“You're making them nervous, Thomas.”
“The only way they would be nervous is if they have something to hide,” he told her mildly.
“Did your P.I. team dig up any dirt?” she asked, raising brows.
“So far, no.”
“This last one is the youngest and I do believe I can handle this by myself. I really don't see why we have to hire a nanny in the first place when I can take our son to the daycare at work.”
“We're hiring a nanny,” he told her firmly. “What happens when we go to functions? Who's going to take care of him then?”
“Oh, that.”
He went over to pick up the phone. “Please send Ms. Forrest in.”
Maxine Forrest was thirty years old and quite attractive, with thick black hair and hazel eyes. She came in holding her pocketbook in front of her, her eyes going swiftly towards the man standing at the mantle, her gaze lingering for a moment before looking at Donna.
“Please have a seat, Ms. Forrest.” Thomas gestured her towards the chair the last four women had vacated.
“May I call you Maxine?” Donna asked with an encouraging smile.
“Please.” Maxine settled back into the chair and let out a breath. “You have a very lovely home.”
“Thank you.”
“Where is Alexander?”
“Taking his morning nap. He keeps us up most of the night and sleeps beautifully in the mornings. He's contrary that way.”
“Ms. Forrest, you're quite young, and you have no experience in being a nanny?” Thomas asked as he came over to join his wife on the sofa.
“No sir.” She straightened up and clasped her hands together. “My parents died a few months ago and I'm responsible for taking care of my two brothers who are in high school. I worked in the hotel industry for ten years but when they died, I had to quit and be there for them. I joined the agency a month ago because the insurance money won't last long. I really need this job.”
“Sorry to hear about your parents,” Donna said sympathetically.
“What do you plan to do about your brothers if you get the job? You are aware that this is a live-in position?”
“I'm aware sir, but Theo and Matt are teenagers and can take care of themselves while I'm at work. Besides, my aunt will be coming to live with us pretty soon.”
Thomas nodded and then got to his feet, pulling out his phone. “I'm sorry, I have to take this. Carry on, darling.”
Maxine let out a breath, not noticing that Donna had been watching him. “He is pretty scary isn’t he?” she said with a wry smile.
“I'm sorry.”
“Don’t be. My husband band tends to have that effect on people. How are your brothers taking the loss?”
“They're still processing,” Maxine said quietly. “I kept them out of school for a week but decided to send them back. We have to continue with our lives even though it's so hard.”
Donna nodded. “I lost my mother some years ago and the pain is still fresh.”
Maxine leaned forward and stared at her earnestly. “I know that I'm not as qualified as some of the women you've interviewed but I promise you that I will do the job and take care of your son like he was my own.”
“What about your social life?”
“That's going to have to take a back seat for now. My brothers are my top priority.”
*****
“I like Maxine.” Donna tested the tip of the sword while her husband dragged on his gloves. They were in the weapons’ room, a vast space that had weapons dating back to the seventeenth century. When he'd first given her the tour and she'd stepped into the room, she'd been amazed at the things displayed on the walls and in cases. Apparently, his great grandfather had been collecting and the tradition had continued. He'd also been teaching her how to fence.
“You would,” he said with a grunt as he parried, circling her. “Concentrate and keep your eyes on me. Remember what I taught you?”
“Never take my eyes off my opponent. Got it.” She circled him, looking for an opening before she made her move, the tip of her sword barely just missing his chest.
“You're good,” he said in admiration.
“And light on my feet for my size.” She could feel the moisture on her face through the covering. She'd been using the fully equipped gym to get rid of the baby weight and the fencing was also a great exercise and something they did together. “I think we should hire her, Thomas.”
“Because she lost her parents?” he asked as he advanced.
“Not just that but I have a feeling that she would be great for the job. Notwithstanding that she has a crush on you.”
“And you aren't afraid that I would want to have my way with her?” He lunged, and she stepped aside gracefully.
“No fear whatsoever,” she said calmly. “Because if that happens, I would just have to do this.” She lunged forward, taking him by surprise, the sword dead center at his groin, making him stand still in shock.
“I see you have him by the balls,” Talia said with a grin as she entered the room.
“We were just discussing what I would do if he cheated on me.” Donna brought the sword down and placed the tip on the ground.
“Noted,” Thomas said dryly as he caught her around the waist and pulled her into his arms. “Is he awake?”
“He got up for a little bit and went back to sleep. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”
*****
“Hi sweetie, this is your new nanny.” Donna cradled her freshly bathed son in her arms and breathed in his baby scent. Today would be the first time back at work and she was finding it hard to leave. They'd given Maxine a second interview during which Thomas had taken the lead. The woman had stood up to the grilling and had gained his approval. “Meet Ms. Maxine, and I told her that you're going to be good for her.”
She rocked him slowly, staring down into his beautiful face until her husband took him from her gently but firmly and handed him to Maxine after placing a kiss on his smooth forehead.
“My wife is having separation issues,” he told the woman.
“He is right. Okay, I can do this.” She reached for her husband’s hand and dug her fingers in. “Instructions are on the folder on that desk. He wakes up every two hours—no! That’s not right—”
“He's started sleeping for three hours now. It's all there in the folder my wife made along with all our numbers, even though I reminded her that we have a full complement of staff here who have been with the family for years,” Thomas said dryly as he pulled his wife into the circle of his arms.
“I'm new at this,” she reminded him.
“So am I.” Maxine felt the curl of envy as the very powerful and intimidating man pressed a gentle kiss on the top of his wife’s head. He lifted his head and his eyes connected with her for a moment before he looked at the baby in her arms. “We'll see you later, Ms. Forrest.”
“Thank you for giving me the chance, Mr. Hoffman,” she said sincerely.
“You are welcome,” he said with a nod and spoiled it by adding. “Don’t let us regret it.”