Page 1 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Dragon (Cedar Falls: Fated Mates #2)
I check my reflection one last time in the car mirror, smoothing my hands over my hair and taking a deep breath. My first real nanny position. My first chance to prove that my childcare degree wasn't just a waste of time and money like my aunt Barbara had so helpfully suggested at Dad's funeral.
"You've got this, Luna," I whisper to myself, trying to believe it.
The GPS says I've arrived at my destination, but I double-check the address on my phone against the imposing house before me.
It's not what I expected for a single dad working construction: a beautiful two-story cedar home nestled at the edge of the woods, with a wraparound porch and large windows.
In a town called Cedar Falls, it fits right in, but it's definitely more upscale than I anticipated.
When Mr. Thorne called after receiving my application, he'd sounded desperate for help, which is probably the only reason someone with my limited professional experience got an interview.
The gravel crunches under my sensible flats as I make my way to the front door. Before I can even knock, it swings open, and I have to physically stop myself from gasping.
The man standing in the doorway is... enormous.
I'm not short at 5'6", but I have to crane my neck to look up at him.
Mr. Thorne must be at least 6'7", with broad shoulders that fill the entire doorframe.
His black hair is slightly disheveled, as if he's been running his hands through it, and his eyes…
Are they actually golden? They seem to almost glow in the shadows of the porch.
"Miss Hayes?" His voice is even deeper in person, rumbling from his chest.
"Yes, um, Luna Hayes. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Thorne." I extend my hand, hoping he doesn't notice the slight tremor.
His massive hand engulfs mine, surprisingly gentle despite its size. "Damon, please. Come in."
I follow him inside, trying not to stare at the way his back muscles move beneath his simple black t-shirt. This is completely unprofessional. I'm here to interview for a nanny position, not ogle my potential employer.
The interior of the house is warm and inviting, with comfortable furniture and tasteful decorations. Not what I expected from a single dad, though there are telltale signs of a child: a small pink backpack by the stairs, a stuffed dragon on the couch.
"Can I get you something to drink? Water? Coffee?" he asks, gesturing toward the kitchen.
"Water would be great, thank you."
"Daddy, is she here?" A small voice calls from upstairs, followed by the patter of little feet.
"Yes, Ember. Come down and meet Miss Hayes."
A little girl appears at the top of the stairs, and my heart immediately melts.
She has her father's dark curls and the same striking golden eyes, though on her tiny face they look more magical than intimidating.
She's wearing a purple dress with leggings underneath and clutching another stuffed dragon.
"Hi," she says shyly, descending the stairs one at a time.
I kneel down to her level when she reaches the bottom. "Hello, Ember. I'm Luna. That's a beautiful dragon you have."
Her face lights up. "This is Sparky. He's my best friend. Do you like dragons?"
"I love dragons," I say honestly. "They're magical and strong."
"Just like me and Daddy," she says with a serious nod that makes me smile.
Damon returns with my water, and I notice a flash of something—worry?—cross his face at his daughter's words.
"Ember, why don't you show Miss Hayes your drawings while I get the cookies I baked for our guest?"
"You bake?" The question slips out before I can stop it.
The corner of his mouth quirks up. "Single dad. You learn to do everything."
As he disappears back into the kitchen, Ember tugs on my hand. "Come see! I drew my family."
I follow her to a coffee table where several crayon drawings are spread out. She points to one showing two figures. One very tall with black hair, one small with the same dark curls, both standing in front of a house that looks like this one.
"This is me and Daddy," she explains, then points to another drawing showing the same two figures, but with what looks like red and orange flames coming from their mouths. "And this is our special secret," she whispers.
"Your special secret?" I ask, not quite understanding.
"Ember." Damon's voice is suddenly right behind us, making me jump. He sets down a plate of chocolate chip cookies that smell heavenly. "Remember what we talked about? Some things are just for family."
"But what if Luna becomes family?" Ember asks innocently. "She could be like a new mommy."
The silence that follows is deafening. My cheeks burn hot with embarrassment, and Damon looks equally uncomfortable.
"Ember, why don't you go play with Sparky in your room for a few minutes while Miss Hayes and I talk about grown-up things?" His tone is gentle but firm.
"Okay, Daddy." She grabs a cookie before skipping toward the stairs, then turns back to me. "You're pretty. I hope you stay."
Once she's gone, Damon runs a hand through his hair and sighs. "I apologize for that. Her mother left us two years ago, and she's... been hoping for someone to fill that role."
"There's no need to apologize," I say quickly. "It's completely understandable."
He gestures to the couch, and I sit, opening my portfolio on the coffee table. As I start to explain my qualifications, I notice he's looking at Ember's drawings with concern.
"She has a very active imagination," I say, trying to ease whatever worry is creasing his brow.
"Yes." His eyes meet mine, searching. "Miss Hayes—Luna—I should be upfront about something.
Ember is... special. She sometimes says things that might seem strange.
Her imagination, as you said." He pauses, seeming to choose his words.
"It's important that whoever watches her understands that and can be patient with her. "
"Of course," I nod. "All children have their quirks. I've worked with kids who believed they were mermaids, superheroes, you name it."
"Right." He doesn't seem entirely convinced by my answer, but continues, "The position would be Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 5:30, with occasional evenings if I'm called to a job site after hours. As the ad mentioned, there's a live-in option. The guest house out back is fully furnished."
"That would actually be perfect," I admit. "I've been staying with my mother since my father passed, but she's... well, she could use the space, and I could use the independence."
"I'm sorry about your father."
"Thank you. It's been a year, but..." I trail off, not wanting to get emotional during a job interview.
"It doesn't get easier, just different," he finishes, and I get the sense he knows exactly what he's talking about.
We discuss salary and benefits, which are more generous than I expected. As we talk, I find myself relaxing despite his intimidating presence. There's something about Damon Thorne that's both terrifying and comforting at the same time, like a thunderstorm when you're safely indoors.
"When would you need me to start?" I ask.
"Yesterday," he says with a rueful smile. "But realistically, as soon as possible. My current childcare arrangement fell through when my neighbor broke her hip."
"I could start tomorrow," I offer. "I don't have much to move in, just clothes and personal items."
He looks relieved. "That would be..." He pauses, and I swear those golden eyes actually gleam for a moment. "That would be perfect."
"Daddy!" Ember's voice calls from upstairs, sounding alarmed. "It happened again!"
Damon is on his feet instantly. "Excuse me." He takes the stairs two at a time.
Left alone, I take the opportunity to look around.
The house is beautiful but has an oddly sparse feeling, as if they haven't lived here long.
There are no family photos on the walls, just landscape paintings.
On the mantel, though, there's a single framed picture of Ember as a toddler, being held by a pretty woman with blonde hair who's looking at the camera with what seems like. .. fear?
"Sorry about that," Damon says, returning with Ember in his arms. "Just a small accident with her craft project."
I notice Ember's hands are slightly sooty, and there's a faint smell of smoke in the air.
"Nothing that couldn't be fixed," he adds quickly.
"Luna's staying, right Daddy?" Ember asks, looking at me with those striking golden eyes.
Damon turns to me, "The job is yours if you want it. Ember and I both think you'd be a good fit."
I should probably think about it, maybe consider other options or sleep on such a major decision. But looking at Ember's hopeful face and feeling the strange pull I have toward this unusual family, I already know my answer.
"I'd love to accept the position," I say, and Ember lets out a squeal of delight.
"Can I show Luna the guest house, Daddy? Please?"
"Sure, princess." He sets her down, and she immediately grabs my hand.
As Ember pulls me toward the back door, chattering excitedly about all the things we'll do together, I glance back at Damon. He's watching us.
What am I getting myself into? I wonder. But as Ember's warm little hand squeezes mine, I realize I'm eager to find out.