“A year,” he bites out. I can tell he wants to say longer, but he’s hedging his bets. I can do a year. That’s a lot longer than normal, but I could do that. “No dating or men during that time,” he adds.
The off-topic comment takes me by surprise. “Okay,” I say easily. That won’t be a problem. I’ve never dated when on a job, but my jobs have never been for a year either.
“You’re not seeing anyone now, are you?” he asks almost accusingly. I swear I hear the phone in his death grip crack.
“No.” At my answer I watch some of the tension leave his body.
“Then you’ll be mine for a year.”
I nod, but it feels as if I’m agreeing to more than being a baby nurse. “When will your sister be arriving?”
“Soon, but I want everything in place before she gets here. She could arrive at any time, so I need to get you settled in.” He brings the phone to his ear.
“Send the car around. I want you to take Miss Newman home so she can gather her things. Then you can bring her to my home.”
“This is all happening really fast.” I bite my lip. I don’t even know where he lives. I’m guessing somewhere really nice, but still. I hope it isn’t as cold as his office.
“You already agreed.” His jaw hardens and I see the tension there.
“I’m not changing my mind, it’s just…” I trail off. I don’t know why I’m questioning this. Maybe because it’s too good to be true. Or maybe it’s because of this attraction I’m feeling towards him. It’s making me feel off balance. I’m terrible with men and I can’t get a read on him.
He comes around the desk to stand in front of me. I look up into his dark eyes. He tucks a loose piece of my hair behind my ear. The touch is intimate. “It’s okay, Ella. I’ll take care of everything. Your only worry is the baby.”
“The baby isn’t here yet,” I remind him. I wish I could have met the mom-to-be first. I’ve turned down a few jobs before because of the mothers. Some can be too much to handle at times. Though for a million dollars I could probably handle any new mother.
“Give it time. The baby will be here,” he says, and for some reason his words hold so much more weight than they should.
I nod, and his eyes go to my mouth. I feel heat creep up my neck and I curse my fair skin. On top of being shy, it shows clear as day for anyone to see. He leans down a little. And for a second, I wonder if he’s going to kiss me. My breath catches, and I wait.
A knock at the door has me jumping back from him, almost tripping over my own feet. Brooks catches me easily, pulling me into his big warm body and wrapping his arms around me.
“The car for Miss Newman is here and so is your next appointment,” his assistant tells him.
“Cancel my appointment. I’m going to escort—”
This time I cut him off. “Please don’t do that.” I turn in his arms when I realize he isn’t going to let me go. “Let me get my things and get settled in,” I push. I need a little time alone to breathe for a moment. Get myself together and maybe even Google him a little more. I need to make sure I’m not biting off more than I can chew.
“Sir?” his assistant calls again.
“Please,” I try, needing just a little bit of a breather.
He leans down, and his mouth is so close to mine. This time I’m sure he’s going to kiss me, which I know is a terrible idea. I’m going to be working for this man for the next year. Not to mention I’m going to begin trying to have a baby very soon.
“Tonight,” he growls so low only I can hear him, then he lets me go.
I turn and nearly run from his office, feeling dumb that I thought he was going to kiss me, and foolish for wanting him to.
5
Brooks
I’ve spent the entire day annoyed by everyone. All I wanted to do was leave the office so I could go home and be with Ella. But instead I’ve had meetings and people in my face all day, and I’m agitated as I walk out of the last one.
“I’ve tried to clear your schedule as much as possible for tomorrow, but there are still some conference calls you have to listen in on. I’ve made the schedule and emailed it to you.”
“I’m not going to be on them, Carol.”
She’s trying to keep up with my quick pace as I rush out of the boardroom and to the elevator.
“Mr. Renshaw, I’ve tried to move them, but it’s impossible. At least listen in, this has to do with—”