“Whoa.” Jared’s voice breaks through the night. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
He points his index finger at Court, then me, then back at Court.
I want to jump up and hug him for interrupting. “No.”
“So, you two…just friends? Not sure I’m buying it.”
“Buy it.” Court’s tone has a clipped sound to it now.
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Jared grabs a chair and pulls it up close to the swing. “Why don’t you trade places with me? You may not be in the market for a pretty lady, but I am. And a cozy deck under the moonlight is a great place to start.”
MADNESS
MY SLOWLY-LOSING-sight-of-my-ex-fiancé-Dale mind is flattered at the CFO’s attention. Flattered and uncomfortable. I barely know Court, am in charge of his children and am being hit on by his friend and business associate.
And his cologne.
Last week at this time I was crying in my drink at the bar with Barb. Now look at me. Moonlight madness in North Carolina.
With two very attractive men.
But again, awkward position. “Actually, I was on my way in. See you guys in the morning.”
I walk past scents of men, cologne, and the pine in the air. I am not at all tired but want out of this situation.
I’m still much too brokenhearted to even think about another man in a romantic way.
Aren’t I?
WEDNESDAY MORNING came early with Bristol and Darling waking me up with the sound of them fighting.
“Break it up you two.” My still sleepy voice holds no authority whatsoever.
And they know this.
We all tumble out of bed, taking turns in the bathroom. It’s hopeless for me to think the household will not be woken by our rumblings. Bristol and Darling don’t know the meaning of the word quiet.
Unless they are asleep.
I scoot out to the kitchen scrambling to brew some coffee. Both couches are empty, and I wonder where Court and Jared are. I glance out on the deck to find it empty.
Finding everything I need, I start a pot of coffee and look for some cereal for the girls.
I come up with nothing.
The front door bursts open and Court and Jared come in, laughing.
Jared points at me. “Awake. I win.”
Court rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “You got lucky.” He turns his attention to me. “We brought donuts.”
He sets a white box on the counter. Through a clear window I see all different kinds of fun toppings.
“Okay, great.” I shake my head. No wonder the girls are always on the run. They live on sugar.
“Oh, here.” Jared hands Court some cash. “Before I forget. I went to the ATM while you were buying the donuts. I have no idea why my card wouldn’t work to book my flight yesterday.”
Court pockets the money. “Thanks. Maybe a glitch or something with the online process. That’s happened to me before.”
“Maybe.” Jared doesn’t look so sure.
Court taps the donut box. “I brought donuts because we are celebrating.”
“Celebrating?” I ask.
“Yes. In a big way. Mom called about an hour ago. Dad’s awake and the doctors say everything looks like it’s going to be okay. She’s on her way here, and then Jared and I are going to head over. I think it’s still too soon to take the girls.”
Ah. Donuts and lighter mood explained. “Probably,” I agree. “They’ll be happy to know they can see their grandpa soon, though.”
Jared grabs one of the donuts. “Court. The more I think about it, why don’t you go on? We kid about me being family, but I think it’d be too much for both of us to go at once. I’ll take the car and see Cal later tonight.”
I wonder if Jared notices the strange look that passes across Court’s eyes. If he does, he doesn’t say anything.
“Whatever. I know Dad would love to see you.”
Jared slides onto a bar stool. “You tell him I’ll be there tonight.”
Bristol and Darling run into the kitchen. They are beyond thrilled at the sight of the donuts. Court, the girls and I sit at the breakfast table in the kitchen, while Jared stays perched on the bar stool, like he’s our overlord or something.
I can’t help but be taken in by Jared’s good looks. His personality seems fun and exciting, and life is probably a constant party when he’s around. But there’s a look in his eyes that I can’t figure out. There’s hesitancy at times that I’m not sure if I’m imagining or not.
Court washes his hands. “Mom should be here any minute. I’ll go ahead and leave. When I return, we’ll make a game plan regarding the rest of the week and the weekend. If he’s doing okay, we’ll probably head out of here in a couple of days.”
The girls groan but don’t protest too much.
Court isn’t gone fifteen minutes when Vera comes in the door. She’s not alone this time. An older man is with her. He literally looks like he could sleep while he stands.
“Jared,” Vera says, hugging Court’s friend. “I’m so glad you’re here. Court really needs you right now.”
“You know I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Jared’s tone is compassionate.
“Storm, man, you’re looking rough.” Jared breaks his hug with Vera to shake the man’s hand.
“You would be too if it was Court in that hospital bed.” The man Jared called Storm looks my way, a puzzled expression on his face.
“Hi. I’m Shelby, Bristol and Darling’s nanny. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Shelby. Nice name. Brings back some fond memories, but lucky for you I’m too tired to recall any of them. I’m gonna pull up a couch and sleep for a spell. ’Night, y’all.”
After procuring a blanket and a pillow for Storm, Vera announces that she is going to sleep as well and heads back to Cal’s room.
Bristol, Darling and their pent up energy aren’t a good combination for two sleeping adults. “Do you know if there is a park nearby? It would do these girls good if we could go outside for a while.”
Jared winks at me. Like we have some secret. Again, the flattery-awkward feeling returns. I decide I’m not over Dale enough to be flirting with anyone. That’s where the strange sensation originates.
I wonder how long that will last.
“I don’t know about a park, but there are walking trails. They could run off some energy by doing some hiking.”
“Are the trails well marked? I’m not sure about venturing too far off.”
“They are, but we’ll all go. Come on.” He opens the door and waves his hand for me and the girls to go outside. “Let’s walk.”
Bristol and Darling have to be told three times not to run too far ahead. They finally settle into a rhythm that matches mine and Jared’s.
“You know, I can’t picture a pretty girl like you wanting to be a nanny. Why do you want to hide away with little kids all day?”
I debate on how much of my story to tell him. Would he be fascinated to know that just a short time ago I myself was a CFO? Of course, Dale’s company wasn’t nearly as big as Treyhune Automotive, but the responsibilities had to be close to being the same.
I never realized the pressure I was under to make a profit until I was no longer under the pressure. It had become a normal way of life.
“I don’t see it as hiding. I’m taking a different direction in life for a little while.”
“Shelby! Watch!”
Bristol kicks a pine cone to Darling, and they start playing like it’s a soccer ball. Bristol looks over her shoulder, I guess to make sure I’m watching. I wave at her and smile. “I’m glad you’re having fun.”
“So,” Jared continues. “You’re a lady of mystery.”
I look at him and raise my eyebrows. “Mystery?”
“You’re not real forthcoming with information.”
His hands are in his pockets, his smile is warm, and his face is beautiful. I wonder why his eyes tell a different story. Maybe they’re hang
ing out with his scent.
I’m not keen on relaying my past to anyone, much less these people I’ve just met. “There’s not much to know. I’m a simple girl.”
He laughs. “Nobody who looks like you is simple.”
I’m not sure why he’s trying to press information from me. Maybe he wants to have a topic of conversation. “How about I try my best to keep it simple.”
“Now that I can believe. We all would like things to be simple, but somehow they end up being so complicated and out of control that it becomes ridiculous.”
His tone takes on a wild edge, and I wonder what is driving his statement.
I try to look at him, but he’s intent on staring straight ahead. Bristol and Darling are still kicking that pine cone.
And their hair is still a mess.
Maybe when we get back I can tackle it with a brush.
“I do have a question for you.”
He now turns my way, his face calm, his gaze searching. “Yes?”
“Why is this town called Bear’s Cave?”
Shrugging his shoulders, he kicks a stick that is apparently in his way. A few strands of pine straw fly along with it. “Not sure. Maybe because there are bears here?”
His answer clearly says he has no clue. “No old town legends or anything, huh?”
“Not that I know of. Now Storm, when he’s awake and running on full steam, he might be able to tell you about any legends. Shoot, he is a legend.”
Jared’s tone is back to normal now. The wildness about him has diminished, leaving me more than curious about him.
But again, my heart can’t go where he is.
Not now.
It’s a good thing we’ve got two kids in tow.
WE ARRIVE BACK at the house to full-blown chaos.
Chaos that doesn’t seem to be bothering Storm, as he’s snoring loudly on the couch.
Vera, who apparently didn’t sleep long, is talking to another lady, who appears to be in her forties, maybe. She’s very attractive, thin, and stylishly dressed. And there are three children, ranging from what looks to be about ten to fifteen, ransacking the kitchen looking for who knows what.
Vera stands. “There you are. We were beginning to worry about you.”
Bristol and Darling spy the other kids and take off screaming into the kitchen. The two girls in the kitchen scream as well, and all the girls start hugging. The boy, who looks to be the oldest, stands off to the side, looking thoroughly annoyed.
He grabs a bag of chips off the counter, shoves his hand into the bag, then fills his mouth with a handful of chips.
“This is my youngest sister, Crystal,” Vera says. “Much younger. Almost twenty years between us. Crystal, this is Shelby, Bristol and Darling’s new nanny, and you know Jared, of course.”
“Good to see you again, Jared. So nice of you to come up here to be with Court. He needs good friends right now. Shelby, it’s nice to meet you. How long have you been the girls’ nanny?”
The question is getting old. How many nannies do they go through? I’m beginning to wonder at the sanity of taking this job. Does everyone think I’m insane?
“Just started.” Goodness. Cooking fried chicken last night and now I’m speaking in incomplete sentences.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Crystal looks at Vera as she speaks. “Especially if our plan works out.”
Plan? Did they make plans for me?
“We’ll wait until Court gets back then run everything by him. I’m heading back to the hospital right after he gets here.” Vera’s tone has hope in it.
As long as Court is around he will make the decisions. I understand that, but if the plans involve me, can’t I be a part of making them? This is further proof I have no business being a nanny. I’m used to being the planner, not the plannee.
“These are your children?” I ask Crystal, nodding toward the kitchen.
“Yes. Davey, the only boy and the oldest. The twins, my twins, are Taylor and Saylor. They’re the same age as Bristol and Darling.”
Did I hear right? Taylor and Saylor?
Oh, and their hair! Taylor and Saylor’s hair is pulled back into neat ponytails, curled at the ends. Each has a big white bow covering up any ponytail holders. Standing next to them, my twins’ hair looks like rat nests. If only I could get the ponytail holders off their wrists and into their hair.
“We live about an hour away,” Crystal continues. “My husband works at Treyhune Motorsports. He’s in Michigan with the team now. We were all supposed to fly out there, because you know Sunday is Father’s Day. But the plans have changed.”
Father’s Day. I forgot. I need to put a card in the mail. I will need to make a phone call. And possibly lie.
The front door creaks open and Court walks in. Squeals from Bristol and Darling are contagious as Taylor and Saylor squeal right along with them, all four rushing Court.
Davey hangs in the kitchen, still shoving chips in his mouth.
Meanwhile, Storm is still snoring away on the couch.
Unbelievable.
This man-cave get-away fishing cabin is in no way equipped to house all these people. Six adults and five kids overwhelm this place.
Crystal grabs the bag of chips from Davey. “Davey, take the girls outside. The adults need to talk. And remember, stay right out front.”
Davey, grumbles and has a sour look on his face, but he complies. The girls beat him to the door and giggle their way out.
Court gives an update on his father, and when he reveals that Cal will be home by the weekend, the guys high-five each other while the women shed tears.
“God has certainly answered our prayers.” Vera hugs Crystal before hugging Court. “God is faithful, Court. He is. You have to have faith.”
I see Court stiffen as his mother speaks. He doesn’t reply or answer or in any way acknowledge that she said anything.
Jared’s eyes shift between Court and Vera as she speaks, like he’s waiting for something to happen. Something unfavorable.
Or maybe the conversation is making him uncomfortable.
Maybe I’m just trying to find reasons not to be attracted to the CFO. I might have a lot in common with him, but my heart doesn’t want to go on a romantic journey right now.
Maybe never again.
I think I need to leave Jared and his possible dispositions alone and concentrate on being a nanny.
You know, what I was hired to do.
At Vera’s suggestion, we all sit around the table where she and Crystal lay out their plans. Their plans which include Crystal taking Bristol and Darling for the rest of the week.
I want to shout no! Because then what would I, the nanny, do for those few days?
With an eye on Court, I watch as his facial expression doesn’t change much. Jared has sequestered himself very close to me, which happens to be the furthest away from the conversation. Truth be told, he’s not involved in this anyway.
Maybe I will go with Crystal and all the kids.
That thought scares me.
“Sounds like a good plan.” Court taps his fingers on the table as he speaks. “There are some things going on at the dealerships I need to look into. And there is a meeting Friday morning that I need to be in if at all possible.”
“So, it’s settled, then.” Vera smiles. “Crystal will take all the kids to her house, I’ll get Cal home and settled in. Court you do what you need to do then meet us at the house on Sunday. We’ll have a huge Father’s Day celebration.”
Court excuses himself to call the guy about getting the plane ready.
I look at Crystal. “I didn’t pack very many clothes for the girls.”
“That’s okay,” Crystal replies. “They wear the same size as my girls. There’ll be no lack of clothing.”
“Great.” Do I sound concerned like a nanny should? I’m not sure where I fit into this scenario. There wasn’t any mention of me going to Crystal’s.
“Gotta love this, don’t you.” I feel warm
th on my shoulder and realize Court is standing behind me, his hand on my shoulder. “Work a couple of days and get a vacation.”
I guess that means I’m not going with Crystal, Bristol, Darling and the rest of the crew. “You’re the boss.”
He squeezes my shoulder and I try to unsqueeze my heart. “We’ll be leaving in about an hour, so I guess we need to pack up and get ready to go. You, too slug.”
Jared laughs and tips back in his chair. “On it. I’ll be ready.”
Jared winks at me as Court’s hand slips from my shoulder.
As the warmth leaves I realize I like the warmth better than the wink.
MOMENT
TWO HOURS LATER I step back onto Court’s plane. He had opted once again not to play pilot, so I settle myself in the same place as I had when we flew up to North Carolina with the girls.
But instead of Court taking the seat next to me, Jared sits down and pats my knee. He seems to have lightened the cologne level today. The distinct scent is still there, just not as strong.
“This is nice.” After speaking he takes his hand away from my jean-clad leg before I can protest it being there in the first place.
Before Court can witness his gesture.
I shake my head and turn my gaze away from Jared. Not being able to discern if my reactions are overreactions is driving me crazy. Am I sour to the touch of another man?
I spent many nights in Dale’s arms. We shared kisses that I thought were the most passionate ever in the world kisses.
Then I remember Court’s touch. The warmth I felt on my shoulder as his hand rested there. I didn’t overreact then.
As the plane takes off I redirect my thinking. I have a temporary nanny job in a city far away from my home. At the end of the summer I’ll be back in Atlanta, living in my condo. I need to start thinking about securing a real job.
One that will pay my expenses for the lifestyle I was and will continue to be accustomed to.
This little stint with Court and the twins, although unexpected, has only fueled my desire for the nicer things in life. The ability to be on the giving end, not the receiving end.
A life without financial worry is a life of comfort.
Of being accepted.
Rich in Faith (Richness in Faith, Book 3) Page 5
