“Hi! I come bearing gifts and snacks!” she announces cheerfully, practically bouncing on her heels as she walks in.
“Bumper. Come in.” I say, motioning for her to come inside. I plaster a goofy grin on my face to ease the nerves building inside me.
She breezes past me like she owns the place, her energy infectious. I catch the faint scent of something sweet—vanilla, maybe chocolate—and it nearly sends me into cardiac arrest.
She’s like sunlight—relentless, warm, and way too much for someone like me. I should look away, keep my distance. But every time she smiles, it’s like the world shifts a little, and for a second I forget why I like the dark.
But gifts? This woman’s buying my daughter gifts before her first day on the job? I don’t know whether I should be grateful or suspicious. Honestly, I’m not sure what is more dangerous—how thoughtful she is…or how damn attractive she looks while doing it.
I lead her into the kitchen, trying to act composed and look over my shoulder to see what she’s brought. It’s a little onesie covered in daisy print—super cute—and a soft teddy bear blanket, one of those security one’s babies get attached to.
“The outfit is nice. So is the blanket. Thank you,” I manage, my voice a little too stiff, but I can’t help it. I don’tknow how to handle her sometimes. I’m a cop, damn it, not a guy who is good at receiving gifts from beautiful women.
“Oh, I didn’t know if she had one of these yet,” Millie says, her voice suddenly hesitant. “But I know once a baby gets attached to something like this, it’s hard to get them to let it go. I have two more in the car so I can rotate them to wash when needed. Oh, and I also got you some snacks. Nothing big, just some jerky, trail mix, and candy. I hope you like them.”
Jerky, trail mix, and candy?How the hell did she know those are my favorite snacks? I try not to think too much about it.
My eyes narrow suspiciously, but there’s a spark of warmth in my chest I try to hide behind a gruff glare.
“You’ve been talking to Josh about me, haven’t you?” I narrow my eyes.
Millie just laughs. “Guilty. But the candy was a wild guess. Men who drink black coffee usually have a sweet tooth.”
She’s not wrong. I hate how much I love she isn’t wrong.
I clear my throat and move the conversation back to the nannying. “So, I work four twelve-hour shifts a week,” I begin, knowing I need to keep this conversation as professional as possible.
“I always work the midnight shift, so I’ll be with Aura during the day.” I explain.
Millie nods, her expression focused as she takes in the information. I continue, “I just need you on the nights I’m working, starting at 6 p.m. and staying until I get home around 6 or 6:30 in the morning.”
“That sounds good,” she says, a smile tugging at her lips. “That way I can open the café around 7. It works because I haven’t set actual hours yet. I don’t have to leave right away.”
“Perfect,” I say, and I feel a small weight lift off my chest. We’re on the same page.
“Where would I sleep? Can I sleep?” she asks, her words a little rushed and nervous.
I move closer, and before I can stop myself, my lips brushagainst her ear as I whisper, “Bumper, you can do whatever you want while you’re here aside from thinking about any man other than the one signing your checks.”
The shiver that runs down her spine is enough to make me take a step back. Her cheeks flush, and she avoids my gaze for a moment, clearly flustered by my proximity.
I hadn’t meant to say it. Not really. It just slipped out—half joke, half warning. But when she looks up at me with those wide eyes and bitten lip, I know I meant every damn word.
I want her to know it’s dangerous territory. Not because she should stay away, but because I might not want to let her go.
“Well then,” she says, her voice a little breathless, “can I meet the little angel in your arms? I’ve been dying to hold her since that day in my café.”
The way she says it makes my heart squeeze. I know she’s sincere, and if I had known she felt this strongly, I wouldn’t have hesitated a second to let her hold Aura. My little girl deserves all the love she can get. She is lucky to have Millie’s love.
I pass Aura to Millie, watching as her expression softens when she holds my daughter. Her eyes go wide, and she smiles at the baby like she’s holding the world’s most precious treasure. And to me, she is.
Millie cradles Aura close to her chest, her face glowing with adoration. The bond they share in this moment is undeniable. I can see Millie becoming one of those people in Aura’s life who will make sure she knows she’s loved, even if she’s not related by blood.
“She’s perfect,” Millie whispers, and her voice exudes so much warmth that I can’t help but nod in agreement.
“I think so too, but I’m biased.”
She hums a soft, low lullaby I don’t recognize. Aura settles instantly, like she’s known Millie all her life. I blink a few times, trying to chase away the sudden sting behind my eyes.
