18

Prologue

Quinn Mancini. 21. Psychology major. Desperate need of a nanny job to help pay for tuition for junior year.

This was the ad Quinn placed in the school paper nearly two weeks ago. Having gone on at least a dozen interviews, she was running out of options and hope. But this house, a beautiful white panel house with columns in the front to appear older than created, drew her attention more than the others. Beautiful flowers ranging from roses to morning glories welcomed her as she walked on the cement path to the door. Bringing her fingers into a fist, she let out a deep breath as the door came open. A woman who appeared somewhere between a model and an actress appeared with flawless makeup details and not a hair out of place. Giving Quinn a smile, she welcomed her in as she pointed her finger out-saying she would be just a moment; giving her a chance to evaluate her surroundings.

Her eyes instantly connected to a painting of two people seemingly happy with two smaller children beside them. Appearing as the picturesque family, she was drawn into the older man's eyes. Just before reaching out to touch the portrait, the woman returned and Quinn retracted her hand, acting as though she had been swatting at something. With a deep breath, the woman extended her hand and introduced herself.

"Rochelle Olvier. Pardon my rushing of this, but I have a plane to catch so tell me of your experience with being a nanny."

"I babysat from when I was thirteen to eighteen. I know everything from homemade remedies for colds to CPR..."

"I see. Well...you were quiet the surprise to find, one of your age and experience so available...what has you looking to work now?"

"To be honest, I need help with tuition." She paused, collecting herself, as she then continued. "My father passed away and my mother is jumbled with the finances. I don't want her to worry about it and I'm half way through so...I don't want to give up on it. And I love kids."

"Hmmm." Rochelle examined her. "Well...why don't we have you sit down with the kids and then we will see how you interact. If that goes well...and I talk to Hudson and he agrees, then we will get you set up today."

"That would be great!"

"Right this way." Rochelle's heels echoed in the hall as she came to a four seasons room where there were two children who looked to Quinn with a great level of skepticism.

"This is my son, Roderick-he's ten. And his sister, Olivia. She's fourteen" She turned her attention from Quinn and turned it to the kids.

"Now I need you to listen to me. This is Quinn. I have a call to make and when I get back, I want to see you getting along with her- none of your pranks."

Rochelle left Quinn with the kids as she brought her phone to her ear. Quinn sat between the kids as the younger boy instantly ran towards her, showing her the game he was playing on his device. Showing an exaggerated enthusiasm, she showed a pretend interest and shared her knowledge of what she knew of the game before then looking to Olivia.

"What are you up to?"

"Texting my friends." She said coldly.

"What is it that YOU like to do?"

"Let me stop you there...I don't like you. You wear skirts that are better fit for my mom...you wear too much eye makeup and too strong of perfume. In other words...you are trying too hard. I want someone who is technically my slave."

Quinn was surprised with the honesty, and raised a brow as a response. "I'm sure you are. But I am here to make sure that everything runs smooth. I will do everything in my power to accommodate you both." She shifted her gaze to Roderick. "But I still have to do what is right by you both."

"Ugh...you are so boring."

"What is it that I can do so you do not see me in such a way?"

"Leave."

"That isn't going to happen. I need this job, Olivia. And either you are going to help me, here...or have to be introduced to at least half an army of nannies until you find one good enough. And I can promise, you will not find anyone as vivacious or passionate about this job than me."

By this time, Rochelle returned to get a reaction from the kids.

"I like her!" Roderick said as Rochelle responded. "You said that of the last four. Would you like her to be your nanny?"

"I guess she'll be fine..." Olivia said as she removed herself from the chair and then moved into the hall-disappearing from the scene.

"It appears all that is left is to talk to Hudson. He should be back-" Suddenly the sound of the front door opening was heard and a voice called out.

"Elle?"

"In here darling!"

Rounding the corner, Quinn's gaze met with the most amazing male specimen she had ever seen. With a strong jaw line and light eyes, he enticed her. Reaching his hand out to greet her, his touch set her on fire. For a moment, she composed herself as Rochelle introduced her.

"Do you have any questions for her?" Rochelle asked, bringing Quinn back to reality.

"More of a warning. Olivia can be...distant...you just have to be sure to appeal to something she is interested in; teen drama."

Quinn nodded.

"And for Roderick, just spend time with him and you are gold. He's very easy going."

"Quinn, do you have any questions?"

"No. Thank you so much for your time, though. Both of you."

"Of course. Would you like the job?"

Her eyes went wide with excitement.

"I would love it!"

"Good, you're hired. I will run everything by you on Monday, but for now, rest up."

"You'll need it." Hudson said with a teasing smile as he furthered his destination in the house, leaving Quinn and Rochelle alone to discuss the time to return on Monday.