Page 5 of An Unexpected Match
“Three years?” Arden repeated, dismayed. That would make another delay to starting her career.
Her eyes glazed over a bit as if she were looking a long way into the future. Brendan watched as he could almost see how her mind was working. Either way, she decided, he’d have to live with it. Three years or goodbye.
And if she refused the terms, he’d have to continue trying to find someone before Ella left.
When she looked at him again, Brendan almost imagined he could see her resolve strengthen.
“I agree. Three years it is. As long as I can take your daughters to child-care while I’m in class. And I have a bunch of paraphernalia for art. I need to bring that, too. Will there be room?”
He nodded once. “My sister’s been watching the girls since their mother died. But she recently married and she and her husband are leaving next Saturday. He’s in the navy and been posted to San Diego. I’d need you settled in before then, preferably as soon as possible. Is that a problem?”
“Nope,” she said breezily.
“When I’m home, you have weekends free. But if I’m away, I need to know you are there with the girls all the time.”
“No problem. I understand.”
Something about this arrangement still worried him. Was she too young? Would she really devote her attention to the children?
Her entire attitude annoyed him. She was too casual, carefree.
He wished he could judge how sincere she was in stating she wasn’t interested in marriage. Someone that pretty must have men lined up. Maybe she hadn’t met the right one yet. Did she date a lot?
Brendan shook his head, shoving the unsettling feeling aside. He was hiring a woman to watch his daughters, nothing more. What she did in her spare time was her own business. He’d have his secretary call her past employers to learn what she could about Arden Glover. But unless something turned up, which he did not expect, he was sincere in his offer of employment.
“So, how soon can you move in?”
“My things are already in boxes, so I can load up and bring them to your place as soon as you give me directions. I can be there today if you like or tomorrow.”
“I’ll do some checking of your references today and if everything’s okay, I’ll call tonight to give you directions. Can you start tomorrow afternoon?” he said slowly, wondering why her things were in boxes.
“Sure, no problem. Thanks a bunch. I’ll take great care of your girls. I’m used to watching others, you know. Until a few weeks ago, I lived with my great-aunts and have taken care of them for the last few years. They recently moved to a retirement home over near Ocean View. They always loved the beach and when they had to move, they chose to live near the water. Of course, the place has some stupid rules.”
She stopped abruptly.
Brendan waited a moment, unexpectedly curious about the stupid rules. And even more curious about this woman than he wanted to admit.
Arden rose and stepped closer to hold out her hand.
“I’ll look forward to your call.”
He shook her hand briefly, an instant awareness catching him by surprise. She was tall, slender, but with curves in all the right places. Her vest flowed over full breasts, a hint of a shadow at the Vee of the brocade. With her this close, he could smell her scent, light and fragrant, like a summer flower.
“I don’t know what to call you,” she said breathlessly, tugging to pull her hand free. “Mr. Ferguson?”
Surprised to realize he still held her hand, he released it instantly.
“Brendan will do,” he said, reaching for the folder. “The girls and I will call you Arden.”
“Good. That’s what my friends call me,” she said with a smile.
He looked at her. He didn’t plan on becoming friends. Theirs was strictly a business arrangement.
But he said, “I have your phone number. I’ll call you later.”
“I look forward to meeting the children tomorrow.”
With another bright smile, she walked out the door, her stride limber and energetic.