Chapter Two
Five days later
Wayne still had responsibility for a child, and that was why he was walking into a restaurant that had a child area rather than the upscale place where he usually met a few of his acquaintances. This was a monthly lunch that often resulted in several contracts, or at least a few ideas.
He’d employed two nannies in five days, and the third had walked out this morning after Timothy had wet the bed. Wayne may not want the kid that he was currently walking with, but he also didn’t want to employ women who scared the shit out of Timothy either. Wayne knew he was a bastard, but he wasn’t a fucking monster.
Timothy would be well taken care of.
“What would you like to eat, little guy?” Wayne knelt in front of him.
“I want my mommy,” he said.
Yeah, he wanted Timothy’s mommy as well. “I’ll get you a cheeseburger. How about that?”
Timothy shrugged, and seeing that he wasn’t going to get much more out of the youngster, Wayne put him in the children’s play area. One of the women took Timothy’s hand.
Whenever he watched the young boy leave, shoulders sagging and looking so damn lost, Wayne always felt like an utter failure.
Shaking his head, he turned and saw James, along with Robert and a few other men.
“I never thought I’d see the day the great Wayne Myers changed to a more child-friendly place,” James said, clapping his hands. “Or holding a young boy’s hand.”
“Bite me.” Wayne took a seat and grabbed the menu. Glancing over it, he saw all the ridiculous, childish names for food, which didn’t appeal. Couldn’t the grownups ever get a damn break?
Closing the menu, he wouldn’t have a choice but to have a burger with fries. He’d not eaten a burger and fries in years.
“When James told us the reason why for the change, I didn’t believe it,” Robert said.
He rarely saw Robert Thompson. Both of them worked in different circles. Robert was more into the entertainment world, while Wayne liked all of the other markets.
Wayne glared at his friend. “I had to fire the third nanny today. It has been five damn days. They don’t like how Timothy is withdrawn, or that all he does is cry for his mommy. It’s getting tiresome having to deal with all the crap. Frances is wonderful with him, but I can’t release her from my company because she’s perfect and knows everything about me and what I need from her.”
Wayne was at his wits’ end.
“You’ve gone through three nannies already?” Robert asked.
“Yeah. They just don’t seem to have the patience or the temperament to deal with him.” Wayne had also lost sleep because the nanny wouldn’t wake up to his damn crying at night, so he had to. The first nanny had been fired. “He’s lost his mother. I’m not his father, but until I have the proof, I’ve got him. I don’t want any of this to get to the papers, and right now, I’m between a rock and a fucking hard place.”
The kid wasn’t his.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Robert said. He had a cell phone in his hands, and then was writing down a number. “Call Temperance Michaels. She’s a dream.”
Wayne took her number. “Who is she?”
“She’s my … no, she was my nanny. I fired her five days ago.”
Wayne snorted. “No offense, but I don’t want someone you didn’t think was good enough for you. I’m not that desperate.”
“I fired her because Catherine didn’t like that my kids loved Tempe more than they did her. She didn’t like that I spoke to Tempe or that I had any kind of relationship with the woman. If you’re struggling with Timothy, then she’s the woman for the job. She’s loving, dedicated, and your kids will really fall in love with her.”
Wayne stared at her number. “Did you fuck her?”
Robert was known for fucking everything that walked.
“No, I did not. Not that I didn’t think about it. She’s one of those pretty fat chicks. Big tits, nice set of thighs, sweet and all, but she was utterly professional, and the moment she was in my life, I could actually work. Of course, Catherine has screwed all that up now.” He held his finger and thumb open. “Temperance left her a folder that thick of everything to do with the kids. Their likes, dislikes, everything. The woman was a fucking expert. I tell you.” Robert blew out a breath. “I was so wrong in getting rid of her.”
Wayne stared at the card once again and wondered if he could give this woman a try. Glancing over at Timothy, he saw the little boy sitting on his own, arms wrapped around himself, lost, alone, and just not connecting.
He wasn’t without a heart, even though many claimed him to be.
The boy had lost his mother, and glancing down at the number, Wayne knew it was the right thing to do.
“Thank you,” he said, meaning it as he spoke to Robert.
“I’m glad I could help. I wish I hadn’t let her go, and I just know you’re going to find her a godsend in your home. I mean seriously, that woman organized everything, and now my wife is proving that she was only ever good for two things. One, looking good on my arm. Two, sucking my dick.”
Wayne smirked and pocketed Temperance’s number.
He chatted with the guys for a couple of minutes. Timothy joined them for burgers. When the guys tried to get him to talk to them, he just wouldn’t participate. He didn’t try to force him either. Wayne was out of his depth.
By the time they got home and the young boy made his way upstairs, Wayne was at his last nerve. There were no more nannies, and Robert, for all of his faults, adored his kids and wouldn’t dream of hiring anyone he didn’t like.
Typing Temperance’s number into his cell phone, he sat in his apartment office and waited.
“Hello,” a woman said, sounding a little out of breath.
“Is this Temperance Michaels?”
“Yes, who’s calling?”
“I got your number from a Robert Thompson. My name is Wayne Myers. I seem to be in a bit of a bind and wondered if you would be interested in being hired as a nanny, part-time.”
“Part-time? How old is your child or children?” she asked.
“He’s five.” He couldn’t remember how old Timothy was, and it just sucked that he couldn’t remember.
“Temporary?”
“The kid’s not mine, and would you be willing to at least check Timothy out and see if you can help?”
“This is rather unusual,” she said. “I usually work through an agency.”
“Robert gave you a glowing review.”
He heard her sigh.
He wondered if Robert firing her was the last straw for her.
“Look, I don’t usually beg or offer anything, but I’ve fired three nannies already as they didn’t have the patience to be with Timothy. He’s lost his mom and there’s been some confusion about me, and I just want him taken care of.” I want him out of my hair so I can go on living my life without anyone else interrupting it.
“Can I meet Timothy first? And of course talk to you about any arrangement?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Good. I’ll be there nine o’clock tomorrow. Can I have your address, please?”
He gave her the address to his apartment, and before he said anything else she disconnected the call. Staring at his cell phone, Wayne couldn’t believe that he’d actually had to beg for her help and throw in several details.
Most women who knew Robert knew of him and were always willing to jump through hoops to make him happy.
Temperance didn’t sound impressed when she heard his name.
Maybe she didn’t know who he was.
He vaguely remembered Robert’s nanny. He’d gotten a glimpse of her with Britney a few months ago, but he couldn’t put a face to her name.
Oh, well. So long as she knew how to take care of Timothy he didn’t give a shit about anything else.
****
Temperance knew the man she was going to see. She didn’t know him personally, but his reputation wasn’t a good one. If he’d not mentioned Timothy or the fact the boy had just recently lost his mother, she wouldn’t be here at all.
Tapping her foot, she watched as the elevator’s floor numbers kept lighting up, taking her to the top. This apartment block was filled with luxury and wealth. Ten years ago, she would have been impressed. Now at thirty years old, she really did believe she had to change her job description.
For twelve years she’d been a nanny.
Moving from five homes, five different sets of kids, she was starting to want a family of her own. A life that didn’t involve being fired when a shiny new wife came into the equation. She’d never wanted to be a nanny, not really. She’d fallen into the job babysitting, and then staying at people’s homes to help them out.
Her love of kids had become a curse.
She didn’t have a boyfriend or a husband.
Her single status had been that way for five years now. The last boyfriend didn’t like her getting a phone call halfway through sex asking her to come home so they could go to a function. She’d been needed to look after a little girl.
Boyfriends hadn’t been big for her, though.
A size eighteen body rarely got her noticed, and if it did, it was usually for a good time and nothing else.
The elevator doors opened, and she went to the only door on the floor, knocking.
Within seconds Wayne Michaels opened the door.
He oozed raw sex appeal and everything there was to love about an older man who took care of himself. At forty years old, he had grey hairs at his temples, giving him that mature look. His body was impeccable from working out, and of course he was dressed in a suit probably worth more than what most people earned in a couple of months.
She’d startled him.
Temperance had been tempted to wear a buttoned suit, but children didn’t like people who reminded them of business. So, in a pair of jeans, white sneakers, and checked shirt, her hair tied up, and absolutely no makeup on, she didn’t look like she was going to an interview.
“Hello, Mr. Myers, I’m Temperance Michaels. We talked on the phone.”
“Yes.” He moved out of the way, letting her past.
He took the jacket that she held over her arm, and she forced a smile to her lips. She turned toward him.
His gaze was near her ass, and she quickly glanced down to see she looked more than fine. Had she sat on something?
Clenching her hands into fists, she forced herself to stand up tall and smile.
“I was expecting an older woman. Someone who looked like a … teacher.”
Temperance nodded. “He’s five years old?”
“Yes.”
“You mentioned that his mother had died.”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t think someone dressed for a funeral would give him any comfort.” She licked her dry lips, staring at him as he seemed to be watching her.
“How long have you been a nanny?” he asked, suddenly shaking himself out of whatever gripped him.
“Twelve years. I was recently let go from my last post. I have amazing references.”
“I’m aware of why you were let go.”
She reached into her bag, handing him over the references she had gained while working at various households as a nanny.
He took the letters, and his cell phone began to ring.
Temperance waited as he checked his phone, then left it ringing while he looked through her pile of paperwork. Working for wealthy businessmen, she was more than aware of the lack of spare time they had. This guy, though, his cell phone stopped and then began ringing again.
“You mentioned that Timothy wasn’t your son,” she said.
“No. He’s been placed in my care due to incorrect circumstances. I didn’t father a child, but it appears his mother lied about his parentage. I’m waiting for the proof to come through. Until then, I need him taken care of.”
He sounded so cold. All she wanted to do was wrap her arms around herself to warm from the chill of his words. Poor Timothy. She wondered if the little boy had been near this man as he spoke with such utter annoyance.
His cell phone continued to ring, and he tutted. “I’m sorry. I really need to get this. Timothy’s down the hall.”
Temperance watched him move in the opposite direction. She gripped her bag tightly to stop herself from hitting this stupid man.
Instead, she took a deep breath, counted to ten, and headed down the long corridor. She turned a corner, and there in one corner of the first room a small boy with blond hair sat on the floor. The television was playing cartoons. She leaned against the doorframe and watched him for several seconds.
Even from her stance she saw the boy was withdrawn, clearly struggling with this new life. His clothes were out of place, old and scruffy when everything in the sitting room appeared to be untouched, impeccable.
Moving into the room, she took a seat on the floor. The sofa didn’t look all that inviting. She sat down on the floor and watched the cartoons, aware of the boy noticing her. Every now and again she laughed at some stupid action on the screen. She didn’t really pay much attention to the cartoon.
Slowly, Timothy moved a little closer to her. She didn’t say anything and stared at the screen.
Every person had their own method when it came to kids. She had learned long ago not to make them like you. She always let kids set their own pace for getting to know her.
“Who are you?” he asked.
She turned her head and offered him a smile. “Temperance.” She held her hand out, and he stared at it before finally putting his smaller one in her hand. “What’s your name?”
“Timothy.”
“Hello, Timothy.” She continued to watch the cartoons.
“I like this one.” She patted the seat beside her, and he sat next to her. “Look at my truck.”
She stared at his truck, and gasped. “That is an awesome truck.”
He held it out to her, and she placed the truck on her knee, making driving sounds as she rolled it over her knee, then onto his own.
Timothy giggled, and it made her smile.
Suddenly that smile stopped, and he looked at her with tears in his eyes. “My mommy died.”
Her heart broke, and she nodded. “I know.”
“She’s never coming back.”
“She’ll always be with you, Timothy. Always.” She placed a finger gently against his heart. “Right there. You think of her, and she will love you always.”
“I hate that she’s gone. She said she’d be there to hug me always.” He wrapped his arms around himself, but she didn’t try to be his mother and take him in her arms. She wanted to do that, though.
An instant need to protect him swamped her.
“I’m so sorry, sweetie.”
There was silence for several seconds.
“He hates me.”
“Who?”
“The big man. He glares at me, but he shouts at other girls and tells them to leave me alone. I wet the bed, and it makes them so mad. Do you get mad?”
She shook her head. “Not often, and never with little boys.”
“Would you like to play with my trucks?” he asked. “I’ve got no friends.”
“I’d love to play trucks.”
He took her hand, pulling her across the sitting room to his pile of toys. He placed a red truck in her lap, and she smiled. For the next ten minutes, they crashed their trucks together.
Timothy grew bored, and he rushed across the room, grabbing a book. “Will you read to me?”
“Of course.”
She took the book, opening it up. Children were amazing people. They trusted so easily, and they made her feel such love for them. One day she hoped to have her own children and shower them with all the love she had to give.
Timothy snuggled up against her as she began to read. She’d get him to repeat words, and she smiled at his rapture in the book.
Temperance wondered if anyone had taken the time to talk to the small boy, or if they’d just passed him from one person to the other. The poor guy.
Regardless if his mother had lied or not about who was Timothy’s father, someone could have at least taken five minutes to care about him.
She kept on reading as he slowly began to relax against her. He nudged her arm out of the way, and she pulled him close reading while the time passed.
If the job was hers, she’d take it. There was no way she’d be able to walk away from Timothy without knowing he was okay.
One thing was for sure, she couldn’t stand Wayne Myers. That wealthy billionaire had a few lessons to learn.