“That would be refreshing.”
Bella was singing something Everly didn’t recognize. “If she could slow down and learn to focus, we could work on her speech, on structured learning, because you’re right, she is very smart.”
Lucia brought out a huge platter of nachos the likes of which Everly had never seen. Three kinds of tortilla chips had been piled with carne asada, black beans, cheese, olives, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. Steam rose off the meat, filling the air with the delicious scent of spices.
“That looks amazing,” Everly told Lucia.
The woman beamed with pride. “Gracias, mija,” she said, setting three small plates and a cup of milk on the table. “Enjoy, enjoy.”
“Thank you, Lucia.” Hix called to his daughter. “Bella, nachos.”
The girl cheered and ran over. She picked up a chip, then ran off again. Hix sighed and rested his forearms on the table. “Can you get her to sit still to eat without a fight?”
“Give me three, four days.” Good thing her stay wouldn’t last long enough for her to fail.
With no utensils forthcoming, Everly used her hands to add nachos to her plate while Hix reached for his phone. He hit one button and said, “Hey, can you bring me a contract and an NDA? Thanks.”
“NDA?” Everly asked, popping a chip with meat and beans into her mouth. Spices and flavors burst on her tongue and delighted her taste buds.
“Nondisclosure agreement.” He pulled nachos onto his plate. “What’s your salary requirement?”
She shrugged. “Considering I’ve spent the majority of my life working for free, I’m sure whatever you paid your last nanny would be fine.”
“We can start there, reassess in a month. You can take the in-law unit on the southwest corner of the house.”
Everly’s hand froze with a chip at her lips. “In-law unit?”
“It’s nicer than it sounds. It’s right over there.” He gestured toward the left. “It’s got the same glass walls as the rest of the downstairs and opens to the pool deck. I’ll show it to you when we’re done eating.”
“Are you saying you expect me to live here?” That could prove problematic for intel sharing with her team.
Hix met her gaze and wiped his hands. “Yes, and while we’re on the subject of what I expect, we’ll have to go over quite a few rules, first and foremost, fraternizing with anyone on staff—including the men on my teams—is strictly prohibited.”
Everly rested her elbows on the table and her chin on her clasped hands. “I’m not sure, but I think I should be offended.”
“You’re a beautiful woman, and my men are…men. They can be damned persuasive when they want to be, and as soon as they see you, they’ll all turn into Prince Charming. Attraction is normal and healthy, just not between employees. I don’t want anything to interfere with Bella’s well-being.”
“I see.” She picked up a chunk of steak and ate it off her fingers. “Go on.”
“You’ll fill out a daily report, document your activities with Bella, what she ate, what activity she had, any improvements you’ve seen, that kind of thing.”
Everly’s lips curved. A soft laugh escaped her.
“What?” he said, stone-cold serious.
“Your military is showing.”
The hint of a smile ghosted his mouth. “No doubt.” He ate another bite, then said, “If you’re taking Bella out, as I mentioned, you have to clear it with me first and go with a security escort. You’re not to invite anyone onto the property. Choose your friends outside of work carefully. Sunday will be your day off. At all other times, you will be on the property caring for Bella, which includes her recreation, her education, and her physical and emotional needs.” He paused. “Ready to run away screaming yet?”
“Keep it coming. You’ll know when you’ve crossed the line.”
He laughed. Just one quick puff of humor, but still, that millisecond flash of a smile confirmed what she’d first thought—a full grin from this man would drop her to her knees. Despite his buttoned-up affect, Everly felt attraction sizzle between them.
Too bad she wouldn’t be staying long enough to tease it out.
“This will be your home, so feel free to use it as such during the time Bella is asleep or otherwise occupied with staff. Put in your request for anything you want from the store with Lucia. She’ll pick them up on her daily run. Swim, hike, lift weights, watch movies, raid the fridge, surf the internet, read at will. Keep your phone on, charged and with you at all times, so I can always reach you. Breakfast at seven a.m., dinner at six p.m. Then bath, story, and bed for Bella by eight p.m. The rest of the night is yours, but it must be spent on the property.”
She took another bite, nodding, a slow grin starting in her chest but continuing to her face.