Page 23 of One Hot Daddy

"No, I said maybe I'd like something vegan this morning.I still eat bacon and ham."

I watch Jennifer navigate this typical Murgatroyd family breakfast debate with impressive skill, neither dismissing Amelia's dietary preferences nor Henry's pancake obsession.She simply nods thoughtfully while plating the remaining eggs.

"How about we plan a weekly menu together?"she suggests."Everyone can pick one breakfast for the week.That way Henry gets his pancakes, Amelia can choose something vegan, and Joshua gets his protein."

"What about me?"Charlotte demands.

"You get to help me plan the balanced meals," Jennifer says with a conspiratorial wink."Someone needs to make sure we're getting proper nutrition."

Charlotte beams at being given such an important responsibility.I'm impressed by how effortlessly Jennifer has turned potential conflict into cooperation.It's a skill I've never quite mastered, usually resorting to bribes or threats when the breakfast debates turn into full-scale warfare.

"That's actually brilliant," I say, earning a quick smile from Jennifer that warms me on the inside.

The morning routine unfolds with surprising smoothness.Jennifer helps Henry find his missing shoe (under the sofa, naturally), reminds Joshua to pack his science project, and even manages to convince Amelia that she looks "perfectly beautiful" without additional coloring.I can't resist watching Jennifer, mesmerized by how she slotted herself into our disordered family dynamic overnight.She hasn't just adapted to it.She's improved it.The children are responding to her in ways they never have with any other caregiver.While we eat at the dining room table, the children discuss what everyone's day might be like.My little monsters might sometimes be a handful, but they never balk at helping clean up after a meal.

Then it's time for Jennifer to drive the kids to school.And that gives me a chance to relax briefly before I get dressed for work.All I do is sit in the armchair with my eyes closed, reveling in the silence.Then I dress quickly, trotting out to my car just as Jennifer returns from the school run.

She parks her car beside mine and gets out.The morning light catches copper highlights that shimmer in her hair, and I'm struck again by how sexy and lovely she is.How did I get so lucky?Hiring someone who looks like a goddess and can actually handle my children?

"How'd the drop-off go?"I ask, rolling down my window.

"Surprisingly calm.Henry made me promise to check on Hulk while he's at school, Charlotte reminded me three times about her soccer practice tomorrow, and Joshua asked if I know anything about hydraulics."She grins."I told him we'd research it together tonight."

Of course she did.Another nanny would have deflected or made empty promises.Jennifer engages with their interests like they actually matter."And Amelia?"

"Well, she asked if mermaids have to go to school in Atlantis.And if so, could she transfer there instead of going to a regular high school."Jennifer's eyes sparkle as she grins, her cheeks dimpling."I told her we'd have to check on the admissions requirements."

I can't squelch my laugh."You're going to fit in perfectly here."

"Certainly hope so."Her expression grows more serious, and I catch the faintest hint of uncertainty in her voice.

There's a moment of charged silence between us, the memory of last night hanging in the air like smoke.I want to say something about it, but not here in the driveway where neighbors might see us talking too intensely.

"I should get to work," I say reluctantly.

"Of course.I'll be here when you get home."Her tone of voice makes me horny.There's nothing overtly suggestive about her words, but the slight breathiness in her voice makes me think she's remembering last night too.

"Have a good day, Fletcher," she says softly, stepping away from my car.

I offer a tight smile and reverse out of the driveway.But I catch her in my rearview mirror, standing there watching me leave.The image burns itself into my brain---Jennifer in her peasant top, the morning sun creating a halo effect around her auburn hair.

The drive to the hotel passes in a blur of conflicted thoughts and emotions.I should regret what happened last night.I should establish clear boundaries between me and the nanny.I absolutely should not be fantasizing about bending her over the kitchen counter while my children are at school.Christ, I shouldn't be thinking about the way her velvety walls wrapped around me, the soft cries she made when I took her nipple into my mouth, and how perfectly our bodies fit together.I haven't felt this deeply connected to anyone for such a long time.

My phone buzzes just as I shut off my car in my assigned space.It's a text from Jennifer:Hulk is safely in his dirt box.Henry forgot his lunchbox---it's in the fridge.Don't worry, I'll take it to school at lunchtime---J.

As I stare at the message longer than necessary, I'm oddly charmed by the way she signed it with only her initial.Something about that simple "J" catches me off guard with its intimacy.It's like a secret between us.

So, I type back:Thank you.You're already better at this than I am.

Her response comes back quickly:Just getting started.;)

The winking emoji makes my pulse accelerate.Is the nanny flirting?Or am I reading too much into a simple text?After last night, every interaction feels loaded with subtext.

I shove my phone into my pocket and head into the hotel, determined to focus on work instead of the gorgeous woman currently reorganizing my life in the most wonderful way possible.The Millbrook Grand's lobby bustles with the usual morning activity.Guests checking out, businesspeople grabbing coffee from our continental breakfast station, and my assistant manager Debbie waving frantically at me from the front desk.

"Mr.Murgatroyd!"she shouts, her voice carrying across the marble floor."Thank goodness you're here.The reunion party for this weekend just called.They want to change the entire menu three days before the event!"

I sigh, pushing thoughts of Jennifer to the back of my mind."Can't stand high school reunions and all the headaches they cause."