Nannying For A Billionaire

By Erica Frost

Nannying for the billionaire who broke my heart in college?

 

That's what happens when you accept a job without meeting the boss.

Sam is rich, handsome, and a jerk.

He left me in college when he thought I was pregnant.

I should quit, but I need the money.

And right from the start, I bond with Sam's kid.

I'm determined to stay away from the arrogant billionaire.

But despite knowing he's rotten on the inside,

I'm tempted by the fit and hot single dad.

It's impossible to talk to him without flirting.

Impossible to stop imagining his lips caressing every inch of my body.

When Sam admits regretting his past decision,

My walls crumble.

The passion I tried so hard to keep at bay ignites.

But not everyone is happy about our second-chance romance.

Can our relationship withstand the challenges, or will my heart be broken for a second time?

Nannying For A Billionaire is a standalone New Adult Romance with a HEA and NO cheating!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erica Frost
• Release date: Nov 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223700715

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sam

I never thought I would see her again.

It didn’t occur to me that this was even possible. Five years had passed since that afternoon when I had ended our relationship. She had walked out of my life. For good.

Or so I’d thought.

Because here she was again, right in front of me.

I walked into the living room where she was busy playing with Ethan, my son. Her attention was on the plastic blocks, she didn’t notice me.

I saw her before she saw me, and I recognized her instantly. Maybe it was the sound of her voice, or the way she sat, her hair falling forward in long, golden waves.

For a few moments it was difficult to breathe. I felt a pressure on my chest and inhaled deeply.

How was this possible?

How had Natalie come to be in my house, in my space? These thoughts rushed through my head as I tried to make sense of it. I had been working flat-out for the past 48 hours and I was tired, exhausted really.

Right, let me introduce you to your new nanny, said Dana, my assistant, walking past me into the room.

I remembered then. I had instructed Dana to find someone to look after Ethan. The previous girl had quit rather suddenly, although I should have seen that coming. She had been struggling to connect with Ethan, she had found him troublesome, and his tantrums and behavioral issues were a strain for her. I had preferred to ignore her complaints, hoping that she would learn to deal with the situation.

She didn’t.

Then, in the middle of a site relaunch, she decided she couldn’t take it anymore. There were tears, recriminations, blah-blah. I told her to pack her bags and get going right away. I asked Dana to find a replacement as soon as possible. She would have to supervise the process, I had to be in the office, and she was keeping an eye on Ethan along with the housekeeper. It was not ideal, but I couldn’t be at home.  We had found bugs in our software, and it was critical that they were fixed. It was my company and even though my developers were the best, I had to be there to keep an eye on things. 

Dana sent me a few candidates via email. I had no time to look at them. I checked no names or profiles. I said to hire the most experienced person and to make sure it was someone who knew how to deal with kids with behavioral problems. She found someone and the girl had started right away. Of all the people in the world, she had chosen Natalie.

That was yesterday.

I had stayed at the office through the night, working straight-through. Dana sent me pictures of Ethan in his pajamas, after his bath, and then sleeping in bed. He looked calm, peaceful. It was a relief, it seemed like the new girl knew what she was doing. I could focus on work and not worry about what was going on at home. Maybe this one would work out.

But that was before I knew it was Natalie.

She looked up with a smile and I saw the color drain from her face. 

Natalie, this is Sam, Ethan’s father, Dana said with a smile.

I walked forward and stretched my hand out, Hi, Natalie. Nice to see you again.

She took my hand, her eyes huge.

I decided to play it cool.

We knew each other at college, I said breezily to Dana, who nodded.

I didn’t realize... I mean... I didn’t know, Natalie stuttered. She bit her lip, her eyes darted back and forth. She looked like a rabbit caught in car headlights, like she would run off at any moment. Her shock seemed genuine.

I worked through an agency, Dana said, with a frown. The same one as last time. They usually omit the names of the employer, but it was on the confirmation I sent to you? she stared at Natalie, who blinked and was unable to find the right words. She appeared to be completely thrown.

Not a problem, Dana, thanks. I’ll take it from here, I said.

Dana nodded and left the room.

I didn’t know... I swear, I didn’t! Natalie said as soon as Dana was gone. I never would have come here if I knew it was you! There were tears in her eyes. I looked down at Ethan, who was oblivious to the drama around him. He was playing with plastic letters now, completely absorbed in the task.

I don’t recall seeing the surname, Natalie said, confused, I was told to meet Ms. Loxton at the house at a certain time and that is what I did. I never had any idea that Ethan was your son.

I sat down and she sank down into the sofa across from me.

Well, this is something, I said, buying myself time.

Trying to figure this out.

Hey, buddy, I said to Ethan. How’re you doing?

Ethan didn’t look up, didn’t acknowledge me. This wasn’t unusual though; he often didn’t respond when he was spoken to.

Ethan, your daddy says hello, Natalie said, leaning down to speak to the boy. Ethan?

After a moment, he briefly said, Hello, without glancing up.

I was blown away. I couldn’t believe that she had managed to get him to talk to me.

I’ll go get my things, Natalie said, her eyes kept low. This is a mistake, obviously, she got up and started walking out of the room.

Wait, I said.

I was completely in control of myself now. I gave the smile I had ready for clients and colleagues.

I am sure we can work something out.

I don’t think we can, Natalie muttered.

Her hair was longer than I remembered her wearing it at college. She looked young. I tried to think how old she must be now, maybe 24? She was so innocent back then, a freshman, barely out of school. 

You’re good with him, I said, pointing to Ethan. That is what’s most important to me. I can double your rate.

She looked up quickly, and I felt the flush of victory.

Money talked, didn’t it? It spoke a beautiful language everyone understood, no matter where you were from or how you were brought up. I had always loved how it managed to open doors, solve disputes, make all unpleasantness go away. It was the way of the world. Once I had managed to grow my business into a national success, found myself on the cover of magazines, even called the city’s most desirable billionaire in one article, oh, how everything had changed. Life had become so much easier. I could have anything I wanted. Anyone I wanted. It was not exactly true, but I would not even allow the whisper of any contrary thought to enter my mind. It was mostly true, almost completely. Even a girl like Natalie, who never had gone much for material things or worldly possessions, could not resist the lure of money.

Double it? she repeated, and I could see her thinking, adding the numbers up in her head.

Would that help? I tried to sound caring and considerate, as if that came naturally to me. I knew it was called for in this situation.

But... wouldn’t it be weird, awkward? I mean... you and I... after all, we did....

I cut her off right there.

What’s past is past, isn’t it? I pulled out the big smile again, the winning smile. No need to haul out all that, is there? It’s long gone, water under the bridge!

She seemed uncertain, though.

I had to convince her.

Suddenly, it was very important to me.

It had nothing to do with Ethan, even though that, of course, was very convenient.

But no, the real reason was that I didn’t want her to leave.

I wanted her, right here, under my roof. Close.

We’ll hardly see each other, I said. And I will keep out of your way.

Would I? I doubted that.

She bit her lip.

You have your own room at the back of the house, it is miles away from the rest of us. And every second weekend, you have the days off, when Ethan’s mother, Skye usually fetches him.

I don’t know, Natalie said, fiddling with her hands.

I just... her voice was shaking.

I thought fast, We could try it out for a week, see how it goes?

I got up and nodded, to speed things along. There is not much time to think about it, though. I need someone to help me with Ethan right away. I am busy, as you can see, so I need your answer, I’m afraid. Will you do it?

Yes, Natalie said, softly.

Super, I said, briskly. You have already settled into your new room, then?

She nodded. I will have to get a few more things though.

You can do that tonight when you get off at six. That sound right?

She nodded again.

Her eyes were on me. Those big, blue eyes, the color of the sea. I remembered them well. Maybe too well.

I walked out of the room, forcing myself to walk slowly.

Dana was waiting for me in the kitchen, running through a few things in the diary. I had told her I wanted to get some sleep, but I knew I would not be able to get any rest now. My mind was racing, filled with thoughts about Natalie. Things I knew I should not be thinking about. When I drove back from work, all I could think about was getting into bed. But sleep was the last thing on my mind now.

So, you’re happy with her? Dana asked, clearly sensing something was going on but unsure what it was. 

I don’t know, I said. I wasn’t sure what to tell Dana exactly. 

She does have experience with kids with all kinds of backgrounds and conditions, Dana said. She worked at a center for kids with autism and learning difficulties. And her references were great.

I expected nothing less. But I did wonder why she worked as a nanny. With her qualifications, Natalie should have been able to work at a top school anywhere in the country.

I kept my face blank, pretending to stare at my phone screen. But I knew Dana would not have an inkling what was going on inside of me. 

I had learnt to hide my true feelings a long time ago.

You have to go back to the office, I said. I need you there. Dana could help temporarily with Ethan, but it wasn’t the best use of her skills. Ethan didn’t like her and became more irritable when he was around her. Let’s see how it goes for a few days with the new girl, I said, getting myself some water from the fridge. Now, tell me, did the guys test those pages again?

I purposefully steered the conversation back to business.

Shortly afterwards, Dana left.

I listened to her car driving off, the wheels crunching on the gravel. 

I slowly walked out of the kitchen, towards the living room.

The door was open. I could hear the soft murmur of Natalie’s voice talking to Ethan.

I couldn’t believe she was really here. In my house. Under my roof again, after so many years.

I didn’t know what to think.

When we broke up five years ago, there had been some unfinished business. I had acted quickly, too quickly. I had always been good at making decisions fast. I could leave anything, anyone behind. If it threatened me in any way, I could walk away without a moment’s remorse. I had always been able to keep my goals in clear sight in front of me. I would not let anything, or anyone distract me.

I looked out of the back window at the garden, beautifully maintained by a gardener I never had to see. My fridge too, was stocked with healthy meals, prepared by a cook who left by the time I got back from work. I didn’t like most people.

But I liked Natalie. I had always liked Natalie.

That was a problem.

I had to remind myself that she was weak and that this was a flaw. I had not come to this place in my life by tolerating weakness. Allowing her back into my life, even like this, was a mistake. I had needed time to think about it. In the silence of my kitchen, a vast space of gleaming surfaces that I had remodeled myself to suit my taste and my preferences, I knew what I had to do. 

I sent a text to Dana.

Start looking for a new nanny.

Chapter 2

Natalie

I arrived at my apartment after dark. 

As I came up the stairs, I could hear the music coming from our place. My roommate, Holly, was obviously in and relaxing after work. She managed a deli and coffee shop in town, and we had been living together for two years. The arrangement suited both of us even though we were quite unalike.

Holly was outgoing, loud, and sociable, always going to or coming from a party, with loads of friends, acquaintances and boyfriends calling her and dropping by. I, on the other hand, was quiet and more introverted. But being around Holly was fun and it lifted my spirits. She often told me that I was her conscience and that she needed me to keep her on the straight and narrow. As if anyone could make Holly do anything! She was a free spirit and I admired her for it. She wasn’t a pushover, like me. Holly went for whatever she wanted and usually, she got it.

When I opened our front door, she was dancing to music in our messy living room. She was wearing only a t-shirt and there was an open bottle of wine on the kitchen counter. Our apartment was small but cozy and I loved living here.

Nats! she shrieked when she saw me. Did you get the job?

She turned the music down.

I fetched another glass and poured myself some wine. I had to think carefully about what to tell her. I had texted her a message about the job and that I may be needed right away.

I did.

I had no time to say anything else as Holly started punching the air and uttering cries of victory. She knew I needed a job and was desperate for some steady money. Things Dana and her employer did not need to know. I preferred to think of him as my employer at this point. It was easier than calling him by his name.

Sam.

A name weighed down by so much emotion for me. So much history, so much trauma.

Tell me everything, Holly commanded, filling her glass with more wine, and leading me to our couch, a big lumpy piece