His deep, dark voice caused the bones in my toes and feet to soften. Off balance atop the ladder, gravity took me backwards.
“Ah!” I yelped. Strong arms caught me before I hit the hardwood floors.
He chuckled and placed me on my feet.
“Thank you,” I mumbled to his designer-clad feet. I fixed my skirt that rode up in the process of me falling. My eyes trailed up a tall, lean-built body covered in military green sweatpants and a crisp white T-shirt. His thick, curly tipped beard was healthy and sprinkled with what appeared to be glitter. Then, I realized my shirt had glitter on it.
Reaching up to dust the glitter out of his beard, I uttered, “Sorry.”
“It’s all good, Baby,” he stated. His breath was minty, but his cologne was powerful yet understated. He smelledsogood.
“Thank you for catching me…” My eyes lifted a little more past his thick, moisturized lips, brawny nose, and…
Bitch!
I couldn’t recall the last time my brain short circuited so badly. His eyes werestunningand pierced me like a fire-tipped arrow. Strangely, he blushed.
Gulping, I snatched my hand back and blinked up at him.
“Synder Sneaux,” he introduced himself.
Superstar point guard for the Atlanta Jets… Yes, I knew exactly who he was. A few years back, he was caught up in a scandal with his baby mother and her side dude. His custody battle that ensued was plastered all over the news. It was all tragic, really. I wasn’t sure of his current relationship status because he wasn’t in the headlines for anything other than his amazing skill on the court.
Recovering from the shock of him, I replied, “Sienna Cooley. How can I help you, Mr. Sneaux?”
“Oh, good. You’re just the person I’m lookin’ for.”
“Oh?”
He nodded. “I need a nanny, and you came highly recommended.”
“Okay.” Smoothly, I transitioned out of the daze I was under and said, “Can you tell me a little about what you’re seeking in a nanny?”
“I’m lookin’ for someone who’s open to living with me during the season, traveling to home and away games, accompanying me to team events…” He chuckled. “It’s a lot of shit.”
Smiling, I replied, “Sounds like it.” Coming right out and asking if he was single was grounds for a discrimination lawsuit. My policy was my policy, though. I had to protect myself.
“I know a few nannies—”
“I was told to get you and no one else.”
“Right. However, I have strict policies—”
“Entailing what?”
Perturbed, I said, “Please don’t interrupt me.”
“Well, get to the point, lil’ baby.”
Sighing, I quipped, “You won’t like what I have to say. And it may offend you.”
“Nothing offends me, except disrespect. Are you about to disrespect me?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s just that some could find it disrespectful. I call it boundaries.”
“Aight, then. What’s the boundary I’m crossing?”
Shrugging sheepishly, I said, “You’re a man.”
