Page 8

CHAPTER

EIGHT

DELANEY

A s I drive toward Max’s house, I remind myself—again—of every bill I paid with the paycheck advance he sent me. It’s the only thing that quiets the little voice in my head questioning all of my life choices.

Our first meeting actually went… surprisingly well. Just like Iris said, Max was pleasant—charming, even. He could’ve made a much bigger deal about the fact that I accidentally tried to steal his car, but aside from a few teasing jokes, he let it go.

I’m still not sure why.

Maybe it’s pure desperation. Iris did mention that his lack of a nanny was starting to affect his performance on the ice. He’s a single dad, totally in over his head, and he needs help. That kind of pressure makes people overlook a lot.

Still, I should feel more at ease after our conversation.

Max came across as thoughtful, grounded—even sweet, especially when he talked about his daughter.

Yet years of conditioning have trained me to steer clear of men like him—attractive, wealthy, and confident.

The exact kind of guy I’ve learned not to trust.

But none of that really matters, does it? I need this job. It’s the best opportunity I have right now, and I’d be an idiot to let it slip through my fingers because of some deeply ingrained bias and a few nerves.

I pull into the driveway and park my Bronco right next to its twin. Same color. Same year. I let a small smile tug at my lips despite myself. Okay, maybe his taste in vehicles earns him a few extra points.

I kill the engine, grab my bag, and climb out of the car. My boots crunch against the gravel as I cross the short walk to the front door, my heart hammering a little harder with each step.

The door swings open before I even knock, like he was already waiting for me.

Max stands there in joggers and a fitted long-sleeved shirt, barefoot, with his dark hair slightly tousled like he’s been running a hand through it all morning.

Caroline is in one arm, with a soft pink bow headband crooked slightly on her fuzzy head, making me think one of the teammate’s wives was here earlier helping out.

“Hey,” he says with that easy smile that somehow makes my stomach flip and my defenses go up all at once. “Glad you made it.”

“Hey,” I reply, stepping inside. The familiar scent of baby lotion, coffee, and something clean—laundry maybe—wraps around me like a warm blanket.

“How about a quick tour before I show you to your room?” he says, shifting Caroline slightly to his other arm.

“Sure.” I nod, kicking off my shoes by the door.

He leads me through the house, pointing out the basics—the kitchen, living room, and guest bathroom. Then he stops in front of a door and nudges it open with his shoulder.

“This is yours,” he says.

It’s bigger than I expected, with a queen-sized bed, a dresser, and a small desk tucked near the window. The walls are painted a calming pale gray, and there’s a soft area rug underfoot. A folded stack of fresh towels sits on the bed.

“I wasn’t sure what you'd need, so if anything is missing, just let me know.”

“It’s perfect,” I say, a little surprised that I mean it.

He nods, then tilts his head down the hall. “And Caroline’s room is just across from yours. That way, you’re close, especially for at night.”

He pushes open a second door, and I swear my heart melts on sight.

The nursery is soft and serene, bathed in pale peach and creamy whites.

A white crib stands in the center, its delicate sides framed with a fuzzy blanket, the fabric soft as a cloud.

A changing table stocked with all the essentials sits nearby, and a rocking chair is tucked into the corner, inviting quiet moments.

Above the crib, a mobile of tiny clouds and stars sways gently, adding a whimsical touch.

It’s the kind of nursery you’d expect to see in a magazine—everything perfectly in place, a picture of tranquility.

“Wow, you did all this?” I ask, stepping in and admiring the space. “You’ve only had her just over a week, right?”

Max chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. But I can’t take credit for any of it. This was all Iris. She’s a sucker for a good design project.”

“True. She’s got an eye for it.” I smile, thinking about how Iris always seems to find joy in the details.

“She’s been over here almost every day, and while she’ll tell you she was just watching Caroline, I think half her time was spent perfecting the nursery.

” Max’s voice softens as he glances around.

“I can’t complain, though. It turned out great.

And, honestly, I’m hoping this space will help Caroline feel more settled.

Though…” He pauses, looking a little sheepish. “She’s not the best sleeper.”

“We’ll fix that,” I say, my voice confident. I walk toward the crib, brushing my fingers gently over the edge. “A good routine is the key. And this space is perfect.”

Max leans against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on me. His expression is unreadable, but there’s something in the way he’s looking at me—like he’s trying to find the right words. “I want her to feel safe here, to have a place where she can dream and grow.”

My heart skips a beat as his words settle between us. I meet his eyes, offering him a reassuring smile. “She will,” I say softly. “You’re doing a great job, Max. She’s lucky to have you.”

For a moment, the silence lingers, comfortable and full of unspoken understanding. Then Max runs a hand through his hair and glances toward the door. “It’s been a long day. You must be starving.”

I nod, realizing I haven’t eaten since this morning. “Yeah, I could go for something. Maybe we should order dinner?”

Max’s lips curl into a grin. “I was thinking the same thing. How about pizza? I know it’s not gourmet, but it’s definitely easy and always hits the spot. I’ll throw in a salad to add some nutrients.”

He hands me Caroline, and I gently adjust her in my arms, feeling the warmth of her little body against mine as she shifts. Max pulls his phone out of his back pocket, tapping away.

“Sounds perfect. I’ll take my salad with extra ranch, and not the bottled kind. I’m talking about homemade ranch.”

Max raises an eyebrow. “Oh, you’re a woman after my own heart. There’s a place down the road that makes the best ranch.”

“Good,” I tease, smiling at the baby in my arms as she looks up at me with sleepy eyes. “Maybe this is going to work out after all. People who think bottled ranch and homemade taste the same can’t be trusted.”

Max looks over at me, a playful glint in his eyes. “Oh, this is definitely going to work out. I might go insane otherwise. And I agree, there’s no comparison.” His fingers glide over the phone as he places the order.

Once he finishes, he looks up from his phone and watches me interact with Caroline, a quiet smile on his face.

“Thanks for agreeing to come here,” he says softly, his voice sincere.

“I know living here is a big adjustment. I mean, it’s only been the first fifteen minutes, but I already feel.

.. better. Like I can breathe for the first time today. ”

I meet his gaze, a warmth spreading in my chest. “It’s no problem at all,” I reply, my voice calm. “I’m happy to be here. And I get it... big changes can be overwhelming.” I look down at Caroline. “She’s adorable, Max. You’re doing great with her.”

He chuckles, but there’s a hint of vulnerability in his laugh. “Thanks. I’m trying my best, but if I’m being honest, I’m just winging it.”

I smile reassuringly. “You’re doing better than you think.”

Max’s smile widens slightly, his eyes softening.

There’s a quiet moment between us, charged with an unspoken connection that neither of us acknowledges aloud, but it’s there, building with each passing second.

I’m not sure what it is, and maybe it’s nothing more than compatibility in our present situation, but it feels like something more.

The back recesses of my mind start to sound off with warning bells because it’s all a little too comfortable, a little too easy.

Yet, for once, I don’t give those warnings a voice because I’m not worried.

Caroline stirs in my arms, and I adjust her to get more comfortable. Max clears his throat, breaking the tension. “So how about a movie while we wait for dinner?” he suggests, his voice warmer now, a little more casual.

“That sounds good,” I say, glancing down at Caroline.

Max steps back, opening the door to the nursery, and gestures toward the living room.

I follow him out of the nursery, carefully cradling Caroline in my arms. As we move into the living room, I take in the beautiful space.

Every piece of furniture is high-end, but nothing about it feels stuffy.

There’s something comforting about this place.

More than the surroundings, I feel content with Max and Caroline.

We settle onto the couch, Max taking a seat beside me, and I gently arrange Caroline on the sofa between us.

I sit back, still processing the unspoken connection between Max and me, that quiet moment in the nursery.

I don’t know what it means. Maybe it’s just the ease of the situation, or maybe it’s something more.

But I can’t shake the feeling that something is changing.

I push those thoughts aside. They don’t matter. This is a job.

Max looks over at me, his smile softening as he glances down at Caroline, then back at me. “What’s on your mind?” he asks gently, his voice steady and kind.

I shake my head, offering him a small smile. “Nothing, just thinking.”

He nods, his eyes lingering on me for a beat longer before turning his attention to the TV remote in his hand. The comfortable silence stretches between us for a moment. But then, as if sensing my slight hesitation, Max adds quietly, “I’m really glad you’re here. I think this is going to work out.”

I meet his gaze, feeling a warmth spread in my chest. “Me too,” I whisper.

Max flips through the channels and stops on a rerun of Happy Gilmore , which is an odd choice. Yet maybe an Adam Sandler comedy is exactly what we need to fill these awkward spaces. It’s always a little uncomfortable starting a new job and acclimating into a family.

We both laugh as Happy Gilmore and Bob Barker fistfight on the TV screen. It’s been years since I’ve seen this movie, and that part gets me every time.

The doorbell rings, and we both glance toward the front door. “Pizza’s here.” I make sure Max is watching Caroline so she doesn’t roll off the sofa, and I offer to greet the delivery person.

As I head to the door to collect the food, I try to wrap my mind around my current feelings, but I’m so all over the place that it’s impossible.

When I return, the smell of pizza and garlic bread fills the air, and I can’t help but smile as my stomach rumbles.

I didn’t realize how hungry I was. As I set the food down on the coffee table, Max is already arranging the plates.

We both settle in, Caroline nestled between us on the couch, and I admit, this feels good.

And just like Max promised—the ranch is delicious.