Chapter One
Jacy
“You’re hired.”
Those two simple words sent wave after wave of sweeping relief through my blood. I couldn’t halt the silly grin from splitting my face, and I observed Mr. Armstrong’s kind smile in return. The kid didn’t know me, but he crawled into my lap after our rather intense hug. Declan’s bluer than blue eyes looked deep into mine as though searching for the Holy Grail within them.
Still, I wasn’t the least bit uncomfortable under that steady regard.
I finally glanced at my new employer. “Thank you, Mr. Armstrong,” I murmured. “I really need this job.”
“Waitressing doesn’t pay a whole lot,” he agreed. “And you’re welcome. As my ad stated, it’s a live in situation. You’re okay with that?”
Living under the same roof with this stranger?I looked as deeply into his eyes as Declan had mine and wondered if I’d recognize a serial killer if I saw one in him. Mr. Armstrong’s dark, Scandinavian blue eyes returned my gaze, his even white teeth gleamed as he smiled as though knowing my thoughts.He’s a damn good looking dude. I can see dragging him to bed with me.Reddish gold hair tumbled over his brow and shirtcollar, his massive broad shoulders and biceps informed me he worked out regularly.
“I trust I’ll be safe?” I inquired.
I expected a flash of anger that I’d dared question his integrity. At the minimum, he’d snort with derision for the same reason. He laughed. In that laugh, I knew instantly I’d be safe living in his house with him. Mr. Armstrong not just owned a sense of humor, he didn’t sweat the small stuff.
He inclined his head. “As safe as I can make you, Ms. Maxwell. I also appreciate that you asked.”
“If we’re working together, please call me Jacy.”
“I’m Avery. I don’t stand on formality.”
“Great.”
I glanced down at Declan. He followed the conversation with the intensity I wouldn’t have expected from a five-year-old. His attention span seemed incredible to me, though I didn’t know that many five-year-old kids.Wouldn’t a kid his age prefer playing with his toys or the dog than listening to adults talk?
“Do you want Jacy to be your nanny, Declan?”
That, too, surprised me. That Avery included said child in the decision-making process. Declan’s grin told me, and Avery, what he thought about me.
“Yeah, Dad,” Declan replied, twisting in my lap to include me in his smile. “She’s nice.”
“I trust his instincts,” Avery commented. “Declan has good ones. He can instantly tell someone’s nature, good or bad, immediately.”
“I wish I had the knack for that,” I said. “I’m a lousy judge of character.”
“I’m sure you’re better than you think. I’ll have you sign a salary agreement,” he went on, rising, and all but tripped over Max. “Max, you make a very obnoxious obstacle.”
Max rolled over on his back, his tail thumping the floor. I guessed he had German Shepherd in his genetic makeup, and perhaps a bit of retriever. Which might explain the goofy attitude. Big, easy going, he surely would protect his young charge if the need ever arose.
Avery returned to the table with a printed paper and a pen. Sitting, he passed the paper to me. “If you agree with what I’ll pay you, then sign it.”
After looking at the monthly number, I shut my jaw hard. I swallowed the gasp that threatened to escape my lips. Avery sent me a gentle smile as I looked up at him.
“I can afford it,” he said quietly. “I work as a stockbroker, and I have very strange hours sometimes. Given the local school district’s lack of a decent education system, I want Declan homeschooled. I don’t want him in daycare, which would cost me more than I’m offering you.”
“It’s – it’s too much.”
“Room, food, cable, a dog who’ll steal the covers if he sleeps with you, and a decent salary. How can you say no to that?”
I grinned. “I can’t.”
After scribbling my signature, I passed Avery the agreement. “I’ll have to get my things from my apartment; inform my roommate I’ll be moving out.”
“I can give you a few days to get settled in,” he said. “I’m off until Thursday. I’m usually home on weekends, but sometimes I travel. Sundays are yours to do with what you want, unless I’m out of town. Okay?”
