by Blue Saffire
“Okay, my brother’s nanny is looking for work. His wife is a full time mom now and they don’t need her. But they’ve been keeping her on until she finds something.”
I know I was talking fast because I was thinking just as fast. I had to get this squared away. He couldn’t throw everything he worked so hard for away for something that we could fix.
“She’s great. She speaks several languages, my nieces and nephew love her. She’s very picky when it comes to the families she works for. I can call and see if she will travel with me tomorrow that way I can keep an eye on her and see if LJ likes her. If she does well I can bring her here tomorrow after work and you can meet her.
“I know my brother has done reference and background checks on her, but I’ll run my own. Meanwhile, I’ll call around to see if anyone else has recommendations for someone really good.”
I was already in the process of making mental notes and plans. I’m a fixer. It’s what I do and I knew I could fix this.
“Are you sure about this?” Lee murmured.
“Yes. This is crazy, you’re not missing practice. You can take my car. I’ll use yours for the car seat.”
I hadn’t realized how hard I was slamming things until the baby started to cry. I felt bad that I had frightened him. I was just so damn frustrated. Rachael had single handedly undone everything Lee had worked for.
I made Kenny and Lee plates of food, making sure Lee’s plate was piled high. When they were at the table eating, I went to get the baby tub to bath LJ. My sister-in-law swears by that lavender baby wash. I bought some in case LJ wasn’t a good sleeper.
I called my sister-in-law while I got the baby’s bath ready to ask about the nanny, Esther. I was in luck. My brother offered to give Esther a ride over first thing in the morning. He sounded annoyed about the Lee situation, but my brother loves me too much to argue with me.
Gregory Jr. does what makes me happy. I just hoped Lee was gone before he got here in the morning. Gregory is just as big as Lee if not bigger and he wasn’t above threatening him.
Lee made himself a second plate as I got the baby washed and in fresh pajamas. LJ was such a happy baby. He splashed his little hands in the water while I washed him up. It was hard to be hurt when caring for him in the flesh.
I had LJ in my arms, rocking him when Lee entered the kitchen a third time. I thought he was going for other plate at first. Then I realized he was making a plate for me. He took my plate to the table before coming to get the baby and walked me over to have a seat.
He sat beside me, rubbing the baby’s back. His eyes were trained on me while he watched me eat. Kim had finished off a plate and she and Kenny were getting ready to leave. I appreciated that she moved through the house to double-check that we were straight.
She checked to make sure she put batteries in all the baby monitors. Made sure the bottles were all out of the sterilizer. As she juggled her bag and keys she even changed the bag she packed for LJ’s day tomorrow.
As Kim wrapped up, Lee and Kenny switched the cars in the driveway so Lee could take mine in the morning. I was so grateful Lee had such good friends and happy to now call them my own. I’d never be able to repay them.
I would have to thank Tamaria for the tip on the lavender baby wash. LJ was out like a light. I was placing him into his crib when Lee came back inside the house. Lee came in the baby’s new room to find me.
I watched him kiss the baby goodnight. When he stood upright, he stopped to look around the room again. When his eyes met mine he had the biggest grin on his face. I reached for his hand to take him to our room. It was his turn to be pampered and put to sleep.
I’d planned to retrieve his luggage to unpack for him, but he had other plans. He pulled me into his arms and captured my lips with his. I started to giggle when he pulled my shirt over my head.
He continued to kiss me, unzipping my skirt. The fabric fell from my hips dropping to the floor around my feet. I could feel my body heating in anticipation.
Then he surprised me. He pulled off the rest of my things and led me to the bathroom. When we got inside, I noticed the bathtub was full of water and bubbles.
“Thank you for everything,” Lee said softly. “This is the least I could do.”
He lifted me up, placing me inside the water. He kept a tight grasp of my hand as I lowered down into the tub. Immediately, I felt the stress of the day melt away.
Although I was still annoyed with how out of control things had gotten in Lee’s life, I let my mind relax to enjoy this gesture. Kim was right, Lee did need me. I was going to help him get his life back in order.
Chapter 20
What We Want
Lee called me every chance he got the next day. He wanted to cheek on LJ and make sure he wasn’t a bother to me. We were doing just fine.
LJ loved Esther. She was so great with children. She and LJ had been in the offices of the salons I had to visit most of the day.
Lee wanted to come get the baby, but I wanted him to go home and get some sleep. Esther and I had it under control. Kim had LJ in her arms whenever she wasn’t working on a color job.
I could tell Lee was happy to hear LJ liked Esther. He asked to meet her so that he could interview her. I was happy it seemed we were on track to solving at least one of Lee’s problems.
I’ll admit, Esther had been a big help. I don’t think I would have been able to make things work without her. I hate canceling on my clients but I would have if I had to.
When we walked into the house Esther was ready to change LJ and get into the routine of the evening. I was all for that, but I wanted her to meet with Lee as soon as possible. I showed her where the nursery was and we both worked on changing LJ and getting him out of the clothes he was in all day.
We made quick work of getting the baby washed down and changed. When we were done we headed back out to the living room. Lee walked out of the bedroom, looking as if he’d just woken up.
“Hey, Crystal,” he yawned. “Little man, they treat you good today?”
He took the baby from Esther, playfully kissing his cheeks and nibbling at his little belly. LJ loved it, giggling up a storm.
“Hey baby,” I chimed, moving to kiss Lee. “This is Esther.”
“How do you do, Sir? LJ is a lovely child.” Esther said with a wide grin on her face, as she appraised the interaction between father and son.
“Thank you. Would you like to sit so you can tell me about yourself?”
I loved the professional Lee. A man about his business is a sexy thing. He pulled one of my moves in changing his demeanor to handle his. I let my eyes roam over him taking in his commanding presence. When Lee has it together, he has it together.
“Sure,” Esther answered.
We all made our way to sit in the living room. I sat next to Esther, realizing how intimidating Lee can seem. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable with us both glaring at her and grilling her. Lee sat in the chair across from us both with the baby on his lap.
“Esther would you please tell me a bit about yourself?” Lee said in a confident and professional voice.
“I have been in the business for ten years. I started when I was twenty-three. I have a Master’s in Education, I speak several languages including Sign Language, Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, and Portuguese,” she started. “I would be willing to teach LJ any of these but I will definitely be teaching him Sign Language and Spanish as I believe they provide a great foundation for learning and traveling. I cover basic learning skills and any programs you may want implemented.
“I’m very picky about the families I work for, but I believe I would like to work for yours. I prefer to be full time and live in, but I can do as I did today and care for LJ during the day as part time help. I believe Gregory gave Crystal my fees. I am among the most expensive, but I am also one of the best at what I do.”
Lee sat back in his seat. I could see his thoughts turning. An intense look covered his features. I wanted to
know what he was thinking, but I didn’t want to pry. It was his decision. Esther is pricey, but I would help if necessary. Not hiring her would cost more.
When I talked to Lee earlier the money part didn’t seem like a problem. He was more concerned with LJ liking her and how she treated him. I had her background check faxed to him. Tamaria was more than willing to provide a reference for her on top of the others Esther had furnished. She had been with my brother’s family the longest. I could vouch for her. She had done wonderful with Gregory’s kids.
“We can start with you working for a week as a trial. If things go well, we can talk about permanent employment. If you don’t mind, it will be part-time like today,” Lee started.
I totally agreed with his decision to hire of her a trial period until he was comfortable. I thought that was fair. However, I didn’t understand why he only wanted her part-time. I bit my lips debating on whether or not I’d interfere. I seriously felt he needed to rethink that option so I couldn’t hold my peace.
“Lee, not to interrupt you, but I thought you would want to use Esther on more of a full time basis. It would be easier with your schedule. On her and you,” I pointed out.
“I would like to have her full time, but I wasn’t sure that would be possible with my current living arrangements,” Lee said.
I could see the concern in his eyes. I sighed, shaking my head at him. When I said I was here for him I meant it.
“Okay, I can take you to Gregory’s to get your things and you can stay in the room next to the baby’s. I will need to clear it out for you. It isn’t furnished at the moment. There’s an ottoman that unfolds into a bed for now, but if things work out we can furnish it as you like. Is that fair?”
I looked at Lee to let him know I was here to support him, not make things harder for him. Gratitude and relief filled his expression. It was the same look from last night.
“Yes, that sounds fair,” Esther replied, turning to Lee she asked. “Is that okay with you, Mr. Johnson?”
“Yes. I would like if we can try this full time. I see your application listed your driving record and your license. Do you have a car?” Lee asked.
“I have my license, but I don’t have a car at the moment. It wasn’t really necessary with the Livingstons. They furnished transportation for me and the children.”
“Okay, well I would like it if you would use the car Crystal used today for now. I would feel more comfortable if there is a car available to you,” Lee responded.
My brows knitted with curiosity. My mind started to spin with his option for transportation. I figured he traded the Porsche in for the Mercedes he was offering her. I ran through my cars that were parked up to think of which would be practical for him.
Lee must have noticed my silent musing. He smiled and winked at me, causing me to tilt my head at him. I raised a brow at him in question.
“Would you mind taking little man with you to get Esther’s things? I need to see if Kenny can take me to pick up my other car,” Lee smiled in reply.
I laughed to myself. When we met, Lee was always so nervous about circulating money on cars. He called himself being conservative so that he wouldn’t move out of his comfort zone. When we first got together I’d started to show him how to make things like cars and simple pleasures attainable, without touching his reserves.
“Sure, baby, no problem.” I smiled.
My phone started to vibrate at that very moment. I picked it up to see it was a text from Jamie. I read the text and squealed quietly. Lee lifted a brow, returning the look I’d given him not long ago. This time I winked at him as I forwarded the text to his phone.
Taking a look at his phone as he pulled it from his pocket, a big grin stretched across his face. His eyes sparkled when they lifted back towards me. I could see my own excitement on his face. Our offer was accepted on the multi-unit property. We were in business.
Everything started to fall into place. It felt like a weight was lifted. All I needed to do now was get everyone on a schedule so this would work for us all.
Chapter 21
To Be or Not to…
Two weeks had passed since Lee walked back into my life. I must say, the extra little baggage he brought along with him had grown on me something fierce. I was in love with LJ. I would be sad to see him go when his mother did decide to reappear.
I couldn’t believe she hadn’t even called Lee once. After the first four days, he stopped trying to reach her. He felt LJ was better off with him anyway.
I knew Lee was better off without her. He had been doing great in practice and is back to starting full-time. He even looked healthier now that I’d been cooking for him. I was able to get Manny to start back. He’d be starting in a few days. LJ even put on some weight with his cute little self.
It was another long day. Craig was almost finished with the new salon, so I needed to make sure things were in tiptop shape. I also had to show my face at both of the other shops. In all I had six heads to do. And if that wasn’t enough I had a meeting with a new salon I planned to consult for.
Lee had been keeping himself busy outside of the house. He didn’t like being in the house alone with Esther. The whole Rachael thing had him looking at everyone as a potential situation to avoid. He was so on top of all the pitfalls of being a star athlete after having a taste of where not thinking could lead him. He refused to get involved in anything else that could take him off track.
Lee pulled into the driveway the same time he did every night, just as I pulled in from work. He looked great getting out of the champagne colored Range Rover he drove. The huge bouquet of roses he pulled from the truck after getting out surprised me.
My eyes traveled over his body and face as he walked up to me. The man was just fine. His walk alone had me drooling as I took him in. I could tell he’d gone for a cut earlier in the day. Lee always looked good, but he was extra sexy with a fresh cut.
“Hey you,” I purred.
“Hey,” he smiled, dipping his head to kiss me.
Phew, did he kiss me thoroughly. My toes curled in my shoes. I was definitely going to need to change my underwear. My fingers were clinging to his crisp white t-shirt just to keep me from melting into a puddle on the asphalt beneath our feet.
“Yes, please,” I breathed.
Lee lifted a questioning brow at me. “Yes, please, what?” he chuckled.
“More kisses just like that one. Please and thank you,” I giggled.
“Not a problem,” he crooned holding the roses out for me to inhale them.
I took a lung full of their fragrance, with a smile on my lips as I looked up at him through my lashes. A smile spread across his lips when I caught his eyes checking me out. He licked his lips while giving me a heated stare.
Placing a hand on the small of my back and holding onto the roses with his other hand he led me to the front door of the house. We walked inside together to find Esther on the couch singing and playing with LJ. She had all his attention until we walked into the door.
The minute LJ saw us he became all fussy, reaching out in our direction. I took the massive bouquet from Lee, freeing his hands up to get to LJ. LJ still wasn’t satisfied. He looked around Lee for me, whimpering and stretching his arms out.
“Oh wow, little man. It’s like that?” Lee laughed. “She has that effect on me too. I’m not mad.”
Lee chuckled hard as he walked LJ over to me. LJ nearly jumped from Lee’s arms to get to me. I placed the roses aside just in time for Lee to hand him to me, before moving behind me to envelope me in his arms.
“What did you do to my son?” Lee breathed in my ear. “Look at him. He’s all happy now.”
“I missed you too, LJ,” I cooed as I laughed, kissing his chubby cheek. “Your daddy is just jealous.”
“Nah. Let little man have his turn. It’s mine later. Besides, he’s gonna want to be my friend as soon as he sees you coming for him with those PJs.”
My heart swelled to see Lee in such a
great mood. His teasing continued as we stood cooing at LJ, making him laugh. Manny had already taken care of dinner so I had time to spare.
We took LJ to the living room to play with him for a little while before settling into our nightly routine. I was tired, but I couldn’t resist that little face. LJ had me wrapped around his little finger just like his father. Those Johnson men made it so hard for me to say no.
Lee disappeared into the bedroom. I figured he went to take a nap. Esther was in the kitchen getting LJ’s dinner ready as we played on the rug. She had been a great help so far.
Lee reappeared a little while later grinning and humming to himself. I started to wonder how his day went. He was in such a great mood. That sweet side of him came as he went into the kitchen to heat dinner up for us. I was so grateful. I was so tired my body hurt.
I swear I was ready to fall on my face. Just the small gesture of getting dinner on the table was so appreciated. I scratched my head, a sign of me getting sleepy.
When I looked into the kitchen, I could see Lee saying something to Esther that made her smile and nod. She came for LJ, taking him and his food out of the room.
I was starting to get suspicious now. Lee was up to something. I unzipped my boots, taking them off. Rolling my neck, I reached to rub the knots out, all while watching him.
“What are you up to Lee?” I quizzed.
“Who says I’m up to something? You look tired I’m just trying to help out,” he beamed.
“Yeah, whatever.” I giggled.
He face clearly said he was busted. He looked guilty as sin. I bust into more laughter the more I watched him.
“Come on, let’s eat,” he said as he took the plates over to the table.
Getting to my feet, I walked over to sit with him. He pulled my chair for me, kissing the side of my neck. His lips lingering on my skin, raising goosebumps on my skin. I turned my head to narrow my eyes at him. I took my seat but poked my lips out at him like my name was Arnold from “Different Strokes.”