Daddies & Nannies: A Contemporary Romance Boxset

by Piper Sullivan

  My phone vibrated on the table. I picked it up, staring at the unfamiliar number. Oh well, what the hell.

  “Hello?” I spoke cautiously into the phone.

  It was Tanya. She was still in town, and asking if I wanted to meet her later for a drink at a bar. I paused. Did I?

  I thought of Cara. But she had made her feelings towards me very clear. She wanted no part of me, however hot the connection was between us. I said I’d see her there at 6.30. I hung up, staring at the phone.

  Why did I feel like I was doing something wrong?

  I was a free agent, wasn’t I?

  I walked into the bar a little after the time I said. It had been a ball breaker of an afternoon. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to meet Tanya. I didn’t want to give her the wrong impression. But hey, it was only a drink, right? And I was single. I wasn’t hurting anyone.

  She was sitting on a stool against the bar sipping a glass of wine. She was wearing one of those full length pant suits, all black, that plunged at the cleavage. She had curled her blonde hair slightly, so that it had a tousled, just got out of bed look about it. There was no denying it, Tanya was sexy.

  And she knew it. I watched her flirting with the bartender, very much aware that every man in the place was eyeing her. I sat down beside her. She turned to me, smiling widely.

  “Well, well, well,” she drawled. “Look what the cats dragged in. You came.”

  “I said I was, didn’t I?” I signalled the bartender, ordering myself a scotch on the rocks.

  She looked me over, openly appraising. “You are looking good, Bryce.” She took a sip of her wine. “After all this time, you’ve hardly changed a bit.”

  “Neither have you,” I said, sipping my scotch.

  “So, what’s the story?” She played with her hair while she eyed me. “How do you like being a father suddenly?”

  “It’s different,” I replied. “I didn’t ask for it, but I’m willing to take it on. Charlie is a cute kid.”

  “The poor little dear,” she pouted. “He really is a cutie. What’s the story with the nanny?”

  “The nanny?” I took another sip. “Cara? She’s a friend of Amber’s, Finn’s new wife. On a break from her studies in the States.”

  “She’s a strange one,” Tanya continued, pursing her lips a bit. “Not quite as…deferential, shall we say, as a nanny usually is. Thinks she’s a bit good, if you ask me.” She flicked her hair back. “Why did you even invite her to have dinner with us last night?”

  “Tanya,” I said. “It’s the twenty-first century. We aren’t in colonial times. Cara’s just a person, and a very interesting one, at that. She was training to be a doctor, you know.”

  “Oh, one of those types,” Tanya sneered. “The brainiacs, my friends and I used to call them at school. Forever studying. Boring.” She smiled, brightly.

  I felt myself bristling. What did Tanya know of Cara? What right did she have to pass judgment on her?

  “She’s actually one of the most intelligent, charming women I have ever met,” I said, looking at her.

  Tanya laughed, lightly. “I’m sure she’s wonderful, Bryce. What are we doing, talking about the boring old nanny, anyway? There’s much more interesting things to discuss, I’m sure.”

  “Like what?” I eyed her, suspiciously.

  “Like you and I,” she replied. “Bryce, it’s been so long! I’ve missed you, you know.”

  This was news to me. “Since when? We broke up years ago, Tanya. And we were never star crossed lovers.”

  “I always hoped we’d get back together,” she breathed, batting her fake eyelashes at me. “Haven’t you? We have a real connection, Bryce. I felt it again last night, the minute I saw you again.”

  “Hey,” I said, looking at her. “This is a bit sudden. We had a good chat, that’s all. It doesn’t mean we’re getting back together.” I looked around, a bit desperately. Had it been a completely wrong call, meeting her here?

  I looked at her. Yes, she was beautiful. But like a thousand other women I had ever met or slept with. Yes, she was rich. But did that matter? She was also a socialite, part of that glitzy world that I had been a part of. I thought about it. It would honestly not worry me if I never went to another red carpet premiere or star studded soiree again.

  When had I changed?

  I thought of Charlie, my new little boy. He needed me. And I thought of Cara, with her doe brown soft eyes and long, black hair. She was something else.

  Suddenly, Tanya and her ilk looked plastic and fake, by comparison.

  “I’ve gotta go,” I said, draining my glass. “I like to read Charlie a bed time story, if I can. It was nice catching up, Tanya.” I grabbed my jacket from the back of the bar stool.

  She looked shocked, then grabbed me, pulling me over to her. Before I knew it, she was kissing me, pressing herself into me.

  I pulled back. “Whoa, what was that?”

  She grinned. “Just thought I’d remind you of what you’ve been missing.” She winked at me. “You’ve got my number now Bryce, don’t be a stranger.”

  I walked out of the bar, not giving her a backward glance. It had been a mistake, coming here to meet her. Women like Tanya were predators; it was always about the thrill of the chase with them.

  Hey, I wasn’t judging her. I had been the same, up until recently.

  But my life had changed. And I had to change with it.

  Charlie was asleep by the time I got back to the house.

  I looked at his head on the pillow, eyes closed, mouth slightly open. His head a halo of golden curls. He was such a sweet kid; he didn’t deserve what had happened to him. Losing his mother, so young. He hadn’t even had grandparents or aunts and uncles in his life. Abigail had lost her parents, years before, and she had been an only child. So, there was only me in Charlie’s life, now.

  No. that wasn’t quite right. He had lots of people – my parents, my brother and sister, Finn, Amber. As well as other friends. A whole network of people, ready and willing to love him. I just had to reach out to them and connect them with him.

  And Cara.

  Beautiful Cara. A ball of energy, eyes always sparking. She had taken to this role like a duck to water. I knew that already she cared deeply for Charlie, and wanted what was best for him. That was just the type of woman that she was.

  Caring. Full of empathy. Always willing to go the extra mile, for anyone. And then there was that razor sharp brain, always questioning and finding answers.

  I thought of how she had felt in my arms last night. Like a hot pool of sexiness that I just wanted to slither into. I was getting hard, just thinking about it. She was the whole package, really. Smart and caring and sexy. A woman any man would be proud to call his own.

  Whoa. Slow down, I told myself. You’re jumping the gun. Just because you want to sleep with her doesn’t mean that you want to make her your own. Me, of all people, knew that.

  But then why couldn’t I stop thinking about her? It wasn’t just the sexiness, although that was pretty overwhelming.

  “Looks like you missed out tonight.” I turned around. It was her, poking her head around the bedroom door. Her expression was neutral.

  I stood up. “Yes, too late.”

  She looked at me, but didn’t say anything. Waves of disapproval emanated from her, before she silently walked away. I bristled. I didn’t have to explain my movements to anyone. Yes, I had missed out on reading Charlie his bedtime story, but it wasn’t as if he would even remember. He was only two, for God’s sake.

  Still, I felt rotten. I should make more of an effort.

  She was sitting in the living room when I came downstairs, flicking through a magazine. She didn’t look up at me.

  “It’s Saturday tomorrow,” I said. “I think we should take Charlie on a picnic. I’ll drive.”

  Her eyebrows shot up in surprise, but I didn’t say anything else. I walked away, although it killed me. I wanted to take her in my arms and claim her. Bu
t I knew she was suspicious of me; had her mind set that I was untrustworthy and was making a mess of this whole father thing.

  I’d show her.

  Cara

  I couldn’t believe we were on the open road, heading to Noosa. I glanced back at Charlie in his car seat. His eyes were wide, staring out the window at the palm trees that whizzed past. Bryce had decided we wouldn’t be chauffeured today. He would be driving the new red Ferrari he had picked up last week.

  Bryce told me it would only be a short trip. Mrs Hall had prepared a whole lot of picnic type food, packed into a huge picnic basket. It was her weekend off. There were sandwiches and mini quiches, pies and cupcakes. It would feed an army. I could barely close the lid of the picnic basket on it all.

  He had dressed casually, just shorts and a t-shirt. But even in them, his sexiness took my breath away. I was finding it hard; the night before, I had dreamt of him touching me, again. It seemed to consume my thoughts. I was trying hard not to indulge it. I knew what type of man he was.

  He was the type of man that couldn’t take any woman seriously. Eyes always on the next prize. Oh, I knew that he wanted me as much as I wanted him. But I also knew that as soon as he had me, he would lose interest. And that would make things very hard, considering I worked for him. Having a one night fling with the boss wasn’t the best career move. It would make working together painful.

  And I was enjoying this sojourn in Australia. It was beautiful here; amazing weather, a wonderful lifestyle. And then there was Charlie. I didn’t want to desert him, not yet. I knew I would have to leave him, one day, but my heart ached a bit at the thought. I didn’t want to add to his trauma.

  I knew what it was like, to be abandoned. It didn’t feel nice. I would just have to be vigilant with Bryce. But glancing at his hands on the steering wheel, I wondered how I could keep my resolve in the face of this overwhelming longing. It was even now rearing up and hitting me in the face, making my breath shallow.

  I gasped in wonder when we got out.

  Bryce had driven to a lake, there were picnic tables and a playground for Charlie. There were palm and eucalyptus trees all around, making me feel like I was in an enchanted forest. The bright sun hit the water, creating iridescence.

  It was a beautiful part of the world. It reminded me in some ways of California, but it had its own unique thing happening. The fauna, for one thing. We got out the picnic basket, setting up. Bryce took Charlie by his little hand and led him to the lake, where I could see him pointing out swans and ducks that were swimming by.

  My heart constricted. It was wonderful watching them bond. I hoped that Bryce would keep it up, create time for Charlie that he would remember. I would be gone by then, of course. I tried to shake that thought away.

  The food was set up by the time they returned, and we all sat down to enjoy it.

  “Where did you get Mrs Hall from?” I asked, stuffing my face with a ricotta and spinach mini quiche. “She’s a great cook. This food is really something.”

  “An agency,” he answered, his mouth full. “But I first met her a couple of years ago, when she was head cook at the best deli in town.”

  “So, you know this area, then?” I asked, breaking off chunks of a sandwich to feed to Charlie.

  “Yes, been here many times,” he answered. “Sometimes for work, but often on holiday. I’m a Melbournian; we like to escape the dreary winter weather and be in the sun. Summers are hot in Melbourne, but the rest of the year is pretty dismal.”

  “Yeah, it was cold at Amber and Finn’s wedding,” I replied. “I was a bit annoyed that she made me wear that cocktail dress with the spaghetti straps. I was freezing when we had the photos taken in the Gardens.”

  “I didn’t notice,” Bryce replied, looking at me. “All I remember is how beautiful you looked in it.”

  I blushed, looking down at my food. I hadn’t thought Bryce had noticed me much at all. He had asked me to dance at the reception, but I knew he had an agenda: he wanted me to say I would be his nanny.

  I changed the subject, not wanting to go there. “Where are they honeymooning, again?”

  “They went to Port Douglas,” he answered, still looking at me with that same intense look. I hadn’t fooled him, but he was willing to let it go. “Right at the very top of Queensland. It’s magic. Very tropical.” He paused. “I must take you there, some day.”

  I nodded, not knowing what to say. It seemed unlikely. Why would we have any reason to go to this Port Douglas place, together? Charlie was getting restless, squirming on the hard picnic bench. I could tell he’d had enough to eat, and wanted to explore.

  “I might take him to the playground,” I said, standing up. “Push him on the swing a bit.”

  Bryce nodded, but I could tell he was disappointed. He seemed to be wanting something from me, something I wasn’t giving him. But what? I was only the nanny, after all. I had to keep telling myself that.

  As I pushed Charlie on the swing, I felt confusion swirling all around me. Stay focused, I told myself fiercely. You know what he is like. And you will not be here forever.

  But as I looked down on Charlie’s golden curls as he flew through the air, I felt my heart hit the ground along with the swing.

  It was late afternoon by the time we got back to the mansion in Surfer’s Paradise.

  Charlie had fallen asleep in the car, tired from his day out. Bryce carried him up the stairs to his bed. I got the picnic stuff out and started unpacking it.

  “Would you like a glass of wine?”

  I jumped. I hadn’t heard him approach.

  I looked at him. “Should I? I’m still on duty. Charlie might wake any time.”

  Bryce smiled. “I think a couple of wines won’t hurt, even if he did. I’m here as well. I’ll take care of him of when he wakes.”

  I nodded, trying to hide my surprise. Bryce was really trying with Charlie. First, the day out. And now willing to take on the evening care duty.

  “Really?” I said. “He’ll need a bath, and supper. Are you sure you’re up to it?”

  He smiled, again. “I’ve been around kids before, Cara. I’m not totally useless.” He paused. “And he is my son, after all.”

  We walked to the balcony with our drinks, sitting down to watch the surf. I could see surfers in the distance, trying to catch waves.

  “Have you ever surfed?” I asked, more to make conversation and fill the silence that was stretching all around us.

  “I have,” he said. “But I’m not very good. What about you?”

  I wrinkled my nose. “Once, on holiday, in San Diego,” I replied. “I’m not exactly the athletic type, in case you hadn’t noticed.”

  His eyes raked over me. “I don’t know what type you are Cara,” he breathed. “But I’m thinking more and more that you might be mine.”

  I spluttered on my wine. “You’ve got to be kidding, Bryce. I’m not blonde, for a start.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Just because I’ve only dated blondes in the past doesn’t mean I don’t find you attractive. You seem intent on pigeon holing me, Cara.”

  I felt the wine hit my blood stream, in a rush. “I say it as I see it.”

  He turned to me, taking my hand across the seats. He started to caress it, very gently. I closed my eyes. It felt so, so good. I felt myself being pulled up, and then he had me in his arms. His hands were caressing me, all over.

  When our lips touched, it was like a fire had suddenly leapt to life in me. We kissed, hungrily.

  I didn’t protest when he led me to his bedroom. I felt heavy with desire, like it was a fog that was all around me. He undressed me, slowly. Piece by piece of clothing lay discarded on the floor.

  His eyes were glowing with desire. Desire, for me. I felt a stab of pleasure at the thought. His mouth found my breasts, pulling at my nipples, one by one. Waves of pleasure were coursing through me, and I felt a sudden gush of wetness.

  My hands found his hardness, stroking it gently. He groaned, lo
ng and low. Suddenly, he pushed me back on the bed, climbing on top of me. We were kissing again when I heard the sound. Crying, coming from Charlie’s bedroom.

  I stopped, turning my head. “It’s Charlie,” I whispered.

  “It’s okay,” he whispered, trailing kisses down my neck. “He’ll be fine.”

  I sat up. “No, he won’t. He’s crying. He might get out of bed, wander to the stairs. I have to go to him, Bryce.”

  He frowned. “Cara, I want you so bad…”

  I looked at him. “It’s not just about you anymore, Bryce.” I stood up, dressing quickly. “It’s part and parcel of parenthood.” I was disappointed, too, but in a way, I was relieved.

  I was starting to think clearly, again. What had I almost done? It had been so, so close. If Charlie hadn’t woken, I would have no doubt he would be inside me already. As I ran down the hallway to the toddler’s room, I tried to get a grip on my breathing.

  I was playing with fire. I knew that, now. The attraction between Bryce and I was intensifying, and I didn’t know if I could control it, any more.

  What the hell was I going to do?

  Bryce

  I watched her scurry away to Charlie, cursing under my breath.

  It had been so, so close. So close I could almost taste it. My hard on was so ripe, I felt that if I even brushed against myself it would burst. I hadn’t felt this turned on by a woman in a long, long time.

  I could hear her pacifying Charlie, making soft sounds. He eventually quietened down. Then I heard movement, their footsteps making soft thuds on the carpet as they moved around the house. Then the sound of running water. She obviously had decided it was his bath time.

  I frowned. I should get up; I had promised that I would take over the night time care duties. But I lay still, listening to their banter. Cara singing to him in a lilting voice, and his answering chuckles. I felt my heart turn over in my chest.