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“You look exhausted just sitting here.”
“That obvious?”
“A little, so please, let me help you. There’s no reason for you to handle everything on your own, even if I have a feeling you’re one of those guys who likes to do so.”
He drags a hand over his shaved jaw, looking equal parts amused and tired. “You’re not wrong. Let’s go over your day-to-day schedule before I start working full-time again.”
“And we should probably talk about the pay, too.”
Ollie nods once, setting his coffee down. “I was thinking whatever your previous babysitting or nannying jobs paid, plus the room, utilities and groceries. All that’s included. You won’t need to pay for anything while you’re staying here.”
“Ollie—”
“You’re helping me keep my life from actively catching on fire right now,” he says simply. “Least I can do is make sure you’re comfortable and have money to spend on exploring the city.”
There’s no awkwardness or hesitation behind the offer. Just sincerity from a man doing his best to hold everything together.
“Deal,” I say.
What Ollie doesn’t know is I have a hefty trust fund, so this job isn’t really about money for me. Still, I appreciate him offering me a fair salary and recognizing the value of my time. I also want to get back to working in the future and this is a perfect first step toward the goal.
6
OLLIE
After unexpectedly spending many hours at the shop on short notice, I finally head upstairs. Rescheduling jobs and covering for Marcus wasn’t how I planned to spend today, but at least I had Peyton to help me with Tilly and there weren’t any issues during the six hours they spent without me. Honestly, knowing that takes some of the pressure off my chest.
Even if I trust Peyton, leaving my niece alone with her for the first time wasn’t easy. Yes, I hired her to be the nanny and help me and do exactly what she did today. But I wanted to turn around and take Tilly in my arms the moment I closed the apartment door behind me. It physically hurt to walk away. I totally get why parents dread going back to work after having kids.
The smell of food gets stronger as I take the stairs two at a time. Opening the door, I inhale deeply as the scent of garlic and other herbs fills my nose, making my stomach rumble. Music plays quietly from the Bluetooth speaker on the counter, a familiar pop song bringing a smile to my lips. I have to remember to ask about her music taste later.
“Hey,” Peyton greets me when she hears the lock clicking. Tilly is in her bouncer, eyes wide as she watches her new nanny move around the kitchen. “I was about to call to ask if you’d like to join me for dinner.”
“Perfect. How was the park?” I ask, toeing off my shoes by the door.
“Tilly has three new admirers from the trio of old men at the nursing home by the river.”
I glance toward the little one. “Already winning hearts, I see.”
“She definitely has them and you wrapped around her tiny finger,” Peyton teases.
Tilly kicks her legs harder like she agrees. Peyton chuckles before turning back to the stove. “I hope you’re okay with garlic Parmesan chicken, brown rice and steamed vegetables.”
“I can’t believe you cooked both breakfast and dinner,” I say and lean against the counter, watching her spoon food onto plates. “You know you’re allowed to order takeout, right? I can give you my login details to the delivery app so you don’t have to worry about the cost while staying here.”
“I actually enjoy cooking.”
“Still, I don’t mind if you want to order in. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I cooked a meal from scratch.”
She fakes a gasp. “We’ll have to reintroduce you to vegetables slowly, for your own safety.”
I huff out a laugh before setting the table while Peyton carries food over from the kitchen. Every few seconds, her attention flicks toward Tilly, making sure she’s okay. Seeing the affection Peyton has for the little one spreads warmth through me, reminding me that she’s the right person for the job.
The first bite of chicken has me groaning. “What is this magic?”
“Just garlic, lots of cheese and seasoning sprinkled with love.”
“That must be it; food made by someone who cares tastes different. Dennis has this thing where he thinks cooking for his dates will impress them. But it never works out for him because he always ends up having to order in when he inevitably fucks up the recipe.”
