Page 6 of Blue Sky

“Yes, sir. I understand completely. I won’t bother you at all. If I’m given this job, I will just be so grateful for the opportunity.”

Sawyer opened the door. “Beck, the line is getting anxious.”

“Give me a minute.” I turned back to Paloma. “Would you like to meet my daughter?”

“I’d love to.”

I opened the door to the bedroom where, despite the noise, little Sky was still sleeping contently. I carefully watched Paloma. Her face lit up when she saw Sky. I didn’t sense anything fake about Paloma’s smile.

“She’s so precious.” Paloma whispered, and she knelt down by the crib.

I stood back for a moment to watch Paloma. She kept her gaze on my daughter and didn’t even seem to notice that I was still in the room.

And I had no more doubts. Deep in my soul I knew that Paloma was the woman who was meant to be my nanny.

I motioned her to leave the room and grabbed my phone to text Sawyer.

Send them home.

“Paloma, thanks for meeting with me. I’d like to offer you the position contingent on checking your references.”

Paloma stood in front of me, her chin quivering as tears welled in her eyes. “You mean it, sir? Of all these applicants, you chose me? I’ve never had any luck in my life.”

“Yes. I choose you. And it isn’t about luck. We are both in the position to help each other. I will still call your references, and I will run a background check, but if everything checks out, you will start in two days. Will everything check out? No convictions? Nothing I should know about? Tell me now so you don’t waste my time.”

“No, sir, none. I have lived my life honorably and honestly. I have never done any drugs, never been drunk. I’m determined to make something of myself. I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity.”

“No. Thank you. I have your number, and I’ll call you tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for the enchiladas. They were delicious.”

Before I could stop her, Paloma flung her arms around my neck. My breath hitched; I hadn’t been this close to a woman since my wife died, and I didn’t have any desire to cross this line with my nanny. Even so, heat rose in my body and I imagined slamming her against the wall and fucking her. Instead, I hugged her back, enjoying the warmth of her tight little body before she pulled back fast.

She averted her eyes and her cheeks blushed. “I’m so sorry, sir. I know that was inappropriate, but I’m just so happy. It won’t happen again. This is the best day of my life. Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.”

My mouth became moist and I fought the urge to kiss her. Then I read myself the riot act.

Don’t fuck the nanny.

I had to break the awkward silence. “Wait. Take the rest of the enchiladas. They were delicious.”

“Thank you, sir.”

And with that, the beautiful Paloma Pérez walked out of my hotel room, leaving me with my lone enchilada. Tonight, I had my first home-cooked meal in years, since Catherine never really cooked. I cracked open a Corona, cut a lime wedge, and pushed it inside the bottle. One sip and my nerves relaxed. Another bite of the gooey enchiladas and warmth filled my soul.

I knew Catherine was looking down on me.