Unexpected Love

by Casey Clipper

From the side of the house, their boss marched towards the deck, dark eyes glaring the man's direction. A flash of blonde hair flew by Lynn as she, Jarrett and Russ watched the train wreck scene.

  The people gathered on the back deck and around the yard grew silent, all eyes focused on the man. She tilted her head, then glanced at her brother and cousin. The mess of a man held that unmistakable military aura that silently said 'don't fuck with him.'

  “Ryan,” the blonde woman called.

  “Courtney,” Derrick countered.

  She was faster than her husband because she was booking it at full speed. She dashed up the steps to meet the man at the top and took the baby carrier off him.

  “We better get the kids,” Jarrett suggested. “Come on, Lynn. We’ll give you a tour of the house. All hell’s about to break lose.”

  “Why?” she asked, her eyes still on the commotion.

  “Just trust me, it is.”

  By the time all three got to the top deck, the hunk, the gorgeous blonde, Derrick, and the kids were in the house. Jarrett and Russ slid inside and went on the search. Lynn lagged behind, feeling uncomfortable for tagging along, like an intruder. She should probably altogether leave the party.

  “I can’t do this, Court,” a man said, his voice wavering.

  “You have to, Ry,” a woman’s voice softly responded. Her tone full of sympathy.

  “I need help. You can’t help me. Sean and Beth can’t. Mom and Dad can’t. I need help. Sean promised. Beth promised. You promised. But now that I have this baby no one is able to help. My work made me take leave, Courtney. My work is all I have,” he said, his voice rising, sounding desperate. “They made me take a leave. Do you understand what that means?”

  “Ryan, we'll help you as much as we can. We had a dinner to attend last night.” Her feminine musical sound could bring a man to his knees. Lynn admired that tone. Her own voice held a raspy quality.

  They heard the kids bouncing around the room, whining and pleading to take the baby out of the carrier. Jarrett and Russ silently stepped into the room to gather the two hoodlums, who refused to leave and cooperate. Lynn hung back. She really shouldn't be there witnessing the uncomfortable exchange.

  “You need a caregiver,” Derrick rumbled.

  “Come on you two nutballs,” Russ said. Lynn could hear them trying to rustle those two kiddos up. Once again, whining ensued.

  “Where am I going to find someone to take care of him?” the man snapped.

  Wait, what? He needed a nanny? Could this be an opportunity for her? She'd never considered a nanny position. Not that she didn't like children. She did. It was something that never crossed her mind even though her brother and cousin excelled and made a fortune doing it. In fact they loved their jobs.

  The possibility that this could be something full time, better income, and steady work was somewhat tempting. Unlike the department store job that could call her off when numbers were down. But could she make that sort of commitment? It sounded as if the man was a single parent. Where was the baby's mother? His situation might not be ideal.

  “Ryan, we'll find someone. I'll help you search. You helped me decide on Russ and Jarrett,” the woman said.

  “Yes,” Derrick drawled, “I've never thanked you for that.”

  “Oh, shush,” the woman said. “Russ, Jarrett, do you happen to know anyone who could help?”

  “Sorry, Mrs. Murphy but‒” Russ started.

  Lynn made a bold move. She stepped into the doorway. “I'll consider it.”

  The room went disarmingly silent. Jarrett and Russ's heads whipped her direction, her brother's eyes going wide and flashing with what she recognized as a combo of fear and anger. Derrick eyed her suspiciously. The gorgeous woman eyed her speculatively. And the hunk raked her over.

  Up close, the man was stunning. Sapphire blue eyes lined with thick, light brown lashes that would make any woman stop in her tracks. Well, except that he'd been in a fight, evident from the two black and blue rings under his eyes. He stood taller than she originally thought, six feet five inches‒give or take, and his muscular thighs barely fit into his khakis. He was gorgeous. And looking as if he was ripping out his hair. Clearly he had been running his hands through it. A lot. His face held heavy lines, like he hadn't slept in days. And his skin color was an unhealthy pale.

  “Who are you?” the woman asked.

  “Jarrett,” Russ said softly.

  “Come on kids, let's get your jackets and got to the park,” Jarrett said. That got the children bolting from the room with her cousin on their heels.

  “This is my sister, Lynn,” Russ introduced.

  “Lynn, this is Courtney Murphy and her husband, Derrick.” He motioned to the breathtakingly beautiful woman and her hovering husband. “This is Courtney's cousin, Ryan Millen.”

  Courtney titled her head, her perfectly styled blonde hair spilling over her shoulder. Lynn's gaze bounced back and forth from Mrs. Murphy to her cousin, noticing the striking resemblance. Their eyes matched and their facial features were noticeably similar, though Courtney's were more feminine. But she lacked Ryan's height. She was a small thing, maybe five three or four? Even Lynn had probably four or five inches on her. Lynn inherited the tall gene from her dad's side of the family and the thin gene from her mom.

  “I didn't realize you had a sister,” Courtney said, sounding accusatory. She repositioned the baby to lie over her shoulder. He looked adorable curled up in a newborn ball against her chest while she rubbed a soothing hand over his back. The baby had calmed down significantly since Courtney had him in her arms.

  Derrick smirked. A truly predatory look.

  “It never came up,” Russ said defensively.

  “Four years and it never came up?” she challenged.

  Ryan interrupted with a sharp tongue. “Really, Court? Can we focus on that fact that I need help and she's offering?”

  “Watch yourself in my home,” Derrick growled menacingly.

  Ryan turned to her cousin's husband and opened his mouth, but something made him stop. He clamped it shut, closed his eyes, took in a deep breath, then opened those bruised blues and turned to Lynn.

  “Are you a nanny like your brother?” Ryan asked.

  Russ came up next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “She's not and if you don't mind, I need to speak to Lynn alone for a minute. If you'll excuse us.”

  There was no choice, Russ dragged her out front. As soon as the door closed, he turned on her. “You can't work for him, Lynn. He's fucked up in the head right now.”

  “What? Why?” she squeaked.

  “That one in there, he's unhinged. That baby essentially got dropped on his doorstep, was unplanned and unwanted. He's falling apart because of it. You don't want to step into the middle of that mess,” he said impatiently, pointing to the house.

  “But he needs help and I need a full time job,” she defended.

  “Find another way,” he snapped.

  “Russ, you need to stop. First, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself‒”

  He condescendingly interrupted her, “Said the thirty-two year old woman who just moved into her brother and cousin's apartment.”

  It was a knee jerk reaction. She couldn't have controlled it even if she'd wanted to. Her arm swung back and flew forward, her fist making direct contact with her brother's nose. The crunching sound resounded off the house. Russ stumbled back a step.

  “Fuck,” he groaned and grabbed his nose.

  “Say it again, asshole.” She brushed past him, absolutely livid, and stormed back into the house. She marched into the living room and was greeted by an arched brow from Mr. Murphy, a curious yet confused look by Mrs. Murphy, and a stare with no life behind it from Ryan.

  “Discussion ended well?” Mr. Murphy said, sounding amused.

  Lynn smiled innocently. “Always does.”

  The man actually grinned, though on him it was sinister combined with attractiveness. That man oozed de
licious danger.

  “Are you a nanny?” Ryan asked again.

  “No, but I have a nursing degree,” she said, trying to keep the shame out of her voice.

  “Why aren’t you working as a nurse?” Courtney asked and shifted the baby again.

  Behind her, the front door open and slammed shut. Russ stalked into the room, his nose bright red. Lynn watched Courtney’s eyes go round as saucers, then look back and forth from sibling to sibling.

  “The market is saturated here,” she answered truthfully. “I’d move but this one,” she tossed a thumb to her jackass brother, “and my parents won’t allow me to move out of state.”

  “Family should stay near each other,” Derrick said mild and wrapped an arm around his wife’s tiny waist. She looked up at him, her eyes shining with what Lynn assumed was utter devotion. And he returned an identical expression. She felt a pang in her chest. That was something she’d had briefly with Robert. At least she thought she had. How she missed that feeling of consumed love. What would it be like to know she had that for the rest of her life? What she would give to have a man return that loyal affection.

  “So you could get a nursing job immediately if one were available?” Ryan asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Then if you took this job and a nursing job was offered, you'd leave.” It was a statement from Ryan, not a question. She couldn't deny it anyway, instead allowed it to hang there in the open.

  “Have you worked with newborns, infants, toddlers, children?” Courtney asked, her obvious protective mothering instincts making an appearance.

  “I have. While in high school I worked as a full time sitter for a number of families. In college, I worked at a local gym’s daycare for some extra cash. And of course I did a pediatric rotation while in school,” she answered.

  “When did you graduate?” Derrick asked.

  “Eight months ago.”

  “That’s a long time to go without working,” Ryan said. “How come you didn’t get placed?”

  “I graduated from a school that didn’t do placements. My mistake. I was naïve when I chose that school. I wouldn’t listen to my parents.” A stubborn decision she’d always regret.

  “An expensive lesson,” Mr. Murphy noted.

  “Lynn,” Russ whispered.

  She shot him a warning glare.

  “What are you able to work?” Ryan asked. She noticed his features suddenly turn a bit lighter and his shoulders relax a fraction.

  Now they were getting somewhere. But first she had some questions that needed answered. “What hours do you need someone?”

  “I work nights,” he answered.

  She blinked, surprised. “How’s that going to work with a newborn?”

  He tilted his head, as if he didn’t understand.

  “If you work nights and get home in the early morning, the baby will just be waking, at least in a few months when he’s not sleeping twenty hours a day,” she said, bringing the obvious to his attention. “How do you plan on raising a baby that way? Or are you looking for a live-in nanny?” she asked.

  Technically her brother and cousin could be considered live-ins for the Murphy family but were able to leave when off duty anytime they wished. They just happened to really like living in the Murphy compound. Why? Who knew?

  Ryan looked to his cousin, his eyes wide with fear.

  “Can you switch your schedule?” Courtney asked, continuing to stroke loving circles over the baby’s back.

  “I’ll have to ask.”

  “It would be better for you and Brady,” his cousin said. “You could have the evenings, get him on a schedule.”

  “Unless you are interested in hiring a live-in nanny,” Derrick said.

  “No,” Ryan quickly said.

  Yeah, she wasn't in the market for a twenty-four seven job. Apparently Ryan hadn't thought anything through. She wondered what exactly happened that the newborn baby in the room seemed to be more of an unexpected burden than a tiny miracle.

  “I'll call my supervisor and find out,” he said. “Can you stop by my house and see what environment you'll be working in?”

  Her brows slid together confused. What an odd thing to say. “All right. Do you need to do a background check?”

  “Not necessary,” Derrick said.

  Russ straightened and stared at his boss with a look that could be classified as lethal. Derrick took the look head on and didn't cower. Most people did when Russ tossed out that rare glare. In fact, Derrick returned a look that had Lynn take a back step away from her brother. Russ's hands curled into angry fists. Courtney slid across the room. The air surrounding them turned tight. Tattooed ass stepped into the room and leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his broad chest. Another man, dressed in a designer suit, and beyond strikingly handsome made an appearance and stood opposite the ass.

  Surprisingly her brother remained quiet.

  “We'll have this discussion in private, Russell,” Derrick said, his tone cocky and mocking and definitely an order not to be argued.

  “Russ,” Lynn said softly. She felt the need to interject. There was an unmistakable underlying issue that she didn't understand but recognized. Who the hell wouldn't?

  Her brother looked her direction but only slightly relaxed.

  “What are you thinking in terms of salary?” Ryan asked. His tone wary and either oblivious or unaffected by the uncomfortable feel the room had taken.

  His back was turned to his cousin. Even with a newborn in her hands, Courtney managed to give a signal to Lynn that her and her husband would take care of her pay. Mr. Murphy gave a short quick nod in agreement. Lynn caught her brother close his eyes and his body sag, seemingly defeated.

  “I think we can discuss that when alone, Ryan,” Lynn said gently.

  Courtney smiled and nodded her approval.

  “Will you stop by tomorrow morning? I'll give you the address and we can talk further,” Ryan said, his voice hopeful.

  His tone was beyond desperate. She was a bit curious over his “living situation” but nothing raised a warning flag to deter her from pursuing this opportunity. She assumed there wasn't a partner in his life because of this evident meltdown. She assumed she’d receive answers to all her potential questions with their meeting.

  “That sounds good. What time?”

  “Can you do early? Seven?”

  Wow, talk about the crack of dawn. But there must be a reason for that early bird gets the worm time. She supposed she would find out tomorrow. “That's fine.”

  “Thank you, Lynn,” Ryan breathed. A scream from the newborn abruptly ended the conversation.

  “I believe your son is hungry,” Courtney said to Ryan, who looked at the baby as if he was a bomb ready to go off any second.

  ***

  “Lynn, are you certain you want to do this?” Russ asked. Again.

  “For God's sake, Russ, stop it. I haven't confirmed the position. I'm only going to meet Ryan tomorrow and find out what exactly this 'living situation' is all about,” she said, still not coming up with a scenario that made sense. Not only that, she needed to discuss salary with Mr. and Mrs. Murphy before she agreed to any type of employment.

  Russ sighed and paced their apartment living room. His big body shrunk the room to a ridiculous sight, like a large stuffed animal shoved into a dollhouse. “Mr. Murphy said to tell you they'd pay $45,000 to start with one week vacation after three months of work and two weeks after six moths. You'll earn three weeks after three years of work. They'll also pay for your health insurance.”

  Lynn's eyes bugged out of her head. A quick internet search when she'd left the Murphy home found nannies in the Pittsburgh area averaged around $25,000. She'd be paid nearly double, plus benefits? That was a really good offer. Not nearly as good as working as a full time nurse but beggars couldn't be choosers at this point. Right? “Really?”

  “Yeah, but they did want it to be clear that Ryan is not supposed to know they're paying you
r salary, and that unfortunately you won't be paid as much as Jarrett and me,” he said. “Please don't make me explain why, Lynn. You have me fucking exhausted.”

  “Shut it, Russ,” she bit. “There's no reason for you to stress. I'll take care of myself.”

  “Don't you give me lip,” he growled. “It's my duty to look after you, damn it, and you're creating more trouble than cooperating. You're now considered a Murphy employee. They own you Lynn. You have no idea what it means to be on their payroll,” he said, his jaw tight and muscles in his neck flexing.

  “Russ, I can assure you I am not a Murphy employee. I can easily leave the job if I have to. I don't know what exactly you're talking about, but I think you're stressing over nothing. Will you please just let me work this out? This job could possibly get me out of debt and on my feet,” she said quietly, hoping he'd understand her position.

  Sympathy–or was it pity‒crossed his handsome features. How she loathed those looks from anyone, including her brother.

  “All right,” Russ relented, though she could tell he didn't want to let the topic drop. She had no idea why he was overly concerned about the entire situation. Obviously he knew something she didn't, but if the Murphy family was so terrible to work for then why had her brother and cousin happily stayed employed for them for four years?

  “Thank you.”

  “But if at any point things go bad, let me know, Lynn, and I'll get you out of it,” he ordered.

  “Okay,” she said, only to pacify him.

  8

  Ryan barely made it through the front door of his home without dropping the baby. Why the hell was it so damn difficult to carry a newborn and all his belongings? The task should be a piece of cake for him.

  The house was silent at five in the afternoon, which meant Sean and Beth were having dinner at her parents' home. That had turned into a two time a week occurrence since Beth announced her pregnancy. The Connors' family was in full baby mode, riddled with excitement over the twins about the join them.

  Stumbling into the living room, Ryan set Brady's carrier on the coffee table and dumped his bags beside the sofa. The newborn stirred. Brady was going to wake hungry. He'd pushed it too close to feeding time when he'd left his cousin's house late, but still took the chance.