I glance around his massive office, trying to hide the color staining my cheeks and wondering if his significant other is here. There’s no one else but him and me, and I wonder what kind of woman it would take to land him. He’s so put together by the way he carries himself, but the five o’clock shadow on his face and the hint of a tattoo at the cuff of his dress shirt show something a little different. He isn’t some stuck-up suit behind a desk. He’s rough around the edges. It makes me think he plays dirty to get what he wants, and I should keep that in mind when dealing with him.
“Can I get you two anything to drink?” I glance over my shoulder and see the assistant who greeted me standing in the doorway. She pulled me from the fantasy I was having of Brooks and I’m thankful for her appearance. She gives me a warm smile and she looks like she’s fighting a laugh.
“I’m good, but thank you,” I tell her politely, and Brooks shakes his head. I hear the door close with a snick, leaving us alone.
“Please, have a seat.” He motions for me to take a chair in front of his massive glass desk. Looking around the office, I notice everything is made of glass. Sharp edges are everywhere, and all I can think is this place would not be safe for a toddler.
“I can have anything in this office changed,” he says, and my eyes snap back to his.
It’s then I realize I’d spoken out loud. I smile at him, and a warm feeling rushes over me. I love when parents are willing to do anything for their children. I’m reminded that someone is missing from this meeting.
“Will your wife be joining us?” I ask. I slide my hands down my thighs, making sure my dress is smoothed out. The perfection of the office is making me feel like I’m not dressed formally enough. Brooks takes the chair next to mine and not the one behind his desk.
“Wife?” he asks as confusion forms on his face. “I’m not married.”
“Well, then I guess I mean the woman you got pregnant.” I let out a small laugh to hide my disappointment and the trace of jealousy I’m feeling. I know not everyone believes in marriage. I shouldn’t have phrased the question that way, but the truth is, I wanted to know if he’s married. Committed. Get it together, Ella. I scold myself inwardly.
“I’m afraid I haven’t gotten anyone pregnant either. Well, not yet.” He levels me with a stare, almost like he’s trying to tell me something before he gives me a wink.
Is he flirting with me? No. I must be reading this wrong.
“You called for a live-in baby nurse,” I prompt, trying to get us on the same page. I can feel myself getting anxious. I do that around men.
“Yes, yes.” He shakes his head like he just remembered why I’m here. “It’s for my sister. She’s moving here and will be staying with me. I told her I’d get a live-in baby nurse set up. She doesn’t want to do this alone.”
“I understand that,” I tell him. Even more than he knows. I’m scared of having a baby on my own, too, and I’m wonderful with babies. “Well, let me tell you—”
He cuts me off before I can go into full detail of what I can offer in the way of services. “When will you move in?” He stands as if he’s getting up to help me carry boxes into his house.
“Ah.” I look up at him, a little confused. He looks even bigger now with him towering over me. We haven’t even had an interview, and I don’t even know if we’re compatible. For all I know we might not be able to stand each other.
“I’ll triple the price if you’ll move in today.” He walks behind his desk and picks up a phone. “Should I call movers?” He stares at me, waiting for an answer.
“Hold on, I’m still playing catch up.” I stand up, too, grappling for something to say.
No wonder Renshaw Banking is where it is today. This man bulldozes into things, taking what he wants. And what he wants at the moment is me. Too bad it isn’t for more than my services as a nanny.
I turn around, giving Brooks my back, knowing I’ve just made myself blush. I can’t believe I even thought that. What is he doing to me? He has me all over the place with my emotions.
“One million,” he says, and I whip around to look at him.
He has his cell phone in a death grip and doesn’t look like he’s about to take no for an answer.
“For how long?” The words come tumbling out of my mouth. I could do a lot with a million dollars. Not only have my baby but have a college fund and so much more. I also wouldn’t have to worry about working until he or she is in school.