Page 9

CHAPTER

NINE

MAX

I should be at practice, but I’ve called off—again. It’s become a habit as of late. What makes today different, though, is that I actually hired a nanny. And she’s here. With Caroline.

Last night was her first night, and it was also the first full night of sleep I’ve had since Monique showed up on my front porch with Caroline in tow. I feel incredible—like an actual functioning human being again. It’s wild what a full night of sleep can do for a person.

So now that I’m well-rested and have a full-time nanny under my roof, there’s really no reason I shouldn’t be at practice. Except… I can’t make myself go. I don’t want to leave Caroline.

There’s this pressure sitting heavy on my chest. I’ve felt it before in different forms, but never quite like this. If I had to label it, I’d say it’s anxiety—but that doesn’t make sense. I should be feeling less anxious now, not more.

Maybe it’s not just about leaving Caroline.

Maybe it also has something to do with the woman currently dancing and singing in my kitchen.

Leaning against the doorframe, I take in the scene. Caroline is propped up on the table in a foam baby seat, her little body held upright. She’s completely oblivious to the world, happily chewing on her fist while drool trails down her arm.

Delaney stands at the stove, spatula in hand, wearing small cotton shorts and a baggy white T-shirt. She’s softly singing along to something playing through her earbuds. I can’t make out the song—either I’ve never heard it before or her singing voice isn’t exactly built for clarity.

Her hips sway gently as she stirs the eggs, and my eyes drop—traitorously—to the way her shorts cling to her.

Her hair’s twisted up in a messy bun, exposing the soft skin at the nape of her neck.

I’m not proud of it, but the view… it does something to me.

Logan would die. She’s the literal embodiment of the hot nanny trope.

But here’s the thing—I actually need her. Caroline needs her. Which means I can’t screw this up.

I tear my eyes away from her and focus on my daughter instead. The last thing I want is for Delaney to feel uncomfortable in my home. As gorgeous as she is, I have to stop looking at her like that. Her job—and Caroline’s care—matters more than anything else.

Grabbing a towel from the countertop, I move toward Caroline to wipe up some of the drool on her arm. The motion gets Delaney’s attention, and she turns from the stove with a gasp, holding her hand to her chest.

Releasing a breath, she pulls out an earbud. “Oh my God, you scared me.”

“Sorry.”

“I didn’t realize you were home. I figured you’d already left for work. No practice today?”

I tilt my head. “I do… technically. I called off.”

She furrows her brows. “Why?”

“I’m not really sure,” I admit with a shrug. “I guess I just didn’t want to leave her. It’s hard to explain, but it felt wrong going to work and leaving her behind. And it’s not because I don’t trust you—I do. There’s just something in me that couldn’t go.”

Her expression softens as she waves a hand. “That’s totally normal.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah.” She nods. “A lot of new parents feel that way. It’s hard to leave your baby. There’s this weird mix of sadness and guilt that comes with it. But it does get better. Once we get a solid routine down, it’ll feel easier.”

I rub the back of my neck. “That’s good to hear. It’s strange, though. All I’ve wanted was to get back on the ice. I’ve been stressing for weeks trying to find someone to watch her, and now that you’re here... I just don’t want to leave.”

“I think it’s sweet.” She turns off the stove and sets the spatula down. “Would you like some eggs? I can’t promise they taste great, but they’re edible.”

She butters an English muffin, completely at home in my kitchen.

“No, that’s okay. You don’t have to cook for me. Enjoy your breakfast.”

“Max,” she says, meeting my eyes, “can I speak frankly?”

“Of course.”

She raises a brow. “I think you should go to work.”

I sigh and reach out, gently squeezing Caroline’s tiny foot. “I think you’re right.”

“We’re fine here. I promise.” She smiles at Caroline, her voice going soft and singsongy. “Your baby is in good hands. We’ve got a busy day ahead, don’t we, sweet girl?”

“Oh really? What’s on the agenda?” I ask, amused.

“Well, we’re kicking off her new schedule. From now on, she’ll have consistent nap and feeding times. She’s desperate for some structure, which should help her sleep better at night.”

Delaney gives me a pointed look, eyebrows raised.

“Rough night?”

She chuckles. “I’d say. If last night is any indication of how you’ve been surviving, I honestly don’t know how you’ve functioned.”

“It’s been hard,” I admit.

She turns to Caroline again. “Well, baby girl, all of that is about to change.”

Caroline responds with a gummy smile that’s so pure and sweet that it tugs at something in my chest.

Delaney looks back at me. “The first few days of setting a schedule can be tricky. And honestly? You’d just be in the way. No offense.”

I hold up my hands with a laugh. “Okay then.”

She grins. “I’m just saying… we’re all working on our new routines. And you getting back to practice is part of that. I think it’ll be good for you.”

“Okay, yeah. You’re probably right.” I stumble over the words, not used to someone calling me out so directly—especially in my own house.

I kiss the top of Caroline’s head and give Delaney a quick wave before heading to my room to change. Within minutes, I’m out the door and on my way to the arena. Coach will probably give me hell for being late, but I think he’ll be happy I showed up at all.

On the drive, I can’t stop thinking about Delaney—how, in less than twenty-four hours, she’s somehow taken charge of my house and my kid with more confidence than I’ve had in weeks.

I should probably feel annoyed by the way she told me what to do.

But I don’t.

In fact, I kind of loved it.

There’s something about her—her steadiness, her calm, her confidence—that makes me feel like, maybe for the first time, Caroline and I are actually going to be okay.

And yeah... that bossy side of her is sexy as hell.