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Following the best salmon ever, he made love to me on the deck, whispering that magicalloveto me over and over. I wasn’t sure if there were depths to our love, but if there were, then I was in so far I knew I’d die before escaping.
I didn’t want to escape. Cage quitting the NFL to be a teacher and spend more time with me? I didn’t want that either. I’d watched him play in college. The euphoria on his face when he connected with a receiver in the end zone was not a look that said he wanted to be a teacher and spend his free time with a girl. We agreed the evening had left us both in a cloud of nostalgia and that making life-changing decisions was best done with a clear head.
What I did know for certain was Cage Monaghan was the reason my life was spared. I didn’t know how I knew it… I just did.
“I’m not going to be able to stay too long. I have a meeting,” Everson said as we waited for the nanny to arrive.
“That’s fine. I have a feeling they’ll hit it off in less thansixty seconds. Then you’ll be dismissed and I’ll expect a sizable finder’s fee check at my door by dinner.”
“Finder’s fee?”
“For finding the world’s best nanny.”
“You sound pretty sure of yourself.”
I grinned as Shayna came into the room. “This one’s a sure thing. She’s going to love Jamie, and Jamie is going to adore this sweet little girl.” I hugged her.
“How old is Jamie?” Everson asked.
“Thirty-one.”
Just on time, there were three quick raps at the door. Everson could take a lesson from Jamie on knocking properly, as in: I’m at your door but not trying to annoy the hell out of you.
Everson opened the door. “Can I help you?”
“Hi, I’m Jamie Law.”
“No you’re not.” Everson shook his head.
“Everson!” I pulled at his arm to move him out of the way. “Don’t be rude.”
“Stick—”
“Lake.” I shot him a scowl before flipping it to a smile for Jamie. The nanny didn’t need to hear our pet names for each other. “Come in, Jamie.”
“Lake, can I talk to you for a minute?” Everson asked in a tone that didn’t actually ask, but rather demanded.
“Sure, just a second. Jamie, I’d like you to meet Shayna and her brother Everson Banks.”
Shayna held out her hand for Jamie. Everson did not.
“A word. Now!”
I shot Everson another scowl followed by another apologetic smile to Jamie.
“Shayna, why don’t you tell Jamie about your swimminglessons and what books you like. Excuse us for a few moments, we’ll be right back.”
“Take your time.” Jamie smiled.
I shut the door to Everson’s bedroom. “Oh… my gosh. What is your problem? Do you have any idea how qualified Jamie is compared to every other person I interviewed? So help me if you blow this I’m going to be pissed at you.”
He rested his hands on his hips. “Are you fucking blind? Jamie is a dude. I’m not hiring a dude to be my sister’s nanny. That shit’s just not right.”
“Wow… oh wow! Could you be any more sexist?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I could be, but I’ll spare you and just keep it simple. No. Not hiring him.”
“Because he’s a guy?”
