by Bella Grant
“No problem,” I assured her and took the seat around my desk. I’d thought of sitting next to her, but it was imperative I maintained our business relationship.
“The NDA I signed,” she started. “I want to be able to tell my mother about this arrangement.”
I paused to think about it. I wanted to keep this secret between us. The more people who knew about it, the easier it was for what we were doing to get out. If the media should get a hold of this information, they would have a field day with it. I tried to avoid the media as much as possible, especially when I’d lost my family. I’d done a great job of keeping the twins out of the public eye. Their existence was still not known to the public, and I wanted it to remain that way until they showed competence in dealing with the outside world.
“My mother is a confidential person,” she went on to explain. “She is the only surviving family I have, and she has to know the truth. I won’t keep it from her because we are close, and she’ll be worried I’m marrying a stranger.”
“You can’t tell her some story?”
“I won’t lie to my mother,” she replied stubbornly. “Besides, she knows right now I’m not looking for another relationship, and she knows you’re to be my boss.”
“Can’t you tell her that we fell in love along the way?” I pressed. “It’s what we’ll have to tell others who may ask.”
“And that’s another thing,” she added, glancing down at her paper. “If our story is to be that we fell in love, nobody will believe that if we get married so quickly. We met for the first time like three days ago, and unless I’m an immigrant wanting to get a green card, nobody is going to believe that.”
“You have a better suggestion?” I quipped. I was a little annoyed she’d found holes in my plan.
“As a matter of fact, I do,” she answered with a smug smile. “I don’t think we should get married right away. I think it’s best for me to work as the girls’ nanny for a few weeks. Then we get married. We can use the façade then, that we fell in love along the way, so to speak.”
“Sounds good,” I remarked, grudgingly accepting that she had a point. “The girls may also find it strange if we just get married like that too.”
“Exactly. Now for the next point. I want a provisional clause.”
I scowled at her. “On what?”
“That provided you or I find a real partner we envision being married to, the other party won’t try to prevent a divorce.”
“No!” I protested, knowing the clause was for her and not me. “If you commit to doing this, you’re doing it for the ten years. That’s non-negotiable. I’m not interested in marrying outside of this business agreement. And ten years from now when we part ways, my views on the matter won’t have changed.”
“You’re saying that now,” she insisted, squaring her jaw to argue with me. “But in the event it does happen, we need a clause to address it.”
“I’m not negotiating that part of the contract!” I thundered.
Her mouth set in a mutinous line, she rose from the chair. “If that is all, then I wish you all the best.”
“Wait!” I cried, getting to my feet. I couldn’t let her leave. “I’m sure we can talk about it some more.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to lock us into a marriage that we may want out of,” she returned, her mouth set in a line that showed she wasn’t about to back down.
“This clause will throw the rest of the contract off balance,” I argued, hoping she saw my point. “How do I know you don’t already have a spouse in mind and are just looking to get the first down-payment before asking for a divorce?”
“You’ll just have to trust me on that,” she answered as if I knew enough about her to go by her word alone. “Unless it’s skipped your attention, I do want this job, and not for short-term either, so I’m not looking to ride off into the sunset with a Prince Charming.”
She sounded so damn convincing I heard myself agreeing. “Okay, fine. We’ll add the clause.”
She smiled sweetly. “I hoped you’d come around,” she stated and returned to sit. “This isn’t me looking to jump ship. I’m giving you my word, Jarrod, that I’m in this for the long haul, but things happen. You may end up meeting someone who makes you change your mind about marrying.”
“For the last time, Laurel, I’m not looking to get myself hitched ‘the right way.’” I added air quotes with my fingers. “Let’s just say, if I add that clause into the amended contract, then you’ll have to sign a prenup.”
“Done. I already assumed that was a part of this contract anyway.”
“Is that it then?” I asked. I might not have everything the way I would want it, but at least we were closer to accepting each other’s standards.
“I think so.”
“Then we have ourselves a deal?” I pressed for confirmation.
“Yes, we have a deal.”
I captured the sigh of relief that almost left my lips. She didn’t need to know how desperate I was. “Can you move in tomorrow? I’d like to introduce you to the children.”
“I’d like to spend the rest of the week with my mom and move over the weekend.”
Again, she wanted it her way, but I couldn’t deny her spending two more days with her mother. “That’s fine,” I agreed. “I’ll have the bank work on drafting you the first check.”
She nodded, then stood. “I guess this is it then. I’ll see you on Saturday.”
“Do you want me to send someone to pick you up?” I asked, walking with her to the door.
“That’s not necessary. I’ll drive.”
“Okay. Let me walk you out.”
We rode the elevator in silence. I noticed it was a bit of an awkward silence, but I shrugged it off as we strode from the elevator on the ground floor.
“Laurel, thanks again for agreeing to this,” I told her with sincerity. “You’ll never know how much I appreciate it. I do believe you have a big heart that can be opened up to two little girls.”
She looked a little uncertain as she took my outstretched hand in a handshake. “It’s hard not to love kids. I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Sure, and call me if you need anything.”
I waited until she left the office building before taking the elevator back to the sixth floor. Finally, things were beginning to look up. With her there, I wouldn’t have to feel guilty leaving the girls to do business. I could take business trips across state and internationally again and be assured they were in good hands. Explaining why I felt I could trust her was odd, yet I knew it to be true. Laurel would be a good influence on the girls. And she wasn’t a woman who would kowtow to anyone either. Not even me.
I was hardly back in my office and settled in my chair when the door flew open and Pearl stalked inside. She was acting so out of character these days that I needed to get to the bottom of it.
“You hired her, didn’t you?” she said in an accusatory tone. “You went behind my back to hire her.”
“Hold on a minute there, Pearl,” I stopped her. “What do you mean, I went behind your back?”
“You enlisted my help with finding a suitable caregiver,” she explained. “But you didn’t take my advice. There were older, more mature women interviewed who would have filled the role perfectly.”
“Let’s get something straight here,” I told her, unable to hide my annoyance any longer. “I appreciated everything you did that day. You were great in the interviews and asked pertinent questions, but your role ended there. I understand and respect your views, but it’s ultimately my decision. And I don’t need to explain that to you.”
“So you’ve hired her.”
“You’re out of bounds,” I cautioned her. “This has nothing to do with you. I realize I shouldn’t have asked you to help me with such a personal matter, but you helped me to hire the housekeeper and other staff. I had no idea you would get so technical on this one.”
“Because you’re letting her blindside you with her look
s!” she exclaimed. “I’m telling you, if you’re not careful, that woman will—”
“Enough,” I said, my quiet tone reflecting my anger. “This topic is no longer up for discussion. Is there anything else I can assist you with? If not, I suggest you get back to work.”
It killed me to be tough on her and disagree with such vehemence, but she was pushing it. Her shoulders straight, she backed out the office.
“Fucking hell!” I exclaimed when she almost slammed the door shut. If I hadn’t known better, I’d have thought she was jealous, but this was Pearl. She’d worked her way up from assistant and was all business. We had worked together for four years. I would have known if she had any feelings for me. And that was just as well because I didn’t have any for her either.
I was convinced, though, that things would settle down now that the task was underway. Laurel had agreed to my proposal. The girls would be well taken care of and that was all that mattered.
Chapter 11
Laurel
“Are you sure you’ll be all right on your own?” I asked fretfully as my mother walked me to my car. My feet dragged a bit because of my nostalgia. I’d barely been home for a few weeks and was sad about leaving. Not this pitiful little town but my mother and spending the time with her. I had been comforted by the idea of being around and helping her with activities, but now, she would be on her own.
“I was fine when you were in San Antonio,” she responded, giving my shoulder a comforting squeeze. “And I’ll be fine now. You worry too much, Laurel. Things will work themselves out.”
I puzzled at how calm she was about me leaving and marrying someone I didn’t know at all—except that he was rich and would more than likely commit adultery with his executive assistant. She hadn’t called me crazy when I’d told her gently about the contract and the real reason behind me getting married.
All she had said was, “There’s no right or wrong way to how you choose a partner. As long as you both are happy with the arrangement.”
“Are you sure Dorette will come by to check on you?” I inquired uneasily. Dorette was her neighbor and friend, and had promised me she would check in on my mother.
“Even if she doesn’t, I’ll be fine,” Mom answered, and I could hear the exasperation in her tone. “Laurel, I have one question for you.”
At her concerned tone, I turned to regard her. The hesitancy in her voice was palpable. “I knew you weren’t comfortable with this,” I stated, knowing I wouldn’t leave her alone if she didn’t want me to go. “If you’d rather I didn’t, you know I won’t.”
“It’s your decision, dear, and I’ll support you,” Mom replied with understanding. “I know you’re doing what’s best for you and that’s a good thing.” Her face took on a more somber look. “What I want to know is if you’re sure this man won’t be a threat to you.”
I didn’t take the question lightly and thought about it as I had before. I doubted Jarrod was a dangerous man. When I’d looked him up, I didn’t see anything except his achievements. I had been bowled over by his achievements.
“He is the father of two little girls he obviously adores to be going through all this trouble,” I surmised aloud, hoping it answered her question. “I doubt he’ll turn out to be the next Ted Bundy.”
“Okay, I’ll trust your judgement,” she responded with a satisfied smile. “Let me know when you get there.”
“I will, Mom.” I hugged her, blinking away tears. “Besides, you’ll be at the wedding. You’ll meet Jarrod then. You’ll see he’s not all that bad. I could do worse than a billionaire,” I teased.
She chuckled. “Just take care of those two girls. I know you’ll do a good job with them. That’s what this job is all about, isn’t it?”
I pushed Jarrod’s handsome face from my mind before the image could completely take root. “Right. That’s it. I’ll call you later, Mom. Also, I expect you to call me when the hospital schedules your surgery. And I know you; don’t think of having this surgery without me and then call me when it’s done.”
She laughed guiltily. “I promise I won’t.”
“Great. I’ll call you when I get to Dallas. Love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, honey. And thanks for everything.”
With one final embrace, I waved goodbye and settled in my car for the long drive to Jarrod’s estate. I tried not to think about my actions for the journey because if I did, I’d probably make a U-turn and head back home. Instead, I thought about the two little girls I would be in charge of and how to be a mother to them.
Jarrod had more faith in me than I did in myself. I didn’t doubt my ability to take care of and show kindness to his daughters. But I knew nothing about being a mother. I wasn’t around people who had kids to learn from them. But anything I didn’t know, my mother was just a phone call away.
By the time I drove up to the automatic gate that allowed entrance to the estate, I was exhausted from the drive. I slowed and pressed the button for the intercom.
“Yes, how may I assist?” came the voice of the butler.
“It’s Laurel Snow,” I responded.
“How may I assist you, Ms. Snow?”
“Umm, I’m here to take on the post as caregiver for Mr. Simpson’s children,” I explained.
“Ms. Snow?” the voice returned. “I’ve not been instructed by Mr. Simpson of your arrival.”
“You haven’t?” I asked, taken by surprise. “Well, can’t you ask him?”
“Mr. Simpson isn’t home right now,” he answered. “He was called away on business. If you could give me a minute, I’ll ring him to ask the details surrounding your arrival.”
“Okay, sure.”
I was a little annoyed that Jarrod and I had arranged for me to come by this weekend and he wasn’t there. The least he could have done was inform his butler I was coming. I was also embarrassed having to explain that I was rightly there to the butler. I would have liked him to be there to introduce me to his daughters, but at least he was calling Jarrod to have everything sorted out.
“Ms. Snow,” the voice returned over the intercom.
“Yes? I’m here.”
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Simpson isn’t answering his phone.”
“But—” I stopped short when I noticed a car driving towards me. The driver seemed to be in a hurry as the car sped along the driveway, only slowing when it neared the gate. I could make out the silhouette of Jarrod sitting behind the wheel. “It’s okay,” I told the man over the intercom. “Mr. Simpson just pulled up behind me.”
“Good. He can sort this out and let you in.”
Jarrod parked behind my vehicle, and I saw his long legs before the rest of him alighted the vehicle. Although it had to be over ninety degrees of sweltering heat, he was dressed in a business suit and hadn’t broken a sweat. I quickly checked my armpits to ensure I wasn’t sweating as the air conditioner in the car was no longer functional. I relaxed when I didn’t encounter any dampness.
“Laurel, hi, what are you doing parked out here?” he asked, leaning in my window. “Didn’t anyone answer the intercom?”
“Yes, but apparently, no one expected me.”
His eyes widened in horror and I felt marginally better at his flushed face. “Damn, I didn’t tell Henry you were coming,” he announced. “I’m so sorry. It’s just been a crazy few days with last-minute meetings. I was supposed to be here to meet you and was called away. I hoped to get back before you arrived.”
“It’s okay,” I assured him with a gentle smile. “Although if I’d waited longer, I might have had to climb the gate.”
He looked relieved that I could joke about the situation, but he did look remorseful. “I’m glad you didn’t have to attempt such a daunting task,” he remarked. “I’ll open the gate and follow you to the house.”
I nodded, and he strolled back to his car. My eyes followed him through the rearview mirror, and I tried to keep my eyes on his broad back and not the waist that tapered down to a very m
asculine behind and long legs I’d admired earlier.
The gate parted slowly, and I drove through and continued along the driveway to the front porch. I parked and Jarrod did the same behind me, so I gathered it was okay to leave the car there for now. I got out slowly and waited on him to do the same.
“Robert will park the cars and bring your cases up to your room,” he announced, approaching me.
“Robert?” I asked.
He inclined his head, and I saw the man who hurried towards us. Dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt, he was in his early twenties with light blond hair. Jarrod introduced me to the grounds keeper, who then took our car keys. With a touch of his hand to my back, Jarrod guided me away from the car and up the steps to the wrap-around porch. The door opened and the butler appeared just inside.
“Welcome home, sir,” he greeted.
“Thanks.” Jarrod prodded me in front of him. “Henry, I forgot to tell you Ms. Snow would arrive today to start taking care of the girls.”
“That’s understandable, sir. The last few days have been very hectic.” The butler turned to me with an outstretched hand. “Ms. Snow, welcome. I do hope you’ll make yourself at home.”
“Thank you very much,” I replied with an awkward smile. I’d never had a butler before. Well, technically, he was Jarrod’s butler, but when we eventually married, I would have a household with a butler.
“Laurel, anything you need while I’m not here,” Jarrod pointed out, “don’t hesitate to talk to Henry. He’s my right hand around this place, and the estate would be in shambles without his keen eye.”
“Why, sir, you’re too kind.”
I watched the exchange between the two and drew the conclusion that Jarrod was an excellent employer. An employer who could praise an employee for a job well done was far and few between. For some people, doing an exceptional job was simply getting your work done.
“Do you know where the kids are, Henry?” Jarrod inquired. “I’d like them to meet their new nanny.”
“They are in the recreational room, sir,” Henry replied.