Carson - July
“Two on you! Fuck, I’m getting pushed. I’m dead!”
My noise-canceling headphones are removed from my head, and I peek up from my spot on the couch to find my twin sister’s stern look bearing down on me.
“Carse, can you help me pick up real quick before she arrives?” McKenna asks.
I answer her with a question of my own, “Before who arrives?”
“You haven’t been listening to a word I’ve said, have you?” she huffs, crossing her arms. “The nanny I’m interviewing to help watch Cadence a few days a week.”
“Wait, you’re hiring a nanny? Is she hot?”
She uncrosses her arms and places her hands on her hips, scoffing at me. “Seriously? No. Nope. You’re not messing this up for Cades and me. I need someone I can trust to take good care of my daughter and not bone my brother!”
“I mean, multitasking is a great skill to have on a resume—definitely comes in handy while nannying.”
“You’re incorrigible. I wonder why you’re still single . . .”
“Coming from my very single twin sister.” I flash her a sassy smirk.
Mack rolls her eyes. “Can you just help me? Quickly. She will be here any minute. Just pick up the wrappers from the coffee table and fold the blankets on the couch. I’ll do a quick sweep of the kitchen.”
I’m just taking the garbage out to the garage when the doorbell rings. Mack answers the door, and a woman’s voice floats through.
“Sorry, we can just sit on the barstools. We just moved in, so not all of the furniture has been unpacked yet,” my sister explains.
“Oh, that’s okay. I don’t mind,” a woman responds in a melodic voice—she sounds kind.
I tune them out as I gather a few snacks from the butler’s pantry. It’s the off-season, but I’ll report to my first training camp with the Wolverines in a few weeks. Even though I try to stick to my nutrition plan throughout the year, I feel like treating myself today.
Original Pringles, check. Beef jerky, check. And . . . puff corn, check. Alright, that’s good.
I round the corner out of the pantry to grab a Gatorade when my eyes land on the new nanny, or at least who I hope will be the new nanny.
My heart sinks to my feet at the sight of the woman before me. Her dark brown hair is parted in the middle and flows down to her mid-back in soft waves. She has a timeless look—a distinct jawline and high cheekbones frame her plush lips and button nose.
“Right, I have to apologize in advance. I’m a bit rusty when it comes to interviewing,” the beauty in front of me informs Mack. She even has the perfect voice, soft, but there’s a hint of an accent—perhaps a Southern twang.
“That’s okay. I’ve never conducted an interview before. Think of it as a chance to get to know one another,” Mack reassures her.
“Well, I graduated from college a couple of years ago with a degree in English. I’ve always loved working with kids of all ages. I babysat my younger cousins from the time I was twelve until I moved away for college,” she pauses.
So, she’s not only drop-dead gorgeous, but also intelligent and loves kids. This is the moment I’ll remember when I think of how I met the woman of my dreams.
“When it comes down to it, I’m looking for something to do while I decide what to do next with my degree.”
Just then, the two women turn their heads and notice me staring. Dream Girl has the most captivating emerald eyes framed by dark, long eyelashes and full, shapely brows, and I’m momentarily entranced. I blink out of it, flashing them my signature easygoing smile.
“Oh, hello! I’m Dakota. I’m here to interview for the nannying position.” My eyes widen and my heart pounds when she smiles my way. She has a one-of-a-kind smile; it reminds me of Julia Roberts, the way it lights up her entire face.
Setting my snacks on the island, I cross my arms and lean against the edge of the counter.
Dakota. My dream girl has a name, and it’s as beautiful as she is.
“You must be Mr. Wilder,” she continues, holding out her hand for me to shake.
Why does hearing her call me Mr. Wilder make my dick twitch? I like it far too much.
