“Well…” I shift my weight. “This is awkward.”
“Yeah.” His arms cross. “You’re actually here for a babysitting job?”
I nod. “Are you actually looking for a babysitter? Or was this all some elaborate prank?”
He huffs a laugh, glancing off to the side. “No. I actually do need a babysitter.”
“Oh, okay. Well then…” I lift my brows. “Here I am.”
He scoffs. “No. This is not happening.”
“Why not?”
“Because.”
“Because?” I echo, folding my arms, one hip popped in challenge. “Wait… is this about Bradley? What, you’re too scared to hire your best mate’s sister as your babysitter?”
Sebastian glares. “Do I look like the type to be scared of your brother?”
I give him a slow once-over. Broad shoulders, jaw like granite, biceps flexed beneath his black tee. Eyes that say things his mouth probably never will.
“No.”
Silence stretches between us for a beat. Of course, I knew Sebastian Daniels was a single dad. I didn’t know the details—the how or the why—but never in a million years would I have guessed that scribbled ad belonged to him. There are plenty of parents in Wattle Creek. It could’ve been anyone. But of course, it just had to be him. He sighs, dragging a hand over his mouth. “Look, this past week’s been chaos. I don’t know how all this came about, but I actually do need someone I can rely on. I’ve already lost two babysitters, and I’m not planning on losing a third.”
I nod, arms dropping slightly. His tone’s changed. There’s weight behind the words now.
“This isn’t your average babysitting gig. It’s more than that.” His jaw tightens. “My son, Teddy… he has level two autism. He needs someone who understands that structure and routine matter. That small things are big things for him. And I need someone I can trust. Fully.”
My throat tightens, but I nod again. It’s not what I expected him to say. At all. But I’m here now. And despite the chaos of today—and the fact that this is Sebastian Daniels—I’m ready.
“So what you’re saying is… you don’t trust me to do this?”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” He runs a hand down the back of his neck. “Do you even have experience with babysitting?”
“Uh, no. Not officially. But I have four nieces and nephews. That must count for something, right?” The look on his face makes it very clear that it doesn’t.
I lift my chin anyway. “Listen, I grew up with two brothers. You know that. I survived fistfights, practical jokes, and Bradley’s mood swings before I even hit puberty. I think I can handle a five-year-old.”
But the doubt’s creeping in now, threading cold fingers through my ribs. “Anyway… look, maybe this was a mistake. I’ll go. Sorry for wasting your time.”
I make a move toward the front door, but his voice stops me short.
“Olivia, wait.”
I turn slowly.
He exhales, eyes narrowing like he’s already regretting what he’s about to say. “When can you start?”
A grin pulls at my lips before I can stop it. “Whenever you’d like me to.”
His mouth twitches even though it’s not quite a smile. “Sooner rather than later would be preferred. It’ll be early morning drop-offs, afternoon pick-ups, and minding him until I get back from work.”
“Sounds fine with me.”
His gaze drags over me again, slow and full of disbelief. “Of all the people in Wattle Creek…” His eyes land on my boots, then flick back to my face. “You.”
“Yup.” I shrug. “Me.”
