The Daddy Box Set

Gina frowned but didn’t protest.

“Thanks again,” Jess said. “I can show myself out.”

“Bye,” I said for lack of better words. Gina had the right idea. I wanted Jess to stay too. Appearing too eager wasn’t a smart move.

When Jess left, I closed the door behind her.

“I like her,” Gina said, grabbing another pastry. I’d have to have Allison remove those while I was in the meeting so Gina wouldn’t be hopped up on sugar all day.

I smiled. “Me too.”

“Can Jess be my nanny?” Gina asked.

“Do you want her to be your nanny?” I asked.

“Yes! She’s so pretty and nice, and she colored with me.”

I laughed. “Okay, honey. I’ll be right back.”

I threw open the door and stopped at Allison’s desk. “I’ll only be a minute.”

“I’ll get everyone together right now,” she said.

At least she could do that part of her job.

Jess was nearly at the elevator, so I picked up my pace to catch her before she exited the building.

Chapter Six

Jess

As I walked down the hallway toward the elevator, I took my time looking into all the rooms as I passed. It was easy enough since the walls were made of glass so I could peer into the empty meeting rooms. I smiled to myself. I’d made the right decision by coming in this morning. Even though I made a point to skirt the secretary, who was more concerned with flirting than protecting her boss and his adorable daughter. Though I wasn’t a threat at all. And in the short amount of time I’d spent with Gina, I had developed a want to protect her as well. I recalled having similar feelings when I’d first met Ricky.

I hoped the secretary wouldn’t get in too much trouble since it was only half her fault.

Gina’s face popped into my min

d. She was simply adorable, and I hoped that I’d impressed Mr. Stone in the few minutes I’d spent with them. At the very least he could give me a proper interview at another date.

I wouldn’t mind seeing him again soon. He wasn’t anything like the picture I’d had in my head before the interview. He was much younger than I’d thought. Probably thirty-something. He was attractive as hell. His tailored suit didn’t leave much to the imagination. Definitely the athletic type. And I had a thing for five o’clock shadows. I assumed that was more for lack of time than purposeful, but it did the trick. At first, I didn’t notice the resemblance between the two. Gina with her brown hair and brown eyes and him with silky black hair and piercing light green eyes. But the way her mouth moved favored him without a doubt.

I shook off the thoughts. What if he was to become my new boss? In any nanny position, pining after the father was a big no-no.

When I reached the end of the hallway, I pressed the elevator button, and the doors opened straight away. I stepped inside and turned to see a hand pushing against the door.

“Jess,” Mr. Stone said.

I glanced down at my bag. “Did I forget something?” I thought I’d handed him my resume. But maybe I didn’t. I was a little scatter-brained after barging in on him and Gina.

He dug his hands into his pants pockets. “No. I was wondering if you were able to start tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I asked. Was he saying what I thought he was saying? My stomach did a flip-flop.

“Yes,” he said, a little out of breath.

Had he run all the way to the elevator to stop me? I couldn’t help the good feeling that stirred inside of me.

“I can start tomorrow,” I said. “I would love to.”