The Nanny

Chapter 1

"Noooooo." I moan, the screeching of my alarm waking me abruptly. I fling my arm out towards my bedside table, eyes still closed, and wince as my wrist hits the corner. I fumble around until I find my phone and tap the screen randomly until the abrasive sound is stopped. Why did I keep drinking last night? I groan and rub my eyes before slowly opening them. Too bright.

I painfully drag my body up and sit on the edge of the bed, my head swimming for a moment for steadying a bit. After a moment I stand and shuffle resentfully over to my closet, pulling out a grey sweater and dark jeans. I slip on my red lacy bra that is hanging from the doorknob, too lazy to find another, before pulling on the sweater and jeans.

I stretch lightly as I walk to the bathroom and pop my toothbrush in my mouth. After I gaze at myself in the mirror and sigh at my smeared makeup from last night. I wash my face and braid my hair before wrapping into into a bun. A bit of light makeup to hide my exhaustion is all I care to do today, and I smile as my dark green eyes appear more awake. I tuck a stray auburn curl behind my ear that didn't stay in the braid and decide that I look well enough.

I walk back into my room and nearly trip on the heels from last night that rest in the middle of the room. Why am I the messiest drunk possible. Shaking my head, I grab my computer off of my desk and slip it into my shoulder bag along with my notebook, phone, computer charger, and some headphones. I shove my feet into my brown ankle boots and tentatively walk out my bedroom door.

The house is silent, meaning my mother is already at work. I sign in relief and shut my door before crossing the house to leave. She's a wonderful woman, she truly is, but since I graduated from college a few months ago she's been pestering me about what I'm going to do with my degree, and I don't have the energy for it anymore. I'm already working two retail jobs to save up money to move out, but it's an expensive area and the task is proving to be daunting.

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The coffee shop feels cozy with warm lighting and wooden furniture. I grab my latte and snag a seat at the last open table. Pulling my laptop from my bag, I plug it in and power it up. While I wait I gaze around and spot a gorgeous man waiting in line. Broad shoulders, dark brown hair, wearing a suit, he is absolutely delicious. Mmmm, I should work more handsome men into my book, give me some motivation to write. I frown at the thought and turn to my screen, staring at the blank document page.

Since I graduated with my english degree I had not written a single word. No matter how hard I tried I could not find the inspiration. But now I considered this man, this lovely man, and thought about writing again. I had never written a romance, but maybe...

"Excuse me? Do you mind if we sit here?" A deep and warm voice asks suddenly with a hint of an Irish accent. My head snaps up and I find myself gazing at the man from the line. My mouth dries up and my head goes blank as I desperately try to think of something to say.

Trying not to flush at his hazel eyes watching me in amusement I manage to choke out, "Oh sure, no problem." Smooth Emily. You're doing great. Suddenly I realize what he said. We?!

He smiles and sits at the chair across from me, revealing a young girl standing behind him. Maybe 5 or 6 with straight blonde hair and light blue eyes, shes a striking child.

"Come on Lia, she said it was okay." He says softly to her, and after a moment Lia nods and climbs into her chair. Is he a dad? I gulp and feel my heart sink, but a bit of hope creeps in as I sneak a glance at his hands. No wedding ring.

Lia stares at me and I give her a kind smile as the man places a hot chocolate and breakfast sandwich in front of her. "It's okay sweetie, go ahead." I say, sensing her hesitation at sitting and eating with a stranger. She looks at me for another moment before turning and beginning on her food, and immediately seems to forget I'm even here.

"Thanks. She's a bit shy around new people." He says, and I look up to see his wonderful smile again. Once again at a loss for words I nod, offer a small smile, and turn back to my screen.

I begin to write, finding words for the first time in months. Huh, I guess a romance story is easy when you have someone so attractive nearby. I feel my lips smirk and quickly try to put on a neutral expression again, as if somehow my smirk will give away the thoughts I'm having about the stranger across from me.

"...writing?" I catch just the end of his sentence and snap my head up guiltily. Once again he looks amused and I suppress a scowl at how much I seem to humor him.

"I'm sorry can you repeat that?" I feel pride at the confidence in my voice. Look who's found their ability to speak again. Take that!

"I asked what you were writing. You're typing rather fast and I was a bit impressed." He says, smirking slightly. I notice a laptop in front of him as well and realize this question is probably prompted due to how loud my fingers were hitting the keyboard, most likely distracting him.

"Just a book." I reply, suddenly feeling shy. I feel a flush creep up onto my face as I think about what's inspired my writing. I notice Lia is now on a tablet and realize that they might be here to stay a while. "If I'm typing hard I apologize, I can move to a different spot if you would like." I offer half heartedly. Please say no, I want to keep looking at you.

"Oh no you're fine. I was just curious. Do you mind me asking what the book is about?" He leans forward as he speaks and places his chin on one hand, his eyes burning into mine. Shit I have to remember to breathe.

"I'm not sure yet." I lie, "I'm just writing out some ideas."

"Ah, I see. You're a writer though?" He prods, and I nod in response. He raises one eyebrow slightly and I feel embarrassment as I realize he's waiting for a verbal answer.

"I'm trying to be. I graduated in May from State with a degree in English, but it's harder than I thought to write anything worthwhile while working two jobs. They sap most of my energy and when I have freetime I tend to need to work on other things." I shrug as I try to keep my voice light, but I hear a bit of my frustration slip in.

"Oh I see. What are the jobs?"

"Retail. Truly soul draining." I roll my eyes at the thought of them. "Today is my one day off each week. I usually open at one job and close at another, but that lets me have a full day a week where I get to focus on whatever I need to." I feel a faint blush spread on my cheeks as I realize I'm overexplaining to this man.

"Hm. Is that what you want to keep doing?" He studies me as he asks and I feel myself blush even more. What is he getting at?

"No. Absolutely not. I'd love to get into publishing or be able to write full time." I answer and try to not sound confused by the question.

"Well, if you're interested I know of a job that is opening up. It's not publishing, but it provides a place to live as well as a nice salary." I feel my eyes widen as he speaks and watch as vague amusement flitters across his face. A job? That comes with a place to live and a salary?

"Oh! What is the job?" I try to sound professional and sit up a bit straighter, watching as more amusement appears on his face. Shit Emily, why were you getting so casual with this man?

"It's nannying. Are you good with kids?" He asks, and I nod enthusiastically. He smiles lightly as he looks at Lia and I recall my gentle urging for her to eat. I meet his warm gaze and watch as he pulls out a business card before offering it to me. I take it nervously, unsure of what he's getting it. "Send me an email with your resume and I'll make sure you're considered for the job."

"Oh of course, thank you very much sir." I smile my best smile at him as he packs up his laptop and stands, holding his hand out to Lia. I feel a bit of sadness as I realize the job probably isn't to work for him.

"I look forward to your email." He smiles at me again and turns to lead Lia out of the shop. I gaze down at the card he gave me and drink in the information. 'Declan O'Connell'. Yummy. My eyes widen as I read the job title. 'CEO, O'Connell Publishing Inc.' Fuck. He works for a publishing house?! I steady my breathing and immediately pull up my email. I try to sound as professional as possible as I thank him for letting me know about the opportunity and attach my resume. I bite my bottom lip as I send it and hope with every bit of my being that I get the job.