“Not by choice.”
“Byron can’t keep you against your will.”
“That’s what you think.” I scoop up my drink and take a healthy swallow.
Paisley scoots her stool toward me until our shoulders touch. “Do you want to talk about it?”
The weight of isolation slams down on me. I struggle to pull in a full breath. It’s been a long damn time since I’ve confided in someone.
I’m not sure I can rely on her, but I could use an ally. Concern and understanding shine in her blue eyes. That type of inner compassion is hard to fake.
“Long story short, I feel forced into this nanny position.”
She makes a sound low in her throat. “I know a thing or two about getting caught in a trap.”
Which refers to the arrangement Brody proposed when he needed a wife to secure ownership of Benson Farmstead.
“But that worked out for you,” I argue while tossing a look at her devoted husband. The man can’t take his eyes off her.
“Eventually. The beginning was rough.”
“My shit-uation isn’t like that. Byron is holding me hostage for his daughter. He’d never speak to me otherwise. I’d never stick around if it weren’t for her either. It’s painfully obvious I don’t belong there. Whatever Ronnie sees in me is fleeting. I just have to wait it out.”
Paisley purses her lips. “It’s not that simple. Ronnie has been going through a lot lately. There’s something about you specifically that’s significant to her. I doubt she’s going to get over it that easily.”
“Which is why I’ve agreed to stick around.”
“You don’t sound too thrilled about it.”
“I don’t belong,” I repeat and wave at our surroundings.
“Who told you that?”
“It’s a known fact. I’m bad news and shouldn’t be trusted to care for a child.”
“Ronnie disagrees,” Paisley is quick to reply.
“She’s just a kid. Her opinion shouldn’t hold that much power.”
She shrugs. “He’d do anything to make her happy.”
A heavy sigh hunches my shoulders. “Yeah, I’m aware.”
A lull that’s thick with conflicted emotions slides between us until Paisley speaks. “Do you want out?”
That gives me pause, which is terrifying. That little girl already has a tight hold on me. Just thinking about leaving her makes me feel queasy. But I also loathe Byron. For numerous reasons. Unfortunately, the combination of those aren’t enough to send me packing.
“I’m gonna ride it out until Ronnie comes to her senses.”
Paisley grins, clearly pleased with my decision. “Maybe this is your chance to take a new lease on life.”
“Maybe.” But my tone lacks conviction.
“Why not? If you’re not going anywhere, you might as well make the most of it.”
“We’ll see,” I hedge.
“Are you dating anyone?”