Her mother, Gracie Reece, paced the cream carpeted floors of her daughter’s bedroom. This was her last chance to talk Destiny out of her new career choice.
An attempt that she was making in vain. Destiny’s mind was made up and not even her mother was going to be able to change it.

“This is what’s best for me.” Destiny told her for like the thousandth time. “I don’t have it i
n me to continue being a psychiatrist.” She wished like hell her mother would understand but…

“So, you’r
e just going to throw away your college degrees to be a nanny?”

Her mother radiated anger and disappointment but Destiny didn’t care. This was her decision and she was sticking with it.

“I prefer the title ‘Child Care Specialist’.” Destiny didn’t hide her humor as she zipped that suitcase, shoved it to the side, and put another in its place.

“I don’t find this funny young lady.” Her mother stood at the foot of the bed, arms folded across her chest.

Destiny sighed. Her mother didn’t find this funny. No one did. They all found it to be obscure and completely irrational but after what happened to Michelle Sims Destiny just couldn’t go back. She just couldn’t do it.

“Mom,” She turned to her in an attempt to make her understand this is what she wanted. “
I know you don’t agree but I think this is what’s best for me. I love helping children and from what I’ve been told about this family these children need my help.”

Her mother stared at her for a moment and then dropped her shoulders in defeat.

“Tell me about the family.” She said on a sigh as she lowered onto the edge of the bed.

“Well,” Destiny
smiled, pleased she’d won this battle, and went back to packing. “The Fates family consists of Adam Fates and his three children; Alison, 16, Jason, 13, and Anna, 6.”

“Where’s their mother?” Gracie’s dark brows drew together in curiosity.

“She passed away 2 years ago from cancer.” That was all Destiny knew.

Gracie gasped, her hand hovering over her mouth. “That’s awful.
Those poor children. What about Mr. Fates?”

“From what the agency told me he’
s some kind of real estate mogul and is never around. Mrs. Nickels told me that no other nanny will take on this job. Apparently the Fates children have a bad reputation among the nanny community.”

“Then why did you take the job.”

Destiny glanced at her mother as she pulled the zipper to the now full suitcase around.

“Because I don’t believe these children
are bad. I think they need someone to listen to them and understand them instead of laying out demands.”

Her mother’s blue eyes focused on
her, worry and concern taking place of her anger. “I hope you’ve made the right decision Destiny.”

Destiny smiled confidently as she gripped the handle of her suitcase and slid it off the bed. “I’m sure I have Mom. Just wait. You’ll see.”

Chapter 2

An hour later Destiny pulled her car in front of the most stunning home she’d ever seen.
White, plantation style, with a porch and second floor balcony wrapping the house. The half circle driveway and the steps leading to the porch were grey stone. Off to her right she could see a three car garage with what looked like an apartment on top. To her left was lush green landscape as far as she could see.

Leaving
her suitcases in the car she made her way to the large, white and glass door and pressed the doorbell. Seconds later the door pulled open and there stood a tall, thin man in a grey button down shirt, black pants, and black tie. His dark hair lay perfectly atop his head. Soft lines around his mouth and eyes told Destiny that he had to be about 15 years or so older than her. His dark eyes stared at her curiously while his slender face stayed devoid of all emotion.

“Can I help you?” He asked
, hand gripping the edge of the door.

“Yes.” Destin
y smiled, hoping to hide her sudden nervousness. “My name is Destiny Reece.”

“Ah, yes.” His features relaxed as he smiled.
“The new nanny.” He pushed the door further open and motioned for her to walk in.

Her jaw dropped as she took in her surroundings
. She was standing in the biggest living room she’d ever seen. The walls were painted a serene blue and were scattered with beautiful ocean and beach art work. Light hardwood stretched from one end to the other.

To her left were a cream sofa, loveseat, and two chairs with a light wood end table between them in u-shape formation in front of a massive white marble fire place with a flat screen TV mounted above it. A light wood coffee table resting on a rug full of blues and browns completed the area.

To her right was a curved staircase with a light wood banister stretching to the floor above.

“You don’t have any luggage Ms. Reece?”

“Oh,” His voice pulled her from her gaze. “It’s in the car.”

“Ah.” He
pushed the door closed. “I’ll help you retrieve it after I give you a tour.”

“Thank you. I do appreciate it.”

“You’re very welcomed.” He said politely. “My name is Richard. I’m Mr. Fates’ butler.”

“Nice to meet you.”

After the two shook hands he motioned to the stairs.

“We’ll start the tour with the second floor.”

“Lead the way.”

~
~ ~

The upstairs was just as beautiful as the down stairs. Richard showed her where all the children’s room were, three bathrooms, Mr. Fates’ room at one end of the house, and her room at the other.

Her room was massive. She was almost pretty sure her entire apartment would fit in it with room to spar
e. Richard showed her the walk in closet that was as big as her apartment bedroom. Then her bathroom complete with both a large corner tub and a walk in shower.

She was amazed by her private space but when he led her through the French doors and onto the balcony she was completely blown away. The back yard was more beautiful than she could’ve ever imagined. Bright gardens bordered a lush, green yard and right in the middle of it all was a massive fountain.

After the tour of the second floor Richard led her back down the stairs, through the living room and into the kitchen. The flooring changed from hardwood to cream tile. Light oak cabinetry stretched the right wall and a small bit of the back wall. White granite infused with blues rested atop the cabinets. An island bar sat in the middle with four bar stools pushed underneath. White, state of the art appliances completed the room.

Hovering over the stove was a short woman dressed in a red blouse and black pants. Her dark hair swept up into a tight twist behind her head.
She turned from the silver pot she was stirring and Destiny determined that the woman was about the same age as Richard. The lines that bracketed her mouth deepened when she smiled at her.

“You must
be Ms. Reece.” She said as she wiped her hands on a small towel.

“This is my wife
, Dela Brewton.” Richard introduced. “She does the cooking around here.”

“It’s very nice to meet you Mrs. Brewton.” Destiny walked to her and stretched out her hand.

“Dela, please.” She insisted as she shook Destiny’s hand.

“You can call me Destiny
… or Des. Whichever.”

“It’s a pleasure Destiny. I do hope you last longer than the other nannies.” Dela laughed but from what
Destiny had heard of the Fates children she knew she wasn’t joking.

“I hope I do too.” Her brow furrowed as she looked around. She’d yet to encounter the main reason she was there. “Where are the children?”

“Ali and Anna are at gymnastics and Jason is at baseball practice.” Richard answered. “They should be home…”

The
sound of a cell phone interrupted. “Give me a moment, Ladies.” Richard quickly dug his phone out of his pocket.

“Oh.” He said as he glanced at the screen and quickly put the phone to his ear.

“Good afternoon Sir.” He answered. “Yes. She arrived about a half hour ago.” He said into the phone. “Yes Sir. I just finished… Ok, I’ll send her right in.”

“Destin
y.” He turned his attention to her after he disconnected the call. “Mr. Fates would like to see you in his office.”

“Office?”
Destiny asked. She didn’t remember Richard saying anything about an office on the tour.

“Oh.” Richard sparked as he realized he didn’t show her that part. “I’m sorry Destiny. It’s this way.”

She gave Dela a wave and followed Richard back into the living room. Upon entering the massive room Richard veered to a door on his left and pulled it open.

“It’s down here.” He started down the hardwood steps. “There’s also a gym and an indoor pool down here.”

“Really?”
Yea!

At the bottom of a
straight staircase were two doors, one to the right and one in front of her.

“That’s the pool and gym.” He motioned to the one in front of them and then knocked on the one to the right.

“Come!” She heard the deep voice through the door.

She took a deep breath as Richard pushed open the door and stepped aside.

“Once you’re done here we’ll get you settled in before the children get home.” Richard whispered just before she stepped in.

She gave him a smile
and walked in.

She was nervous. No denying it. She was but she really couldn’t figure out why. She’d spent most of her life meeting new people but at that moment she felt… small. Perhaps it was the stern stare she was getting from behind the mahogany desk that sat in front of floor to ceiling windows.

Her new boss sat in a black leather chair, his elbows resting atop papers that were scattered in front of him, his hands laced together in front of him with his chin resting on them. His dark eyes scanned her from head to foot… studying her… scrutinizing her.

Nervous flutters ran rapid in her gut under the intensity of his star
e. She took the time to study him. He certainly was handsome. Rugged, sun kissed face with a hint of dark stubble as if he hadn’t shaved in a day or two. Ebony hair with a touch of silver at the temples making him that much more appealing.

She could tell he was lean and in shape by the way the rolled up sleeves of his white button down shirt strained against the
muscles in his forearms. She couldn’t tell how tall he was because he was sitting but she was almost certain he towered her 5’5” figure.

“Ms. Reece.” He finally spoke, his deep voice vibrating
all through her.

“Mr. Fat
es.” She returned his flat greeting.

“Sit.” He demanded with a nod to one of the two dark chairs in front of his desk.

Excuse me?

“
Sit? What next? You going to demand I speak or perhaps fetch a stick?” The words flowed out of her mouth before she could stop them. Of course, she didn’t try to stop them either. One thing Destiny was known for was her inability to keep her comments to herself.

A dark brow rose as he glared at her. Clearly he didn’t like sarcasm.

“Ms. Reece,” He said through his clenched jaw. “I’m a very busy man and I’d like to get this over with quickly.”

Good. So would she.
She lowered onto the edge of one of the chairs.

“I hired you because I believe you may be helpful in more ways than caring for my children. As you may know there are a few…” He paused for a moment as if searching for the right words.
“Issues. Especially with my son, Jason. I want you to use your psychiatry background to help them with whatever issues they may have.”

She nodded. “May I ask you a question?”

He stared at her for a moment, his intense dark eyes boring into her. She had to admit she felt very intimidated by him.

“Yes.” He finally gave his permission.

“I heard from a few others that your presence with the children is lacking. Is that true?”

He folded his arms atop his desk and let out a soft growl deep in his throat. “Ms. Reece, one thing you need to understand is that my job is extremely demanding and it does keep me from my family. My late wife understood that and filled the role for both of us. She raised and cared for them while I provided for them. My children are very use to me not being around.”

Really? She found that hard to believe.

“So you think the loss of their mother is causing them to act out?”

His response was a nod.

“Have you ever talked to them about it?” She just couldn’t fathom a father not comforting his children when they lost someone so important.

“I did what I could. I comforted them as best I could but…”

A sadness
filled his dark eyes. A sadness that Destiny had seen in many patients who lost a loved one.

After a moment
he cleared his throat and said, “I think you may be able to help.”

Before she could ask any more questions he held out a piece of paper to her.

“Here’s the children’s sched
ule. Memorize it.”

She reached over the desk but the second she grabbed the paper something he said caught her attention.

“I’m sorry but did you just say
the
children?” She asked as she settled back in her seat. “Aren’t they
your
children?”

His dark eyes narrowed on her, a muscle in his jaw twitched.

“Ms. Reece,” His tone calm but stern. “I don’t like being badgered, contradicted, lecture, or corrected by anyone. Especially my employees. Now, if you don’t mind…” His eyes lowered to the paperwork on his desk. She was being dismissed and didn’t have to be told twice.

Other books

Velvet by Jane Feather

Jake & The Giant (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 2) by Foley, E.G.

The Presence of Grace (Love and Loss #2) by Anie Michaels

Healers by Laurence Dahners

Deadly Fortune: A Contemporary Suspense Romance (Romantic Mystery And Suspense Short Stories Book 1) by Allen, Jade

Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson

The Talented Miss Highsmith by Joan Schenkar

Tiger in Her Bed Revised Kindle by Lizzie Lynn Lee

Bone Ash Sky by Cosgrove, Katerina

Grizzly by Gary Paulsen