It was the least I could do for calling off the wedding. Take that expense and add it to the plane ticket and I’m strapped.”

  “I’ll take care of you. Besides, the room is paid up. Rick hated that I insisted on us staying at the hotel but agreed to pay for it. I know he’s going to want us to stay with him. He’s got a huge house, but I thought you’d be more comfortable in our own space.”

  I had to agree, especially since she’d never met the guy. What if they met and the chemistry they had online wasn’t there in person? Or worse yet, what if the guy was a big creep?

  “It’ll be all right. I needed this. I didn’t want to be there when Gavin got home, which should be any minute. I’ve got my phone turned off, so he shouldn’t be able to reach me. I want him to have some time to let it all sink in.”

  “Then let’s forget all about him. I’m so nervous that I’m about to see Rick for the first time. How do I look? Be honest.”

  “You’re gorgeous, and he’ll be crazy if he doesn’t think so.”

  We gathered our things and left the plane. After our luggage pick up, we went to wait in the bar, against my better judgment. Kayla ordered a cocktail and sipped it as we waited for Rick to arrive.

  I busied myself listening to an old man who was in the middle of telling the bartender dirty jokes and had a crowd laughing around him. Kayla screamed as he delivered the punch line, and I looked around to see her diving into the arms of a man I only hoped was Rick, her online boyfriend of four months.

  Their lips met, and he held her tight to him, gripping her lower back and one ass cheek. For a brief moment, I wondered if he was going to take her down to the floor and have his way with her right there.

  From what I could tell, he was a tall man, with an athletic build and a tanned complexion. His hair was slicked back, and it wouldn’t have surprised me if it took him longer to do his hair than it took me to get ready for the day.

  Behind whom I assumed to be Rick was vision. He was a tall, broad-shouldered handsome man, with hard blue eyes that contrasted with his dark brown hair. His hair was thick and wavy and stopped right above his shoulders. There was something about his eyes that seemed to penetrate right through me. If I had my camera on hand, I would have to fight myself not to take a shot of him. Of course, that would be risking a first impression of being a complete nutcase and potential stalker.

  His lip curled up as if at any moment he would bare fangs. His size intimidated me as he pushed his hands deeper into his pockets, shifting on his feet and looking bored.

  His eyes met mine, and his demeanor changed a bit. His face softened, and he looked away, and cleared his throat.

  “Sorry, man,” Rick said, finally coming up for air. “Kayla, this is Reed Harrington. He’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember.”

  Kayla stumbled a bit but giggled as she held out her hand and gave Reed a warm smile. Reed narrowed his eyes as if trying to determine what was wrong with her. Then his gaze slid in my direction.

  “Oh, this is my best friend, Bella. She had to hold my hand on the plane. I’m afraid I’m not a very good flyer.”

  “Have you been drinking?” Rick asked.

  “It’s okay, I barely sipped it.” She gave me a look as if begging me not to say anything. I wondered if Rick had something against her drinking.

  But then he put those impressions to rest. “Let’s get you girls loaded up, checked in, and then go have a real drink. I’m in need of a little celebration too. Reed?” He turned to see Reed’s reaction, and the guy grunted and lifted a shoulder.

  “Whatever, man. It’s early.” He hefted up my luggage as Rick grabbed Kayla’s and we headed out of the bar and to the parking lot. It didn’t take long to get to the huge four-door truck, and once our luggage was situated, Rick and Reed talked a moment alone. Rick jumped in the driver’s seat, and Kayla climbed in beside him. Reed was stone-faced as he climbed in, taking a seat next to me.

  After we went to the hotel and checked in to drop off our luggage and freshen up, Rick took us down the street to a bar where Kayla ordered her fourth drink of the day.

  “You might want to slow down a little,” I said, leaning in. “We didn’t eat much today.”

  “If you’re hungry, there’s a burger place next door. Reed can walk you over if you like,” Rick offered.

  Reed, who’d barely said two words so far, simply nodded.

  “No, thanks.” I didn’t want to put the man out, but not only that, I didn’t want to leave Kayla alone with a man she barely knew to go wander off with one I didn’t.

  Reed leaned in close. “I don’t bite, and there’s no reason to starve.”

  “Maybe we could go someplace after?” I looked to Kayla, and she threw her arm around Rick.

  “Could we go eat after? I’ll be famished by then.” She put her forehead to his and then the two were suddenly in a lip lock that showed how comfortable she was with him.

  “Suit yourself.” Reed seemed put off and got up from the table to go across the room where he disappeared into the crowd. He didn’t seem to be enjoying himself in the least.

&
nbsp; About that time, a girl came over, pulling on Rick’s shoulder. “Is this your latest victim?”

  Rick put his arm protectively around Kayla and then angled her to his side. “Go on, Cindy. No one wants your drama.”

  “My drama? Don’t let him fool you, sweetheart. He’s the love ’em-and-leave ’em type. So don’t go getting attached. He was with me last month, now you, and it will be someone else before you can put your panties back on. It’s how he plays.”

  Kayla, who by this time was well into her drink, glared at Rick.

  “You were with her last month, while we were talking?” Her eyes were molten with anger, and Rick held his hand up and grabbed her wrist as she tried to slap him.

  “No, I swear it, Kayla. I dated her last year, not anytime recently. Not since I met you.”

  The girl gave a wicked smirk, perfectly pleased that she’d caused a problem. “He’s lying. Why don’t you tell her all about how good you fucked me, Rick?”

  “You pig!” Kayla pushed him away and ran out of the bar. I left Rick there with his floozy as I went after her. I had a feeling we were going to be on the next plane home. Kayla was better off without the scumbag anyway. I was even more glad that I had come with her now.

  Kayla was halfway to their truck when I caught her, but she pulled away. Her anger was so vicious it startled me. I’d only seen that side of her on the few times she was really drunk around me. One drink too many made her want to fight.

  “Fucking asshole!” Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she suddenly lifted her foot and slipped off her high heel shoes. They were strappy and new and the prettiest pair she owned.

  “Kayla, what are you doing?”

  “He told me he loved me, and I was the only one for him. Now he’s going to pay for it!” She took the pointed heel of her shoe and started carving into the side of Rick’s truck.

  “Kayla, stop!” I tried to stop her, but I was afraid she’d hit me in her blind rage. I looked around and saw Rick coming across the lot. There was a crowd growing as she climbed onto the hood with her dress hiked up around her thighs so high you could see her panties. The entire crowd was getting a free show.

  Rick came up and bear hugged her around the waist, pulling her down and placing her on her feet. “Stop it, Kayla! What the fuck are you doing? Are you fucking crazy?”

  “You lied to me!” Kayla was kicking and screaming.

  “I’m not lying. I swear Kayla. Stop scratching up Reed’s truck and talk to me!”

  Reed was standing in the crowd looking at his truck like he wanted to murder someone. I was worried that he would go off on her and be relentless in his fury, but he just stood quietly, his chest heaving. His lips peeled back in a snarl as he watched Rick hold Kayla, whose eyes had gone wide. She’d stopped kicking and fighting long enough to survey the damage she’d done to the truck, which was pretty bad.

  She looked over to Reed with big tear-stained eyes, and all the man did in return was growl, like a wild dog about to pounce.

  End of Sneak Peak. Would you like to know how this continues?

  Click Here: Rock Hard Baby Daddy: A Billionaire Cowboy Romance

  Ladies like to ride me like a bucking bronco.

  But a bullsh*t clause in a will changed everything.

  My mission now: get a girl knocked up.

  My reward: two billion dollars

  Guess I better rope in the perfect baby mama.

  My family's oil empire left me a hefty inheritance.

  One condition: conceive an heir by my next birthday.

  Talk about a total mind f*ck.

  But, then I laid my eyes on Bella and I knew she was the one.

  A perfect balance of class, beauty and a sexy innocence.

  She's not afraid to tell this wild stallion to f*ck off.

  And that couldn't be more of a turn on.

  Something tells me she's got an inner cowgirl eager for a ride.

  I just hope she'll forgive me when she finds out I want to knock her up.

  Rock Hard Baby Daddy: A Billionaire Cowboy Romance

  Rock Hard Boss: Sneak Peak

  CHAPTER ONE - LUKE HARRISON

  The dinner rush was in full swing and I felt that old, familiar thrill surge through me. I’d been running my own restaurant for the last few years, but that excitement never faded. Orders flew in and food went sailing out, my line cooks bustled around the kitchen, following my every command. The air was filled with the exotic scent of menu items designed personally by me.

  It was barely controlled chaos, and it was my job to hold it all together somehow. Everything had to be perfect. Every dish. Every night. Every day.

  Danny, my second-in-command, slid a plate of sizzling steak onto the counter in front of me, signifying it was ready to go out into the dining room. I could tell it was overcooked just by looking at it. A quick probe with my finger confirmed my thoughts.

  I yanked the plate off the counter, barely suppressing the urge to smash it on the floor. I kept my kitchen spotless, and I wasn’t going to fuck up the floor because of one less-than-stellar plate. Instead, I thrust the charred steak in Danny’s face.

  “Are you seriously expecting me to serve this?”

  Danny eyed the steak warily, as if it might come to life and bite him.

  “Is it undercooked?” he asked, not meeting my gaze.

  “Undercooked? Are you fucking insane? It’s burned all to hell like a piece of old shoe leather. I wouldn’t feed this shit to my dog!” I growled loudly as the rest of the kitchen seemed to stop around us.

  Good. They could learn a lesson too; cook the best food possible, or get the fuck out.

  “I’m sorry, Chef Harrison,” he said, not meeting my gaze. “I’ll make a new one.”

  I tossed the plate on the counter next to him. “I don’t want your apologies, I want you to do it right the first time.”

  “Yes, Chef,” he mumbled. I turned to leave when he spoke again. “It’s just that we’re understaffed. I’m working two stations, Chef.”

  Anger boiled up inside me and I got in his face. “Look at me. I don’t want to hear excuses. You’ve got two hands, two eyes, and you can handle two goddamn stations.”

  “Boss, please. Ever since Gloria left, we’ve been short-handed.”

  He was right, of course, but there was nothing I could do about it tonight. I’d already chosen a new chef to join the team, but I hadn’t shared the news with the rest of the brigade yet. I didn’t want them slacking off in the meantime.

  A new chef tomorrow wouldn’t help them today.

  “You’re right,” I said. “Gloria’s not here, but you are. Now, we’ve got a packed dining room out there, and none of them give a damn that we’re down a chef. They expect the same high-quality food we serve every night. So, I need you to focus and get the job done. Can you handle that?”

  He nodded. “I think so.”

  “You think? If you can’t do it, tell me right now. Tell me right the fuck now. I’ll take over your stations, and you can give Sergio a hand washing dishes. I’ll ask you again, can you handle it?”

  The threat of busting him down to dishwasher lit a fire in Danny’s eyes. He glared at me like I’d just run over his mother. “Absolutely, Chef. I can handle it.” His voice was strong and steady, a complete reversal of the way he’d been just seconds ago.

  “Don’t let me down. Period.”

  He turned back to his stations with a renewed energy. The pan sizzled as he dropped a fresh steak in. Danny was back. And this was why I was so hard on my crew.

  Sure, he was beyond pissed at me. He was probably cursing my name under his breath and wishing all kinds of terrible things on me, but that was good. It meant he’d work three times as hard tonight just to prove me wrong and throw it back in my face.

  If I were a betting man, I’d wager he wouldn’t mess up another meal for the rest of the dinner service.

  A few minutes later, Danny brought a freshly cooked steak over. He stood watc
hing me, waiting for my assessment. I took my time looking it over, not because I wasn’t sure if it was done correctly, but because I wanted him to sweat a little.

  I could tell immediately that it was cooked to perfection.. I couldn’t let him off the hook so quickly, not if I wanted the fire in him to keep burning for the rest of the dinner shift.

  When I finally turned to him, his jaw was clenched so tightly the muscles in his neck stood out in thick cords.

  “All night, Danny,” I said, pointing at the steak. “Like this. All night.”

  He nodded curtly and hustled back to his stations.

  ***

  I slumped into the sagging leather chair in my office at the back of the restaurant. Dinner was over, the kitchen had been cleaned, and the staff had gone home for the night.

  Danny hadn’t spoken to me for the rest of the evening, but that was fine. I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. He might, but I wouldn’t. I’d done what I had to do for the good of the restaurant.

  Things had been going well for me. The reviews had been great and the dining room was booked solid for the next few months. That didn’t mean I could sit back and relax, it meant that I had to work even harder to maintain the restaurant’s reputation. As part of that, I had to bring on a new chef to replace the one I’d lost.

  I hated to let the old one go, but the woman was delusional. There was a lot of shit I would put up with, but someone in my kitchen batting her eyes at me and whispering my name seductively during a dinner rush was fucking out as far as I was concerned.

  I’d given love a try in the past, and the bitch had stabbed me in the heart and kicked me in the balls. I was done with it. Period.