I looked up. Trent stood at my office door. He’d flown in the night before, and I left before he arrived. “Morning. Trust you had a good trip.”
“Profitable. You’re now looking at the proud owner of a London franchise.”
“That’s awesome, Trent.” I hopped off my chair to give him a quick hug.
“Yeah. Still lots of work ahead, but I’m excited about the prospect.” He flashed me his pearly whites in a dazzling smile. “Just popped in to say thanks for helping out with the kids. I appreciate it, and I’ll return the favor.”
“It was my pleasure.” I smiled, sitting down again. If he only knew.
“Why the long face?” He walked further into the office and leaned up against the corner of my desk.
“Landlord problems.”
“Want to talk about it?” We hardly shared personal stories, so his interest caught me off guard.
“Er...” I wasn’t sure what to say.
He laughed, holding up his hands, palms out. “I know. I’ve never shown any interest before, but you seemed annoyed when I walked in.”
I sighed. “The idiot’s upped the rent again, and unless I’m willing to show him some...um...body parts...” I trailed off, not sure I should be sharing this with my boss. “The man’s a perv. So now it’s back to searching Property 24.”
“Maybe I can help.”
“How?”
“There’s a small cottage at the bottom of our garden at home. Not sure if you’ve seen it while you were at the house.” I nodded, having seen it on my way to the beach. It looked like a doll’s house. “Nothing fancy, but you’re welcome to use it, rent-free.”
My eyes rounded for a second before I shook my head. “No. I couldn’t.”
“It was my mother’s hideaway, and since her passing, no one has used it. So, it’s yours if you want.”
I appreciated the gesture but staying on the boss’s property would bring all sorts of complications. Notwithstanding his jerk of a cousin. “Thanks. But I’d feel awkward staying there without paying rent.”
He eyed me briefly, then shrugged. “What if I had a proposition for you?”
My brow shot up. “I’m listening.”
“You have a problem with your landlord, and I have a problem with finding a suitable nanny.” Something told me I didn’t want to hear his next words. “So, you can have the cottage rent-free and, in return, help me out with the kids whenever I need to go out of town. Win-win.” He shrugged. “What do you say?”
While it sounded like a good plan, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take care of the kids again. Not that they were terrible. We’d established a good relationship. Then there was Mr. I’m God’s gift to women. Rayden believed he could make any woman fall into his bed whether she wanted to or not.
Sensing my reluctance, Trent stood and gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “At least think about it. You can check out the place this evening and if you’re happy, move in when you’re ready.”
Grateful for his understanding, I nodded. “Thank you.”
He grinned. “Pleasure. Now, can you join me in my office, please? I want to go over the latest financials then I need your help. I’m meeting with the interior designer for the new restaurant, and I’d appreciate your ideas if you can.”
My jaw dropped. “You want me to help with the designing?”
His brow creased in a frown. “Why do you sound surprised? You’ve been an ace with this restaurant, Sianna. Covering for Brandon and myself all the time, not to mention the menu discussions with Steven have brought in a whole new clientele.” He referred to the other restaurant manager I alternated shifts with and our head chef, who’d welcomed some of my changes to the standard dishes. “You’re passionate about this place. I can see it in your work.”
The fact he’d noticed gave me the feels. I smiled. “Thank you, Trent. I appreciate the compliment.” My racing heart didn’t match my soft words. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss. Rising, I grabbed a notepad and pencil and followed him.
Fifteen minutes later, deep in conversation with my back to the door, Trent glanced up at the light knock.
“Hey, cuz.”
“Rayden? Jesus, it’s good to see you.” Trent rose and walked around his table to greet his cousin. “What’s it been, two years, since I last saw you?”
