“Not really, but I’m considering it.”
“Tell me more,” he urged, finally unfolding his arms and tucking his hands into the pockets of his slacks. He intently listened as I filled him in.
“What do you think?”
“I think this can be a wonderful opportunity for your future endeavors. Can you imagine the letter of recommendation you’d receive or the doors this might open for you? It’d bum me out that you’d be in Austin, but it’s the closest you’ve been to us in a long time. I’ll take what I can get. How are you feeling about it?”
I shrugged. “Like you said, I need to pick myself back up. The kid is a sweetheart, and we seem to get along.”
“And you and Mr. Branson?”
“So far, he’s nicer than my last couple of bosses, and everyone seems to love him.”
“He certainly won your grandmother over. She won’t shut up about the man. If you decide to accept the position, have Mr. Burgess go over your contract and have him add a sexual harassment clause in there so that you can sue him for everything he’s worth if he puts his hands on you.”
“Did Mom have a sexual harassment clause in her contract with you?”
“No, and thank God we didn’t, or I would’ve been in financial ruin.” I snatched the pillow from my bed and tossed it at him. He laughed and batted it away. “Good night, Kiyah.”
“Good night.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
His eyes landed on the manila envelope on my dresser. “I’m going to the post office tomorrow. Would you like me to drop this off?” he asked, nodding towards the documents.
“Um….”
Tell him yes because you’re not strong enough to do it yourself.
“If you don’t mind.”
He smiled softly and collected the documents. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”
He closed the door, and I had to hold myself back from running after him and telling him I had changed my mind—that I needed to call Grant because he wanted to talk to me for some reason.
“I want you out of my life, Ki. You’ve hurt me for the last fucking time. Do you hear me?”
No, this is for the best.
Thaddeus
I joyfully hummed as I installed the false smoke detector in what would be Kiyah’s bedroom. I’d spent all evening outfitting her bedroom with undetectable cameras. I needed to keep an eye on her at all times.
I was nearly done when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. A smile stretched across my face as I read the incoming text.
This is Kiyah. I’m sorry for reaching out so late. I wanted to inform you that I’m considering the live-in nanny and Event Coordinator positions. Please let me know the best time to discuss specifics.
I chuckled and responded to her message.
“It’s like taking candy from a baby.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Thaddeus
“Pete, I want you to be on your best behavior today for your new mother,” I said as I buttoned his shirt. He ignored me and continued rolling the toy car down my arm.