CEO Daddy (Crescent Cove 6.50)

Spring had sprung. Or at least that was what we were all pretending today, before the next storm arrived.

“So, if I may be so bold, along with walking little fellas like this guy,” Bess smiled down at Latte, who was trotting along beside me, “what else do you do to keep yourself busy?”

“Do you mean like hobbies?”

“Sure. Work, hobbies, the whole shebang.”

“Well, actually, my main hobby is my work. I bake and cook. I work on weekends at the coffee shop up the street. Have you been there?”

“Brewed Awakening? Absolutely. I stop in for a cuppa every time I take out my Lily here. That Macy who runs the place, she’s a pip.”

“She sure is.”

“Surely a young lady like yourself does more than just walk sweet little dogs and serve coffee a couple of days a week. Oh!” She paused and slapped a hand to her chest as if she was surprised. “You must have a boyfriend, pretty girl like you. Or maybe a husband? Though really, if you haven’t taken the plunge yet, take it from someone who knows—you have a lifetime for marriage, so make sure you have your fun first.”

It felt as if she was fishing for something, but I couldn’t tell what. Maybe I was just so out of practice at making new friends that I didn’t know what counted as normal getting-to-know-you conversation anymore.

“Nope, no husband. No boyfriend either. I keep busy with my jobs. I also have a food delivery service for a few families in my neighborhood. You know, I prepare meals for busy working moms and dads and they pay me.”

“Well?”

“Excuse me?”

“Do they pay you well? Because I know of a job where you could make good money. No, make that great money. Assuming your references check out.”

I frowned. Ah-ha. No wonder my spidey senses had been activated. “I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in any of those MLM-type businesses. Aren’t they basically just fancy pyramid—”

Bess barked out a laugh. “No pyramid schemes here. Not even close. This job is on the up and up, I swear. As if Snug would let me break even one law. He’s a fuddy-duddy.”

“Snug is your grandson?” I tugged on Latte’s leash to get him to move past a questionable food wrapper on the snowy grass. There wasn’t much litter in a pristine town like Crescent Cove, but every now and then, something snuck through.

“Sure is.”

“Is he a lawyer or something?”

“God, no, bite your tongue. I wouldn’t allow one of my relatives to enter that vile profession.”

Okay, then.

“Why, it’s almost as bad as being a car salesman. No, he runs the newspaper in Syracuse, among other things.”

“Oh.”

“But see, he’s on his own with this sweetheart here,” she gave the stroller a light rattle, “and he practically refuses to ask for help. He claims every person he interviews isn’t right for the job. So, I figured I’d look around for someone myself.”

“Wait, you need a babysitter for Lily?” I could do that. I supposed. I’d had enough experience helping to take care of my sisters when they were little.

I wasn’t terribly excited about being thrust into a caretaker role again, I had to admit. Dog-sitting was one thing. Tiny humans—no matter how snuggly and cute—were quite another. I didn’t want a traditional office or desk job, but I also didn’t want to have to be responsible for anyone else right now.

Taking care of my sisters after my parents’ deaths had been a lot to handle. I loved them and wanted the best for them, so I’d done it despite my many misgivings. I hadn’t been ready to be a parent at that age. Or hell, this age. I’d barely lived myself. And yes, being a nanny was different, since I could return Lily at the end of the day, but I’d still be in the role of nursemaid.

However, Bess had mentioned great compensation, and she certainly didn’t seem to have money issues from her attire. Assuming her grandson was the same, and if he ran the newspaper, he probably wasn’t struggling financially, right? This job could push me along the path to financial independence that much faster.

Lily let out a gurgling laugh as Latte veered close to the stroller and stuck his furry face inside, tongue flicking everywhere.

Then there was adorable Lily herself, with her sweet giggles and her eager expression. God, she was so tiny. Would I be able to manage taking care of her?

“Not a babysitter per se. My grandson works a lot of hours. He needs a lot more help than just the occasional shift here or there.” Bess pushed her sunglasses on top of her head and rolled her dark, perfectly made-up eyes. “Even if he doesn’t know it yet.”