“Yes, that makes sense.” Salina paused, crossed her arms over her chest. “I feel I should disclose something here—in case it’s a concern to you. I’ve never been a nanny before. I’ve only worked in day care.”
“Well, your sister speaks very highly of you. I trust her opinion and her judgment. If she says you’d be a great nanny, I believe her.”
Salina nodded. “I appreciate that.”
“I’m the one who’s grateful.” He paused briefly. “Let me show you your bedroom. Whether or not you decide to commute each day, you can use this bedroom as your private space while you’re here.”
“Okay.”
Salina followed Jake to the right, to the hallway that led to two bedrooms. On the wall, she noticed a series of portraits of Jake, a toddler and a beautiful dark-skinned woman with shoulder-length hair and a warm, earnest smile.
Jake’s late wife.
“Right here,” Jake said.
At the sound of his voice, Salina hustled forward to the bedroom door he had just opened. As she walked into the room, she was pleasantly surprised at what she saw. The bedroom was a decent size, with an oak four-poster bed decorated to a woman’s sensibilities. There was a desk in the room, as well as a recliner in the corner beside the window. This window also went from the ceiling to the floor. Salina walked toward it and looked outside. She smiled at the sight of the East River.
Turning to Jake, she said, “Your condo has amazing views.”
“It’s a beautiful location. The views are priceless.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“This is the bedroom where Maria sleeps,” Jake explained. “Should you decide to live in while you’re working for me, this is where you’ll sleep, as well.”
Salina nodded.
“You probably have friends you hang out with, and maybe you’re dating. Once Riquet is in bed, you’re free for the evening, and you can head out and do whatever you like. I usually work late, but on occasion I get home around six, so if you have particular plans or want to head out to shop, eat or simply have some downtime, you’re free to do that.”
“Right,” Salina said.
“You’ll find there’s room in the closet for your clothes should you decide to live here for the next two weeks, and there’s also a bathroom off this bedroom that you would have all to yourself.”
“Excellent.” One of Salina’s reservations over the idea of living here while working for Jake was the idea that she might not have enough personal space during her off hours. But the condo was large and had enough room for her to have a space to call her own.
“I think I heard Riquet,” Jake said suddenly, and walked past Salina out of the bedroom. As he passed her, she got a whiff of his cologne. It was a musky scent that flirted with her nostrils.
Salina wrapped her arms around her torso as she slowly walked behind Jake. Her eyes lowered to his jeans—and his butt. As behinds went, it was certainly a cute one.
And then she felt guilty. Why was she checking him out? The answer came to her immediately. He was gorgeous. Of course she couldn’t help noticing how fine the man was.
Salina wondered why a man as attractive as Jake was still single. In a city like this where eligible bachelors were few, why had another woman not snagged him? A lot of men who were suddenly left with a small child to raise would have tried to find a new partner, if only to give the child a mother figure. The fact that Jake was still single must mean that he wasn’t ready for a new relationship.
Why am I even wondering about Jake and whether or not he’s ready for a relationship? Seriously, Salina, how inappropriate is that?
Jake, who had disappeared into the living room, looked in Salina’s direction once she got there. “Ready to meet your new charge?” he asked.
“Absolutely.” Salina walked farther into the living room, approaching Riquet slowly. “Hello.”
“Hi,” Riquet said guardedly. She was looking at Salina with suspicion.
“You remember I told you that someone else would be coming to work as a nanny for a little while until Maria comes back?” Jake said.
The girl nodded, keeping her eyes on Salina.
“Well, sweetheart. This is her.”
“My name is Salina,” Salina said gently. She took a seat on the sofa near Riquet’s feet. “What’s your name?”
“Riquet,” Riquet answered. “It’s French.”
“It’s a very pretty name.” Salina glanced to the left at the papers scattered on the coffee table. “Did you draw that picture?” Salina asked. “The one of the horse? Because it’s beautiful.” She was complimenting Riquet as a way to hopefully have the girl warm to her. This poor darling had suffered a lot in her young life, having lost her mother. Now, with her regular nanny gone, she might feel confused, distressed and afraid.
Riquet nodded. “Yes, I did.”
“You’re very talented,” Salina said, smiling. Which wasn’t a lie. The artwork displayed a lot of promise for a girl so young. Other four-year-olds were drawing stick figures or scribbling, but Riquet’s art showed dimension and depth. Salina was certain she was a budding artist.
Riquet sat up, smiling, too. “I love horses,” she said. “I love to draw horses eating food, or running in fields, or anywhere. Did you know I rode on a horse before?”
“It was a pony in Central Park,” Jake said.
“Daddy, it was a horse,” Riquet insisted. Then she rolled her eyes, as if to say he simply didn’t understand.
Looking at Jake, Salina saw him bite back a smile.
“You know, honey—you’re right. It was a horse. I forgot.”
“It was a small horse, but it was still a horse,” Riquet went on. Then she looked at Salina again. “Do you like horses?”
“I love horses,” Salina told her.
“My mommy used to love horses, too,” Riquet said sadly. “She’s in heaven now.”
“I know.” Salina sighed softly. “I’m so sorry she’s not with you anymore.”
“Daddy said she had a more important job to do in heaven. She’s an angel now, and she watches over me and daddy, to make sure we’re safe.” The little girl smiled broadly.
The words tugged at Salina’s heartstrings. Such bravery for a girl so young.
“I saw her picture,” Salina said. “She was very beautiful.”
“She’s the most beautiful angel in heaven. My daddy says that all the time.”
Hearing Riquet speak made it clear to Salina that Jake McKnight was a man of honor. It was obvious he had loved his wife dearly, and in her absence he had tried to share with his daughter all the wonderful things about the woman. In this day and age, when happily-ever-after stories were tainted by the reality of infidelity and divorce, Salina admired the fact that Jake had truly loved his wife.
“Can I show you my bedroom?” Riquet asked.
“You want to show me your bedroom?” Salina asked.
Riquet nodded vigorously. “I have lots of horses in there.”
Salina stood and extended her hand