Page 7 of Forbidden Kisses

"Then why are you interviewing for a nannying job? Sorry, I don't mean to be rude," I asked.

She shook her head. "No, it's a valid question. I do have a job offer that starts in August, hence why I'm happy this position isonly for three months. The company wants to wait for the bar results, which I don’t have yet."

"That makes sense. It takes time to get the results, I’m sure," I said. “All right, so thank you for making time to meet me today. Let's start with a simple question. Why do you want the job?"

She smiled sheepishly. "I love kids. I was looking for a job like cleaning or waitressing, although I do prefer cleaning because I can do that on my own."

She didn't like to spend time with people? Jeremy was a handful. "So, you don’t like to socialize?"

"Oh no, I do like kids. I don't like grown-ups as much," she said very confidently. I cocked a brow at that. "Yeah, I know I'm going to be a lawyer. The jury's still out if I'm going to be a good one, though."

I liked Riley’s energy. I was certain Jeremy would like her too.

She looked around. "Is your son here?" she asked.

"No, I've had four interviews before this. He's got too much energy to sit for that long.”

She pressed her lips together. "I'm your fifth choice, huh?"

I decided to be completely honest with her. "Actually, Riley, you're the last candidate standing. Everyone before you flunked their interviews, so to speak."

She genuinely grinned. I liked that. She was the first out of them all who sincerely wanted the job. "So, I have no competition? Damn, I'm good at winning that game."

I laughed. Her excitement was palpable. "My concern is that you don't have any experience nannying."

"No, I don't. But does it count that I've always wanted to be a sitter and to work with children? I also have a younger sister, and I helped raise her. We’re six years apart, and now that we’re older, she’s become my bestie.”

Damn, she was cute. Which worried me.

“Besides,” she went on, “your son is ten. I would have probably had a bit more trouble with someone much younger, but I think he and I can get along well."

The more she spoke, the more attractive she seemed.

Damn it, stop this, Duncan. She's younger than you and potentially your only chance at finding a decent nanny.

“It’s all there in the questionnaire,” she added.

“I haven’t looked at that,” I admitted. “My HR person did.” Clearing my throat, I said, "Tell me more about you."

"Honestly, I'd always thought I'd have kids by twenty-five." She pressed her lips together. "Sorry, that's probably too much information."

I was shocked by her admission, as she was right, it was deeply personal.

"Anyway, law school and generally a law career aren’t compatible with having a child, or a marriage for that matter, so I want to get my fix and be your son’s nanny."

I liked her easygoing nature. And the look on her face right now that made me want to kiss her.

No, Duncan! Just no!

Riley continued, "But first, I’d like to know why your previous nanny quit.”

"She didn't quit," I said. "She's taking a few months’ break because her mother had surgery and required her help."

"Poor thing. Is she okay?" Her entire face transformed. A deep frown marred her forehead, and her cheeks sank in. How could she be concerned about a stranger?

"Yeah, it's all good. Her mom just needs more help around the house than she previously thought."

"So then it's a sure thing that she's going to be back in three months?"