Confessions from a Naughty Nanny Read online

  “Okay, just tell me,” I say.

  “There’s nothing to tell. Denver worries too much.” Cleo smiles, but I’ve been around her enough to know it’s not one hundred percent genuine. “But Maverick will love Phoenix. She’s fun… really fun. Always lots of fun.” Cleo’s toothy grin is still hiding something.

  “I figure if she can handle the three kids she’s watching now, then Maverick should be easy. To keep her busy, I figured she could do some housekeeping and maybe cook some meals.”

  Denver rolls his eyes and a guttural sound erupts out of him. Cleo stares at me as if she didn’t hear anything.

  I let it go. I need a nanny, and I’ll prove to Denver that I can keep my hands to myself. In the end, he won’t have to worry about anything. Once he sees things will be fine, he’ll be good with the arrangement.

  “Would she be moving in with you?” Cleo asks.

  Another sound leaks out of Denver’s mouth.

  “Yeah. Once the house is done enough to move into. Easier for me since I’ll be working on the house. Plus, no sense in her driving home too late just to come back in the morning.”

  “Makes sense. She’s been staying with me and Denver, so…”

  She looks at Denver with an expression that says ’now we’ll be able to do whatever, whenever.’ He rolls his eyes.

  “I’m sorry, man, I don’t want this to affect our friendship,” I say.

  Denver shakes his head. “It’s okay. It won’t.”

  His words are cold and curt though, and I feel like a jackass for blindsiding him about this. Does he really think I can’t keep my dick in my pants?

  “You can trust me with her,” I say and lock eyes with him.

  He nods.

  Cleo pats my hand. “We know that. We just hope… that it works out.” Her speaking for both of them says it’s time to go and let Denver process the information.

  “Okay, I should go. I have to go school shopping.”

  Cleo and Denver both stand.

  “Don’t worry. I’d never piss off the man who saved my life.” I hold out my hand, and Denver puts his in mine. Maybe I’m imagining his grip is a little firmer this time around.

  “Let me know if she causes any problems,” Denver says. “I’ll handle her if need be.”

  “Problems?” I ask.

  Cleo giggles. “There’s that overprotective brother thing again.” She slaps his stomach. “They’re both adults, babe.”

  He says nothing, and I hug Cleo then Nancy before leading Maverick out of Lifetime Adventures. I hate that Denver’s not cool with this. First I move to his town, and now I steal his sister to work for me. Maybe I’m taking too much from him.

  He’ll see though. Having Phoenix work for me will work out beautifully.

  Five

  Phoenix

  I eat a taco while bingeing New Girl on Netflix. Hey, I deserve it after watching Rome’s kids for the past five days. He and Harley returned last night with wide grins and matching wedding bands. I’m happy that they finally found time to sneak away and tie the knot, but I was ready to be done with babysitting duty.

  My phone rings and Denver’s name lights up the screen.

  It was only a matter of time, but I’m not in the mood for his lecture, so I let it go to voicemail. Five minutes later, he calls again, but I still don’t answer. Ten minutes later, it’s the same thing. After twenty minutes, the front door opens, and I cringe.

  Should’ve answered the phone.

  “Phoenix!” Denver yells.

  “Can we please talk about this rationally?” Cleo is right behind him.

  I press Pause on my show.

  His feet stop at the edge of the hallway. “Too busy to answer the phone?” His gaze shoots to the television.

  “I don’t wanna hear it. I’m twenty-two. I can do what I want. Plus, I just watched Rome’s kids for five days, so I am qualified.” I ball up my taco wrapper and sip my water.

  “You’re lying to Griffin, and now you’ve put me in a shit position.” He runs his hands through his hair, pacing in front of the television, blocking any chance of me seeing the show.

  “Let’s just talk,” Cleo says, rounding the couch and sitting down. Her gaze holds a silent reproach I think is aimed at both of us.

  “Talk? If she was Kingston, Rome, or Austin, I’d have her pinned to the ground by now. Shit, Phoenix, what are you thinking?”

  He’s way too emotional about this, and I look at Cleo, silently asking her what exactly his problem is.

  “Listen.” I cross my legs on the chair. “It was a coincidence. I wasn’t expecting to run into him. I had the kids with me, and he approached me.”

  Denver stops and drills me with a hard gaze. “You honestly expect me to believe that?”

  I look at Cleo again. “It’s true. I’ll admit to maybe trying to run into him because you wouldn’t do me a solid and introduce me, but that didn’t end up happening. Are you embarrassed of me or something?”

  He groans, and his vision shifts to Cleo. I have to admit I love that he looks to her for answers. It’s kind of cute. I’d mention it if he wasn’t already pissed at me.

  “I’m not embarrassed, but if you kept up with the industry, you know he’s out. He’s left the business. You trying to get him to hear you sing—”

  I put up my hand to stop him. “I know. He told me he left, which is such bullshit because he’s so talented. That asswipe who wrote that article has no idea what he’s talking about. Griffin didn’t sell out, he became successful and artists came to him. He helped them find their own sound, whatever it is.”

  Denver and Cleo remain silent, staring at me.

  “What?”

  Denver shakes his head, staring at the floor. “He’s my friend, and you’re not some hot commodity in Lake Starlight even if that is what G’ma D told him.” He looks up. “Yeah, he told me. So she’s in on this scheme too?”

  I hold up my hands. “I never asked her to be. I’m being completely honest when I say it really was a coincidence. And I believe in signs. Just like with you and Cleo.”

  “What?” The anger spout opens up again. “Why on Earth would you compare you and Griffin to me and Cleo? Tell me you aren’t going to try to sleep with him.” He falls on the couch and Cleo taps his leg.

  “I’m sure she’s not. Right, Phoenix? I mean he’s older, a father…” She widens her eyes for me to reassure my brother with the words he desperately wants to hear.

  I could add to Cleo’s statement that Griffin’s also hot as hell and sex on a stick. He’s the type of man that you know if you allowed yourself just one kiss, you’d be ruined. But that’s not why I want the job.

  “Listen.” I sit up straighter. “I don’t want to fuck him.”

  Denver groans, pressing the heels of his hands into his eye sockets.

  “You’re right, I wanted to get him to hear me sing, work his connections, get his opinion. But when he told me he was out of the business, I detoured from the original plan.”

  “And what is your new plan?” Denver asks.

  “He’s paying me good money. I suck at everything else.”

  Cleo pats my arm. “You don’t.”

  “I do, but thanks. Grandma fired me. Rome fired me from the hostess gig. I’m not a waitress, a librarian, an assistant, or a store clerk. I’m a singer, and I know deep down in my bones that’s what I’m supposed to do with my life.”

  Cleo smiles and side-glances Denver, who now sits up with his head in his hands.

  “I can work with an eight-year-old. Hell, we probably have the same mind-set. This is something I can do, and Griffin is going to pay me extremely well. I can save money and then go back to LA to pursue my dream.”

  Cleo runs her hand over my forearm. I’m not sure if it’s because we’ve lived with one another for over a year now or if it would have always been this way, but without Sedona here, Cleo is my closest friend. We click, and she doesn’t have the “Phoenix is such a disappointment” m
entality.

  “I promise, Denver, I won’t ruin this friendship for you. I’ll do my job and keep out of his way. Come the end of the summer, I’ll put in my notice and he can find the next nanny for his son. It’ll be like I was never there.”

  He looks up and nods. “No sleeping with him.”

  I roll my eyes. “Those who screw their co-workers shouldn’t cast stones at others.”

  Cleo laughs and Denver bolts to his feet.

  I grab his wrist before he can flee the room. “I’m kidding. Come on. Griffin Thorne would not be interested in a twenty-two-year-old misfit. You’re worrying over nothing.”

  He nods, and I release him. “Let’s go, Cleo, we have to get back to the office.”

  She stands and holds her arms open for me. I climb out of the chair and she hugs me fiercely. “You’re growing up so fast.” She pretends to sniffle. “Seriously though, please refrain from becoming the cliché nanny who slept with her boss. I’m not sure your brother would ever recover.”

  I laugh and she does too.

  “He’s super hot though, right?” I say just to needle my brother.

  “He’s also in his thirties and has established his life. But yeah, he’s hot.” She giggles.

  I nod and say nothing else. I’m not looking to sleep with Griffin Thorne. I strictly want his money.

  “Cleo!” Denver yells.

  She draws back and shakes her head at him. “Calm down before you give yourself an aneurism. My God, it’s not like Griffin is your best friend.”

  “Yeah, my best friend already fucked my other sister and now they’re living together.”

  Cleo covers her mouth and laughs. “Shit, you might be oh for two soon.”

  He fists his hands at his sides. “Not making it any better, babe.”

  “You’re overreacting,” I say.

  He shakes his head and spins on his heel. “I am not.”

  “Are to.”

  “Okay, kids, let’s stop fighting,” Cleo says and follows Denver out of the room.

  A second later, the door shuts and I sulk down into my chair. I told Denver the truth, but what I failed to tell him was that it’s not inconceivable that Griffin would have some music friends over at some point. If I happen to be introduced to them and they ask me to play karaoke or something… just saying.

  My phone dings before I have a chance to unpause the TV.

  Griffin: Want to meet for dinner at Glacier Point to talk over logistics?

  Me: Sure.

  Griffin: Perfect. Six o’clock okay? I know it’s early, but Maverick has testing tomorrow.

  Oh yeah, of course Maverick would be there. It’s not like this is a date or anything.

  Me: That works. See you then.

  I set down my phone and inhale a deep breath, placing my hand over my stomach. It’s going to have to stop with the butterflies every time I interact with Griffin. We’re on a mission, and no matter what Denver thinks, it’s not to get laid. At least not until after I quit. A farewell fuck wouldn’t hurt anyone.

  Six

  Phoenix

  I pair my jeans and T-shirt with a leather jacket and a pretty kickass pair of boots I stole from Sedona the last time she was home. She’s got all the good shopping in New York.

  “Hey, Mac,” I say, walking past the bellhop at Glacier Point Resort.

  “Phoenix. Looking good as always.” He eats me up with his eyes. Mac was always a flirt.

  “Thanks. I love the little hat.”

  He touches his head as though he forgot he was wearing it and his smile dims a bit.

  I’m so busy looking over my shoulder and laughing that I run into a hard chest. When I look up, it’s my brother-in-law.

  “Phoenix,” he says with his arms crossed.

  “Wyatt,” I mimic his brooding tone.

  “What brings you to my hotel?”

  “You need to update the bellhop uniform. Mac looks like he could be one of those dancing bears with the cymbals.”

  Wyatt glances over my shoulder. “You might have a point. But again, what brings you here?”

  I pat his shoulder. “Oh, don’t worry. I have a dinner date.”

  “With who?”

  I lean forward as if we’re in LA and the people around here would actually swarm Griffin if they knew who he was. “Griffin Thorne,” I whisper.

  “You know I can’t let you through. Denver gave me strict instructions that you aren’t to be in contact with him.” He stands there like a bodyguard. Wyatt might be the size of a bouncer, but he’s a gentle giant.

  “Griffin’s expecting me.”

  He arches an eyebrow.

  “I swear. I’m his new nanny.”

  He chuckles, but when I don’t laugh, he stops. His smirk says he might be impressed. “You scored the nanny position?”

  “What? Did Denver have some secret meeting with all the guys in the family to keep me away from Griffin?”

  “Just me, because he knew Griffin was a guest here. I agree with him though. I don’t want my guests uncomfortable. Especially one who could refer wealthy guests to my hotel.”

  I pat his shoulder again. “No worries then. Like I said, I was invited to dinner by the man himself.”

  He looks me over. “Okay, but I’ll be watching. Brooklyn’s coming by to have dinner with me.”

  “Great.” I force a smile knowing Brooklyn will interject herself into the dinner with Griffin now too. “Maybe a private dinner in one of the suites is what you guys need.”

  He shakes his head. But hopefully he’s thinking I’m a brilliant sister-in-law and is now piecing together a plan to get my sister into bed somewhere far away from where I’ll be.

  “Be careful, Phoenix.” He steps to the side, letting me through. I could’ve gone around him, but we’ll pretend he’s a big, bad brother-in-law.

  I walk backward away from him. “What’s fun about being careful?”

  My smug look strips away when I run into another solid chest. I’d bet money it’s my dinner companion because that is just my luck.

  Wyatt laughs, and his perfectly arched eyebrows shoot up. I bite my lip and he nods like “yep, it’s Griffin.” Then he spins on his heel and heads to the office, laughing the entire way.

  I turn around to find Griffin. His hair is pulled back tonight, and it looks good, but I really wish it was down. I love it down. But with it pulled back, I see the strong jawline he hides under his long strands. His eyes are lit with humor, not annoyance, which is a good sign.

  “You should watch where you’re going. You could have toppled me over,” he says.

  I laugh. No way in hell could I do that. “It’s probably safe to say that you put a gym in that new house of yours.”

  “How’d you guess?”

  Because I felt your abs through your leather jacket, so I know working out must be high on your priority list. “Just an inkling.”

  “Do you work out?” he asks innocently.

  There are so many spins I could put on my response, but I do love my brother, so I’ll play nice. “Sometimes, but I don’t enjoy it.”

  He nods. “I think the majority of people don’t enjoy their workouts.”

  Is he purposely trying to goad me into saying something crass? Because there are definitely certain workouts people enjoy immensely.

  “True enough,” I say instead.

  “Maverick is at the table.” He motions for me to go in front of him.

  I do, hoping like hell he’s staring at my ass. Crap, less than five minutes in his presence and I want him ogling my body. Not a good sign. Not at all.

  “Hey, Mav,” I say, sliding into the booth. He’s already got a plate of mac and cheese with a side French fries in front of him.

  “Maverick,” he mutters.

  “So no to Mav then?” I wiggle to get my jacket off.

  “No.”

  Griffin grabs the edge of my sleeve, and I look over my shoulder in surprise to find him helping me. He’s a gentleman too.<
br />
  “Thanks,” I say.

  “Of course.” He folds himself into the booth across from me and eyes Maverick’s plate, which sits mostly untouched.

  “Do you play sports?” I ask Maverick, since diverting my attention to him stops me from obsessing over Griffin’s beard and wondering what it would feel like going down my stomach. A surge of electricity bolts down my body right between my legs.

  “No.”

  “What do you like to do?”

  He holds up his phone. “Play games.”

  “He likes those role-playing games,” Griffin says, and the waitress comes over.

  “Phoenix.” She touches my shoulder.

  “Hey Molly, how’s Katie?”

  “She’s good. Thanks for asking. What can I get you?”

  I look across the table and see a beer in front of Griffin and a Coke in front of Maverick. I probably shouldn’t drink alcohol. Wine would be a bad idea. “I’ll have, um… a kiddie cocktail.”

  Molly starts to write it down but stops and looks at me. “Kiddie cocktail?” Her expression asks what the hell is wrong with me.

  I shake my head, laughing. “Sorry, no. I was thinking Maverick might want one.”

  “I’m not five,” he sneers.

  “Maverick,” Griffin bites out his name with zero patience.

  “Sorry. Um… I’ll have iced tea.”

  “Sweetener?” Molly asks.

  I want to tell her to get me whatever. I’ll drink whatever she thinks is appropriate because my mind is focused on the fact that Griffin’s leg is pressed against mine under the table. I’m definitely talking to Wyatt about how small his booths are. “Sure, that’d be great.”

  “I’ll be right back,” she says and leaves the table.

  Griffin leans forward and his leg disappears from mine under the table. “You know you can get a cocktail, right? And not a kiddie one.”

  Maverick peers up from his phone, watching our exchange.

  “Oh no. I’m not a big drinker.”

  He leans back and sips his beer. “I just didn’t want you to think you had to pretend because I hired you as my nanny—I mean, Maverick’s nanny. You’re not mine. Obviously.”