“Nope.”
“Fuck.” He finished buttoning the shirt, tucked it in and fastened his belt. “Dude, I told you what I’m looking for, and she’s not it.”
“You barely even met her.”
“I don’t need to, I can already see she’s way too young and way too pretty. She’s also not local—her eyes are as blue as the damn ocean. This job is already boring as hell. You and the guys don’t need a woman like that around to distract you.”
Decker sighed. “Boss, all due respect, I’m going to quit if you don’t hire a nanny already.”
“I thought I fired you last week.”
Decker’s eyes flashed with humor, but he didn’t crack a smile. The only person on this property that could make Decker smile was Mirabella. “You’ve gone through two dozen interviews. You know the guys love Bella to death, but we can’t keep up with our own training regimen, not to mention maintenance on the property, with that little imp underfoot. ‘Decker, up!’” He imitated Bella’s voice, which was hilarious coming from this warrior. “‘Decker, read me.’ ‘Decker, I hungry.’ The surveillance software needs to be updated, and there are still two cameras out on the perimeter. It’s a little tough to concentrate with Bella begging me to color with her.”
Austin exhaled a dramatic sigh. “It’s so hard to be loved.”
“Just give this woman a chance, please.”
“I don’t exactly have a choice, seeing as she’s still here.” He took her résumé but didn’t look at it. “Where is she from?”
“She’s American, but she’s been traveling since she was a kid.”
“You know I don’t want an American.”
“I’ve vetted her inside and out. Called every reference dating back ten years. She has no ties to the Seavers. I don’t see any obvious weak points for exploitation. Of course, everyone can be bought, but her integrity is impeccable. She’d be a great role model for Bella. She’s sweet, strong, smart, and she’s got spunk.”
She was also sexy. He hadn’t missed the way her dress fitted to beautiful curves. Her bare arms, shoulders, and le
gs were tanned and toned. Her dark hair had been tied into one long braid and pulled forward over her shoulder. And those eyes, big, bright, and vivid blue. She would be a wicked distraction for every male on the property.
“I’ll talk to her,” he told Decker. “But don’t expect her to stay. Line up the next candidate. Preferably a woman over sixty.” Austin started toward his office. “I can feel you rolling your eyes, buddy.”
Decker, ever respectful, didn’t bite back, but Austin appreciated the man’s frustration. Valentina, Bella’s previous nanny, had been gone a month, and they were all feeling the strain of keeping up with their duties while everyone pitched in to care for Bella. It wasn’t an ideal situation for his daughter either. She needed more time and attention than most children her age.
He entered the office and found… He glanced at the résumé. Everly. Everly Callaway. Miss Everly Callaway had her back to him, her gaze skimming his floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Against his will, Austin’s gaze slid down her body.
“Someone likes to read.” Her murmur trickled down his spine. Her voice was smooth and soft, with a sexy, languid quality. Some women had bedroom eyes, Everly Callaway had a bedroom voice.
“Where are you from, Ms. Callaway?” He sat behind his desk, dropped her résumé there, and grabbed a pen to take notes. He scanned her job history to keep his eyes off her backside.
“All over.”
When she faced him, Austin gestured to a chair across from the desk. “Have a seat.”
She took her time getting there. He wasn’t sure if her movements were calculatingly sensual or if she naturally prowled like a jaguar, but either way, Austin’s caged libido growled in response.
“I understand you’re American.”
“Born American,” she said, sliding into the office chair and crossing her legs. “But I’ve spent less time in the United States than I have in other countries.”
“Why so much travel?” He looked up, searching her pretty face for tells or nervous tics, but Everly gazed back at him relaxed and focused. She had a high-frequency energy, as if she revved on high beneath the calm exterior. And she had the most electric-blue eyes he’d ever seen.
“My mother was a nurse. After my dad passed away, she found solace in helping others. We traveled all over the world, providing medical care to those less fortunate and living in the villages of the people we cared for.”
“I understand she passed away recently.”
“Six months ago. Cancer.”
“I’m sorry.” He leaned back in his chair and assessed her. She was easy and comfortable. Pleasant enough. Just too damned attractive for her own good. Or his.