Dirty Daddy (A Single Dad Romance) (The Maxwell Family) Read online

  Camille laughed. “And by that you mean you felt like a good cup of coffee and a toasted sandwich.”

  “That would be nice too. Speaking of, any chance you’re free for lunch?”

  “I am. Give me just two minutes while I send out this email.”

  “No problem,” I said and leaned back against the chair.

  I watched in amazement as Camille’s fingers flew across the keyboard. I’d never seen anyone type as fast as she did.

  “All done,” she said, closing the laptop.

  “How do you type so fast? You’re like a machine.”

  She laughed. “I’m notthat good.. You’re just terrible at typing. You’d think anyone was good.”

  “I’m terrible at computers in general. I just don’t get them.”

  “Are you sure you’re not really an old lady? I mean, you do realize the importance of technology, don’t you?”

  “I’m not that bad!”

  “You’re not that good, either. You should go take a typing course.”

  “Have people forgotten about writing actual letters now? Snail mail is by far the best way to receive a letter.”

  “Sure, it has its appeal. But can you imagine trying to organize a wedding by snail mail? It would take forever just to sort out one little thing. Anyway, it’s okay; you don’t need to be good at computers. I need to be. But I’m hopeless in the kitchen, which is where you excel. Come on, let’s get some coffee.”

  We walked over to the café, where a few people came over to greet me. I loved Camille’s workplace. Everyone always just seemed so happy. I wondered if it was because they were planning people’s weddings all day. I asked Camille.

  “No, it’s because they get free coffee all day. And on Friday afternoons, we trade the caffeine for a glass of wine. That’s why.”

  I laughed. “Well, it’s nice. Nothing wrong with working in a happy place.”

  “You should come and visit the day before a wedding. It’s madness around here. Especially when we get a fussy bride. It’s not always this calm and happy. Anyway, you’re not really one to talk about being in a happy work place. You get to cook meals for a rich man with a kind heart, and you even join him for dinner. I’d say that’s a happy job.”

  I sighed. “Not anymore.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Sadly, Mr. Wentworth is moving to Alabama. I had my last day with him on Monday. It was all really sudden. He gave me enough money to keep me going for a month or so, but I’m going to have to start looking for something else soon.”

  “Ah, Ken, that’s horrible news. I’m sorry. I know you enjoyed it there.”

  I shrugged. “Yeah, I did. But I always knew that it wouldn’t be forever. It wasn’t even supposed to be as long as it was. But it’s a shame; it was good easy money.”

  “So what are you going to do? Have any plans?”

  “I’m not sure. I was thinking of starting up my own restaurant like I’ve always wanted to. But it turns out that it’s not as easy as I thought it was going to be. Or, should I say, it’s not as cheap as I thought it would be. I think I need a lot more capital. I’ve saved up a bit, but it’s not enough. So I’m not really sure right now.”

  “Hmm, why don’t you come and work here?”

  “Here? At the café?” I said looking around. As far as I was aware they weren’t in need of anyone. Also, they made toasted sandwiches and muffins; it wasn’t exactly the kind of thing I was into.

  “No, not at the café. But we often need caterers for weddings. We have a list of people that we use, but we could definitely put you on the list and use you as a high priority. What do you think? I’m sure it would be something I could do.”

  It was something that I had considered before, but I’d never really wanted to be a caterer. I’d done it once before and hadn’t enjoyed it. Also, I wasn’t too interested in doing work with Camille. I liked the fact that we worked in different places and could come to each other when we needed a break. I felt that this was going to blur the lines. I shook my head.

  “Thanks, Cam, that’s nice of you. I’m not sure, though. Remember how much I hated catering at that last place? It’s definitely an option. But right now I think I should concentrate on trying to start my own business. It’s what I’ve always wanted so I figure I should use this time to do something. I’ve been researching all week. And yeah, I haven’t gotten anywhere, but I still have a bit of time.”

  “Well, let me know if you change your mind. Trust me: money doesn’t last forever. The sooner you get back into the world of working, the better. You’re like me. You don’t like to be without work for too long.”

  “That’s true.”

  “If you don’t want to go into catering, then maybe you should look for something like what you had before. You enjoyed that, and you were good at it. You’re great with people, so this is a nice combination of food and good company. Also, usually only people with a lot of money hire a personal chef, so that’s a good way of earning more money. Maybe find someone that you can work with for a year’s contract or something. And put money aside each month. Then next year you can start something on your own.”

  “That’s not a bad idea,” I said. “Although, where the hell am I going to find someone that wants my services again? And what if I don’t get someone as nice as Mr. Wentworth? I hit the jackpot with him. But I’m sure they’re not all going to be as nice as him.”

  “You’ll find someone. Put some ads out there and see what comes out of it. You found Mr. Wentworth, which means you can find someone else. You’ve just got to put yourself out there. You’ll find something, I’m sure of it. And if not, the catering offer still stands.”

  “Thanks, Cam,” I said, although I really hoped that I wouldn’t have to take her job offer simply because I hadn’t found anything else. It was nice to have the option, but it wasn’t what I wanted.

  “So,” Camilla said as she took a bite of her sandwich and grinned at me. I knew that grin, and I knew that she was going to ask me about my love life. She always got a certain gleam in her eyes when she was about to talk about it, which, in my opinion, as far too often. “When am I going to start planning your wedding?”

  I groaned. “I asked Merlot when he was going to propose, but he says he’s just not into me like that.”

  She laughed. “Are you going to become one of those lonely old ladies with a million cats?”

  “First, I’m not old. Second, I only have one cat. And third, I’m not lonely.” That last statement might not be true, but she didn’t need to know that. “Also, just because you’re a wedding planner doesn’t mean you have to constantly try and set me up you know.”

  She laughed. “It’s not because I’m a wedding planner. It’s because I’m your best friend, and I want you to be happy.”

  “Oh, the last thing I need to start thinking about is a man now. It’s hard enough that I have to think about this job of mine. I don’t have time, and I don’t feel like the effort. Also, I am happy. I’m sorry, but I won’t be a client of yours anytime soon.”

  Camille sighed. “Darn, and I found the perfect dress for you the other day. Want to at least see it?”

  “Definitely not!” I said. “Now, let’s move on to more important subjects. Let’s get another cup of coffee.”

  “You’re impossible!” Camille said.

  Chapter Five

  Reed

  I’d enjoyed my week with Trinity, and the time together had been good for both of us. But I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I needed to get back to work. I’d never taken off long periods of time off from work, and even when I’d taken off a day or two, I felt guilty. I had a long list of clients that were waiting to see me, and the more I delayed my work, the more I was going to have to do when I got back. I’d called Warren to see how things were going, and he’d assured me that everything was fine. But I knew him well enough to know that he wasn’t being entirely honest. He was also busy, and taking on my work along with hi
s couldn’t be easy for him. But I still hadn’t found a nanny to look after Trinity.

  After everything that Trinity had gone through, I’d made the decision to enlist her help with finding a nanny. It was important that I was happy with the person I chose, but it was even more important that she was happy. She was going to be the one that would be spending all her time with the woman. Not me. I’d thought it would be easy, especially because after advertising online, I had already found four women that seemed perfect for the job.

  Three women came for the interview yesterday. They’d all seemed nice, and very polite, but Trinity hadn’t liked any of them. She’d rattled off a list of things that she didn’t like, but it mostly boiled down to the fact that she didn’t feel comfortable with them. Trinity had proven to me time and time again that she was an excellent judge of character, and I’d learned to trust her intuition. If she didn’t like someone, there was usually a good reason for it. The fourth lady was just about to arrive, and I only hoped that this one was going to be the one. When she knocked on the door, I turned to Trinity and grinned.

  “This is the one. I know it!” I said. I figured that adding a positive spin to it would help my cause.

  The woman that walked in was a tall, attractive woman with green, cat-like eyes.

  “Reed. Trinity,” she said before I had a chance to say anything. It was a strange way of greeting someone. No hello. Just our names.

  “Uh, yes, hi. You must be Wanda.”

  “That’s me. So, let’s talk business,” she said and walked in.

  “Uh. Okay,” I said. The woman made me feel nervous. She certainly seemed like she would get the job done, but I almost felt like she should be behind a desk and not in front of a child.

  We sat for fifteen minutes, which I knew because I kept glancing at the clock while she rattled off all her positive qualities. She’d also created a spread sheet for me showing all her pros and cons—the pro list being much longer of course. When I asked her if she had any references, she became a big cagey and told me that her list should speak for itself. It was only when she left that I realized that in all the time she’d been there, she hadn’t once looked at Trinity.

  “Well, she was nice,” I said as I closed the door.

  Trinity looked at me, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

  “Okay, she was awful.”

  “She was scary,” Trinity said.

  “Yeah, even I was scared of her.”

  “You won’t . . . you won’t hire her? Will you?” Trinity said. I often forgot that she was only six. I often treated her as if she were so much older. But looking at her now with her lips trembling, I felt myself soften toward her.

  “Of course not. I want you to actually like the person. Don’t worry. We’ll find someone nice. I have a list of people to still go through. I’m sure there’s another Linda out there just waiting for us to find her.”

  “She wasn’t nice, Daddy.”

  “No, she was not. And I’m not just taking anyone.”

  “Can’t you stay?”

  “I wish I could, my darling. But you know I can’t. I’m doing the best that I can, though.”

  “I know you are.”

  I smiled at Trinity. “You’re such a good daughter. I’m very lucky to have you in my life. Now, how about we figure out something to eat for dinner?”

  “Are we having eggs again?” she said and made a face.

  I laughed. “No, I know you’re sick of that. So am I, actually. How about I make you something tonight. How about a nice stew?”

  She giggled. “Does it have eggs in it?”

  “I’m sure I can cook something other than eggs, you know. Okay, let’s go to the shop and get some ingredients. Come on; it will be fun.”

  “Can we make a chocolate cake too?”

  “You’re pushing my limitations here. How about we just buy one of those box ones where you add the milk and eggs to it? I can do that.”

  “I like those ones,” Trinity said.

  “So do I,” I said and smiled at her. I really was lucky to have her in my life. I’d heard horror stories about children before, and considering I was looking after Trinity all alone, I think I was doing a good job. Either that or I’d gotten lucky with her.

  We made our way to the grocery store and started walking up and down the aisles. Linda had always done our main shopping while I’d always just popped into the shop to get bread and milk top ups. So this was completely out of my comfort zone. I had no idea where to even begin, and for a while, I just stood there staring at the shop in front of me and wondering when I’d become so hopeless. How could a guy that was so good when it came to his work turn into an idiot at a grocery store?

  “Okay, let’s just go up and down and grab what we need. So if you see anything that relates to a stew, you let me know. Okay?”

  “Okay. Ooh, how about these?” she asked as we got started.

  I laughed when I saw what she was holding. “A box of cereal? That’s not exactly going to go in the stew. But we do actually need that. So yes, put it in. And let me know if you see milk. We’ll need that too.”

  “And this?” she said hopefully and held up a chocolate bar.

  “Oh no, are we going to come home with a cart filled with junk? Okay, you know my stance on eating healthy and how important it is for you. But I also believe in balance and a bit of fun. So, I’m going to get us this bag of oranges, and you can put in that chocolate bar. But no more sweets after this, okay?”

  “Okay, Dad,” she said and I tried not to laugh out loud as I heard her saying goodbye and sorry to the rest of the chocolate bars. I threw an extra one in as we got to the end of the aisle and she whooped with delight. “You’re the best!”

  We walked up and down the aisles, throwing in things that we needed for the kitchen, while I desperately tried to think of what I would need for the stew. When we got to the end, we went through the items in our cart while I wondered if I had everything.

  “What about peas? Peas are good,” she said.

  “Peas! Yes, great idea. Now, where would I find those?”

  “Aisle one!” she said. “I think I saw them.”

  I wheeled the cart all the way to the first aisle and threw a bag of peas in. “Okay. We have peas. What else?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Neither do I,” I said and we both stood there for a while.

  We must’ve looked confused because a woman came up to ask us if we were okay. She had a kind face, pale skin, and dark red hair. She was unusual looking, and absolutely beautiful in the most interesting kind of way.

  “You guys need some help?” she said.

  “Oh, uh, no, we’re good. Thank you,” I stuttered. I wasn’t sure why I sounded so nervous.

  “Yes we do. My dad is making stew and we’re not sure what to buy,” Trinity revealed.

  I laughed. “Well, there goes my idea of trying to act like everything was fine. It’s true, I’m making a stew and I have no idea what I’m doing.”

  “He only knows how to make eggs,” Trinity revealed.

  “Trin, is there any way you can at least try to not make me sound like a hopeless idiot?” I said to Trinity. Then I looked at the woman again and laughed. “I’m Reed, by the way.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Reed. I’m Kennedy. And you are?” she said as she looked at Trinity.

  “I’m Trinity.”

  “Whoa. Cool name.”

  “Thank you,” Trinity said. “Yours too.”

  “Thank you. Now, let me see. What have you got for the stew already?”

  “Well, I think we have everything we need. We have chicken, rice, and peas so far. And flour. Although I’m not sure what to do with that.”

  Kennedy chuckled. “Is that all?”

  “Well, yeah. What else goes in a stew?”

  “A little more than that,” she said and laughed again. “Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh. I’m actually a chef. So it’s my job to know these
things.”

  “You’re a chef? Oh no. And here I am not even sure how to make a stew.”

  “But you can make eggs, Dad,” Trinity said which I supposed was supposed to make me feel better.

  “That’s great,” Kennedy said. “Do you know that eggs are super good for you?”

  “They are?”

  “They sure are. Although, between you and me I’d rather eat chocolate eggs every day.”

  Trinity laughed. “Me too.”

  “Okay, so—for the stew you’re going to ditch the flour. Then you’re going to get onions, tomatoes, garlic . . . .” She began rattling off a list of ingredients but stopped when she saw the confused look on my face. “Or, you can go over to the fridge in aisle four. They have already-made ones. You just need to heat them up. And they’re actually not all that bad.”

  “You’re a lifesaver. I think for the sake of my child’s life, I’m going to go with that option. So, what restaurant do you work for?”

  “Actually, I’m out of work at the moment. I was a personal chef for someone for the past few months, but he’s retiring and moving to another city. Which reminds me, take my card; if you’re ever looking for a chef, I’m the lady for it.”

  I took the card from her and placed it in my pocket. “You don’t happen to be a nanny as well, do you?”

  Kennedy looked at Trinity and then back at me and smiled. “I’m not. But she seems awesome. Why? Are you looking for someone?”

  “I am. Any chance you’d be interested?”

  “I’m not sure. I mean . . . I’ve never done that before.”

  “Well, I’m currently interviewing people for the position. How about we go for dinner tomorrow? You can give me some more tips on cooking, and I can tell you about the position? Then we can take it from there?” I had no idea why I had asked her out for dinner instead of just inviting her to interview like everyone else. The words had just flown out of my mouth before I could stop them.

  “Dinner? Yeah, that sounds great. You have my number,” she said.

  We finished our shopping, paid, and walked out. I was sure that nothing would come out of the dinner, considering she’d never even looked after a child before, but it was something to look forward to, anyway. Trinity had been usually quiet throughout the exchange. I looked down at her.