Bryce
Nanny’s Aussie Billionaire
Piper Sullivan
Contents
Also by Piper Sullivan
1. Bryce
2. Cara
3. Bryce
4. Cara
5. Bryce
6. Cara
7. Bryce
8. Cara
9. Bryce
10. Cara
11. Bryce
12. Cara
13. Bryce
14. Cara
15. Bryce
Also by Piper Sullivan
Cowboy's Fake Fiancée
1. Mason
2. Sage
Seal’d to Her: A Preview
Prologue
1. Colt
2. Jaya
3. Colt
Dr Daddy Next Door: A Preview
Book Description
1. Rory
2. Kane
Copyright © 2017 by Piper Sullivan
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Also by Piper Sullivan
Dr. Daddy Next Door: A Single Dad & A Virgin Romance
Seal'd to Her: A Billionaire Second Chance Romance
Cowboy's Fake Fiancée: A Single Dad & A Virgin Romance
Bryce
I watched Cara adjusting the spaghetti straps on her green bridesmaid’s dress, plastering another fake smile on her face for the photographer.
“One more! Everyone say cheese!” The photographer was trying to rally our flagging energies.
“Cheese!”
Our group managed one more pose before collapsing. Well, we had been posing for over an hour. I was best man, and it was part and parcel of the job, I knew that. But it was hard going. I could never be a model. I looked at Amber and Finn, the bride and groom. They didn’t look tired. They looked like they could run a marathon. But I knew they were running on nervous energy.
Finn looked down at Amber, tenderly tucking a stray curl behind her ear. She looked up at him, smiling as if he was the only man in the room. The photographer captured the impromptu moment.
Love, I thought. They were obviously head over heels. Lilah, Finn’s daughter, looked up at them, a smile breaking out over her sweet little face before she ran to them, hugging them both around the legs. She looked like a little princess in her white flower girl’s dress. I watched them for a moment, before turning away. Finn had found his soul mate, and a mother for Lilah. He deserved it, after what they had been through losing Erin. And Amber was a great woman, perfect for Finn.
He was my best buddy, and I wanted the best for him. I was glad it had turned out this way. But as I watched the family, overflowing with happiness, I couldn’t help think of my own unexpected, somewhat shocking news.
I was a father. Me, Bryce Harrison. Used to going wherever I wanted, doing whatever I wanted. Dating whatever woman that had caught my eye, then moving on to the next. Hey, I liked women. I just hadn’t met that special someone.
Would I ever? I thought of Abigail, my ex who had just died. No, I had never loved her. We had a good time, and we had parted amicably. But then I had moved on to the next woman, without even giving her a backward glance. But she had sure surprised me.
I got the call two weeks ago. That Abigail had passed away. She had been suffering from cancer, apparently for a while. But that wasn’t the worst of it. It seemed that Abigail had left a time bomb for me. Why she had never told me before, I have no idea. I would have helped, given her child support at the very least. But she had decided to go it alone.
I was apparently the father of a two-year-old child. His name was Charlie. I still couldn’t believe it. But it was true. I had fast tracked DNA tests, of course. I had never even thought about fatherhood, before now. I enjoyed playing with Lilah, and my brother’s two kids. But that was the extent of it.
What the hell was I going to do?
The photography session had wound up, and it was time to go to the reception. A couple of classic Bentleys would transport us from the Botanic Gardens to Ripponlea, an historic Melbourne mansion. Over two hundred guests were awaiting us. I climbed into the back of the car, lost in my own thoughts.
Then a vision in green flew past outside the window. Ah, yes. Cara. Amber’s best friend, also her bridesmaid. Over from the States. I had been watching her, before, as we were being photographed. She was a sexy woman, there was no denying that. Not my usual type; Cara had raven black hair that reached to her waist, and liquid brown eyes. I usually preferred blondes. Buxom blondes.
But there was something about her. She had a lot of energy, for a start. She smiled and laughed constantly, throwing her black hair back as she collapsed into giggles. Her eyes flashed. I could see her figure underneath that green dress, too. Classic hourglass, long legs, nipped in waist, and decent bust. Not as well-endowed as the girls I usually dated, but then they often were surgically enhanced. Being wannabe actresses, models and trophy wives, it kind of came with the territory. She climbed into the car in front, and then we were away, veering out into the Melbourne traffic.
I thought about my predicament. There was no choice. I would have to take on the care of the little boy. I couldn’t do anything less. He was my son, after all. But how was I going to work this out? I just started a new project that would take a year of work, and meant I had to relocate to the Gold Coast in Queensland. What would I do with the little boy, away from my family and friends?
Then I thought of Cara. Finn had mentioned it, at his bachelor party. Amber had said something, the day before. That Cara might be willing to take on the job of nanny. Something about needing to get out of the States for a while.
It could be a win-win situation.
And at the very least, I would get to know the delectable Cara, just a little bit more.
Cara
I looked around the bare walls of my new home. I simply could not believe that I had said yes to this arrangement.
Amber had pressured me, of course. She got Finn involved, as well. Both saying that it would be good for me, give me a chance to clear my head. A working holiday, in Australia. And they had obviously both worked on Bryce as well.
Bryce. My new boss. I still didn’t know what to make of him.
Oh, he was damn sexy, I knew that. Tall, and dark. He walked with that confident swagger that told me he knew his effect on women. But when he had asked me to dance at Amber and Finn’s wedding, I was surprised. He had twirled me around on the dance floor, his hands gripping my own. His touch was electric. But I tried to play it cool. Billionaire playboys had never been my style. Well to be honest, I had never met any before now. I had gone out with poor students, just like me. I hardly mixed in the higher echelon of society.
“Are you enjoying Australia?” He had asked, staring down at me.
“So far, so good,” I had replied. “I haven’t seen much, though. Just Melbourne, obviously, but Amber and Finn are promised to take me on a day trip down the Great Ocean Road after they get back from their honeymoon. Apparently, it’s beautiful.”
“It is,” he said, gripping me tighter. “One of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world, with lots of gorgeous seaside towns along the way.”
He spun me around. I almost fell against him, dizzy. “Hey, watch it,” I smiled. “I’m not good in these six-inch heels. Sneakers are usually my speed. You need practical shoes on the hospital wards.”
“That’s right,” he said. “You’re a medical student, aren’t y
ou?”
“I am,” I said. “Well, I was. I’m not sure, any more…” I broke off, biting my lip.
“It’s a hard slog,” Bryce said. “Long, long hours. I know because my sister is a doctor. She barely had any sleep when she was studying.”
I laughed lightly. “It goes with the territory. No sleep for the first four years. But I’m a bit over it. I’m not sure if I want to continue.”
He looked at me, then pulled me closer as the music slowed down to a ballad. I was acutely conscious of his arms around me, his hands resting lightly on my shoulders. Damn, he was an attractive man. I would have to watch my step. I had heard he chewed through women before breakfast. Although I didn’t think I was his type. Amber had mentioned that he liked his women buxom and brainless, in that order.
“Cara,” he said, looking down at me. “I’m in a bit of a predicament. I was wondering if you might help me out.”
I stared up at him, taking in that chiselled jaw and deep blue eyes. I had an idea what he was about to say, and I still didn’t know what my response would be.
“You’ve heard, I guess, that I suddenly have a son to take care of,” he continued. “His mother died, and she never told me about him. Charlie, is his name. I want to do the right thing, but I’m in a bit of a mess with it. On top of everything, I have to take up an appointment on the Gold Coast this week.” He stopped, drawing a deep breath. He looked forlorn.
“Okay, okay, I’ll do it.” The words had left my mouth before I had control of them. Damn. I was a sucker for a man in distress, obviously.
He broke out in a big grin. “You’ll do it? Come and work with me as my nanny, in Queensland?”
“If you can sort out the working visa quickly enough,” I answered. Inside, I was kicking myself. I didn’t usually make life changing decisions so spontaneously. But the guy obviously needed help, and as quickly as possible. What was a girl to do?
“You won’t regret it,” he said.
And now, here I was. Regretting it, at least a little bit.
A Surfer’s Paradise mansion, newly rented. Furniture was supposed to have been delivered this morning, but the house was empty. And a little boy, asleep in a makeshift bed. I had done the best that I could. But I couldn’t help being scared, and thinking I had got into a situation way over my head.
I had flown up to the Gold Coast with him from Melbourne that morning. Bryce was already up here, having started his project the day before.
Charlie had cried the whole way, and I simply didn’t know what to do. I had tried to pacify him with a newly bought toy from an airport kiosk and his bottle, but it had been a hellish trip. He had fallen asleep in the taxi ride to his new home, snuggling into my arms like a little bear.
My heart had broken a bit, at that. The poor little thing. His mother was dead, and he was too young to understand. He was starting a new life with a father he had never met, and a nanny who was new to him, as well. Everything that he had known and cherished in his short life had been ripped away from him. His mother, and his home.
And where was Bryce? He had promised to be here, to meet us. But I hadn’t heard from him.
I couldn’t even make myself a coffee. The kitchen was bare. I had been told to expect the housekeeper, a Mrs Hall, but she wasn’t here either. I rested my head against the ceiling to floor windows, staring out over the sea.
At least it was beautiful here, and a damn sight hotter than Melbourne had been. I had heard that Queensland had gorgeous weather. I could see sunbathers on the beach below, and life guards in yellow and red patrolling the waves.
Charlie wasn’t the only one who had been ripped away from all that was familiar to him.
I was feeling pretty lost and confused as well.
Bryce
Damn! I had promised Cara that I would be at the house when they got there. And here I was, stuck in a meeting.
I got up surreptitiously, sliding my phone into my jacket pocket as I did so. I would have to call her from the men’s room. Hopefully, she would understand. But I felt like I had let them down. Charlie was only two, and being taken away from the only life he had ever known. And Cara was new to all of this, as well.
Who was I kidding? So was I. Quaking in his boots at the thought of disappointing a two-year-old and his newly acquired nanny. I just didn’t know the rules of this strange new world that I had entered. It was kind of surreal, to say the least.
I called Cara, willing her to pick up.
“Hello?” Her voice flowed down the phone line like honey.
“Cara, it’s me.” I turned toward the wall, trying to keep the call private. “I’m so sorry, I’ve got stuck in a meeting. Are you and Charlie okay?”
I heard her sigh. “It’s pretty poor, Bryce. No one was here when we arrived, and there isn’t a stick of furniture in the place. I had to make a bed for Charlie out of clothes.”
I screwed my eyes up tight. “Jesus. They promised that the furniture would be there this morning. I even hired a couple of people to put it all together. It was supposed to be ready and waiting for when you guys arrived.”
“Well, it wasn’t.” Her voice was tight. “This is a little boy who is all out of whack. He needs stability, the sooner the better.” She paused. “I hope you’re not going to be doing this all the time. I understand your work load, but this is important.”
“I know.” I leaned my head against the wall. “I’m trying.”
“Bryce?”
I turned. One of my new colleagues was standing there. “We really need you in there, buddy,” he said, looking at me. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, yes. I’ll be there in two minutes.” I turned back to the phone. “I’m sorry, Cara. I have to go. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I hung up.
She would probably be pissed off with me, but there was nothing I could do about it for the moment. I returned to the meeting, alarmed to find that I was shaking slightly.
I had only just started this fatherhood caper, and already I felt like it was doing my head in.
It was two hours later when Gilbert, my new chauffeur, pulled into the driveway of what was to be my new home.
I looked it over. My assistant had rented it over the net. I hadn’t inspected it. But it seemed to be adequate. Actually, more than adequate. A three-storey beachside mansion at Surfer’s Paradise. It was pretty spectacular. I could see the gardener working away on the landscaped tropical gardens which surrounded it.
I turned to look at the beach. Yes, it was a million-dollar view, stretching out over the ocean. I unlocked the front door, stepping into a bare foyer. “Hello?” I called. My voice echoed around the rooms.
A middle-aged woman came out from the kitchen. This had to be Mrs Hall. I talked to her for a minute, then I climbed the stairs. The furniture, such as it was, had arrived. But it was only the basics. A seven room mansion would need a lot more to fill it.
Cara came out of a side room, hands on her hips. “You’re here. At last.”
I grinned. “Sorry. It’s been a bit of a mix up all round. How is he?”
As if in answer to my question, a little boy toddled out of the room. His head was a mass of blonde curls, and he had the biggest blue eyes I had ever seen.
My son. My throat grew tight, looking at him.
“Hi, Charlie.” I squatted, so that I was on eye level with him. I held out my hand.
He looked at me shyly, scurrying behind Cara. He peeked out from behind her legs, looking solemn. Well, at least he had bonded with her. That was something. I knew it was going to take time. We had to get used to each other, after all.
“Come and see his room,” Cara said now, scooping him up into her arms. I followed her into the room she indicated.
She had worked wonders. The racing car bed and draws were assembled, and so were the mass of teddy bears and toys that I had ordered. It almost looked like he had lived in it forever.
I breathed deeply. “It’s wonderful. You’ve done a great job.”
She smiled, planting a kiss on Charlie’s curly head. “I’m pleased. It took us all afternoon, didn’t it, Charlie?” Charlie looked at her, nodding. A smile slowly broke out onto his face.
“He will need more,” she said. “Some of this stuff isn’t age appropriate. What were you thinking when you ordered this?” She picked up a complex looking racing car, filled with tiny parts.
Probably more suited to a seven-year-old now that I thought about it.
“Hey, I don’t know what two-year olds need,” I said, in my defence. “I am an instant father, let’s not forget.”
Cara looked at me, then smiled. “Yes, it’s daunting for you, I can see that,” she conceded. “Don’t worry, you’ll get there. But Bryce…” She stopped, looking at me.
“Yes?”
“If you make promises to a child, you need to keep them.” Her voice was firm. “He might be too little to know at this age, but one day he will. Don’t ever put work before your own child.” She looked down at the floor, seeming to be lost in thought.
I studied her. Cara, pensive? It seemed a contradiction from what I knew about her. She was always so upbeat and positive. A whirlwind of energy.
She was looking particularly sexy today. She was wearing denim shorts and a tank top, less clothes than I had seen her in up until this point. Well, it was very hot up in Queensland. Her long legs seemed to go on forever, and I could see the tops of her breasts. Firm, and ripe. Ready to be plucked.
Jesus, where had that come from? But as I looked at her, I couldn’t deny her sex appeal. It seemed to emanate from her, in waves. I felt a stirring.
“Let’s go and check out the kitchen,” I said, more to distract myself from thoughts of getting her naked than a desire to check out the house. “You’ve met Mrs Hall, I gather?”
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