Even though I wanted to wrap that sad child in a never-ending hug.
“You’re right, he is,” Logan sighed as we reached the kitchen.
I played off my shock. I would’ve assumed he’d jump to defend his perfectly normal and happy child as if he was trying to convince both of us.
Logan switched on the lights, and I outlined what we needed to find. Within a few minutes, we’d assembled bowls, warmed up a portion of shredded chicken, and found an old box to use for the sand we were substituting for kitty litter.
“You’re good at this,” Logan said as he packed the supplies in the box. “And you manage Noah really well. He obviously likes you.”
I waited for him to make a point. I mean, it was lovely to be recognized for my abilities, butwhywas he cataloging them for me? I already knew I was good with cats and kids. It wasn’t a brag, it was a fact.
“I like him too,” I replied. “And Ariel is a no-brainer. That kitten is ca-yute.”
He didn’t chuckle at my silly inflection.
“Work for me.”
What in the non sequitur was he talking about?
I turned to frown directly at Logan. “I am? Like…that’s what I’m doing on this boat?”
He shook his head impatiently. “No, I’m making you a better offer. Come work for me directly, as Noah’s nanny.”
“But I’m already…I have a contract…” I sputtered. “You expect me just to quit mid-voyage? That’s a terrible idea! My colleagues will have to pick up my slack and work overtime, and there’s no way I want to do that to them. Sorry, not happening.”
“No,” he grumbled. “That isn’t what I meant. You could keep working during your regular hours, then work with Noah after hours. Now, I understand that would double your on-the-clock time, and I’d take that into consideration salary-wise. I could offer you…”
He paused to think, then rattled off a number that destroyed my poker face. My eyes actually bugged out cartoon-style.
“Noah needs more supervision than I expected during this trip, and now with the kitten…” he trailed off.
“Yeah, I was pretty curious why a workaholic like yourself wouldn’t have a full-time nanny on staff.”
His expression went tight. “I thought I had that taken care of. We went through an extensive vetting process, hired someone who had impeccable qualifications, but then she and Noah didn’t gel.”
It was a vague answer that demanded explanation. “What does that mean?”
“Noah, uh, he absolutely hated her. He said she was bossy and mean and didn’t listen to him. I had to fire her right before we left, which is why we’ve been trying to manage on our own. That means I also need someone to take care of him once we’re home. I have a list of potential nannies waiting for me, but after seeing how he’s bonded with you, I’d rather you take that role. I can email you the job description, benefits, and salary, but it’s basically triple what I offered to tap in during the trip.”
I cleared my throat to cover the shocked choking noise I made.
“Pretty presumptuous to think that I have the bandwidth to completely turn my life upside down for you when you snap yourfingers,” I replied. While the high salary had definitely startled me, now that I’d had a minute to process it, I was a little offended that he thought he could dangle a number in front of me and I’d jump at it.
Even if itwasenough for me to get my shit figured out and have some breathing room in my finances for a change.
The big question was could I work for someone so…asshole-ish?
“This isn’t about me and my presumption,” Logan said, more earnest than I ever would have expected from him. “Noah likes you. He’s brought you up half a dozen times since we left port. That’s unusual these days.”
I softened a little. I had a feeling that I was getting through to Noah, and Logan just confirmed it. Could I make the leap?
But then I remembered what he’d said about Noah’s super-strict schedule. I wasn’t down with military-style discipline. Would he be willing to let me drive the behavioral bus while I worked with Noah?
But that boy. I loved all of the children I came in contact with, but there was something special about the wounded little soul. We’d formed a quick bond. Our connection could be the key to something bigger.
Yeah, I wanted to help him, but only if I’d be able to set some boundaries with his ogre of a father.
I turned to stare at Logan before I answered. “I’m an elementary education specialist with a focus on childhood development.”
