The blue-light-specials outfit had completed the disguise, since Carlyne had never been caught in public in anything less than designer duds.
Well, she was in the public eye now, wasnt she? And on her own without the bodyguards, the buzz of the paparazzi. Grinning with the freedom of it all, she stepped into Seans mirrored foyer andstopped short. The sight of her reflection beaming from the wood-framed mirrors left her frozen in shock.
It was one thing to carefully, secretly plan the badly needed get away to prove herself escapade.
It was another entirely to look it in the face.
But for too long shed been feeling disturbingly disconnected. Lonely. Not that anyone in their right mind would feel sorry for her. After all, Princess Carlyne Fortier had everything. Decent looks. A good brain. Wealth. But her looks and wealth were inherited, and come to think of it, so were all her friends-as they were family friends. Her brain was courtesy of the best education money could buy. Every single waking moment, she was surrounded by people who needed one thing or another from her, yet no one in her family took her seriously enough to let her do so much as have her own job. She was a lovely ornament. No more, no less.
If things had been different, she wondered, if shed been born poor or merely an average citizen, who would she be? A regular woman with a regular family-a child?
If things had been different, she wondered, if shed been born poor or merely an average citizen, who would she be? A regular woman with a regular family-a child?
So was it any wonder shed packed a bag, dumped all her credit cards-okay, all but one-given herself a hideous makeover and had answered Sean OMaras ad?
But Lord, she really had done itshe looked very normal.
Is everything okay? Sean OMara asked her.
His reflection appeared at her side. His nearly black hair fell to his collar and looked as if maybe hed forgotten to brush it that morning. His polo shirt was untucked, and he had what looked like a fresh stain across his chest. A chest that was very well defined and broad, she couldnt help but notice. His khaki pants were clean, but wrinkled where the wide-eyed little Melissa gripped his long, long legs for all she was worth. His feet were bare, which would normally be a huge turn-off for her, because Carlyne liked and appreciated men who were well dressed from head to toe.
But Seans feet were tanned andsomehowsexy.
So were his deep blue eyes, which were fixed on her. He looked curious, probably wondering why shed been staring in the mirror for the past five minutes.
Uncle Sean!
But Uncle Sean was still looking at Carlyne. I have to be honest, he said quietly. Im not sure how to conduct this interview.
That makes two of us. She didnt know how to get a job. Shed never had to prove herself before.
A day for firsts, she decided.
Uncle Sean!
We could start by sitting down. He awkwardly patted the little girl on her back in a way that conveyed his bafflement. Obviously, he was not a natural with children. Did you bring a résumé or references?
Thank God for her assistants special talents. Francesca had not only gotten her a used clunker of a car to drive while here, shed manufactured Carly a résumé and references that would hold up against the tightest scrutiny. I did, she said with a smile meant to charm and disarm. But you should know, Ive never been a live-in nanny before. Shed never been a live-in anything before. Not because she was only twenty-six, but because no man had ever been able to stir her heart enough to encourage her to try.
Shed found it impossible to find a date, much less her soul mate, while constantly surrounded by people, all of whom wanted to be with her simply because of who she was.
This must be a live-in position, Sean told her. Melissa belongs to my sister, whos out of town for now. And- He lowered his voice, and she found the growl that came out very sexy. Im really losing it here. I havent a clue what Im doing. I need help, fast.
Youre not married? she asked without thinking, then wondered what he would make of that question.
She didnt know what to make of that question.
No, he said very firmly, as if the thought were abhorrent. Not married. Which is why I might need help at night if I have a meeting. He glanced at Melissa as if she were a puzzle missing some pieces.
Carlyne knew the song and dance. She remembered her own nanny well. And the cook. And the maid. During her childhood shed seen only servants, rarely her own parents, and certainly not during the evening hours when theyd been busy with one social function or another.
She didnt know anything else, but couldnt contain her strange sense of disappointment that this man seemed to be no different.
You have plenty of experience, Sean said, skimming the list of her supposed previous jobs. And you have a teaching credential, too.
She had quite a few credentials, and no less than three accredited degrees. She collected them like others collected shoes, mostly because she had yet to figure out what she wanted to do with her life.
Impressive references, he murmured, and Carlyne sent a silent message of thanks to her assistant for providing the names. Can you tell me about yourself? He lifted his head, piercing her with those mesmerizing eyes.
There was a lock of hair over his forehead. He had a five oclock shadow. By looks, he could have been a rebel, but the careful way he was reading her résumé seemed at odds with that. What would you like to know?
Well He looked confused, as if he wasnt sure exactly. How about your family? Or how you grew up?
Oh, same old thing, she said lightly. Poor little princess. Absent parents. No siblings. No close friends. Nothing she could tell him, of course.
Really? Lord, his eyes were deep. Whats the same old thing?
Since she couldnt explain, she reverted to her lifelong fantasy. A house with a white picket fence, two parents, various kids and a dog.
That sounds nice. She could tell he really meant it. So what makes you want to do this? He was still looking at her, full of genuine interest and curiosity, as if he really cared.
Carlyne had to swallow hard because a wave of guilt nearly drowned her. Shed been describing her imagined ideals, but that didnt make her lies right.
Another first, for Carlyne never felt guilty about anything.
Uncle Sean! The impatient little girl tugged hard on Seans shirt, letting it go so that it bounced up, exposing a good portion of lean, flat, tanned belly.
And just like that, Carlyne forgot what shed been about to say.
Just a minute, Mel, Sean said distractedly, pushing down his shirt and waiting for Carlyne-Carly-to answer.
But she couldnt, because she just realized what she was doing. She wanted a job working for this man, this gorgeous man, whom she would have to live with for the next two weeks.
Live with, as in play house.
Carly?
It took her another minute to remember he was talking to her, because never in her life had she allowed her name to be shortened. Shed never had a nickname. I want to do this because She looked him in the eyes and gave up pretense, telling him the complete, utter truth. Because I really need to.
You need to, he repeated.
His gaze filled with compassion, and she winced inwardly, knowing he pictured her destitute and homeless or something equally horrible, which couldnt be further from the truth. I want this job with all my heart and soul, she said, hoping her earnestness would be enough, that someday if he learned the truth, hed forgive her. Ill take good care of Melissa and see that she gets everything she needs.
You might want to think about this, he said. Because believe me He pulled his stained shirt away from his chest. The material stuck to his skin until the last possible second, letting go with a suctioning sound that for some reason tugged at a place low in Carlynes belly.
Grape juice, he muttered. Its not an easy thing, caring for a four-year-old, so please, be sure. I need total concentration for my work, and shes- A little guiltily, he looked into Melissas eyes.
A nightmare, Melissa said proudly, nodding. Thats what my mommy says.
Sean laughed, the sound rich and genuine, and again, something pulled within Carlyne.
What was the matter with her? Shed heard a man laugh before, for crying out loud. Men far more sophisticated than Sean OMara. Smoother, richer, even more good-looking.
But there was something about this man who was obviously unconcerned about opening the door with bare feet and disheveled hair. Something unpolished and edgy. He didnt care what others thought.
Another first for her. All the men in her life cared a great deal for what others thought.
Im not sure thats something to be proud of, you know, Sean told Melissa. Being a nightmare.
Yes, but Uncle Sean-
Hold on, Im still talking to Carly. He looked at her. Do you really want the job?
For some reason, one Carly didnt want to examine too closely, she wanted to stay more than ever. Yes.
Sean let out a ragged, relieved breath. The weight of the world seemed to lift off his shoulders. Good.
Awkwardly, they stared at each other.
Uncle Sean! Melissa tugged at him again. I really have to go potty!
Again? Sean turned that steady, heart-skipping gaze on his little niece, whod let go of his legs to do what was apparently the got-to-go dance, which consisted of holding herself between the legs and skipping around in a little circle.
Quick! she demanded.
You know how to do it.
Still gripping herself, she shifted from foot to foot. I want you to come with me.
Melissa-
Im going to have an accident! she cried, bouncing. Youd better hurry!
Groaning, Sean scooped her up. Be right back, he said to Carlyne, striding away. Make yourself comfortable.
They headed down the hall, Melissa in her uncles arms, her beaming face close to his. I drank too much juice, she confided.
How could that be? Im wearing more than half of it.
I didnt mean to spill.
Yes, you did. Their voices faded. You were mad because I wouldnt give you salami for breakfast, remember?
Carlyne couldnt help herself, she laughed, which was odd as she wasnt one for spontaneous laughter.