I looked out the window for Paloma. I had texted her an hour ago, and she still hadn’t arrived. To be fair, I had asked her to come over at the last minute. But she had been so eager for this job that her tardiness shocked me. I had already notified the security guard at the gate to allow her on base. What was the holdup?

My fingers shook, and I knocked back another shot of whiskey. I hated to admit I was nervous. I had not spent any time alone with another woman since Catherine died. Yes, Paloma was my employee but having her in our home felt illicit. This home had been my little slice of paradise in the desert, my home with Catherine. Her presence still lingered in the air, and I wanted to keep her to myself just a little while longer. Every day without her felt a little more final.

Sky had finally fallen asleep, but I knew she would be up in a few hours. I could always get her back to sleep, but I really needed a good night’s rest. I started flying again tomorrow.

I grabbed the final slice of pizza from the box on the counter. It was cold, but it didn’t matter. Though it was filling, it didn’t satisfy me. I was craving more of the enchiladas Paloma had made earlier.

I glanced down at my phone and saw a message.

Paloma: I’m here. I didn’t want to knock or ring the doorbell.

What the hell? I hadn’t heard a car drive up.

I peeked past the curtain, and Paloma eagerly waved back at me.

I opened the door.

“Sorry, it took so long for me to get here. I had to drop my sisters off at my uncle’s place and then walk back here.”

Walk?

Dammit, I hadn’t even realized she didn’t have a car. I looked down at her worn tennis shoes. Man, was I so entitled that it had never crossed my mind that this poor girl had probably walked four miles today to come to this interview, go home, and come back? “No worries. I’m sorry. I should’ve offered to pick you up. You shouldn’t be walking alone at night. I assumed you had a car.”

She shook her head. “No, I don’t. It’s okay, though. I like walking. But I do have my driver’s license in case you need me to take Sky to appointments. I took driver’s education in high school. Got an A.”

The excellent driver without a vehicle. And my rich ass owned four. Granted, one was Catherine’s, but I also had a truck, a sports car, and an SUV.

Paloma’s hair shone in the moonlight, and I couldn’t help but notice again how beautiful she was. Her lips were naturally pouty, and her breasts were full. I fought off my desire. Maybe I should’ve hired an old grandma type to watch Sky.

“Come in.”

“Thank you, sir.” She walked through the doorway, clutching a small duffel bag, and fidgeted. Her nice dress from earlier was gone, and now she was wearing a gray T-shirt and black pants, which hung low on her hips. Based on the high school graduation date on her résumé, Paloma had to be around twenty. My mind flashed back to what my life had been like eight years ago when I had been her age. I studied hard during the week at Annapolis and partied harder on the weekends. My parents had given me a car for my high school graduation and always sent me spending money in addition to my salary from the Navy. I never had to work for food. I guess I never considered how good I had it.

“Paloma, my men call me sir. As I said in the interview, you can call me Beck. Mi casa es su casa. That’s about the only Spanish I know—I took Latin in high school and Arabic in college. You are my employee, but I want you to be comfortable here. After all, you are watching the most important person in my life.”

“Yes, sir, I mean, Beck. Sorry, that will take a while to get used to.”

I smirked. Did she see me as some old guy? “I’m not that much older than you. I’m twenty-eight. How old are you? Twenty-one?”

“Twenty. I’ll be twenty-one in October. It’s just . . . you’re my boss. You already said that you had no interest in being my friend, which I totally understand, so ‘sir’ keeps it professional for me.”

Man, I must’ve come off like an asshole. Professional was one thing, but I didn’t need to act like a dick. I’d been so wrapped up in my grief that I hadn’t interacted with another woman alone outside of work. This was supremely awkward. “I did say that. I meant that you are my daughter’s nanny and our relationship should be about her. We won’t be socializing together alone as adults. But, of course, I want you to be comfortable, and if you need anything, like a ride, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here for you. Let me show you to your room.

She nodded and quietly followed me to the guest bedroom. Catherine had decorated it last year. It was simple and feminine. Just a bed, a desk, and a dresser.

But one look at Paloma’s beaming face and I realized that my version of simple was her version of luxurious. “This is so beautiful! I’ve never had a real bed.”

This girl was blowing my mind. “Glad you like it.”

“I love it.” She dropped her duffel bag and sat on the edge of the bed. I noticed her eyes were tearing up. I had been burying my own emotions for so long; I blinked hard to prevent myself from tearing up also.

Man, this was intense. And it was only the first night.

I had an overwhelming desire to help her. To change this girl’s life. After ten weeks of working for me, she would have enough money to move away, attend college, and support herself. If she was as hard of a worker as she claimed, I bet she would be successful. This job could be life-changing for her. And it would all be because of Catherine’s wishes. Catherine’s legacy.

Sky let out a soft cry. Perfect timing, because I wanted to show Paloma everything before I went to sleep. She followed me to Sky’s room, and I scooped my angel up.

Sky greeted me with a coo and a stretch, and my heart melted. At nine months old, she was so innocent and sweet. But I was racked with guilt thinking about how I could never give her the life she deserved. A life with a mother who loved her.

“She’s so precious! Can I hold her?”

“Of course.” I handed Paloma my daughter. Paloma’s face lit up, and Sky smiled. A sharp pang hit my chest. It killed me to see another woman hold my daughter. My last memory of Catherine was her holding Sky one final time. One final kiss before my wife was taken away from me.

I looked away. “Her changing table is fully stocked. She has a bottle ready in the fridge. I have a bottle warmer. Have you ever used one?”

Paloma shook her head no. “I just usually submerged the bottle in warm water.”

“It’s easy. Let me show you.”

I led her to the kitchen and taught her how to use it. She learned quickly and fed Sky while I watched.

After Sky finished her bottle, I gave her a kiss. It was time to go to bed.

“It’s late. I’m going to crash. I have to be at work at six. Make yourself at home.”

“I will. Don’t worry about Sky. She will be great. I’m excited to get to know her. I love babies.”

I turned to walk to my bedroom but stopped when I felt her hand on my arm. Her touch sent a jolt to my cock.

“I just really want to say thank you. You have already done more for me than anyone in my life.”

I swallowed, and my voice cracked. “Don’t thank me, Paloma. Thank my wife, Catherine. This was her idea.”