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I stand, my hands clenched at my sides. I want to say something—anything—to knock him down a peg, but I bite my tongue.
He is still my boss, after all.
As I leave his office, walking past Virginia’s desk, my mind races.
Double the pay. Room and board. Transportation.
What’s there to think about?
But also... his house. And Cole Wagner himself. He’s cold, dismissive, and clearly used to getting his way. Could I really work for someone like that?
I mean, I already do, I guess, but we don’t have much contact here. But this would be different. I would be living in hishouse. No HR department as a buffer. Just him as my boss. I’d have to have a lot more contact with him. And while he may be a walking temptation, he’s wrapped in pure arrogance.
This is probably how he’ll speak to me all the time, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to bite my tongue every time.
Then again, I’ve heard quite a bit about his work habits. At the office early in the morning, staying later than anyoneelse, followed by client meetings and events. Would he even be home much? We might not really have a lot of contact.
Then there’s Robbie. I really did like the kid, and being his nanny seems like it would be a fun job. A pang of sympathy hits me as I think about him. Did he ever even get to see his dad?
Probably not, I think as I step into the elevator.
Chapter Five
Cole
The clock on my desk ticks closer to five, each second grating against my nerves. The office outside is quieter now, with most of the staff wrapping up for the day. I tap my pen against the desk, staring at my computer screen but not really seeing it. My thoughts are elsewhere.
It’s been hours, and Annie still hasn’t given me an answer. How hard could it be? Double the pay, room and board, transportation—it’s not like I’m asking her to walk across coals.
Maybe this was a mistake. She’s a receptionist, not a nanny. She has no experience caring for a child, let alone managing someone like Robbie. What was I thinking?
I lean back in my chair, dragging a hand through my hair. I’m just about to scrap the whole idea and call the agency when there’s a sharp knock at the door.
“Come in,” I call, straightening in my seat.
The door opens, and Virginia steps inside. Her usual no-nonsense expression is in place, tablet in hand. Behind her is Annie, clutching her hands together nervously.
“Miss Fox is here,” Virginia announces before stepping aside to let Annie in.
Annie hesitates at the threshold, glancing at Virginia like she’s hoping for some kind of reassurance. None comes. Virginia gives her a brisk nod and exits, closing the door firmly behind her.
I watch as Annie turns her head to look at the closed door, her expression uncertain. She’s nervous—that much is obvious.
It gives me a moment to study her.
Her blonde hair is pulled back into a low ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face. The fitted blouse she’s wearing accentuates her curves, and the pencil skirt hugs her hips in a way that’s hard to ignore. Her blue eyes dart back to me, catching me mid-assessment.
I raise an eyebrow. “Well?”
She blinks, straightening her shoulders. There it is—that look. I know it well. It’s the look people get when they’ve decided to take the deal, when they’ve convinced themselves it’s the right move.
Still, I wait for her to say it.
Annie takes a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the notebook. “Yes,” she says finally. “I’ll do it. I’ll be Robbie’s nanny.”
“Good,” I say, leaning forward slightly. “Pack your desk up and be at the house firstthing tomorrow morning.”
Her eyes widen, and she looks completely bowled over. “Now? Right now? You want me to start tomorrow morning?”