This was a new start for her. She’d been a nanny for ten years after quitting college. One of her professors had made it abundantly clear that if she didn’t give him what he wanted, he was going to destroy her. She knew students and professors screwed all the time, had no doubt it went on, but she’d had no interest in sleeping with her teachers. What she didn’t expect was for one of those teachers to want to use her, and when she didn’t comply, he’d blackmailed her.
Seeing no other alternative, she’d quit college, taken a job as a nanny, and studied online to become qualified to take care of children of all ages. She loved her job and helping people, especially when they were trying to get their life back on track.
In most situations, she was called a lifesaver, or the worst, a home-wrecker. She’d never damaged anyone’s relationship. Never chased after a husband. Her only role was to help the children and their lives, nothing more, nothing less.
With that in mind, she walked up the steps, knowing whomever she was going to see needed her. It was clear as she approached the door that this guy needed her. She didn’t have the whole story, but there would come a time and place when she would. For now, she just needed to get this job.
She lifted her hand and knocked on the door. Feeling a smile brush across her lips, she waited. This was going to be a good day.
The door opened. She turned toward the person on the threshold and froze.
This couldn’t be happening.
Coming back to town, she knew there was a risk of running into him, but working for him? No, it couldn’t be.
Drew Gold, the guy who’d bullied her relentlessly. In his arms was a young girl. Her hair looked like it hadn’t been brushed yet. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, but one was draped over his shoulder as if he’d been wearing one and was changing as she knocked on the door.
You’re a professional.
Stop gawking.
“Hi, I’m Callie Steward. You’re in need of a nanny?” she said.
“I know who you are, Callie. Wait, what? You’re the nanny?”
Keeping the smile plastered across her lips, she didn’t blink, complain, or show any fear. This guy had made her life a misery in high school. Him and all his buddies, as well as the cheerleading squad.
Don’t think about it.
Fat Callie.
Callie the whale.
Nope, she wasn’t going to allow herself to think about all the names they’d called her. Drew had been particularly brutal. Throwing food at her, tipping her drink in her bag, shredding her homework. They’d even stuffed her locker with condoms as well.
What fun.
“Yes, I’m the nanny. I got a call that you’re in need of my services.” She quickly pulled out her file. “Here is a copy of my résumé, as well as several references.” Her hand shook.
He made no comment as he took the file.
The young girl in his arms smiled at her. “You’re pretty.”
“Aw, thank you, sweetie. I’m Callie.” She held her hand out. The girl wriggled from her father’s arms. She noticed the girl wasn’t wearing a diaper, so she wouldn’t need to add toilet training if Drew even said yes. He could very well say no.
“Meghan. I like your name.”
“I like your name.”
“What’s a nanny?” Meghan asked.
“It’s someone who takes care of people.” She crouched down to be at Meghan’s size so she could look the girl in the eye.
“Daddy takes care of me.”
“You need to come in while I give these people a call,” Drew said. He took his daughter’s hand, leading her away.
Stepping over the threshold, she immediately saw why Drew was in need. Housework had clearly gotten on top of him. She didn’t know what the situation was with him, but she knew she wanted to help.
“Play with me,” the girl said, and Callie didn’t even hesitate. She sat beside the young girl, picked up one of her dolls, and began to play while waiting for Drew to make the call.
She couldn’t believe he had a child. Drew Gold was the father.
Glancing around the room while Meghan was distracted with putting a dress on the doll, she didn’t see any sign of a wife, or any picture to say there was even a wife coming home. Drew was all on his own, which was completely different from when they were kids.
Rubbing her temple, she forced her anxiety back. There was no need to make Meghan nervous, and she didn’t want to cause any kind of distress.
Minutes passed. Maybe even hours.
Drew returned and he didn’t look happy about it.
“I’ve got to go and speak to your father.” She offered the girl a calming smile before getting to her feet.
She walked toward him and he shook his head. “Did you find someone else?” She was in no doubt as to what he’d been trying to do. There was no way she was going to cry. He didn’t want her looking after his daughter and she couldn’t for the life of her understand why. She’d never done anything to hurt him or a child in her life, and yet she was being treated as if she’d been the bully, when in fact it had been the other way around.
“No, they don’t have anyone else. You’re the closest person who can tick all the boxes I need.” He ran his fingers through his hair. He looked over at Meghan and without extending an invitation, he walked away.
Callie had to follow. Gritting her teeth, she followed him into the kitchen where he grabbed a kettle and filled it with water.
“Look, I know you hate me, but I need you. The situation, as you can see, is dire. I need a live-in nanny. The agency said you’re the only one closest who can live with me, take care of Meghan, and clean up this dump.”
“Those are the services I offer.”
“I was also given a couple of references which I checked out. You’re the best.”
She didn’t say anything. There was no reason to tell him what it was she could provide when her previous employers were more than capable. She wasn’t about to puff her chest out and claim some kind of victory when it wasn’t required.
He tapped his fingers on the counter. The heat of the stove was already warming the water. “Will you hurt her?”
“Hurt who?”
“My daughter.”
“No.” She recoiled at the very thought. “Why would you even think that?”
“Look, I know I was a complete bastard to you during high school.”
“Stop right there. I don’t care. I wouldn’t dream of ever taking anything out on a young girl and certainly not a child. I’m not that kind of person.”
“Tilly’s her mother.”
“Wow,” she said. “It still doesn’t change the fact that the head cheerleader and the jock who made my life miserable will never cause me to bring any harm to a child. I’m not a bully, nor will I ever be one. I can take care of your daughter and have this place looking immaculate in no time. It’s up to you if you trust me. I have no reason to cause your daughter any kind of pain.”
She tucked her hair behind her ear before reaching into her jeans pocket to pull out her contact information. “If you make up your mind, you know where to find me. Meghan is wonderful. Just so you know.”
Without waiting to be let out, she said goodbye to Meghan before she went to the door, got in her car, drove back to her apartment, sat on the sofa, and panicked.