by Vera Roberts
Kieran wasn’t planning on being a nanny when he had employees to do that for him. “I’m no longer a private nanny, Ms. Morris—”
“Tiana,” she corrected.
“Tiana,” Kieran grinned, “so I don’t know how I would be of service to you?”
“I don’t trust many people, Mr. D’Amato.”
“Kieran,” he offered.
“Kieran,” Tiana replied. “The last nanny I had I found sleeping with my husband. I would prefer a male this time around. You can rest assured that I won’t make any advances toward you.”
Kieran masked his disappointment. He wanted Tiana to make a move. He was so used to the other mothers throwing their tits in his face and wearing the skimpiest of clothing, trying to convince him to give them discounted rates. If they couldn’t get the discounted rate, they wanted Kieran to be their side project whenever their husbands weren’t home. Kieran knew his appearance was half the reason why so many mothers gave referrals to his business. The other reason was because his child care was the best in Los Angeles.
Still, Kieran sympathized with Tiana. She was a single mother trying to juggle both life and business—a feat incredible for anyone no matter what income level they were. Kieran knew by accepting the gig, he was on the verge of breaking a personal rule. However, he was about to make an exception just for Tiana. He felt an overwhelming need to protect her and Tyson already. “Anytime.” Kieran replied as he held a sleeping Tyson.
“What about your business?” She asked.
“I can handle things from a distance. I don’t need to be in the office all the time and I have great people who I trust working for me,” Kieran rubbed Tyson’s back. “I can start today if you want.”
For the first time, Tiana took stock of the gentleman before her. He was tall and muscular with dark hair and a five o’clock shadow. He completely filled out his simple attire of a dress shirt and slacks. Kieran was tall, well over six feet, and his presence commanded attention at all times.
His eyes were an intense dark that contrasted with his tawny skin. She could smell his cologne and felt her body perspire. There was an electric magnetism between them—sensual, sexual, and intense—and they had barely spoken to each other.
Besides his gorgeous looks, Kieran already showed a warmth and love to Tyson that Tiana hadn’t seen from her ex. She had already taken a liking to her new nanny. “I would like that.”
****
“I’m taking a private gig, so I won’t be around as much,” Kieran began as he sat back down behind his desk, “but I’ll randomly drop in to make sure you’re not running my business into the ground.”
Zoe smirked. “You’re so mean to me, Kieran.”
“You know you love it,” he smiled.
“So how did that lady check out?” Zoe folded her arms. “She’s legit, I’m assuming? Not a snobby housewife like you thought?”
Tiana checked out just fine. Kieran learned at an early age to check out a woman without being so obvious about it. She was stunningly beautiful with rich, mahogany skin. She had a smile that lit up the room and made her almond eyes sparkle. Her soft brown hair cascaded in long, luscious waves down her back. She had a trim waist, and perky breasts that made Kieran stand to attention. Her simple attire of yoga pants and a tank top hugged her body. She had the beauty to match the brains.
He normally would’ve given the position to one of his employees and certainly didn’t need the money. But he was instantly attracted to Tiana and adored her son already. Even when he left her home, he had an urge to turn around and stay there. Kieran lightly swallowed his feelings. He was breaking a personal rule—the only rule he had—when it came to child care. He would have to be more careful. “She’s legit,” was all he could reply with.
“Well, let me know if you need anything, Kieran,” Zoe left his office.
After Zoe left, Kieran redirected his focus on Tiana. He made a call to one of his friends at the police department and pulled Tiana’s private file. He only wished he had done his research on her before he went over to her home. No, it wasn’t a home. It was a mansion. Eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a basketball court, gym, and Olympic-sized pool and jacuzzi. A three-car garage that housed a Prius.
She drove a Prius. Not a BMW. Not a Mercedes. A Prius.
She earned her fortune through her blood, sweat, and tears. Upon graduating from Howard University magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in finance, she completed her MBA at USC. She briefly worked for an investment firm before she left to start her own and amassed her enormous fortune. She was well-respected in the financial sector and was a monthly contributor to a lifestyle magazine, giving out financial tips and advice to other Black women. She was commonly referred to as the Black Suze Orman.
A few years prior, she married hip-hop producer Champagne Cris in what was described as hip-hop meets Wall Street. They were currently involved in an acrimonious divorce, fighting over her fortune. She has trust issues. Kieran understood why Tiana was insistent he should be her nanny, and not one of his employees. He had a feeling Tiana probably would’ve hired whoever he sent to her home if he hadn’t made the visit. But he had a policy to check out the residence before he sent his employees over. He wanted to make sure his nannies were going to a place that was safe for them and the children they were caring for.
Kieran tossed the file aside and began making arrangements to spend his next several months—
or years—at Tiana’s home. He felt uneasy about the assignment already. It was going to be hard to keep his personal feelings separate from his professional side.
TWO
“Your working schedule is from seven a.m. to seven p.m., with weekends off. You will have full access to the house as long as you don’t bring any friends over. If they want to visit you, they are more than welcome to see you at the guest house,” Tiana walked throughout the house with Kieran, who was holding Tyson. “You get paid twice a month, on the first and fifteenth, and you’ll get bonuses pretty much whenever I feel like it.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Kieran nodded.
“And please,” Tiana turned around, “don’t call me ma’am. You’re older than I am and that’s just weird.”
Kieran flashed a warm smile. Tiana was only a couple years younger than his thirty-four years.
“Okay, Tiana.”
Tiana began walking again and led Kieran to his new residence. “If you need supplies, just let me know and I’ll give you money for what you need. Don’t spend too much because I will research if it’s something we really need or you’re just being ridiculous.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
“Your rent and board is included in the salary. You’re responsible for your own groceries. I have a gardener who comes by once a week for maintenance and the maid comes on Tuesdays.” Tiana opened the doors to Kieran’s new home. “Welcome home.”
Kieran stepped inside the guest house and looked around. It had several bookcases along the wall along with pictures of old Hollywood figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and the Rat Pack. It was already warm and inviting with modern furniture. He walked through the home and it noticed it had two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and it was fully furnished with very nice furniture and electronics. The kitchen was very impressive with all the latest gadgets and probably the biggest refrigerator he had ever seen in person.
The master bedroom had a four post California king-sized bed and candelabras on the walls. It had a romantic feel. All he would have to do was move in, which was fine by him. He didn’t have that much to begin with and wasn’t missing out on anything in his past. “This is very nice, Tiana.”
“Thank you,” she politely smiled, “I hope it’s too your liking. If there’s anything you need, just let me know.”
“It’s perfect,” Kieran’s Staten Island baritone boomed throughout the home. “It really is. It’s a great place.”
“Thank you,” Tiana took Tyson away. “I’ll leave you to get settled. I’m
sure you have a lot of stuff you’re moving in.”
“I have a few boxes but I should be in by the end of the day.” Kieran replied. “I’ll let you know if I need anything, though.” He warmly smiled.
Kieran’s smile was infectious and Tiana smiled back at him. “I hope so.”
****
Barbara Berg-Morris had a busy day ahead of her. First, she had a meeting with the scholarship foundation she co-founded. Next, she had afternoon tea with her high-society friends. Finally, she was going to pay a visit to her daughter and possibly talk some sense into her.
Her impending divorce was ruining Barbara’s reputation.
For many years, Barbara prided herself on being the example for all women alike. She had the class of Diahann Carroll, the intellect of Phylicia Rashad, and the style of Beverly Johnson. And thanks to her daughter’s generous bank account, Barbara was on her way to being wealthy like Oprah Winfrey.
But Tiana’s choice in divorcing her husband set Barbara’s dreams back. A divorce meant her lifestyle wasn’t perfect. Her life wasn’t perfect. Everyone would be looking at her family and wonder why anyone should listen to them. She couldn’t bear to be the joke of her society friends.
Not with all she went through trying to learn how to be more presentable.
Dr. Cho, a world-famous plastic surgeon, did her liposuction. Dr. Michaels, the best breast doctor the rich could buy, uplifted her girls. Ms. Joseph, a high-profile hairstylist, added tracks to her hair, creating her luscious and long mane. A personal stylist styled her and kept her wardrobe up to date.
Barbara arrived at her daughter’s estate and pulled up in the cul-de-sac driveway. She got out of the car and was greeted by Tiana. “I’m glad to see you drop by, Mother.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen my daughter and grandson,” Barbara gave her daughter a polite kiss and hug before she pulled back. “Tiana, you’ve gained some weight.”
Tiana immediately covered her stomach. She silently admitted she put on a few pounds but it only made her clothes a little snug. She could still fit into them. “Not that much.”
“I guess those rose-colored glasses are helping you some,” Barbara let herself inside the home.
Tiana rolled her eyes. She loathed seeing her mother, no matter how short the visits were. All her life she was nitpicked at about something frivolous; from the natural style she wore her hair, to why she drove a Prius instead of a BMW, to her clothing choices. If she didn’t have to attend some high-priced gala, she was comfortably dressed as a bohemian love-child, with long, blowy skirts, tank tops, wearing flip-flops, and carrying a hobo bag. She found out she got better treatment when people didn’t look at her as if she was a pompous bitch.
Tiana was already dreading her mother’s short visit.
She followed her inside her home and promptly started a pot of tea. Barbara always called their mother-daughter visits “tea time” as if it was something pleasant. Maybe it was pleasant for Barbara but it was far from it for Tiana. Tiana knew the “tea time” was Barbara’s passive-aggressive way of airing all the grievances she had about her daughter while drinking chamomile tea.
“How are you doing, Mother?” Tiana asked.
“I’m doing just fine. Finally got my life back now that I don’t have Tyson keeping my time,” she smiled.
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” Tiana took out a few Oreos and put them on a saucer for her mother. “I’ve hired a nanny now so you can get back to your meetings and what-not.”
“Oh, I didn’t mind, but I do think you hiring a nanny was one of your smarter decisions,”
Barbara glanced down at the Oreos and pushed the saucer away. Just then Kieran entered the kitchen, holding a fussy Tyson. “Well, hello?”
“Hello, ma’am. I’m Kieran.” He gently rocked Tyson who was growing fussier by the minute. “I would shake your hand but I’m kinda busy here.”
“Oh, let me take my grandson since he’s unhappy,” Barbara grabbed Tyson from Kieran. “Are you making him a bottle?”
“I was getting ready to do it.”
“Well, stop talking to me and get to it,” Barbara politely smiled.
Tiana bit her lip to prevent her own sass coming out against her mother. It was one thing to insult her; it was a different ballgame to insult the hired help. “So Mother, what brings this visit?”
“I just wanted to drop in and say hello. I think I’m still allowed to do that, you know.” Barbara smiled.
Kieran handed Tyson’s bottle to Barbara. “I’ll leave you two ladies alone now. Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” He smiled at Barbara.
Barbara looked at Kieran and smiled at him, as he walked away. “He seems like a nice fella.”
“Oh, Kieran?” Tiana smiled. They had become great friends over the past few weeks and he brought back something inside Tiana she had lost through her marriage: trust. “He’s great, isn’t he?”
“He is,” Barbara nodded as she fed her grandson. “Have you heard from Christopher lately?”
Tiana felt tension inch up her spine. Just hearing her ex’s name made her disgusted. “No, I haven’t, Mother.”
“You should probably put a call in to him, Tiana. He probably wants to see his son.”
“I’m not keeping him from his son, Mother.” Tiana knew the truth; each time Christopher called her it was regarding money and not child care. “He can see Tyson whenever he wants.”
Barbara wiped Tyson’s mouth with his bib. “He made a mistake, Tiana.”
“It’s not the first mistake, Mother,” Tiana argued, “It’s the first time I caught him with my own eyes.” There were rumors of Christopher’s infidelity for a short while and Tiana chose to ignore them even though she knew there was some truth to them. Her philosophy was as long as she didn’t see it firsthand and Christopher wasn’t so insouciant about his indiscretions, the rumors would stay just that. She should’ve known better. She was the laughing stock amongst her friends and others all over the world.
No one spoke about Tiana Morris, the woman who founded and ran her own investment
company. No one mentioned her articles in many magazines and appearances on daytime talk shows. No, that was boring. Instead, everyone gossiped about Tiana Morris-Schmidt, the woman who was the long-suffering wife of Champagne Cris. They talked about the stories of many side women on gossip boards. They talked about the explicit lyrics Cris rapped about in some songs, lyrics that may or may not have been about her or one of his many side girlfriends. They talked about Cris’s girlfriends being so cavalier about their trysts and gifts Cris had given them.
Tiana loosened the tightly clenched fists just thinking about the damage to her reputation caused.
Her hard-earned reputation. She would never make that mistake again.
“You should consider counseling,” Barbara reasoned. “It worked for me and your father.”
Tiana slammed the refrigerator door shut. Did her mother just drop a bombshell on her? “What?
Daddy had an affair?”
“Your father had several affairs,” Barbara sad matter-of-factly.
Tiana scrunched her nose as she digested the bombshell her mother just gave her. Her father was Prince Charming and a well-respected member of the community. He always adored her mother and showered gifts on her. Tiana often looked at her parents’ marriage as ideal. “What?”
“Back in my day, we didn’t make such big deal about affairs. You just kept it quiet and moved on.” Barbara replied.
Tiana couldn’t believe her ears. Everything she knew about her parents’ perfect marriage was one big fat lie. “Are you saying I shouldn’t have left Christopher?”
“I’m saying Tyson needs both parents in his life,” Barbara picked up her grandson and began to burp him. “You should reconsider.” She then walked away.
Tiana stood in the middle of the kitchen, exasperated. Her parents always felt they knew what was best for her, without considering her own wishes and needs. “U
nbelievable.”
“That sounded like an enlightening conversation,” Kieran suddenly appeared in the entryway to the kitchen.
“Her and my father always told me what I should’ve done. If I was too fat, they told me to lose weight. If I didn’t get an A on a test, they told me I wasn’t trying hard enough. If I wasn’t smiling enough, they told me I need to stop with the attitude.” Tiana shook her head. “And their whole entire marriage was just a big-ass lie. I was just there to help keep up their façade.”
Kieran walked over to Tiana and stood beside her. He put a hand on her back. “You did what you had to do in order to protect you and your son.”
Tiana felt the electricity from Kieran’s touch. It was warm and comforting. “That doesn’t matter to them,” Tiana shrugged. “They don’t care. I got out of a bad marriage and I ruined their reputation. They always talked about other people’s lives and their horrible children but when one of their own makes the gossip rounds, I’m the original sin.”
Kieran rubbed Tiana’s back, causing small lightning bolts to move up and down her spine. “I still think you rock,” he said softly.
Tiana felt a weird tingly sensation. It couldn’t have come from Kieran. Did he make a pass at her? No, he didn’t. She simply wished he did. It was simply too warm in the kitchen and she needed to open up a window. “Thank you,” she quickly moved away to get some fresh air.
“Um, I’m going to take off now unless you need me to stick around?” Kieran offered.
“No, I’ll be okay. My mom is here and she likes spending time with Tyson. We’ll be fine now.”
“Okay,” Kieran began to walk away but stopped and turned around. “Say, I’m heading to the farmer’s market. Why don’t you come with?”
“Farmer’s market? What’s that?”
“What’s that?” Kieran was almost flabbergasted. “Don’t you ever venture outside your home and office?”
Tiana was embarrassed at the answer before she even said it. “Not really.”
“Come with me,” Kieran walked over and pulled Tiana by her arm. “You’ll really like it.”