Sway

by Alana Albertson

  I glanced down at my phone and saw a message.

  Paloma: I’m here. I didn’t want to knock or ring the doorbell.

  What the hell? I hadn’t heard a car drive up.

  I peeked past the curtain, and Paloma eagerly waved back at me.

  I opened the door.

  “Sorry, it took so long for me to get here. I had to drop my sisters off at my uncle’s place and then walk back here.”

  Walk?

  Dammit, I hadn’t even realized she didn’t have a car. I looked down at her worn tennis shoes. Man, was I so entitled that it had never crossed my mind that this poor girl had probably walked four miles today to come to this interview, go home, and come back? “No worries. I’m sorry. I should’ve offered to pick you up. You shouldn’t be walking alone at night. I assumed you had a car.”

  She shook her head. “No, I don’t. It’s okay, though. I like walking. But I do have my driver’s license in case you need me to take Sky to appointments. I took driver’s education in high school. Got an A.”

  The excellent driver without a vehicle. And my rich ass owned four. Granted, one was Catherine’s, but I also had a truck, a sports car, and an SUV.

  Paloma’s hair shone in the moonlight, and I couldn’t help but notice again how beautiful she was. Her lips were naturally pouty, and her breasts were full. I fought off my desire. Maybe I should’ve hired an old grandma type to watch Sky.

  “Come in.”

  “Thank you, sir.” She walked through the doorway, clutching a small duffel bag, and fidgeted. Her nice dress from earlier was gone, and now she was wearing a gray T-shirt and black pants, which hung low on her hips. Based on the high school graduation date on her résumé, Paloma had to be around twenty. My mind flashed back to what my life had been like eight years ago when I had been her age. I studied hard during the week at Annapolis and partied harder on the weekends. My parents had given me a car for my high school graduation and always sent me spending money in addition to my salary from the Navy. I never had to work for food. I guess I never considered how good I had it.

  “Paloma, my men call me sir. As I said in the interview, you can call me Beck. Mi casa es su casa. That’s about the only Spanish I know—I took Latin in high school and Arabic in college. You are my employee, but I want you to be comfortable here. After all, you are watching the most important person in my life.”

  “Yes, sir, I mean, Beck. Sorry, that will take a while to get used to.”

  I smirked. Did she see me as some old guy? “I’m not that much older than you. I’m twenty-eight. How old are you? Twenty-one?”

  “Twenty. I’ll be twenty-one in October. It’s just . . . you’re my boss. You already said that you had no interest in being my friend, which I totally understand, so ‘sir’ keeps it professional for me.”

  Man, I must’ve come off like an asshole. Professional was one thing, but I didn’t need to act like a dick. I’d been so wrapped up in my grief that I hadn’t interacted with another woman alone outside of work. This was supremely awkward. “I did say that. I meant that you are my daughter’s nanny and our relationship should be about her. We won’t be socializing together alone as adults. But, of course, I want you to be comfortable, and if you need anything, like a ride, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here for you. Let me show you to your room.

  She nodded and quietly followed me to the guest bedroom. Catherine had decorated it last year. It was simple and feminine. Just a bed, a desk, and a dresser.

  But one look at Paloma’s beaming face and I realized that my version of simple was her version of luxurious. “This is so beautiful! I’ve never had a real bed.”

  This girl was blowing my mind. “Glad you like it.”

  “I love it.” She dropped her duffel bag and sat on the edge of the bed. I noticed her eyes were tearing up. I had been burying my own emotions for so long; I blinked hard to prevent myself from tearing up also.

  Man, this was intense. And it was only the first night.

  I had an overwhelming desire to help her. To change this girl’s life. After ten weeks of working for me, she would have enough money to move away, attend college, and support herself. If she was as hard of a worker as she claimed, I bet she would be successful. This job could be life-changing for her. And it would all be because of Catherine’s wishes. Catherine’s legacy.

  Sky let out a soft cry. Perfect timing, because I wanted to show Paloma everything before I went to sleep. She followed me to Sky’s room, and I scooped my angel up.

  Sky greeted me with a coo and a stretch, and my heart melted. At nine months old, she was so innocent and sweet. But I was racked with guilt thinking about how I could never give her the life she deserved. A life with a mother who loved her.

  “She’s so precious! Can I hold her?”

  “Of course.” I handed Paloma my daughter. Paloma’s face lit up, and Sky smiled. A sharp pang hit my chest. It killed me to see another woman hold my daughter. My last memory of Catherine was her holding Sky one final time. One final kiss before my wife was taken away from me.

  I looked away. “Her changing table is fully stocked. She has a bottle ready in the fridge. I have a bottle warmer. Have you ever used one?”

  Paloma shook her head no. “I just usually submerged the bottle in warm water.”

  “It’s easy. Let me show you.”

  I led her to the kitchen and taught her how to use it. She learned quickly and fed Sky while I watched.

  After Sky finished her bottle, I gave her a kiss. It was time to go to bed.

  “It’s late. I’m going to crash. I have to be at work at six. Make yourself at home.”

  “I will. Don’t worry about Sky. She will be great. I’m excited to get to know her. I love babies.”

  I turned to walk to my bedroom but stopped when I felt her hand on my arm. Her touch sent a jolt to my cock.

  “I just really want to say thank you. You have already done more for me than anyone in my life.”

  I swallowed, and my voice cracked. “Don’t thank me, Paloma. Thank my wife, Catherine. This was her idea.”

  5

  Huevos Rancheros

  Beck went to his bedroom, and I couldn’t help but stare at him as he walked away.

  From his sky-blue eyes to that rock-hard body of his that couldn’t be hidden under his black T-shirt and gray sweatpants, Beck was complete perfection. And he was all man. Sure, I had had crushes on high school boys, but nothing had come of them besides sloppy kisses and late night unsatisfying liaisons in the back seats of their jalopies. I imagined making love to Beck would be different. He was older; he was masculine. He was in control.

  And he was also kind and thoughtful. He had credited his decision to give someone in this town a life-changing job to his wife. He could deflect all he wanted. I knew he was a good man.

  I would make sure that Beck didn’t regret hiring me for one second. This place would be spotless, there would be three home-cooked meals a day, and his baby would be spoiled. After ten weeks, he wouldn’t know how to live without me. Too bad I’d be living my life in San Diego.

  My nerves rattled. First night alone in this home with Beck and Sky. And I couldn’t quit worrying about my sisters. Ana María cried when I left her at my uncle’s place. I hoped they’d be okay there. I just prayed he wouldn’t get drunk and go on one of his rampages.

  But what could I do? I felt so helpless. I had to make this job work, so that I could give them a better life.

  I cradled this beautiful baby girl in my arms.

  “Sky, you are such a happy baby. Yes, you are! Look at those toes!”

  She had these fat little cheeks and the brightest smile. She was so lucky to have such a loving daddy who adored her. The pang in my heart hurt even more, not knowing if my own father even knew I existed. I wasn’t sure how, but one day I would learn his identity.

  Sky yawned so I went to her room, changed her, gave her a kiss goodnight, and placed her in her crib. I was delighted when she
barely fussed and drifted to sleep.

  I couldn’t believe I was getting paid for this. I’d do it for free!

  I left the room and considered turning in, but I wasn’t ready to crash yet. I walked around the kitchen and noticed that the floors were a bit dirty, so I grabbed a mop, poured some liquid soap into the bucket under the sink and scrubbed the floors.

  I had always enjoyed cleaning. Since I’d never owned anything nice, I liked to keep the few things I had in great shape. I couldn’t understand why so many people spent money on a gorgeous home yet kept it dirty.

  After I finished with the floors, curiosity got the best of me; I had to see a picture of his wife.

  I grabbed a towel to dust and stopped the second I saw a picture of his wife, Catherine. He had said her name tonight, and the tone of his voice had crushed me.

  She had white blonde hair, like her daughter, and big brown eyes. Her skin was flawless, and her smile was warm. So gorgeous and super happy. At least it looked like she’d always lived a dream life.

  When did she die? How did she die? Was it from a disease like cancer or complications during Sky’s birth? Whatever the cause, it was completely tragic.

  I continued my fight against the dust bunnies and ended up at their wedding picture, which was in a frame on the mantle. Wow, it looked like a fairy tale. All the groomsmen were dressed in their white uniforms, holding swords above Beck and Catherine, who were kissing under the arch. Catherine’s gown was long and flowing, and Beck was clean shaven and handsome in his uniform. They looked like the perfect couple. Truly in love.

  He must’ve been my age in that picture.

  I couldn’t imagine being in love, let alone marrying, so young. But we clearly came from very different backgrounds and led completely different lives.

  With my mind pondering their life, I went back to my own room.

  My own room!

  I couldn’t believe it. I had always slept with my sisters. I didn’t even know what privacy was.

  I changed into my pajamas and placed the baby monitor next to my bed. I set my alarm for four-thirty a.m. and drifted to sleep.

  When the alarm went off, I woke, complete refreshed but panicked. Had I not heard Sky? I hope she hadn’t woken in the middle of the night and I hadn’t heard her. What if Beck had to get up with her? He would fire me for sure.

  I quickly changed and rushed into her room. She was still miraculously asleep. I went back to my bedroom and brushed my teeth. And though I normally kept my hair up in a tight ponytail, I brushed it out, the waves cascading against my chest. Mónica had packed a cosmetic bag for me. And for the second time in recent memory, I decided to put on some makeup. I washed my face, dabbed on some tinted moisturizer, curled my eyelashes, rolled the mascara wand on them, and put on a light lip gloss.

  Now, it was time to cook breakfast.

  I took the monitor to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. After a quick survey of the refrigerator, I realized I didn’t have too many options. Clearly a bachelor, or in this case, a widower, lived here. We definitely needed to go grocery shopping later today.

  But I would make do with what I had.

  I started brewing a pot of coffee and then gathered the ingredients. I had eggs, store-bought salsa, tortillas, oil, avocado, and pre-shredded cheddar cheese. I opened the jar of salsa and poured some into a cast iron skillet. Once the salsa was bubbly, I cracked four eggs into the pan, covered them with the lid, and set the stove to simmer. I warmed some oil in another pan and fried the tortillas. Finally, when everything was cooked, I plated the tortillas, scooped an egg and some salsa onto each, sprinkled them with cheese, and placed a sliced avocado on top. The lack of cilantro and queso fresco was unfortunate, not to mention the store-bought salsa and refrigerated tortillas, but I hoped the meal would taste great anyway.

  As I was pouring the coffee into mugs, I heard footsteps in the hallway. For some reason, my hand was shaking.

  Once he came into view, I did my best not to drop the coffee pot. Holy hell, he was fine. He was wearing a sexy smirk and a tight blue flight suit with a zipper down the middle. My first thought was how much I wanted to see what was under his flight suit. I tried not to stare, but I couldn’t help myself.

  “Morning. How did you sleep? Is Sky up?”

  “No, she’s still asleep. I slept great, thank you. She didn’t wake once.”

  “Great.” His eyes narrowed at the plate of food, and then his gaze turned to the shiny, spotless kitchen floor. “Look, Paloma, you don’t have to cook and clean for me. I hired you to watch Sky. That’s it. You aren’t my maid or my cook.”

  “Oh, I know. I love to cook. And I love a clean house, especially one as beautiful as this. If I’m going to live here for ten weeks, I want to keep it clean. I hope you don’t mind.”

  He shrugged. “No, I definitely don’t mind. I appreciate it. Thank you. We used to have a maid come once a week. I can still hire one, so you can focus on Sky.”

  Control your face, Paloma. He lives a completely different life than you.

  “Oh, no. I’ll be fine. It’s just the three of us. I’m happy to clean when Sky naps.” I couldn’t fathom why he would want to waste money on a maid. It couldn’t be that hard to keep this place clean.

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  I took his plate of food and placed it on the kitchen table with his coffee. “Do you like cream and sugar in your coffee? I did the best I could with what you had—you didn’t have any cilantro, and I had to use salsa from the jar. I can go shopping later today.”

  “I like my coffee black. I’m sure the food is great.” He dug his fork into the eggs, and then he shoved them into his mouth. For a moment, I was jealous of the eggs.

  I studied his face as he ate his food. His eyes brightened, and a smile formed.

  “These are amazing. I usually have a bowl of cereal. My wife and I preferred to eat out and neither of us liked to cook. But I can grill a mean steak.”

  A wave a satisfaction overtook me, but I felt guilty for being secretly happy that his wife never cooked. Was I a horrible person? I couldn’t fathom having a hot, sexy husband like Beckett and not wanting to take care of him. But we were clearly from different cultures. It sounded like they had a strong marriage. Maybe she worked also.

  “I saw a picture of your wife. She was very beautiful.” I stopped there. I wanted to ask how she died, when she died, how she lived, how they fell in love, everything, but I had no right to ask these questions.

  His tone lowered. “Yes, she was.”

  He finished his food in silence. But at least he ate every bite.

  He handed me a slip of paper. “Here’s all my contact information. You clearly have my phone number, but when I’m flying, I won’t be able to answer it. If there is an emergency, please contact my command. Today will be an easy day, getting back into the swing of things. When I get off, I’ll come back here and then you are free to leave to see your sisters. I can give you a ride wherever you need to go.”

  “Oh, that won’t be necessary. It’s not too far, and I like to walk,” I lied. It was two miles down the road. I would’ve most definitely accepted a ride, but I didn’t want Beck to see where my uncle lived. Or worse yet, have Beck meet my Uncle who could quite possibly be in a drunken stupor. So, I would walk, knowing that my traveling time would even further shorten the time I would be able to spend with my sisters.

  “Okay. Do you have any questions?”

  I hesitated, but then I spoke. “Just one. Do you want me to speak to her in Spanish?”

  He pursed his beautiful lips for a moment. Ugh, why had I said that? Maybe he didn’t want his daughter to speak Spanish, and now he was probably worried he would offend me.

  “If not, no worries. I can speak English.”

  “No, Spanish is great. Her mother wanted her to be bilingual.” He downed the rest of his coffee. “But then you are going to have to teach me, so I know what she is saying.”

  I laughed. I’d love to t
each him Spanish. First word that came to my mind was cómeme, eat me. My mind was way too dirty.

  I pushed that thought out of my head. “Bien. I’ll sing songs to her, and read her books. If her next nanny also speaks Spanish, she will be fluent.” I paused and gazed into his eyes. “As for you, I’m happy to teach you.”

  Sky cried, and we both jumped up.

  He reached his hand out to stop me. “Wait, let me get her. I want to see her before I leave.”

  I nodded, and he left the table. He came back a few minutes later, holding her. Seeing this handsome man wearing a flight suit while holding his daughter was almost too much to bear.

  He handed Sky to me, and for a moment, our bodies met. A shiver went through me. He was so sexy, I couldn’t stand it. I fantasized about him throwing me up against the wall and fucking me until I couldn’t see straight.

  God, Mónica had been right. I was totally already dreaming about him. What the hell was wrong with me? Here I had the opportunity of a lifetime to leave my town and start a life, and I was already distracted. This kind man had offered me a job, a home, and I was repaying his generosity by lusting after him.

  I was no better than my mother.

  “Bye, Paloma. I’ll see you later.”

  “Bye! Have a great day! Don’t worry about us.”

  I couldn’t help myself from watching him walk away. Once I shut the door, I warmed Sky’s bottle. Excitement filled my soul.

  After changing and feeding Sky, we had read books, played peek-a-boo, and cuddled on the sofa. I enjoyed every second of being around this sweet baby girl. I inhaled her scent, kissed her toes, and finally put her in her swing.

  In ten weeks, I would have a new life. I would be free from this town. And I owed it all to the little girl in my arms.

  6

  Soggy Cereal

  I reluctantly entered my car. This would be the first time I would be leaving Sky alone with a stranger. I had used another babysitter in the past in Pensacola, but she was the daughter of a fellow Naval Officer. I pushed down the nausea in my stomach. It was only for a few hours. I had checked all of Paloma’s references. Double-checked. Hell, I’d run a background report on her. Clean as my jet. Sky would be fine. But I couldn’t help feeling nervous leaving my baby with someone I didn’t know. I’d made the stupid mistake of Googling “nanny horror stories.” I’d read one about this bitch who had offed the kids in her care. If someone hurt Sky, I’d kill them with my bare hands.