The Single Dad (The Dalton Family #3)(21)

I waved my hand in the air. “See ya, Eve. It was really wonderful to meet you.”

Everly mirrored my wave with her short fingers. “Can you come hiking tomorrow?”

“Awww.” I shrugged. “Probably not, but maybe someday soon.”

Ford had left Everly on the counter and returned from the pantry with a glass canister in his hand. He opened the lid and stuck his finger inside, dabbing what looked like flour onto Everly’s nose. “Are you ready, little lady? We’ve got some stirring and flipping to do.”

He’d already distracted her in such an adoring way, so I turned around and followed Hannah. Before I rounded the corner, cutting off my view of them, I took a quick glance toward the kitchen.

Ford was watching me.

Words didn’t have to be spoken between us, nor did he have to lift his hand and wave.

That was because I could feel his stare throughout my entire body.

His needs.

His wants.

And a heat started to move through my chest and slowly lower.

I gave him a quick smile, one he wouldn’t forget, and I walked out to Hannah’s car.

“Thank you,” I said once we both climbed in. “I know you didn’t sign up for this. I’m happy to take an Uber.”

“It’s no problem at all.” She started the engine. “Just show me the way. I’m really horrible with directions.”

I hadn’t looked at my phone since the bar and pulled it out of my clutch. There were a few texts from Gabby, asking for updates, and an explosion of notifications from every social media site. I’d posted a picture of us before we went out last night, letting the world know I was back in LA, and there were hundreds of reactions.

Instead of reading all the comments, I typed the address of our apartment into Maps, and the app pulled up the directions. I turned up the volume and said, “This’ll take us there much better than I can.”

While waiting for Ford’s gate to open, she tightened her bun and gave me a brief glance. “So … you met Eve.” She winced. “Oops.”

I exhaled loudly. “I know that wasn’t supposed to happen, but I’m glad it went well.”

“I’d say it went well. You should go to school to become a teacher; you’re freaking amazing with kids.”

I laughed. “I am.”

“No?”

“Really, I am. I’ve been an au pair for the last four years, and now—”

She slammed on her brakes halfway through the gate. “Shut up. You’re a nanny?”

I nodded. “I was, yes. That’s why I’ve been all over the world. The family I worked for homeschooled their three kids, and their dad traveled almost every week for his job. He had a private plane and took us with him.”

She began to drive again, moving us onto the main road. “That’s why you looked like such a professional with Eve.”

“I don’t know about that, but I have a lot of experience with children. I understand their needs and what it takes to raise them.” My voice softened when I said, “It’s not easy, being a single parent. I give Ford a lot of credit.”

“He’s so good with her. He has been since the very beginning.”

I wanted so desperately to pick her brain, but I knew how inappropriate that was, so I said, “It sounds like they’re lucky to have each other.”

She was silent for a few moments while listening to the app give the next instruction and then asked, “Now that you’re starting school, will you be working as well or just focusing on classes?”

“Oh, no. I need a job.” I traced my fingers against the glass, staring at the palm trees that lined the street. “I haven’t begun looking for one, but it’s on the agenda along with getting a bed and furniture—I have nothing.” We connected eyes as she slowed for the stop sign. “I have so much to do. I’m what I call a hot mess.”

“I can take one thing off your plate. I have the perfect job for you. You could be Eve’s nanny.”

My hand immediately went to my chest. “Me?”

“If you helped homeschool three children and you’re going to UCLA to become a teacher, there isn’t a person more suited than you.”

“I don’t know …”

“Everly is a doll. I mean, sure, she gets cranky at times and throws fits—all kids do, as we know—but she’s already so smitten with you. Ford is looking for a live-in, so you wouldn’t have to buy furniture. You need a job, and he needs a nanny; it’s a match made in childcare heaven.”

I swallowed, almost choking on my spit. “So … a few things.” I took a deep breath, trying to process this. “I don’t mean to get overly graphic, but I slept with Ford last night, and he mentioned something this morning about going out again.” I paused. “I don’t know if what we have will turn into anything, but it seems like sleeping with the boss isn’t the best way to apply for the job.”

“Listen, I despise my boss. I’m talking, I loathe him in the worst way. I’d much rather be in your shoes than mine, wouldn’t you?”

“Fair enough, but …” My voice faded out as I thought about the opportunity Hannah was suggesting.

Working as a nanny wasn’t something I had even considered when I pondered ways to make money in LA. The truth was, I hadn’t really given the topic much thought at all. With the savings I’d banked over the years, I’d paid for the entire semester up front, and I still had enough to pay my rent for the rest of the year while I figured things out.