Page 80 of Nine Week Nanny

I turn sharply to find Micah's mom standing in the hallway, drying her hands on the towel wrapped around her waist.

"I'm Angela, Micah's mom. I'd shake your hand, but Micah spilled juice all over me and I came in to wash up."

I'm grateful she spared me the sticky introduction.

"It's fine," I manage, glancing at my watch. "I need to head out. You guys make yourself at home."

Angela's eyebrows lift slightly. "Do you want me to get Sloane for you?"

"No need to interrupt. Just let her know I had to go. Not sure when I'll be back."

I shift my weight, aware of every second ticking by. Caleb is probably counting the seconds until I get there. And here I am, making small talk about bathroom privileges.

"Your house is lovely. Thanks for having us over two days in a row. You might not be able to get rid of us."

I nod and head toward the front door.

I step outside, sunlight momentarily blinding me. The contrast between the chaos waiting for me and the peaceful scene I'm leaving behind is jarring. My car sits in the circular driveway, keys heavy in my palm.

I start the engine and pull away, my mind already splitting itself into battle stations. I've got the hospital crisis today, tomorrow's custody evaluation with Chris looming, all with a dash of making Sloane think everything is hunky dory.

All these spinning plates are threatening to crash down around me.

TWENTY-ONE

Sloane

I hold Tyler in my arms, bouncing the chunky six-month-old while making ridiculous baby noises at him. His dimples flash as he giggles, drool bubbling from his gummy smile.

"Who's the cutest little butterball? You are! Yes, you are!"

I glance over at Lennon and Micah digging in the sandbox. Lennon's actually talking, pointing at something they've uncovered. My heart swells seeing him engaged.

Angela emerges from the house, her towel wrapped around her waist and her hair still damp at the ends from the pool.

"Got most of the grape juice off, thank goodness." She reaches for Tyler. "Thanks for baby duty."

"Anytime. This guy's a charmer."

Angela settles into the lounge chair beside me. "So I just met your boss on my way out of the bathroom."

"Pope was inside?" My stomach does a weird flip. "He usually stays holed up in his office when he's here."

"Mmm-hmm." Angela gives me a significant look. "You didn't mention he was such a hottie."

Heat floods my cheeks. "I—well, that's not exactly relevant to childcare."

"Girl, those eyes? That jawline? Very relevant to my interests." She laughs. "Anyway, he said to tell you he had to leave. Seemed in a rush."

Something warm blooms in my chest. He wanted me to know he was leaving. It's such a small thing, but last week he would've just disappeared without a word.

"You okay? You look flushed." Angela smirks.

I press my palms to my cheeks. "It's just hot out here."

"Sure it is." She adjusts Tyler on her hip. "He seems intense."

"He can be. He's got a lot going on." I lower my voice. "Actually, speaking of, Lennon won't be at Seabreeze tomorrow. Pope's taking him to some guardianship meeting in Jacksonville."