The Nanny and the Playboy

by Sam Crescent

  You’re going to break her heart.

  He wasn’t a complete asshole. He knew she was falling for him.

  That little by little, even as she fought it, she was doing the unthinkable, and what was worse, so was he.

  Temperance was different.

  She was kind, sweet, charming.

  She played by different rules than he did.

  There was no way she’d ever fit in his world.

  He should break it off now.

  The only problem was he was too damn selfish to do that. He wanted more time to live this dream, and he hoped at the end of it he’d be able to walk away.

  ****

  “How are you holding up?” Lilah asked.

  “I’m doing okay. It’s fun, you know. Being away and just having fun.” Temperance watched as Wayne and Timothy played on the beach, building another sandcastle. She sat a little away from them. Lilah had called her, and instead of ignoring her friend she took the call.

  Her body still ached from the night before, and each time she moved her ass reminded her that she’d crossed that line with a man she barely knew.

  Wayne hadn’t been in her world all that long.

  She didn’t really know all that much about him. He didn’t have parents like hers, and he wanted to be loved.

  “The papers are trying to get me to talk about you and Mr. Hottie,” Lilah said. “Don’t worry. I know that you’re off limits, and so is your boss.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I should be saying thank you. I had no idea that I’d get a lot more work out of this. I should have pushed you into a scandal more often.”

  Temperance chuckled. “Do I want to know what kind of work?”

  “I’ve been doing some advertisements and a couple of television roles. It’s not big, but some of the big stars didn’t go straight into big movies. I’m still doing the porn, but I only do the vanilla stuff. I pulled out of a big hardcore scene when you gave me the money. I didn’t want to do it anyway.”

  “I’m glad you’re happy.”

  “You don’t sound happy. This is the first time I think we’ve ever spoken when you’ve been away with a family.”

  “You know I can’t talk about it. I’m just really pleased to hear that everything is working out for you.”

  “It really is. Oh, that other guy you worked for, Richard, Ryan…”

  “Robert?”

  “Yeah, he’s been around and asked if I’d get you to call him. He’s kind of cute, but he looks so stressed out.”

  “This will be my last job as a nanny, I think.”

  “Really? You love kids.”

  “I know, but I never get time to do my own thing. I want to find the time to have a family of my own.” She had always wanted it, and like every other time, she’d put it on hold as the family she’d been taking care of needed her.

  “You’ll get it, honey. I know you will. I’ve got to cut our little chat short. I’ve got another interview. Speak later, sweetie.”

  Temperance said her goodbyes and placed the phone back in her bag, moving closer to the two men that were wreaking havoc with her emotions, and neither of them even saw what they were doing to her.

  Ignoring that inner pain inside her head that warned her to keep her heart out of it, she placed a smile on her face and took a seat.

  “So, Captains, what can I do?” she asked, giving her best pirate impression.

  “We need shells,” Timothy said. “Lots and lots of shells.”

  “Today, that is my mission. I’ll be back.” She grabbed a bucket and rushed toward the shore. She began to collect only the fullest of shells, ones that stood out and would look amazing for the castle.

  The sun caught her attention, and she looked out over the ocean. The day was warm and beautiful, the ocean still and calm as it lapped at her feet.

  Closing her eyes, she faced up toward the sun, just having a few quiet moments to herself. That, of course, didn’t last. Hands wrapped around her waist, and a kiss went to her shoulder.

  “You’re a beautiful sight to see on the beach, baby. What’s up?”

  “Nothing.”

  “How was your friend?” he asked.

  She laughed. “She’s getting more work since our little scandal. Also, Robert’s been back. He wants me to work for him again. It must really be driving him crazy.” She pulled out of Wayne’s arms and bent down, picking up a shell. Wayne caught her hand and pulled her close.

  “No man has ever tempted you to break the rules before?”

  “I told you. This is the first time I’m breaking every single one of my rules. I don’t cause scandals.” She glanced over at Timothy, who was occupied with his castle. “He likes you, you know.”

  “It amazes me. I usually make kids cry.”

  “Are those the kids inside adult bodies who work for you?”

  She went to pull away, but he wouldn’t let go of her hand.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Dance with me.”

  “There’s no music.”

  “Timothy,” he said, calling toward the boy. “Sing for us.”

  Of course, the four-year-old boy burst into a cartoon song and Temperance threw her head back, laughing so hard. Still, Wayne wasn’t deterred. He held her close, and they began to dance with the ocean water lapping at their feet.

  “You are so beautiful,” he said.

  “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

  “Really? I’ve been thinking of dyeing my hair. You know, putting in some highlights.”

  “Well, well, well, who would have thought that old man Myers could tell a joke.”

  “Old man, please. I’m in my prime.”

  “Very true.”

  “Besides, I’ve got my eye set on this thirty-something nanny. Do you think she’d go out with me?” he asked.

  “I think she might be tempted.” She liked him like this, the playful side that she didn’t imagine for a second that many people got to see.

  “Well, how could I tempt her then?” he asked.

  “You’ll have to try and figure it out.”

  “Will chocolates work?”

  She shook her head. “Nah, chocolates are nice but no way to win over a heart.”

  “Ah, so you’re admitting it’s not going to be easy work?”

  “Nothing worth keeping is ever easy, Wayne.” She held onto the back of his neck, staring into his eyes. “I like truth and honesty. I don’t like lies.” She pressed a kiss to his lips. “That’s how you can win me.” She grabbed the bucket from the sand. “You can also help me collect some amazing shells.”

  He did exactly that, and her heart raced as she watched him. If he gave Timothy a shot, they could really make a real go of it.

  Wayne was such a good person, and she knew without a doubt that he’d make an amazing father as well.

  Throughout the hour, the weather turned. The sunshine disappeared, and in its place was nothing but rain.

  Laughing, screaming, and rushing back to the villa, they all got dried and spent the rest of the night just having a pig-out on the sofa while watching cartoons. Timothy fell asleep between them.

  Wayne carried him to his room and she pulled back the sheets, letting him put the boy to bed.

  Pressing a kiss to his temple, she left the room, being sure to leave a light on.

  Wayne was already in bed by the time she entered their room.

  “You work fast, don’t you?”

  “I checked the news. They reckon there’s going to be a storm. I figured neither of us knew how Timothy would react, so we’ll just talk, snuggle.”

  Temperance paused, and once again she was overcome with that pesky little emotion that she kept trying to ignore.

  “You know, I’m starting to think you’re just a big softie.” She changed into a negligee before joining him in bed. Wayne pulled her close, his hand resting on her hip.

  In that moment, she became aware that this was the fir
st time she’d ever been really close to a man. Licking her dry lips, she smiled at him, hoping she hid her growing feelings for the man.

  She couldn’t fall for him.

  There was a time limit with him.

  “Don’t think I’m something I’m not, Temperance.”

  “I don’t.” She cupped his cheek. “Don’t try to pretend that you’re some kind of monster either. You’re not a bad person. Like everyone else you’ve got a few prickles.”

  “I wanted to get rid of him. When he came to me in my office, he wouldn’t come near me, and I told everyone to find a reason to get him out of my sight. I knew he wasn’t mine.”

  “You’re still so certain he’s not yours?”

  “Yes. He’s not mine, Temperance. He never was.”

  “Why do you think she put your name down on the birth certificate, and what happens then?”

  “They try to find his real parent, his real father. I don’t know. I’m taking care of him the only way I know how.”

  “By hiring a nanny?”

  “I’m not trying to be a bastard.”

  She forced a smile to her lips. “No, it’s fine, Wayne. Really. I’m not expecting anything from you. I wasn’t going to take another nannying job, and I was tempted to say no to you even on the phone.” She wished she had. The moment she caught sight of Timothy and Wayne had given her the rundown on what was going on, she knew without a doubt he was going to break her heart.

  It was inevitable.

  Chapter Ten

  “You’re not my daddy, are you?” Timothy asked.

  Wayne turned his attention from the brick castle they were building to the boy. It was still raining outside, and Temperance had asked him to keep an eye on Timothy while she had to go take care of getting them some groceries.

  This wasn’t a question he expected, nor was he prepared for.

  “I’m not.”

  “I knew you weren’t.” Timothy sighed. “You’d be a good dad.”

  The compliment warmed his heart. “Do you remember your mom?” Wayne asked.

  “Yes. She always laughed even when she was crying.”

  Wayne frowned. “Did your mom ever mention me?”

  Timothy frowned. “She said that a nice man helped her up when she was pushed over. Someone shoved her, and you helped her.”

  Wayne couldn’t recall something like that, but then he wouldn’t. It had been so insignificant to him. The truth was, if she’d fallen in front of him, he’d helped her up so that he could move on.

  Thinking about his own actions over the years filled him with shame.

  What about now?

  He was using Timothy and Temperance to satisfy his own need.

  “I like Tempe. She’s funny, and she doesn’t yell at me when I wet the bed.”

  “She’s really great.”

  Better than any woman he ever deserved, that was for sure. Running a hand down his face, he released a breath and pushed everything out of his mind. He didn’t need to think about anything other than the now. Taking care of Timothy, waiting for her to return so that tonight he could have some sexy time with her.

  The storm hadn’t scared Timothy, and it had been strange for him to sleep through. Wayne hadn’t slept at all. Temperance had fallen asleep in his arms, and he’d stayed awake just to hold her. To keep her in his arms and for once never let go.

  She was making him break all of his rules, and he had no way of fighting it. How could he fight these feelings she was building?

  You don’t want anything more.

  Timothy’s not yours.

  Nor is Temperance.

  One day soon she’d find a real man, one who could give her the world.

  Even as he thought it, he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if he was that man that she needed, that she wanted.

  “I’m thirsty.”

  Rubbing Timothy’s head, he got to his feet and opened up the fridge. Humming to himself, he saw that they were nearly out of food. Temperance had the good sense to go and get some more.

  He should have gone with her, but she didn’t want Timothy out in the cold and wet.

  Humming one of the cartoon tunes in his head, Wayne grabbed both cans of soda that were left just as his cell phone rang. Holding one can, he placed the other on top, resting his chin on them to stop them from moving.

  With his other hand, he answered his cell phone.

  “Hello.”

  “Is this Mr. Myers?” a woman asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Sorry to alert you, but we have a Miss Michaels here, and you’re down as her emergency contact.”

  Fear gripped him. Holding onto the phone as if his life depended on it, he heard the woman explain that there had been an accident, and that Temperance had been run over. She was fine, several bumps and bruises, but the biggest problem was her leg.

  It had been broken.

  The change of plan happened instantly.

  He put Timothy in the car and was speaking to Frances, arranging transport for himself, Timothy, and Temperance.

  Arriving at the hospital, he demanded to see her immediately, and much to his surprise they took him.

  Temperance was lying in bed, a cast already on her leg, but he wasn’t happy.

  “We’re heading back home as soon as it can be arranged.”

  “You don’t need to do that, Wayne.”

  “Can I sign it?” Timothy asked, his little hand holding onto her leg.

  “Sure, sweetie.” There was a pen in the drawer beside the bed. “I don’t need to go home.”

  “You’ve broken your leg, and we’re going home. I want to make sure you receive the best care.”

  “You don’t think I’ll get the best care here?”

  “I’ll have more control back home.”

  She chuckled. “It’s kind of cute when you’re being possessive.”

  He ignored the comment, and instead left Temperance with Timothy and began to make arrangements. His two weeks had been cut short, but he didn’t have much of a choice.

  You’re falling for her.

  Within the hour, he had the transport arranged so that by tomorrow they would be seeing the doctor that Wayne wanted her to see.

  He stood outside her room. The door was open, but he didn’t push his way inside. He listened to the two people who had turned his world upside down as they talked.

  “Can you be my mommy and Wayne be my daddy?” Timothy asked.

  “I don’t think so, sweetie.”

  The sadness in the little boy’s voice wasn’t hard to miss.

  “I want a mommy and daddy. I don’t want to be the stupid boy in the way.”

  “You’re not the stupid boy, honey. You’re the best boy in the world.”

  “I heard them women talking. The ones that looked after me, and they said I was a pain. I was a liar.”

  “You’re not anything like that at all. I promise. You’re a sweet boy, and don’t ever call yourself stupid again.”

  Wayne looked around the edge of the door and saw Timothy in her arms.

  As he pulled away quickly, his gut twisted, and he didn’t go back in to see Temperance. He grabbed a coffee from one of the vending machines and went outside for some air.

  He took a deep breath and sat back, looking up at the sky.

  Life had changed so fucking quickly, and he couldn’t even recall life before Timothy. The little boy had come into his world and turned everything upside down. Nothing made any sense. Add Temperance, the woman with a heart and body that sent him into a spiral of need and love.

  Running fingers through his hair, he wondered what he was going to do.

  Pulling out his cell phone, he called Frances.

  “For the hundredth time, everything is in order. There will be an ambulance to take Temperance to the hospital. There will also be transport for you and the boy. You’ll have everything in place.”

  He had to cut his losses now.

  There was no wa
y he could keep on doing this.

  Two weeks was too much. The boy was getting attached, and he wanted to be a father to him.

  “Tomorrow morning when we get home, I want you to send the papers to child services.”

  This made Frances pause.

  The line was silent for several seconds.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. I don’t know if it will take them time. Also, arrange to have papers drawn up to stop Temperance’s contract.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He switched off his cell phone, sipped at his coffee. The two weeks had been brought forward.

  Whatever time he had left now would have to do.

  Playing family was all well and good, but now it was time to face reality. Timothy and Temperance weren’t part of that.

  ****

  From buying groceries to being in the emergency room, Temperance looked outside the window of the hospital where she was now. The past twenty-four hours had been … hectic.

  One hospital to another.

  They had been flown back in a private plane with luxury that had made her feel a little too pampered. Now, with her own room and the silence that filled the space, she felt like her time was coming to an end.

  The time had been brief to say the least. A matter of days, a couple of weeks at the most, but already she was invested. This was the only drawback to being with someone in her book.

  Wayne had yet to visit her, but something didn’t sit well with her.

  The nurse came in and saw to her chart, and looked her over, then left.

  She hadn’t seen him since they had touched down, and she had been wheeled past Frances, who stood with a couple of people dressed in suits.

  Biting her lip, Temperance lay in bed and waited.

  Time passed, and with it came the reality that this was the end.

  Someone cleared her throat, and Temperance looked toward the sound, seeing Frances, the woman who was waiting for her on the first day of being a nanny.

  She held a file in her hands.

  “Hello, Miss Michaels. I don’t know if you remember me—”

  “I remember you. It’s done, isn’t it?” Temperance asked.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Timothy. Wayne’s handed him back to child services.”

  “Timothy is not Mr. Myers’s responsibility.”