Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 60131 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60131 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
She narrowed her eyes right back at me, pursing her perfect lips.
“You need to pull out a dictionary and look up the phrase ‘work life balance,’ Mr. Dawson.
“That phrase is a myth.” I resisted the urge to pull her against my chest. “Seeing as though only one of us is a billionaire, I think it’s best if we take his view of things when it comes to things that are work-related.”
“We sure as hell shouldn’t take his view when it comes to treating his employees well.”
“No one on my staff has ever complained.”
“Not to your face.”
“Your next off day—if I approve it—needs to be something for professional development,” he said. “I’m afraid a Happy Hour, where you could potentially get tipsy doesn’t fall under that category.”
“I was planning on getting hammered.”
“Thanks for making my point.” I kissed William and Charlotte on their foreheads. “Have a goodnight and a safe ride home with your full-time nanny.”
THIRTEEN (B)
HARLOW
“Thanks for calling Whimstery Cafe After Hours,” the bartender answered the phone. “How may I help you tonight?”
“Do you allow babies inside your establishment?”
The guy sighed. “Is this Harlow Hawthorne?”
“No.” I made my voice deeper. “I’m just a tourist.”
“Well, Just a Tourist, we don’t allow anyone under twenty-one in our bar.”
“Sounds like a discrimination lawsuit waiting to happen…”
“Go to bed, Harlow.”
“Can’t you let us sit in a private VIP booth away from everyone else?” I begged. “It’s not like anyone has to know we’re there, and Sasha wouldn’t tell a soul. My boss is being an utter jerk, and all I need is twenty minutes with some adults and some hard liquor.”
“I doubt the kids you’re nannying would enjoy this environment at all.”
“So, if I bring along some toys for them, you’ll let us in?”
He hung up.
FOURTEEN
HARLOW
Twenty-Eight Dirty Diapers Later
Irefreshed my savings account for what had to be the umpteenth time this morning.
Look at all that money, Harlow. You’re doing this for the money, and for your future bakery. Fuck your sanity right now, just focus on the money.
“I think Miss Hawthorne is broken, Uncle Brooks.” Olivia’s soft voice was coming from somewhere. “She’s been talking to herself for over an hour now.”
“Has she said anything insightful?” His voice filled the twins’ nursery.
“Not yet. I’m taking notes, though.”
He let out a low laugh, and I hated—HATED—how my body instantly turned on against my will. How it couldn’t seem to understand that the man who was making my life a living hell should never be allowed to arouse me in any way.
“Can you ask her where she got those unicorn cupcakes she brought over during her interview?” Olivia asked. “I’ve ordered from like eighty bakeries so far, and none of them have come close.”
“Why can’t you ask her?”
“I did. She spouted off a long list of ingredients and instructions,” she said. “You might want to send her back to the agency before the twins wake up. She looks like she’s about to crack.”
“I’ll consider it,” he said. “Can you give us a moment alone, please?”
The next thing I heard were her soft Chanel flats clacking down the hallway.
“Miss Hawthorne?” Mr. Dawson moved in front of the rocking chair.
I tried to look away from him, but he bent down low and looked into my eyes, making it impossible.
“Do I need to have my doctor come see you?” he asked.
“Only if he can prescribe a week off for me.”
“He can’t.” He smiled at me, and I was convinced this was a dream.
He’d never looked at me this way before, and he actually sounded genuinely concerned.
“Why are you home so early?” I asked. “It’s two o’clock in the afternoon.”
“Because I’ve been thinking about what you said to me.”
“I’ve said a lot of things to you.”
“Yes, well…” He brushed strands of hair off my forehead and tucked them behind my ear.
My heart raced at that simple touch, and I swallowed hard.
“Taking care of children is a very hard job,” he said. “So hard that I had to hire someone like you to help me do it.”
“I don’t want a ‘thank you.’ I want an off day.”
“I appreciate the fact that you’ve lasted longer than all my previous nannies, and my children seem to like you.” He ignored my request and leaned even closer, so close that his lips were nearly touching mine. “And even though you’re still refusing to download my mandatory staff app, I’ve decided to adjust my work schedule to show you how much you mean to me.”
“Are you saying I can go home early today?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m saying I’ll give you an hour to pack whatever clothes you need for a trip.”
“A trip where?”
“If you’d downloaded my app, you’d know that.” He stepped back. “I’m hosting my A-team on my yacht while Olivia is on fall break. You’ll need to tend to the children while we’re aboard.”