When wrong feels so right Page 2

  I turned off the main road and pulled up to a gate as a young security guard glanced at me. “Hi. I am here to see Nathan Jameson.” My voice shook as he checked the monitor after smiling at me.

  “Riley Corning?” He asked as I nodded, pulling out my license as he raised an eyebrow at me. “Go on in. You know where to go from here?”

  “My phone does.” I thanked him and drove through the massive iron gate as it swung open, feeling my nerves kick in. I turned left and then right, gaping at the gorgeous homes as the voice guided me further back into the neighborhood. I looked at the modern house set back on the street, dark and light wood giving it a beachy look. It was massive, and I parked the car and looked past the house to see a sliver of blue water. “Wow. He lives on the water.” I checked my face and made sure that I had my resume with me before walking to the large front porch. I knocked on the door and tried to force all my confidence to the surface as I waited.

  Chapter 2: Nathan

  I headed to the front door, listening to Ella and Carli in the playroom. I’d asked my sister to keep her occupied while I interviewed Riley, assuring her that I’d come get them if I had a good feeling about this one. I hadn’t even invited anyone else for a formal interview and there were a lot of calls. I swung the door open and took in the woman standing on my door. She was gorgeous with curly hair and big green eyes with a sexy, curvy body. Her dress was modest, but I could still see her figure and I forced my eyes to her face. “Miss Corning. Please come in.”

  I watched as she walked in, taking in her toned legs as she looked around the large living room. “Please call me Riley. Your house is beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” I led her to the corner where I told her to have a seat, watching as she settled into a love seat and crossed her legs. “I am looking for a nanny to live here so it would be convenient for everybody involved. I work long hours at the office sometimes and I want my daughter comfortable in her own home.”

  “I understand,” she told me with a bright look in her eyes.

  “The pay will be five thousand a month, including a wing and a vehicle to take Ella out for her activities. I have a personal chef that comes in to cook once a week and a maid so that will not be part of the duties. I want Ella to be the focus here.” I saw the shock cross her face and leaned back as a pink flush covered her face.

  “That’s incredibly… generous.” Her voice was soft, and I smiled.

  “I own my own company, Miss-Riley. I won’t miss it and I want the person that I hire to be motivated to do the job well.” She nodded and licked her full lips as I felt my cock twitch in my pants. I glanced down to make sure that it wasn’t obvious and continued to ask her in depth about her experience with kids. Riley was clearly comfortable with them and her smile was bright as she told me about her nieces. She also had watched a lot of children through school back home in Tennessee and I listened as something settled in my stomach. This girl was mature, and I knew that Ella would love her. I asked about her driving record and she explained that she had no tickets or felonies as she handed me her resume.

  I read it as she spoke, noting that she’d held jobs down for a while when she lived in Tennessee. She did that and managed to watch that many kids and as I took a long look at her. I could see that she was tired. She worked hard now, and I looked at the most recent experience. I knew the bookstore that she worked at though the area was a bit questionable for a woman working at night. I hoped that she had someone walk her to her car. “You are a hard worker, Riley” as she smiled and shrugged.

  “I didn’t want to bother my sister and her family too long, so I found the job and a small apartment. I want to make it on my own. She has enough to worry about.” Her voice was low, and I sensed that she’d struggled in life.

  “Are you? Making it, that is?” I asked her as she looked curiously at me.

  “I’m doing okay,” Riley replied as I nodded and looked down at her resume.

  “I’d like you to meet Ella and see how you two get on. She’s with my sister who is here for a week to help me.” I glanced at her as she nodded with a beaming smile. I excused myself and went to the door of the playroom, observing Carli and Ella playing with some dolls at the table.

  Carli looked over and the curiosity was all over her expressive face. “How is it going?”

  “Good. I’d like her to meet Ella.” My daughter looked up at her name, her bright blue eyes wide as she gazed at me. She got those from me and her honey blonde hair from my former wife. She was beautiful as she jumped up and ran over to me. “Want to meet someone, baby girl?” I glanced at Carli as she stood, sighing as I gestured her forward. “Come on. I know you won’t stay in here.” I lifted Ella into my arms and we all walked into the living room. Riley was looking towards the window and glanced up as Ella’s chatter filled the room. “Riley, this is my daughter Ella and my sister Carli.”

  “It’s nice to meet both of you.” She smiled warmly at Carli and then looked at Ella as I set her down where she clung to my leg. “You are beautiful, Ella.”

  Ella just stared at her as I stroked her hair and Riley continued to talk to her. Before too long, my daughter was walking towards her and then sitting beside her on the couch as Riley smiled at her. Ella never did that, and I gave my sister a look as she winked at me. They got to know each other before Ella led her to the wing that I’d set up for the nanny. It was at the back of the house with a great view of the beach and Ella pulled Riley by the hand into the living room. I’d furnished it with a soft gray couch and love seat when I first got the idea of a nanny after Brenda died. I also furnished the bedroom with a king-sized mattress and dresser set. “This is amazing. I was expecting a room. I think this is bigger than my apartment.” Riley looked around with appreciation before walking over to the window with Ella in her arms. “Look at the water. Do you go down there a lot?” She asked her as my daughter giggled.

  “She’s a natural,” Carli told me softly as I nodded. I thought they were great together, probably better than Brenda had been with Ella. She didn’t want kids, and the pregnancy was a surprise to both of us. I accepted it and she struggled, causing a rift in our marriage. I wasn’t sure we would have made it if the cancer hadn’t changed her world. I frowned as I thought back to the day she died in one of the guest rooms once we called hospice in.

  Riley walked into the bedroom and looked around as I followed slowly. “I furnished it in the beginning of this idea. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. My apartment came furnished.” I could see the hopeful look on her face as she glanced at me. We made our way back to the living room where Carli took Ella to make lunch before her nap, laughing as Ella asked for Riley to come with them. I smiled as I took a seat on the couch and pressed my hands to my black slacks.

  “I would like for you to take this job, Riley. I’ve never seen her take to someone so quickly before.” I blinked for a moment as she grinned. “When can you start?”

  “I… I will talk to my manager at the bookstore tonight. I am already just part-time, so it might not be an issue to leave before two weeks. Thank you, Mr. Jameson. Thank you so much.” Her voice was full of emotion and I nodded at her.

  “Call me Nathan.” I told her as she nodded and bit her lip, glancing around.

  “Does your wife work?” Her voice was low, and I took a deep breath.

  “Ella’s mother died a year ago. Ovarian cancer. I am raising her on my own, hence the reason I am looking for a nanny.” I smiled weakly as her face fell and she looked at the floor for a moment.

  “I’m sorry. That’s a horrible loss.” There was a sincerity in her voice as she stared at me and I nodded.

  “We’re managing. Ella doesn’t have any memories of her, which probably helps.” I frowned as I glanced at Riley. “I don’t mean to sound cold. It’s probably for the best overall. She has people that love her.” Riley nodded and rolled her shoulders.

  “I am so grateful for this, Nathan. I’ll talk to my man
ager tonight, but I can move here as soon as you’re ready. You said that Carli is only here for a short time?” Riley asked as I nodded.

  “I’d appreciate that. We can make it work for the time being until you can be full-time here.” We smiled at each other for a moment. I was relieved that I’d found a good nanny for Ella, but she was one of the most beautiful women than I’d ever laid eyes on.

  “I will call you tomorrow.” Riley told me as we walked to the playroom, so she could say goodbye to Ella. Riley told her that she’d be back soon before Ella hugged her, and I saw the emotion in her eyes. I walked her to the door and watched as she walked to an older model Toyota, waving before she drove out to the street and turned left to leave the neighborhood.

  I watched until she was out of sight and closed the door. I hired a nanny, a good one. The only problem is that I was attracted to her, and I had to push that down. I couldn’t mess things up for Ella.

  Chapter 3: Riley

  I went home to the apartment to change into my general uniform of jeans and a t-shirt boasting the name of the book shop. It was a casual place to work, and I kept my hair up and went to the neighboring coffee shop for a fresh cup before I walked through the door. Maura was working at the counter and I bit my lip as I walked to the storage room where we locked up our purses in small lockers. When I came out, I approached her and smiled as the older woman that owned the store glanced up at me. “Hello, Riley. How are you?”

  “I’m good. Maura. Can we talk before you leave for the night?” I asked as she looked at me with a frown. I hated doing this to her because she gave me a chance when I moved here. Maura kept food on my table despite my having to work the second job to make ends meet.

  “Is everything all right?” Her brown eyes showed concern, and I nodded with a quick smile.

  “It is. I accepted a full-time job as a nanny today. I love working here, Maura, but I need something that pays a bit more. I get a place to live and a great salary at the new job.” Maura knew about my goal to finish school and she smiled before giving me a hug.

  “That’s wonderful, Riley. I know how much you love kids. That sounds perfect for you.” I did the weekly reading for the kids that came in on a regular basis, loving every moment of the job.

  “I will give you two weeks and more if you need it. This is so sudden, and I never expected to get the job.” She chuckled and shook her head.

  “I was going to talk to you today already. My niece is coming from Washington to go to school. It’s my favorite sister’s kid, and I promised her a job. I was going to cut back your hours. I felt so terrible but now I know that you’ll be somewhere better.” Maura smiled in relief and pressed a hand to her chest. “She’ll be here in two days. Can you help me through then?”

  “Oh, of course. My new boss has some help for a few days.” Maura asked who it was, and I looked around quickly.

  “His name is Nathan Jameson, and he has an adorable two-year-old daughter. He owns a graphic design company here in San Diego,” I whispered as she frowned thoughtfully for a second. I wasn’t supposed to out my clients as a nanny, but I trusted Maura.

  “Yes! I have seen him in the magazines. He’s a looker, isn’t he?” She gave me a sharp look as I laughed.

  “Sure. He is. He is also my boss and I won’t cross any boundaries.” I laughed with her as she shook her head.

  “He’s single?” I nodded, and she raised her eyebrows at me. “Maura! Stop it. I need a good job and a future more than I need a man.”

  “You deserve a good man, Riley. Don’t ignore that.” Maura told me as the phone rang. “Excuse me.”

  I busied myself straightening the shelves and ringing customers out as needed. Maura left for the night a couple of hours after I arrived, and I enjoyed the peaceful night as I daydreamed about my new job.

  Ella was beautiful and sweet, and I knew that I could help her to grow up and learn. I could get her ready for school in a few years, assuming the job lasted that long. It seemed like Nathan was being choosy about who watched his daughter. He might need someone long-term, in which time I could finish school and figure out my future. I looked around the store and sighed, knowing how much I loved working here. It just wasn’t going to get me anywhere in the long run. I needed to stay in San Diego for my family, so the nanny job was the best choice for me.

  I picked up towards closing and made up the deposit to put into the locker for Maura. I secured the office and turned the lights off, locking the door behind me as I turned to walk towards my car. A shiny Range Rover was driving by, catching my attention in this casual neighborhood. I frowned and watched as it pulled over to the curb and sat for a moment. I walked to my car across the street and got in to start it, noting that the SUV stayed where it was until I passed.

  That was odd.

  I went home and got inside of my apartment, looking around carefully in the parking lot. I locked the door and flipped the lights on before I walked to the kitchen. I looked around as I dropped the keys down on the cracked black-and-white tiles, knowing that I was moving. I sent my sister a text asking if she was awake since I hadn’t spoken to her since earlier. My cell rang immediately, and I went back to the bedroom to get some PJ pants on, so I could talk comfortable. She was so excited about the job and had to go in the garage, so she could congratulate me with squeals. I told her how I’d more than likely be moving in soon and starting full-time within a few days. We talked about it for an hour before ending the call and I crawled into bed to watch a little TV before bed.

  I’d call Nathan in the morning. I had it off, so I could move in if he wanted me to, or at least pack up the little stuff I had out of boxes to prepare for the move. I thought about his tousled dark hair and ocean blue eyes for a moment and smiled. Nathan was gorgeous and successful. He was probably a dream man for any woman, but I’d never let attraction interfere with my job. He was out of my league to begin with, and it would hurt Ella if she became attached to me. I couldn’t do that much less risk my future.

  I watched the end of a rom com before drifting off to sleep in the light of the TV, thinking about sleeping to the sound of the waves in a matter of days. I woke up around nine and rolled over to look at the clock. I should call Nathan. I rose and walked to the kitchen to make some coffee, looking out of the window as I sipped it. Screw this. I had a new job, and I was nervous about calling my boss-my gorgeous boss. I reached for my phone and found his number before dialing it and sitting at my desk. I listened to one ring, then two, and was finally rewarded with his voice on the third as I grinned. “Good morning, Nathan. This is Riley. How are you today?”

  “Very well, Riley. I trust that you have good news for me?” I shivered at his masculine, whiskey voice as I nodded absently.

  “I do. My boss at the bookstore is hiring her niece and I can be free in two more days for you. When is Carli returning home?” I asked as he said something muffled before coming back.

  “She’s leaving in three. That works out perfect, so you can have a little help while you adjust to the routine.” He paused, and I held my breath for a second. “When would you like to move in?”

  “As soon as you’re ready, I suppose. I need to pack a few things but there really isn’t too much. I won’t fill your house with my junk.” The living space was larger than my apartment, so I wasn’t worried at all. I could make it work.

  “That sounds great. I am at the office for a while, but Carli should be home. I’ll call her and let her know that you’ll be stopping by. We can talk over dinner tonight and set up a schedule with Ella. You can sleep here tonight.” Nathan sounded relieved, and I told him that sounded great. “I’ll add you to the permanent list at the gate and get you a remote to come in. Thank you, Riley. I think this is going to be good.”

  “I do as well. Thank you.” I ended the call and raised my hands to stretch with a huge smile. I finished my coffee and ate a bagel before going to my room to start gathering clothes from my closet. I could load those into the car and
start moving them, coming back later to pack a few things. I smiled as I worked, singing along to the music playing over my phone as I arranged them by type.

  A phone call interrupted the music, and I glanced at the screen, not recognizing the number. I answered it hesitantly, hearing a girl greeting me on the other end. The voice was familiar, but it didn’t click until she told me that it was Carli. They were home, so I could drop by whenever I needed to. I thanked her and told her that I’d be by with some clothes in a little while. She ended the call as I heard Ella on the background, making me laugh as I dropped the phone on the bed and looked around.

  I started carrying the clothes to my car in armfuls before the back was full. I decided to take it slow and headed over with that load, greeting the guard at the gate with a bright smile. I pulled into the driveway and saw the door open, so I grabbed some clothes and hurried towards the house. Carli walked out to get another load, assuring me that Ella was taking a nap. Together, we got the clothes inside in twenty minutes and I looked around the bright room. It was beautiful in here and I knew that I’d be at peace here after I was done for the day. I walked over to the windows to crack them open, breathing in the ocean air as I closed my eyes. I heard a chuckle and looked over at Carli, who was sitting on the bed watching me. I realized how much she looked like her brother and blushed as I made my way to the closet. It was already stocked with an organizer and hangers, and I smiled as I reached for the first shirt in the pile on the bed.