Tyler sighed, looking at the young woman. “I’m sorry. He’s a grumpy bastard at the best of times. And honestly, he’s never needed, or had, anyone to take care of him. He’ll come around.” He gave her a small smile.
Devon jumped out from where he was, “Wait, I wanted to play!” Tears shone in his eyes, “Don’t go anywhere!” He ran down the hall, knocking on the door frantically.
Tyler chuckled, “Devon really seems to like you though.”
She smiled, looking over Tyler. He was a very good-looking man. Broad shoulders and a lean waist, his teeth were bright white and straight, he had a bit of a cleft chin, his hair was long, blond and wavy. His eyes were emerald-green too. Though he seemed a little too serious for her. “I like him too. It’s sad that he seems so lonely.”
“Yeah. Bram works a lot. I know he loves the kid, but he doesn’t really know how to be a dad. He’s doing the best he can. Come on, why don’t I walk you back down to my apartment. I usually stay above the bar anyway, so feel free to stay there if you’d like. He really does need a nanny, and I’m going to talk to him more about you. I really think you’re exactly what they need.” Tyler smiled at her, and her heart raced a little.
“What about Devon?”
“Not even he is going to be able to get Bram to change his mind. I don’t know what his problem is, but he’ll get over it, just not this moment.”
Just as Izabella sat on the bench near the door, Devon reappeared, “Dad said you can stay for a little while and play! Please don’t go…” as he grabbed her hand, she looked up Tyler.
“Wow, I’m surprised. You sure your dad said it was okay?” His brow kicked up questioningly.
Devon looked at him angrily, “I wouldn’t lie, ya know.”
Izabella giggled, placing her shoes back down. “Alrighty, kiddo, lets go play.”
“Wait,” Tyler dug in his pocket, “here’s a key to my place. Make yourself at home. Good luck, and don’t let him scare you. If he gets cranky, just head down and leave him to me.” He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. “Here’s my number if you need it. Don’t hesitate to give me a call. I’m heading over to the bar. I’ll be back later to check in before it gets busy for the night.”
“Thanks for everything, Tyler. I really appreciate it.”
***
Bram was half asleep in his bed a few hours later. He didn’t regret letting the girl stay. Devon had been quiet all day. He would have been all over Bram if she hadn’t been here. Not that he would have minded too much, but this made recuperating a bit easier. With the other nannies, he likely would have heard them arguing by now. There was a gentle knock on the door, barely audible. He guessed it was her.
“Come in.” He said, sitting himself up.
“I’m sorry to bother you. I was just wanted to check in. Let you know that Devon’s hungry. I have no problem making some food for him if you would like. I can make you something too, if you’re hungry.” She only cracked the door, tucking her head in, but didn’t enter the room. He could see her eyes wandering around the room though. “You really like red and black, don’t you?”
“I’m color blind. Red is the only color I can see, and it helps when it’s paired with black.” Why the hell did he tell her that?
“Oh.” That caught her attention, pulling her eyes to him finally. He wondered if she would look at him more if he put a shirt on. Her eyes were a light green and carried a shine in them, almost like a hidden smile. “That actually makes a lot of sense then.”
“If it is easier, we can order something. You don’t have to cook. I have no idea what’s in the pantry.” She fidgeted behind the door a moment, as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He stood up, stretching, and started for the other side of the room where his closet was.
“I really don’t mind. But I’ll ask Devon what he would like to do.” She said, clicking the door closed. He frowned at it. He wondered if he scared her. Hell, he thought pressing his hand through his hair, I should scare her. He went into the closet, pulling out a t-shirt. He felt bad for earlier. Not that he really cared if she was flustered when she saw his chest. He kinda liked it.
As he made his way into the kitchen, there was soft music playing in the background. The girl and Devon were dancing in the kitchen and the counter was a mess. He folded his arms, leaning against the far wall, watching them. He hadn’t seen a smile like that on Devon’s face in nearly a year. He was sliding over the floor in his socks, and her feet were bare. She twirled, her skirt hugging her legs then pulled away bouncing with her rhythm. “You’ve gotten pretty far in the two minutes since you asked.” He said after watching them for a bit.
The girl stumbled a little, gasping. Her hands flew up to her face and she beaked herself in the nose. “Oh!” She flapped her hands a little, “Shoot, that hurt! I’m such a clutz.” Bram had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.
Taking a few steps into the room, he decided not to embarrass her. But only because he knew he was a jerk earlier and didn’t want to do that again. “So, you were halfway through making something and then suddenly realized you should have asked.” He leaned on an empty space on the counter, resting his chin in his palm. His eyes trained on her.
“I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to.” Her eyes widened and she looked worried. “We were just—”
Bram held up a hand, stopping her. “It’s fine. You guys were having fun and staying quiet so I could rest. I really appreciate that actually.” A new smell caught his attention. Gooseflesh sprouted all over his arms, and he could feel his hair standing on end.
Izabella’s hand went to her nose and touched it gently. “Oh, I’m bleeding.” He didn’t miss the terrified look Devon shot at him, his large blue eyes watching him. “Anyway,” She said, turning toward where a box of tissues sat, “Thank you for that. I’m really sorry I didn’t ask when we started, but as soon as I remembered I rushed in.”
Bram was now standing ramrod straight. His hands clenched on the counter so hard, his knuckles had turned white. His eyes followed her every move.