by Jody Holford
“Neither are you,” she said, so softly he had to lean forward.
“Excuse me?”
“We’re not friends, Adam. I hardly know you, despite working for you and practically living in your house for five years. I know how you like your steak and which shirts of yours not to put in the dryer, but I have no idea what kind of woman you want to spend your life with.”
Adam sat back and locked his fingers behind his head. She had a point. “You will. I’m going to tell you what I need. And we can…get to know each other a bit, but overall, I’m happy to trust your judgment. And…I think it could benefit us both.”
Her forehead creased, and her dark eyebrows bunched together. It was cute in a sweet sort of way. He shook off the thought. He didn’t need sweet. He didn’t need a woman who couldn’t understand why the trimmings and trappings of relationships didn’t appeal to him.
Megan would never want a life with a man who didn’t have love at the center. Adam would be a good husband, just as he was a good father. That wouldn’t be enough for Megan. She’d want everything: heart, soul, and mind. Adam didn’t have those things to give anymore. Not to a woman. His son? Sure. But never again would he expose what was left of his shriveled heart to a second chance at the real thing. Because it didn’t exist.
On the outside looking in, Megan was ideal. She was beautiful, funny, smart, motivated, and most importantly, she loved his son. Adam was enough of a dick to ask her to help him find a wife, but he wasn’t such a bastard that he couldn’t realize a life with him would shatter her ideals and break her heart.
If he thought he could marry Megan without either of them falling flat on their ass in love, she’d be the one. But he couldn’t risk that. He didn’t know what scared him more—the thought that she could fall for him and find him lacking or that he could fall for her and she’d leave—taking the last tiny piece of his heart with her. If she set him up with a stranger, his heart wouldn’t be involved.
Before she could speak, he put his hand up in a stop signal. She pressed her lips together. “As to how it can help you, I’d be willing to give you a bonus over and above the wages you’ll earn for the rest of the time you’re here. A significant bonus.”
People underestimated the power of pausing. He watched the words sink in, saw her absorb them, and smiled on the inside when she leaned forward slightly.
She tapped her fingers on her thigh. “How significant?”
Exactly. She’d said earlier that not everything was about money, but he’d yet to find something that wasn’t. “Enough to pay off the student loan you took for your teacher education program.”
She sucked in a breath, and he let his lips curve as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. He saw her gaze dart to his chest, then back up to his face.
“That’s over six thousand dollars.”
Sometimes long-term gain was worth short-term trials. “As you said, it’s an unconventional request. I have an investment stock I can cash in. Plus, this in itself is an investment.” It would be worth the money, considering he’d not only have a woman he could trust, but knowing she’d stay in their lives would make everything less stressful.
They stared at each other, and he had a moment to realize the tingling feeling inside his chest was anticipation. He was enjoying himself. Enjoying her and the possibility that she’d help him. Help Charlie. His son came first. Whoever he let into his home would know that above anything else.
“That’s a generous, albeit strange, offer. You know that they didn’t teach us any pimping skills during my teacher education, right?”
Adam’s heart tried to jump out of his chest. Instead, it just smashed against his rib cage, stealing his breath. “That’s a joke, right? Are you offended? Shit. I mean—”
Unable to sit still, he stood and paced away before walking back to stand in front of her. When he shoved his hands into his hair, he barely resisted the urge to yank it out. What the hell had he done? So much for professionalism.
“Adam.”
He looked down at her, his heartbeat sneaking up to his throat.
“If you want to get married, you need to meet someone, hit it off, and get to know each other. Build a relationship.”
The need to make her understand coursed through his veins. He leaned forward, resting one hand on the back of her chair and closing some of the distance between them. Not his usual business strategy, but this one was going to take some finesse.
“I don’t want those things. I can see why someone like you wouldn’t understand this because you’re young and probably haven’t been in love. It’s not the magical whirlwind you read about. It’s more like being in a tornado without a jacket. It’s not just me I have to consider. It’s Charlie.”
She blinked several times and pursed her lips to one side.
He pushed. “You’re romanticizing it. Think of it like a business partnership. If I wanted romance, I’d watch a Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan movie. I want a union based on mutual interests, compatibility, and the goal of caring for my son.”
“That sounds…empty.”
He stood straight. “From where I’m standing, it sounds ideal.”
“It’s crazy.” She ran her hands along her thighs. He followed the movement with his eyes and got sidetracked for a moment. When he looked back up, she was watching him.
Change your approach. “What would you do if I told you I wanted to put Charlie into private school?” He hadn’t completely decided yet, but it was a strong analogy either way.
Her brows drew together at the change in questioning. “I…I’d research schools and give you a list of ones I thought were a good fit for him. I’d want to visit the schools and get a feel for whether Charlie belonged there. But you do know I’m an advocate for public school education, right?”
He smiled, more on the inside than out. “I do. As am I. Though there is a school I’m looking into that could provide opportunities for Charlie that his public school can’t. Regardless, you just proved my point. I’m asking you to research, choose possible options, perhaps check things out in advance, and help me make a choice.”
Megan leaned back in her chair and exhaled loudly like she’d held her breath too long.
“You just find some candidates for me. Same as you would with a nanny.”
“What if none are a match?”
“Then you’ll find me a suitable nanny and have your loan paid off.”
The air was electric around them. Charged. This was how he felt before closing a major client. Like he was inches away from wrapping his fist around the prize.
“What if you marry whatever woman I find and have a terrible, nasty divorce?”
The sincerity in her voice and her gaze tipped his stomach upside down in a way he did not want to enjoy. “Then I’ll sue you.” He couldn’t stop himself from teasing her, which was a strange feeling.
Color drained from her face, and then she scowled. “Wow. Wanting a wife brings out your funny side.”
He chuckled. “I’ll draw up a contract if you’d like. You’ll not be responsible for anything in the future. All I’m asking is that you help me find a person who could suit my needs.”
She took a deep breath, her lips pressed firmly together. Crossing his arms over his chest, he felt his own heartbeat through his shirt. When he’d made a list of pros and cons the night before, he hadn’t anticipated her having such a moral dilemma over the situation. Not everyone is immediately swayed by money. And truthfully, neither was Adam. He just wanted enough to give his son the life he deserved. It was less about money and more the assurance of stability.
Megan scooted her chair back but remained sitting. “You have an idea of what you’re looking for? I mean…” She stopped and gestured at him, waving her hand up and down. “Like physical attributes and such? And you probably have a timeline? Some rules?”
He nodded, butterflies—yes, butterflies—exploding in his chest. That was new. He trusted her and clearl
y had more faith in her ability than she did. “Until the end of the summer. You find candidates, vet them, I’ll commit to one date with each, but if there’s no connection, that’s it. I’ll still give you the bonus, even if I don’t find a match, providing I end up with a nanny if nothing else.”
She finished the rest of her water as if it were a shot of tequila and rose to take the glass to the dishwasher. “This is a crazy idea.”
Adam watched her pace back and forth in front of the island counter. She had a graceful way about her, almost like a dancer, but not soft…no, her presence was…palpable. The energy around her vibrated, and for the first time, he got why his son was crazy about her. The thought came so suddenly that it made him scowl.
“Not if you think about it. If I want to buy a car, I’d do research. Go on a vacation, I’d read the reviews on resorts and airlines. Buy a product? I’d see what it compares to.”
She stopped in her tracks and put her hands on her hips. “You’re comparing finding a woman to spend your life with to airplanes and coffeemakers?”
He ignored her tone. “You can do this. You’re very driven, intelligent, and highly capable. I’ll give you a list of my criteria. I don’t want only some of it met. To be a viable candidate, I want all the boxes checked.”
“God. Do you woo women often with this sexy talk?”
Adam’s mouth dropped open a second before he realized she was teasing him. Then he tilted his head and laughed. For real. It felt foreign, the sound and the sensation of the humor. Something loosened in his chest, releasing a bit of the pressure he hadn’t known was residing there. Had it been so long since he’d laughed with a woman?
“Wooing is on par with romancing,” he said, a grin taking over his face.
“I want to ask how you’d even know, but I think it’s better not to.”
She sighed and dropped her arms and her head at the same time. Adam stood up and walked closer to her. The scent of her hair and whatever perfume or body spray she wore teased him. Like her scent was tickling his senses and throwing him off balance. He did not like to be off balance. Which is why you need anyone but her for this.
“I’ve had my shot at love, Megan. I sucked at it. I’m okay with that. But it doesn’t mean this can’t work.”
He took her arm and pulled her back to the table. With his other hand, he pulled the folded list out of his barely worn jeans.
Instead of sitting, she went to the laundry and started to fold. Because he felt proximity would work as a buffer to her talking herself out of the idea, he stood at her side and helped. Had he and Reece ever done such a mundane, domestic chore together? If so, his heart had never beat this hard. Nerves. He wanted this to work.
He set the list on the table and picked up a sock, rooting around for its match.
Megan gestured with her chin. “That’s your list?”
“Yes. It’s basic. What I need in a companion. I was thinking you could try dating websites first? I’m sure a girl your age has some familiarity with them?”
She stopped and stared up at him. “A girl my age?”
Adam froze. “Yes.”
“I’m twenty-five. Hardly a girl. And I’ve never used a dating site. There’s this other way to meet people called going out and socializing. It’s really starting to catch on, I think.”
His lips twitched, but he didn’t laugh. Laughter made this less of a business arrangement.
“I’m not interested in socializing for anything other than work.”
“No kidding. What’s on the list?” She pulled the sock he still hadn’t found the match for from his hand and rolled it with the one she’d found.
Heat warmed his neck. “You can read it when we finish? Or now and I’ll finish.”
He felt her gaze but avoided it by keeping his own on the striped shirt he was folding.
“Just tell me.”
“Regular stuff.”
She laughed, and the sound surprised him. It was…enchanting. Like a hug and a smile made into a sweet sound. “There’s nothing regular about you, Adam.”
Taking a chance, he met her gaze. “Is that a compliment?”
She shook her head then lowered it, staring down. “I’m not actually sure.”
He touched her arm so she’d look at him. It had to be the static electricity of the laundry creating the zap between him. He pulled his hand back. “I’ll take it as one.”
She shrugged. “What’s on the list?”
Adam sighed. He’d have to open up a bit if he wanted her to find him a wife. “In no particular order: attractive, smart, in her late twenties or early thirties. Ready for a serious commitment. Caring, healthy, and hygienic.”
“Oh, good call. Don’t want a cuddly, hot wife with body odor or bad breath,” Megan interrupted.
He couldn’t tell if she was joking. She leaned her hip on the table, done with the folding, and gestured with her hand to carry on.
“Having her own interests is fine. Encouraged, of course, but Charlie needs to be the first priority. If she has a job or career, it has to be something that allows for family to be central. I’m willing to have one more child in the near future.”
Megan licked her lips, which caught Adam’s gaze and created a clutch in his stomach. A halting sensation as her tongue slid from one corner of her mouth to the other. She puckered her lips and gave a low whistle. Good God, what was he doing? The last thing he needed was to feel this attraction for his fucking nanny. What a nightmare. Charlie already loved her too much. Her leaving was going to leave a dent in his son’s heart.
“Should be a breeze. Somewhere between Mary Poppins and Jennifer Garner.”
Adam nodded. “Actually, Jennifer Garner is an extremely attractive woman. That’s a great frame of reference.”
“Uh, I don’t think she’s an option,” Megan said.
Heat traveled over his skin again. He piled the folded laundry into the basket and picked it up.
“I wasn’t suggesting her. Do we have a deal?”
She took a couple of deep breaths then nodded. Excitement, unlike any he’d felt in a long time, made him smile. “I have to go get Charlie. Take a look at the list. Brainstorm some ideas. I’m leaving first thing in the morning, but I’ll text you when I’m settled. I’ll only be gone overnight again.”
He turned when he reached the hallway. She was watching him, and he wasn’t entirely sure how to read her expression.
“Charlie has his last day on Friday. There’s a performance for parents. You told him you’d be there.”
“Then I will. Could you text me the time again, please?” The air stiffened around them, and he missed the way her laughter had felt washing over his skin. No. He didn’t miss anything other than his son when they were apart.
“Yes.”
Uncertain of what else to say, he asked, “This is a good deal for both of us, right?”
She tucked her hands in her pockets. “You really should just ask Declan to hook you up with a hottie from his bar.”
Frustration rushed to the surface. “I’m not looking for a one-night stand. You either understand that or you don’t. If you aren’t going to take this seriously, it won’t work.”
Megan’s lips flattened as she stared at him. When she spoke, her tone had lost any trace of emotion. “I’ll take it seriously, Mr. Klein. And yes, we have a deal.”
He cringed, but before he could say anything else, she walked out of the room. It was the second time she’d walked away from him and had the last word. He didn’t like it one little bit. But since there was no way he’d chase after her and he’d essentially gotten what he wanted, he chalked it up as a win. Adam grabbed his keys to go get Charlie. It was early enough they could spend some time together, maybe play Monopoly or one of his son’s video games. Those moments were tucked in between a busy schedule, but they were among Adam’s favorite pieces of his day. A smile on his face and a calm sensation buzzing over him, he nodded again. Definitely a win.
Ch
apter Five
Megan waited for Stella on the patio of the Waterside Bistro. Her friend was, as usual, running late. It gave Megan time to look over Adam’s list again. She still had an hour before Charlie needed to be picked up from school. The small restaurant, which overlooked Penobscot Bay, was middle-of-the-day quiet. Megan’s brain was not. It hadn’t stopped circling since Adam’s insane request.
Find him a wife.
For thirty brief seconds, she’d thought he was thinking of her, of them. And her stupid brain had not rejected the idea. Her heart had actually jumped at the thought. She was such an idiot. It was like every standard she’d ever set for herself had disappeared, and her chest had filled with excitement. She obviously needed to find some dates of her own if Adam’s idiotic request had made her blood race.
They were not a good match.
Most of the time, she wasn’t even sure he liked her, let alone cared about her enough to consider her a “candidate.” But why would he? A girl my age? She clenched her fingers around the stupid list and saw Stella arrive.
“I’m sorry. I had a very uncooperative Great Dane who needed stitches,” Stella said, her straight mahogany hair flying around her shoulders as she pulled out a chair and sat.
“No problem. Who won? You or the dog?”
Stella smirked. “Who do you think?”
Anyone who didn’t know her friend would assume the dog, since, standing on hind legs, an animal the size of a Great Dane would be taller than Stella. Despite her small stature, the veterinarian had a granite backbone. It came across as stubbornness when she wouldn’t let Megan assist her in any way, but it also showed her strength. She’d dealt with a lot in the last year and held her head high through all of it.
“I can’t imagine having a dog that big. When I get my own place, I was thinking of a cat. I’ve gotten used to Lemon trying to trip me when I’ve got my hands full,” Megan said, thinking of Charlie’s cat.
“You could go for a small dog,” Stella said, putting her purse on the table and taking a deep breath, settling herself.