“This is Ryder and Shelby Prescott. Shelby owns a clothing boutique in town and Ryder is the owner of the Worlds Collide app.”
Making introductions drove home how successful my friends were. I tried my best to not compare myself to them, but times like these were glaring reminders of how backwards I had lived my life. My friends had all graduated from college—except Ryder, but despite that, he owned a multi-million-dollar tech company. They each had successful careers before getting married and starting a family. Even my goofball friends Jenna and Brad, who introduced themselves, owned a comedy club that did well. I didn’t think they’d ever getting rich off it, but it paid the bills and they loved it.
That was all I wanted. To do something I loved that paid the bills with a little extra to give my girl all she deserved. Was that too much to ask?
I stared at Miles, who was going through the handshaking rounds, politely inquiring more about each person, and wondered if taking this job would set me on the same path as my friends. Not like being a nanny was a career changer, but being able to put on a resume that I was Taron Taylor’s personal assistant could look good and open doors. Maybe I could even love it.
Miles flashed me a grin as soon as the introductions and pleasantries were over. I smiled back before I could stop myself. A few more grins erupted because of it. Emma, Jenna, and Shelby were practically giddy over it. Before they said anything embarrassing, I bounced Henry on my hip, drawing attention to him. “This is Henry.”
“I’m three.” He held up his fingers as if he knew he would get asked that question.
All the women went doe-eyed over the cutie. The kid was going to be a heartbreaker when he grew up. I couldn’t help myself and kissed his cute fingers, making him giggle.
Jenna decided it was time to stir some trouble. “So, Miles, did Aspen tell you we just readSilent Stonesfor our book club? On her recommendation, of course.”
My soon-to-be ex-friends did a horrible job of stifling their snickers.
Miles’s eyes widened about as much as his big fat grin that was directed toward me. “She failed to mention that when we last met.” He was kind enough not to linger on me or embarrass me further. He turned his attention toward the table. “I do hope you enjoyedit.”
“It was a tad on the squeamish side, but delightful,” Shelby drawled. Only she would call it delightful. Brilliant was more like it, but I kept that to myself.
“We are looking forward to the sequel,” Emma commented.
“Yeah, when is that coming out? It’s been awhile.” Jenna was never one for tact.
Miles ran his hand through his thick dark hair, leaving a trail of misplaced curls. “I’m working on it.” He focused on me. “It is why I am hoping to convince your lovely friend to accept my job offer tonight.”
Henry jumped in again, this time declaring loudly, “I need to use the toilet.”
Miles chuckled. “That is my cue. Excuse me. It was nice to meet all of you.” He took a reluctant Henry out of my arms. “I’ll be right back.” He winked. It may have caused a flutter somewhere deep down inside of me. I wasn’t exactly sure. It could have been gas for all I knew. I hadn’t had flutters in a long time.
Once Miles and Henry were out of sight, I leaned on the table. “What are you all doing here?”
“Eating.” Emma played coy.
Jenna fanned herself. “We came to check out the Brit for you. Wow. He’s something.”
Brad looked highly affronted. “Excuse me?”
Jenna kissed his cheek. “Do you think you could get an English accent?” she teased. I think.
“What’s up with women and Brits?” Sawyer asked.
Emma rested her head on Sawyer’s shoulder. “You can blame Jane Austen, but no worries, baby, I’ll take you any day over the dashing Brit.”
That didn’t make Sawyer feel any better. His brow raised. “Dashing?”
“I meant . . . well . . . that perfectly describes him.” Emma laughed.
Sawyer rolled his eyes but kissed his wife’s head anyway.
Ryder, in Ryder and Shelby fashion, pulled his wife onto his lap. His hand landed on her still flat abdomen. He gently rubbed it. Those two had hands for days for each other. “I’m not worried.” He nuzzled Shelby’s neck.
Shelby threw her arms around Ryder. “I do have to say I prefer a Southern drawl, but,” she faced me, “I do believe the handsome Englishman is enamored with you. He couldn’t keep his eyes off you.”
I pushed off the table and shifted my feet. “That’s because I was holding his nephew.”
Brad snorted loudly. “The dude is totally into you.” He looked to the other men at the table to confer. Sawyer and Ryder nodded in agreement.
