"We'd like to hire you as Finn's nanny," Burke clarified.
When Maddie didn't respond, I plowed on. "I know it's not your dream job, but I thought with the amount of money Burke is sure to lavish you with, you can get your interior design degree. Maybe even open up your own business."
"You'd do that for me?"
I smiled at the incredulous tone in Maddie's voice. "Honestly, you'd be doing me a favor. I don't want to leave him with just anyone, and I trust you. Plus, you'd get to spend more time with Caden."
"You don't have to sell me on it, sweetie. I'm in."
"Great," Burke said. "I'll have a basic employer/employee contract drafted, with a few addendums to cover security and discretion."
"I'm already bound to keep your secrets, Burke. I could never do or say anything that might jeopardize Caden’s safety."
"That's good to hear, but I would feel more comfortable if it was in writing."
"I can do that," Maddie said. Then she squeaked. It was the only way I could describe the sound she made. "I'm so excited about this!"
Laughing, I reached over and patted her hand. "Now you can get baby snuggles whenever you want."
Nodding, Maddie's grin widened. "Is it okay if I tell Caden?"
"Sure. As a matter of fact, you can tell him and Logan that lunch is almost ready."
Maddie left the room, and I kept my attention on Burke. "It's going to become very interesting around here."
"I'll say. You and Maddie will undoubtedly keep me on my toes."
30
Burke
I was right when I said the two women would keep me on my toes. Between my never-ending desire for Kinsley and the way Maddie wasn't afraid to talk back to me, I felt like I was losing my tenuous control. My household was full and loud, which I was unused to.
The dining room got a remodel, thanks to Maddie practicing what she learned. She mostly did classes online as Kinsley did, with the occasional practical work thrown into the mix. Maddie enjoyed herself immensely, and she loved Finn as much as if they were blood related. I hadn't heard so much laughter in a long time since Kinsley and Maddie couldn't be in the same room without one of them exploding with it. Often, they'd catch the giggles, and I'd have to leave the room to maintain my sanity.
But the times Kinsley helped me in the office were something entirely different. She dressed professionally, her demeanor becoming sedate and quietly intelligent. It was her suggestion to meet with the head of the White Family to explain what happened between the two of us in Connecticut, reasoning that if they understood our intention, then maybe they'd back off.
Posh Kinsley was new to me; she and Maddie had worked on filling her wardrobe with attire that meshed with her new job title. Mrs. Gallagher looked the part of a wealthy CEO's wife. Her skirts rose a few inches above her knee when she sat down, and I had a hard time not touching her. There was a constant battle inside me to leave her alone when I wanted to rip the buttons off her blouses and hike her skirts up to plow into her. The heels she'd taken to wearing weren't helping in the slightest, putting her at the perfect height for kissing and making her legs look a mile long.
Six weeks after she began working with me, Kinsley sat beside me in the back of my Mercedes as we headed toward the White compound. Logan drove, and Oliver sat in the front passenger seat. Following us was Caden in an SUV; Sam, Mike, and Billy riding with him. Levi and Noah remained at the house with Maddie and Finn. I hated having to take so many extra precautions, but I also knew it was necessary.
The car came to a stop in front of an elaborate wrought-iron gate, and Logan rolled the window down half an inch. "Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher," he said to the security man at the guard shack.
The gentleman glanced at his clipboard and back at Logan. "Proceed through the gate and up to the front steps."
"Into the lion's den," Oliver muttered.
"Meeting at their house shows we trust them," Kinsley commented.
I snorted. "Even though we don't."
Kinsley shifted in her seat to look out the window. "They don't have to know that."
A steady mist fell from heavy graphite clouds, but it didn't overshadow the magnificent house looming in front of us. It comprised several stories worth of light stone, turrets bookending the façade, and a slate roof.
"Impressive," Logan said, pulling around the circular drive to the man in the uniform waiting by the base of the portico.
"I think the word you're looking for is ugly."
