Aaron left a bad taste in my mouth, and I prayed this trip to Atlanta to nanny for Mr. Sneaux wouldn’t be a repeat. I didn’t want to spend this holiday season ducking a crazy man.
Hours later, after fighting for my life in Atlanta’s rush hour traffic, I arrived at Mr. Sneaux’s mansion. Stopping at the gate that prevented entrance to the property, I marveled at the large wreaths affixed to the gate and put in the code Mr. Sneaux provided me with. Seconds later, it opened and granted me entrance.
A long driveway flanked by several Christmas trees, each minor variations of the other, led me directly to the front of the property. I expected nothing less than the sprawling, gray structure before me. The same wreaths that were on the gate were also on the wide French-style front doors. Mr. Sneaux’s property was gorgeous and outfitted with Christmas decorations. There were a life-sized sled, Black Santa, and Mrs. Claus. On the other side of the lawn was nativity scene that appeared to be antique. Thick bundles of garland flanked the windows lining the front of the house.
Smiling brightly, I was at least happy that Mr. Sneaux loved Christmas. If this weekend went well, then I would be staying with him for the holiday season. Spending the season in a dreary environment wasn’t ideal for me.
The front door opened and out walked Mr. Sneaux.
“Oh, Lord.” I felt sick. Mr. Sneaux walked out of his house wearing the hell out of a Black tuxedo. He was freshly groomed, and I was sure he smelled divine.
Reluctantly, I climbed from my sedan. Atlanta’s cool, brisk air contrasted with the muggy weather in Florida. Before I turned to face him, Mr. Sneaux’s cologne gave me a big ass hug that I didn’t ask for, warming me more than the light sweater I wore. Domino’s knowing smirk flashed through my brain.
“Oh, shut up!” I hissed under my breath and whirled around on my feet.
You’re in trouble, girl.
CHAPTER 5
SYNDER
Sienna’sheart-shapedfacesaidmore than she wanted it to. I was sure of it. If I knew it wouldn’t offend her, I’d joke about the way she nearly collapsed at the sight of me.
“How was the ride?” I asked her instead. Just like she was smitten by my presence, I was smitten by hers. That feeling I had when I laid eyes on her the other day returned full force. Her feet were on my property, now, and I couldn’t help but wonder how pretty her feet were.
Be cool, Sneaux.
“It was okay,” she replied.
Seeing her shudder against the cold air, I said, “Go inside, and I’ll bring ya stuff in.”
“Sure. Let me grab something.” She opened the back door and retrieved a small, brown teddy bear. On the front, Whimsy’s name was etched into the pink dress the bear wore.
“You came bearing gifts?” I teased her. She playfully pinched her face at me.
“It’s an icebreaker,” she explained.
“Oh, aight.” Honestly, that shit was thoughtful as hell. Being impressed by a teddy bear alerted me to how low my fucking standards were.
“It’s just that one suitcase,” she informed me.
She caught me staring at her. I chuckled and said, “I got it.” Her footsteps toward the front door were light. I retrieved her suitcase, closed the door, and followed her. I caught up with her just in time to see her reaction to the inside of my house. For some reason, I hoped she found the decorations up to par.
While at her boutique, I peeped how deep she was into the holiday spirit. Her boutique rivalled the North Pole, and since she was going to be here with me, I thought of giving her a piece of the environment she was vacating to be with me and Whimsy.
“Whoever did your decorations deserves a every dime you spent,” she stated while admiring the ten-foot-tall Christmas tree erected in the center of the foyer. The lush green tree was decked out in different hues of light gold and accented with bold, red ornaments. At its peak, the tree topper eclipsed the double staircase’s catwalk. It was a showstopper for sure.
“I’m glad you approve,” I responded. “Ready to meet Whims?”
She grinned. “Absolutely.” Her eyes roamed the entirety of the foyer, then did the same inside the living room.
Although impressed and intrigued by the expensive lay of my house, stars didn’t dance in Sienna’s eyes. Then, I rememberedLegend telling me that Sienna worked for wealthy families all the time. So, luxury wasn’t anything new to her.
I placed her suitcase next to the staircase and led her to Whimsy’s playroom. My baby was where I left her. She sat at a small round table with her baby dolls. On the table were two sets of teacups situated on top of small saucers. A tea pot I had custom made for her sat on the table, too. The instrument was filled with apple juice.
Sienna’s gasp drew my attention to her. Stars brighter than I’d ever seen burst from her eyes when she saw Whimsy.
“Oh, my gosh!” she gushed. “She’s beautiful, Mr. Sneaux!”
