There with You (Adair Family 2)

Their father’s eyes traveled back up my body from my feet to my face. “Regan—”

“Before you say no again, let me email you my references. I am an exceptional nanny with impressive experience. I used to nanny for the mayor of Providence and his wife.”

Thane drew in a breath. “Regan—”

“Lewis actually talks to me, and Arro says that’s unusual for him. And I’m pretty sure Eilidh and I are twins born nineteen years apart. Though”—I gestured to whatever was happening with my hair—“I need to give her some styling lessons for sure.”

His lips twitched. “Regan—”

“I would never do anything to hurt them,” I said in all seriousness. “They need someone. You need help. I’m offering it, and you can trust that the offer comes from a good place.”

“Not an entirely altruistic place, though.”

I shrugged. “I’ve never lied about needing a job. But this wouldn’t feel like a job. Except for the cooking and cleaning part, of course. But the kid part, no. They’re wonderful kids.”

“On their good days.”

“All kids have ups and downs. I know it’s difficult.” I took a step toward him and hated how he seemed to tense warily. “I nannied for this one little boy whose parents treated him as if he were a social accessory. Trotted him out to display to their friends and then had the nanny trot him back out of sight again when he wasn’t required. Which was most of the time. I’ve never met a child with bigger trust issues, and being a nanny to a kid who doesn’t trust you or anyone is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. Almost as difficult as stemming the urge to berate his parents for neglect … but that’s another story.

“My point is … Eilidh and Lewis are loved, and it shows. They’re good kids who will have tantrums on days they’re tired or hungry or frustrated and not sure why. That’s kids. I know that. I’m prepared for it. Besides, Robyn is their aunt now. If you want reassurance I’ll take this job seriously, you have it, because I won’t do anything else to hurt my sister or the people she cares about. I’m a much better solution to your problem than some nanny who’s only here to cash her paycheck.”

Thane studied me so long after my little speech, I squirmed.

Finally, he replied, “First, let me talk to Robyn. I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but if offering you a job is a problem for her, then I can’t do it.”

As much as I understood and was grateful he was looking out for Robyn, I couldn’t help but experience a niggle of hurt at the very idea my sister would stand in my way. I didn’t let it show. Instead, I nodded. “I get it.”

His expression softened. “Good. Now I’m sure your sister is looking for you.” His eyes flickered to my hair, his mirth obvious. “And you best sort that,” he said, gesturing to my head, “before it stays like that permanently.”

I patted my head, suddenly dreading looking in a mirror.

6

Regan

Perhaps today was the wrong day to start MMA training with my sister. As we stood in the studio on the Ardnoch Estate grounds with Robyn’s friend Eredine, I attempted to act normal. Like I wasn’t still reeling from the conversation I’d overheard last night.

The previous evening, I’d been in my room reading a romantic suspense e-book when I heard the murmur of a familiar voice downstairs. My room was off the stairwell, and I could hear anyone who came into the house.

At the sound of Thane’s voice, my curiosity piqued, so I snuck out of my room and stood at the top of the stairs to eavesdrop. Not very mature of me, I know, but I hoped that he’d come over to ask Robyn about the job. They disappeared into the kitchen, and I tiptoed downstairs to listen out of sight. I had to strain to hear as they spoke in low tones.

When Thane finished explaining my proposition to Robyn and Lachlan, I waited tensely for my sister’s reaction.

Finally, she replied, “What is it you’re asking me?”

“Two things, really. If you think it’s wise to hire Regan to look after Eilidh and Lewis, and if so, would it be an issue for you? I don’t want to make any problems for you, Robyn. For all I know, you want Regan on a flight back to the States.”

I sucked in a breath at the thought, squeezing my eyes closed.

Please don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me.

“I don’t want that,” Robyn replied wearily.

I relaxed, tears burning my eyes.

“I prefer her here where I can keep an eye on her.”

Like I wasn’t a twenty-five-year-old woman but a wild sixteen-year-old up to no good?

Jeez, my sister really was living in the past.