Rebecca Winters - Out of Hours...Enticing the Nanny - The Nanny and the CEO / Nanny to the Billionaire's Son / Not Just the Nanny

As he spoke, emotion darkened her eyes.

“Erica’s and my family share an ancestry that has been in love with itself for generations. They’ve continued to hone the ‘right’ way to do things to a fine art while at the same time distancing their offspring by their criticism and lack of affection.”

He heard Reese’s sharp intake of breath before she said, “For that very reason certain things aren’t done, like hiring an unsuitable nanny, someone like me.”

“Correct. The way you hug and kiss Jamie all the time, you’re probably the most unsuitable nanny in existence, which makes you perfect for the job.”

Her delicately arched brows knit together. “That sounded like a declaration of war.”

“War…divorce…Ultimately they’re the same thing. It’s time the cycle of neglect ended, starting with Jamie.”

“So you’re using me for a guinea pig?”

Nick nodded without shame.

“Mrs. Tribe mentioned that you’d be hiring another nanny in the fall. What about her?”

“Since my mother-in-law was the one who arranged for her in the first place, I’ll let her fix the mistake. Barbara Cosgriff’s another blue blood. She and Anne make up part of a very elite circle. The Cosgriffs won’t be in need of their nanny by September, therefore, they’re delighted to do this favor for my mother-in-law, who spoke for me without my permission, something she’s good at doing.”

“So whom do you plan to hire?”

“I’m not sure of anything yet, but it goes without saying that whoever she is, she’ll be entirely unsuitable.”

A small sad smile broke the corner of Reese’s wide mouth. “You’re a clever man gaining my sympathy so I’ll be a willing accomplice.”

“Let’s just say that for Jamie’s sake, I’d like your help. Are you with me on this?”

Her gaze darted to the baby, who was just starting to wake up. She let out a troubled sigh. “You’re my employer. I need this job and I love Jamie, so I’ll do my best for you.”

Nick ignored the little dart he felt when she referred to him as her employer. He hoped she might be inclined to do it for him. Shaking this off, he pulled out his wallet and put some bills on the table. “You have another full week before I force you to face the dragon. Put the thought away until you have to deal with her.”

“That’s not so easy to do.”

“But possible. Remember I’ve had longer practice at this than you.” He stood up. “If you’ll push the stroller, I’ll carry Jamie back to the car. He loves his bath so much, I think I’ll take him for a little swim and see how he does. Have you been swimming yet?”

She hurried to keep up with him. “I don’t have a suit.”

“But you can swim?”

“Yes.”

“In my teens I did a lot of sailing. It’s a sport I’d like to do with my son. If he’s going to share that love with me, then he needs to start getting used to the water. Already he feels safe with you. The next time you go out with Jamie, buy yourself one. Consider it your uniform and put it on my account.”

If she wanted to squirm her way out of that, too bad .

ON SATURDAY, Reese tried to study, but finally gave up. With Nick and Jamie gone from the penthouse, she was at a totally loose end. After fixing herself a sandwich for lunch, she took off for Macy’s at Herald Square.

The crowded ten-story department store contained everything including the unimaginable. One would have to be here days to see it all. She ended up spending hours walking around. Eventually she found some swimsuits on sale for her and Jamie.

With Father’s Day coming up, she shipped her dad a small framed picture of New York showing Park Avenue. She slipped in a note telling him to hang it in his office.

While she was looking at the toys, she discovered a wooden hand-painted toy sailboat in sky-blue with a white canvas sail Jamie could give his father. It was the perfect size to fit on a desk or a dresser. The artist on hand personalized it on the keel for her with quickdrying black paint. The Flying NJ . When it was finished, she asked the salesgirl to gift wrap it.

Since she was in the right place, she purchased some doughnut toys and a colorful octopus that played classical music when you touched the tentacles. By the time she got back to the apartment, it was after seven.

As she turned down the hall to her bedroom, she almost bumped into Nick. “Oh—I didn’t realize you were home.” Her pulse raced out of control to see him standing there in tan trousers and a midnight-blue silk shirt. He looked and smelled marvelous.

His dark eyes took swift inventory of her in her jeans and layered top. “Looks like you’ve been having fun. Is there a bikini inside one of those bags?”

Her cheeks grew warm for no reason. “Yes, among other things.”

“I hope you put everything on my account.”

Reese shook her head. “Not today. Excuse me while I put them away.”

He rubbed his hard jaw. “I don’t know about you, but I haven’t had dinner yet. Paul is going to drive us to Nolia’s in Greenwich Village. The salmon and sea bass are to die for.”

She bit her lip. He obviously needed to unwind after being with his in-laws. “Won’t it make too long a day for Jamie?”

“He’s staying in tonight. Rita, one of the maids who’s been working here a long time, is going to take care of him while we’re gone. I’m expecting her any minute.”

Reese took a shaky breath. Going out to dinner with Nick alone wasn’t part of her nanny job, but as the thought of turning down his offer entered her mind, she realized that she wanted to be with him so badly, she felt an ache to the palms of her hands.

“What should I wear?”

“Anything you feel like.”

In other words, formal dress wasn’t required. She was hot and sticky and needed a shower first.

“Don’t take too long. I’m starving,” he said in a husky tone.

She’d been hungry when she’d walked in the door, but with those words her stomach had too many butterflies to know what she was feeling. “I’ll hurry.”

Ten minutes later she joined him in the foyer wearing a sleeveless dress with a rounded neck in an allover black-on-white print. The summery outfit could be dressed up or down depending on her accessories. After brushing out her ponytail, she’d caught her hair back at the nape with a black chiffon scarf and slipped on low black heels.

When Nick saw her, the unmistakable glimmer in his eyes set a tone for the rest of the evening, making her feel feverish throughout their delicious dinner. A live jazz band prompted Nick to dance with her. He drew the eyes of every woman, young or old.

She thought of Cinderella, who got her chance to be spun around the castle ballroom with her prince. But in that childhood fairy tale, the author never described the feelings running riot inside the scullery maid who for one night had been transformed into a princess. The adult thoughts and desires of a woman weren’t meant to be read by dreamy-eyed little girls.

Nick had told Reese he wanted her to experience some nightlife while she was in his employ. In her naïveté she’d given in to that temptation and thought she could handle it, but if he pulled her against his hard-muscled body one more time he’d feel her trembling.

“You’re a wonderful dancer, Reese.”

“Thank you. So are you.”

“I could do this all night,” he murmured near her ear.

Don’t say another word, Nick . “If I hadn’t walked around Macy’s all afternoon, there’s nothing I’d like more.”

“I forgot about that. You should have said something sooner. We’ll go.”

Ever the consummate host who went out of his way to make her comfortable, they left the restaurant and rode back to the apartment in the limo. The maid was there to meet them.