Falling For My Baby's Nanny

After three years... Max

Thank God my meeting was over earlier than planned. I was going to surprise my daughter in her room when I heard her nanny yelling at her. I heard my daughter cry from the hall.

Right away, I became scared and angry. When I walked into the room, I heard her nanny, Sandra, yelling at her while she held her arms and gave her a rough shake.

"What the heck is going on?" Is that what you want to do to my daughter?" It made me mad at Sandra.

Sandra looked like she was struck by lightning, and my daughter looked shocked and happy to see me. Right away, she jumped over to me and hid behind my legs, crying.

Sandra's face turned pale. Her face was filled with fear.

"Mr. Maxwell...I was trying to soothe her and stop her from crying..."

"Do I look like a fool to you?" I snarled at her. "I heard you yelling at her from the hallway, and I come in here, and I see you grabbing my daughter by her arms, shaking her," I said with a menacing voice.

I went to the doorbell and asked Mrs. Jenna to come clean my house. "Mrs. Jenna, please come to Emelia's room with all of Ms. Grace's things right away."

"Yes, sir," she said.

"Ms. Grace, I will not stand for violence in my home." You didn't have the right to yell at my daughter or hurt her. You should have let me know if you were worried. My kid is very young. What makes you think you have the right to do that? I, as her father, have never hit her or yelled at her.

She said, "Mr. Maxwell, I'm so sorry. I promise it won't happen again," but I cut her off before she could go on.

"You're right, and it won't happen again since you were fired." I'm also going to file a report against you. You're lucky I'm not calling the cops right now because I promise I will never hire you again for this job. Not now. They will know what happened, and I will let them handle things with you. "Please leave my house right away."

I stopped when she tried to speak, "Don't bother Ms. Grace."

Mrs. Jenna walked into the room right then. She looked at me and said, "Please take Ms. Grace out of my house."

She just nodded, and it looked like she was glad to be free of Ms. Grace.

After they left, I knelt in front of my daughter, held her face in my hands, and wiped her tears.

"I'm sorry, my angel. I tried to comfort her by telling her, "Shh...it's okay, she won't be able to hurt you again."

I can't keep my cool because I'm mad at her nanny and, most of all, at myself for not knowing what was happening with my daughter.

"Daddy, I'm showy. I was bad. "I woke up the picture frame by accident," she said, referring to the broken frame on the floor beside her dresser.

"Don't worry, kid," I said, shaking my head. It was a mistake. You weren't bad. It was wrong and bad what your nanny did to you. You or any child should never be hit, okay? You need to tell your dad right away the next time someone tries to hurt you, okay?"

She gave a head nod.

"No one can hurt you." "All right, lady?"

She gave a sniff and a nod.

I put my hand on her shoulder and wiped her tears away. "Hey, my little girl. It's all right. I tried to calm her down by telling her, "Daddy's not mad at you."

She took another sniffle and used her little hand to wipe her eyes and nose. "That's better, my little girl," I said with a smile. Will you smile at your dad now?"

She smiled and hugged me with her little arms around my neck. I gave her a tight hug back.

As we moved apart, I smiled at her and lightly tapped her pretty nose.

"Now, what does my principessa want to do tonight?" I told her.

She was happy and forgot what happened when she said, "I want to watch Foxen Daddy."

"Again?" I laughed. "That's what we watched last night, sir."

She pouted, "I know, Daddy, but I want to watch it again."

It made me laugh at how cute she is. "Don't be sad, grand dame. "That wind could change, and you'll get stuck," I laughed.

She laughed. "You're so silly, daddy."

I said, "Silly for you," as I tickled her. She laughed and squealed.

I smiled at her and said, "Let's go downstairs first and see what Mrs. Jenna has made for dinner."

I took her to the kitchen on my back.

The teacher, whose name is Emma, smiled at us. She said, "I've made your favourite Lia."

My daughter was happy and clapped her hands together. "Thank you! The phrase "I love spaghetti" made Emma and me laugh.

She smiled at us and said, "Give me a minute, and it'll be ready."

I put Lia on one of the chairs and asked her, "Why don't you stay here for a minute, Grandma?" I only need to call a few people. Piccola, don't move. I don't want you to fall off the stool, okay?"

She said yes. "Okay, Daddy."

Before I left, I quickly nodded to Emma.

I need a new babysitter right away. Oh no. How am I going to find someone quickly? I don't want to go back to the agency. Even though I don't trust them anymore, I must tell them what Ms. Grace did.

When I told the agency about what happened, they apologised several times and told me that Ms. Grace would be punished and fired by the agency. They will also file a report of the event. They offered to send me another nanny and told me she was the best, but I turned them down. That's what they said about Ms. Grace, and look how things turned out. Finally, I'm sitting in my office and moving while thinking about how to find a good nanny for my daughter. The doorbell then buzzes, breaking my train of thought.

I hear the voice of my daughter.

She yelled, "Daddy, the spaghetti is ready!"

"I'll be right down principessa."

This needs to be put off for now.

I got Lia ready for bed after dinner, and then we watched Frozen in her room. It's her favourite right now.

She picked up her bean bag and sat down. After a short time, she started singing. "Let it go, let it go," I laughed.

"Sing with me, Daddy!" She asked for it.

I laughed with her and began to sing. Everyone on my team and in my business would have a great day if they could hear me right now.

I smiled at myself.

I do so many nice things for my kid.

I would do anything for her because she is my life.

She laughed so hard she could barely breathe and said, "Stop now, Dad, you sing bad."

I pretended to be hurt. "Oh my, lady principal. "You hurt me," I told her, making her laugh even more.

She told him, "You're being so silly again."

It made me laugh. I sat down next to her and put on the movie. "Let's watch it now, il mio piccola," I stated. I have to say it. I enjoy this movie.

She clapped her hands and said, "Okay, dad." She got up and sat down on my lap.

Lia passed out in the middle of the show. I smiled when I saw her pretty, calm face. She seems a lot like her mom.

I felt sad when I thought about it. I still really miss my wife and wish she were here with us... I share my happiness as we raise our little girl.

I turned off the TV and stopped the show. As I got up, I held her close, not to wake her.

I went to her room and put her to bed. Before I left the room, I kissed her on the forehead.

Emma and I ran into each other in the hall, just outside Lia's room.

"Emma, I hope you won't mind looking after her while I look for a new nanny," I told her. "I just don't think the agency is a good idea anymore."

"Yes, Mr. Maxwell, it would be great." You already know how much I love Lia. If it's okay with you, sir, I know someone else who is good with kids. She is someone you can trust with Lia. She is best friends with my daughter, just like her mother was with me. Aria is her name. She just graduated and wants to start her creche, but she needs to save money first. "I could call her and see if she's interested," she said.

I do not doubt that Emma is a good person if she says I can trust her.

"That sounds great," I said with a nod. "Please let her come in tomorrow. I want to meet her and see if she's right for the job."

"I'll call my daughter and ask her to contact Aria immediately, sir," she told me.

I quickly nodded at her. Say "thank you." I am going to be in my office. I'm also going to be working in my office tomorrow. She needs to be here by 9 a.m. sharp.

She said, "I'll let her know."

As I returned to my office, I told myself, "I hope this Aria woman is the one."

*****

Aria pov

My phone rang just as I got into bed.

I grunt. I've been looking for work all day. Even though I was tired, I got up to get my phone.

The caller ID showed that it was my best friend, Sarah.

"Hey, Al," I called out.

"Hi Ara. There's good news for you, but first things first. Have you been able to get a job?" She inquired.

I took a deep breath and said, "No." Every place I went told me the same thing: "Sorry, but we're not hiring right now, but we'll keep your resume on file." You know what I mean? I can't wait to have enough money to open my preschool or nursery. What's the good news, anyway? "I need one to make me feel better," I said.

"Well, my mom told me her boss needs a nanny for his three-year-old daughter." She may have told her boss, Max Maxwell, about you because she knew you were looking for a short-term job. It's likely to be good pay since my mum works for one of the wealthiest men in L.A. I mean, the guy is a billionaire, folks. His business is one of the biggest in the world, and his family owns hotels worldwide. Goodness, did I forget to tell you how hot he is! That person has the power to destroy a home..."

It made me laugh. "Stop, Al. "I'm not looking for a hot guy to drool over, but I know you're looking for one right now," I joked.

"You say that now, but wait until you see the guy. Anyhow, it's unfortunate. His wife died while giving birth to their daughter. But his kid is so sweet. Al said, "I've had to watch over her a few times, and she's a sweetheart."

"I guess it wouldn't hurt." Doesn't he know it's only for a short time? "Well, until I save up enough money," I explained.

Yes, and he wants you to come in tomorrow right on time at 9 a.m. She said, "I mean, you might not get the job, but he wants to interview you."

"OK. Don't worry about that, I guess. "Where should I go to see him?"

"At his house. I'll send you the address by text. "Oh, and wear something hot, babe," she laughed and said as she hung up the phone.

I laughed and shook my head.

After a moment, the address beeped on my phone.

An ex-husband and single dad with a three-year-old... That's so sad.

That was the last thing I thought before I fell asleep.

My alarm went off at 7 a.m. I planned to leave early in case I got lost, or there was traffic.

I quickly got out of bed and showered. Taking a shower, I chose a simple flower dress and my flats to wear. Like every day, I put on makeup and lip gloss.

Like always, I left my hair in a free wave. It was 7:45 a.m. when I was ready.

I quickly went to the kitchen to make a breakfast sandwich with peanut butter and jelly. A few minutes later, I was on my way.

I put the address into my GPS. It said it would take thirty minutes from here.

I turned on my car's engine and drove off.

I hope there isn't a lot of traffic.

When I got to the spot thirty minutes later, I couldn't speak. It wasn't a house! This was a big house. It's so beautiful, thank you.

I drove up to the gate and pushed the intercom button.

"Yes," a voice answers.

"Hello, my name is Aria Canzano. I should see Mr. Maxwell soon. I told him, "I have a meeting with him at 9 a.m."

He just said, "Yes, he's expecting you," I heard a buzzer go off. The gate then opened.

I went inside. You have to drive for a while before you reach the house. There were pretty flowers on both sides of the road. You have to drive around a small pond right before you get to the house.

Just above the stairs, there was a man in a suit who waved for me to pull up in front of him.

I turned off the car, got out, and gathered my things.

"Good morning, I'm here to see Mr. Maxwell," I told the suit-wearing man.

"Hello, Miss. He is waiting for you. He held up his metal detector and said, "I hope you don't mind."

I turned my head away. "No, not all."

He put the metal detector on my body, bag, and car.

That's it? Do I seem like a killer? I told myself. I guess safety is essential to rich people, though.

As soon as the man was happy, he nodded and gave me back my bag.

"Follow me, Miss," he said. I did, and Emma met me when I got inside.

She smiled and said, "Ara, it's great to see you again." Then she gave me a big hug.

I hugged her and said, "You too, Mrs. Jenna." Since my parents died, she's been like a second mother to me. She was the best friend of my mom. She took me in after my parents died and is the only family I have.

"Oh, sweetheart, why so formal all of a sudden?" She inquired.

I laughed. "Everything here seems so important." "The security guard and the guy in the suit make me feel like I'm in a dangerous place," I said.

She was amused. "Oh no, Mr. Maxwell is being careful. His life is well known, and he has a daughter. He wants to make sure that no one, especially his daughter, ever comes near his house and does any harm.

I nodded to show that I understood.

"Well, have you had breakfast?"

I smiled at Emma and said, "Yes, thank you."

"Don't be scared. She smiled at me and said, "I'm sure he'll like you."

I laughed.

"Let me check to see if he's ready for you." She led me to the living room and said, "Why don't you come in and sit for a minute?"

I took a seat and looked around the room. That house is so pretty. I could tell that people were sad in the house, but I think it was because his wife had died.

On one of the tables for looks, I saw some pictures. I went over to check them out. One shot isn't of a little girl, which I think is his daughter. In the middle is a picture of a pretty woman.

He must be married to her. She looked very pretty. She looks a lot like the little girl. I gave a sad smile.

I understand how hard it is to lose a parent. But poor girl, she has never even met her mum.

It made me cry to think about it.

"He'll see you now, Ara."

Emma's voice shocked me and made me gasp.

She laughed. "Sorry, dear, I didn't mean to startle you," she stated.

It made me laugh. "it's okay."

"Well, if you'll follow me," she said, and I did.

We went up the steps and then out the door on the left.

The second door on the left is where we stopped.

"Go right in, dear," she said with a smile.

I moved out of the way as she walked by to return downstairs.

I stood outside the door and tried to calm down. I'm terrified for some reason. I've never been this scared before.

I think my life will never be the same after I walk through this door.

I sat down and knocked on the door. A weak "come in" sound came from the other side of the door.

I slowly opened the door and went inside.

The man is Mr Maxwell because he stands by the window with his back to me. He stood at least 6 feet 2 inches tall and had broad shoulders. He is wearing a jumper that fits close to his body and shows off his strong muscles. He has pushed the sleeves up to his elbows. He's dressed in pants that have been washed dark.

When I saw the man, my heart was beating very fast for some reason.

Do not do that! I told myself off.

He didn't turn around and asked, "Would you like some coffee?"

His voice is scorching.

Aria! Stop this now! I told myself off again.

Then he turned around right then, and my breath caught.

I took a deep breath. He is beautiful; Al was right. It's so hot and sexy with him...

"Miss? Do you want some coffee?" He asked again, this time looking annoyed. Then I saw that I wasn't answering his question and staring at him.

"Sorry," I said after clearing my throat. I mean... "No thanks," I said in a shaky voice. That's it, and he now thinks I'm naive. Saying, "Sorry, I'm just nervous,"

He raised an eyebrow and nodded to show that he got it. Let's wait for Ms. Canzano to sit down. I think you have something for me." He inquired.

I gave him a stupid nod, and then I understood what he wanted from me.

I shook my head and took my resume out of my bag.

He took it from my hand after I gave it to him.

After considering it, he looked up and said, "Well, Ms. Canzano, I'm impressed." "You graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and I see you also have a degree in Psychology," he said, not looking at me.

"Thank you, and please call me Ara." I've always loved being around kids. I feel like I missed out on some things because I'm an only child. I was a friendly kid, though, so I guess it wasn't so bad. I knew as a child that I wanted to work with kids, so that's what I did. "Teenagers and kids with special needs are what I do best." Taking psychology classes would greatly benefit me because they would teach me more about how people behave and how to better deal with children. It seemed like I could learn how to deal with challenging situations better if I knew why a particular child acts or behaves the way they do..." I got off track when I saw him just looking at me. My face is getting hot. I saw that I was talking too much and possibly not making sense.

Wow, this is something I do a lot when I'm scared.

"Sorry, I'm talking too much," I stated.

He just gave a nod. "Well, Ms. Canzano, I don't believe you're qualified for this job. I mean that you're too qualified. It doesn't make sense for you to waste your time going to school when I only need someone to watch my daughter. Do what kids her age do and play with her. She's only three years old. "She just needs to be watched," he said. "She has someone come in and teach her at home." Not the heavy stuff, just things for preschoolers."

Please forgive me, Mr. Maxwell, but shouldn't that make me your top choice for the job? I really could help your kid more. I won't just watch her, and I'll also be her friend and guide. Anyway, I could teach her basic stuff instead of the hard stuff, which would save you money, too, I said, using his words. "She must be interested in many things at her age." She likely wants to learn more about fun things like flowers, animals, reading, drawing, etc. With firm resolve, I told her, "I can help her with all those things." I want this job very much. I have to have this job. If that's true, then why aren't you teaching?" Then he answered. He said with pride, "Your skills will be better used."

Ok. I'm now getting past it! What the hell does he think he is?

I took a deep breath and told him, "Mr. Maxwell, so you know, I've been trying to do that for the past few weeks." Do you think I would be here if I had a job?" I inquired.

"So you mean to say you don't want to be here and that you're just here because you had no choice?" He inquired.

"What? No! No, of course not. I didn't mean that. "I lied; I would take any job that lets me help other people and make a difference," I said. "Look, it's clear that you don't think I'm not qualified for the job, so I'll leave you now." "I hope you find what you're looking for," I told them as I left.

I thought to myself, "That went well."

Just as I shut the door behind me, my legs hit something... When I looked down, it wasn't something... Someone was there. The girl in the shot was it. With her big brown eyes, she stood before me and looked up at me.

I smiled at her. "Hello, pretty. I told her, "I'm sorry I didn't see you, little lady."

She smiled and laughed. "You think I'm a lady?" She inquired.

"Of course!" I seriously yelled.

"I like your dress," she told him.

I told her, "Thank you, I love your dress too."

She laughed. "You're foolish. "This is my jam!" she yelled.

"Sorry, I made a mistake. "I didn't notice how beautiful you look in it," I told her with a smile.

"Why are you alone in the hallway?" I told her.

"I woke up just now." She said, "I want to see my dad."

"Oh, I see."

"You? "Why are you here?" She asked me as she looked up at me with her big, beautiful brown eyes.

"I had a job interview with your dad," I stated.

"What's that?" She inquired.

"It's where you go and talk to someone, and you talk about yourself so the person can get to know you, to see if they like you and if you're right for the job," I explained.

"Oh. Do you mean like my dad? He always amazes me!" I softly laughed at what she said.

"Yes, like your dad." But he's in charge. I haven't found a job yet. I told her, "That was me in there, trying to get a job."

She said sweetly, "I hope you get the job."

I hoped so too, but I guess I'm not what your dad is looking for, I told myself.

I looked down at the little girl and smiled. She had won my heart so quickly that I wished I could have spent more time with her.

Then, someone opened the door behind us, making the little girl squeal and run to her dad.

"Daddy!"

"Good morning, lady principal. How did your sleep go?" He asked his daughter, I heard. I could tell they had a strong connection. The thought of it made my heart melt.

He said, "Ms. Canzano, I see you've met my daughter."

For some reason, I was scared to face the guy who had made me feel things I had never felt before.

I took a big breath, turned around, and gave him a nod. "I guess I should go now." Again, thanks for your time, Mr. Maxwell. I told you. "And it was nice to meet you..." I have no idea what her name is yet.

"Lia," the girl answered.

I smiled at her. "Hi Lia, it's nice to meet you. I said, "My name is Ara, and I'd like to shake your hand."

I put out my hand, and she took it right away. We shook hands. "Well, have a good day!" I quickly said.

I quickly nodded at Mr. Maxwell and turned to leave. While my heart was racing, all I could think about was his broad shoulders, beautiful face, and cute little girl.

I felt sad and thought, "I guess it's just not meant to be."

Every time I move, I feel like they've taken a piece of my heart...

Max POV

She was there for me even before I turned around. I asked again if she wanted coffee because she hadn't answered the first time.

When I saw her, my breath caught.

She was so pretty, God... She was truly beautiful. She looked at me, too, but her mouth was open.

Even though her eyes told me something else, I could tell she was shy. I can tell by the look in her eyes that she feels it, too. What a pull...

Oh, no. I've never felt this strongly about a woman before. It only took a second of seeing her to make me so angry.

What the fuck am I going through?

Ok. I may not have been with anyone since my wife died, but I've always been in charge. Since my wife, I haven't felt anything for any other woman, so I've never been tempted. Yes, of course. Several women have interested me, but none have made me want to get a case of blue balls. Despite that, the woman in front of me has done just that.

I told myself, "Damn it!" Nothing else is going on while you interview her for the job of babysitter for your daughter.

She's not available for hire. Shit. Her being in my house like a fucking temptation is not okay. However, fuck. She's more than pretty. She's also intelligent. She has everything.

I thought she was great when I looked at her resume. At age 24, she has done a lot. At least two degrees: one in Psychology and one in Early Childhood Education.

Fuck. There was more to my dick than I thought possible. While she waited for me to say something, I could feel her focused gaze on me. Shit. There is no way around it-I need to find someone else to do the job.

I told her I was amazed by how far she had come, and she went on and on about how much she loved kids. Fuck me, all I could do was stare at her delicious mouth and imagine what it would taste like on my mouth and how it would feel around my dick.

She stopped talking when she saw that I was looking at her. She said she was sorry for talking too much. I just gave a nod. My thoughts were only in her mouth, and she doesn't need to know that.

Oh no. This is not okay for me. I need to get her out of here before I lose it and kiss her until she feels no more pain.

"I don't think you're qualified for this job, Ms. Canzano. I mean that you're too qualified. It doesn't make sense for you to waste your time going to school when I only need someone to watch my daughter. Do what kids her age do and play with her. Sure, she's only three, but she's not a baby or anything. "She just needs to be watched," I told her.

Her look changed. She looked strong and proud in her eyes. She spoke with full conviction and trust. She told me she didn't need to be hired, which is reason enough for me to hire her because she could do much more for my daughter.

I know she was right, but I won't tell her. I told her she would be better off using her skills somewhere else. She wasn't happy, and I might have been too harsh, but fuck me if I let my lust take over.

The woman even told me I would save money because I wouldn't have to pay someone to teach my daughter basic stuff. I shook my head. I laughed like I needed to save.

She thanked me for my time and hoped I found the person I was looking for. It didn't sound like she was talking about a babysitter for my daughter. It seemed like she was talking about me...about finding... I turned my head away.

Not at all! What am I talking about? There's no way she meant that since I don't need anyone.

She got up and left my office before I could say anything else.

After my door closed briefly, I could hear faint sounds outside.

I went to my door to get a better sound. As I got closer, I could tell the difference between Aria's voice and my daughter's. They were talking and having fun. No one has ever heard my daughter laugh and talk to a stranger. They talked about how lovely their dress made them look.

When my daughter told me she was wearing her nightgown, which she calls "James," I laughed.

After some time, I decided to let them know I was there.

I walked out of my house after opening the door. When my daughter saw me, she ran right up to me. I grabbed her and gave her a big hug.

I saw that Aria's body got stiff.

It was harder for me because she looked delighted and taken with my daughter when I introduced them. I knew she was the right person for the job, but I didn't think it was right to be so close to her when I moved physically towards her. I don't need this kind of trouble.

She said goodbye, and as she walked away, I couldn't help but wonder if she would think of us and if we would see her again.

I almost hired her when I thought about not seeing her again.

I didn't, though.

I told my daughter, "Princessa, let's have breakfast."

"I like her, Dad. Lia said, "She's nice and wet."

I didn't know what to say, so I smiled at my daughter and took her downstairs for food.

But the thing is, I liked her too.

It's my fault that I liked her too much.

Aria POV

I thought, "Lia is such a lovely name for a little girl."

Oh, if only her dad weren't so...so...aargh! That man is so annoying and so...so...damn it!

Okay, that's fine. He looked good, then. What the heck? He was also cocky, which is not attractive.

Aria, come on, you know it. Even though he was cocky, he was good-looking and appealing.

Oh no! You need to work. It would help if you got a job. Think about that.

I gasped in surprise when my phone rang, breaking my thoughts.

That's Al.

"Hey," I answered my cell phone.

The woman asked, "Hey, so how did it go?"

I moaned. "Don't ask," I told you.

"Really, that bad?" "You should have worn something sexy, I told you," she laughed.

"You know I don't get it," I said, laughing. It would make sense to think he would be pleased and hire me, but that jerk used my accomplishments against me. That is, he didn't hire me because of it. I yelled, "That doesn't even make sense!"

"Well, if you just listened to me and wore..." she laughed.

"Stop..." I said, cutting her off while laughing at the same time.

"But really, it's his loss." What are you going to do now?"

"I'm not sure." You should know that I can't give up. I'm not going to. I promised myself, "One day, I'll open my nursery and learning centre."

Max

I still haven't found the right person to be Emelia's nanny after a week.

As I thought that, my thoughts went to the brunette on my mind ever since she left my house.

Ok. Okay, she was pretty, innovative, and the best person to be my daughter's nanny, but... Fine. That means there is no but.

I think about her all the time. The way her breath stopped when she saw me. The way her eyes looked shocked. The way she stood up for herself with class and honour. The way she spoke with her mouth. When she was mad, her golden brown eyes were on fire. The way she laughed with my daughter and talked to her.

She was so beautiful, God.

"I want to love you again." Max. You care so much. Discover the person who will love you and your child, and love them back. Feel everything you have for her.

I thought of Alex's letter. Then Aria's face came to mind.

Then I turned around and saw my wife's face. I took the frame out of my pocket and held it.

I let out a big breath, and tears came to my eyes.

I feel guilty starting to rise inside me. I should not feel this way about other people. In the first place, I shouldn't feel this way about anyone.

I am unable to. I loved Alex very much and could never love someone else as much as I loved her.

"I miss you a lot, sweetheart. Every day I think about you. I really wish you were still here with us. "I love you so much, sweetheart."

After that, I stopped thinking about Aria and focused on the work I needed to do.

The only thing that's making me feel that way is a beautiful woman. I will forget about her soon.

But I had a hard time believing what I was saying. I think that thoughts of Aria will keep coming back to me for a very long time.

Around 6, I knew I wouldn't make it home in time for dinner or to put Lia to bed. I called Emma at home to tell her.

"Hello," Emma's voice said.

"Hey Emma, how is everything?" "I hope Lia isn't making things too hard for you," I told her.

"No way, sir. Little Lia is a sweetheart. "That kid, I love her like she's my granddaughter," she told him.

I laughed. I have a lot of faith in Emma. She has lived with my family since before I was born. When I moved to New York for good, my mom sent her to me. She's like family to me.

"Thank you again, Emma, for taking care of her." "Everything will be fine again as soon as I find someone," I told her.

What did she say? "Mr. Maxwell..."

"Emma, when will you stop calling me Max?" As a child, you always called me that. "I don't get why you stopped," I said softly. "You're family."

"I only ever called you that when you were making trouble," she stated.

I had fun. "Which was often, if I remember correctly."

She chuckled, "You were a very active boy," she said. "Well, isn't that a nice way of putting it?"

"Anyway, Max, I just wanted to ask you something. I really believed Aria was the best person for the job." "I don't know what happened," she said.

When I heard her name, I groaned to myself. What am I going to say?

"It just seemed like she was too qualified." "Anyway, I'm sure I'll find someone soon. She'd do better working at a school or a nursery." "Listen, I just called to tell you I'm not going to be home for dinner." "I just need to finish up some paperwork."

"That's all right, Sir. Do you want to talk to Lia?"

I said, "Yes, please," and immediately, my daughter's voice came over.

She happily said, "Hi, Daddy."

"Hi, Principessa, how are you?"

"I'm fine, dad. I played all day and baked cookies with E'lyn." She was proud to say, "I help her dad."

"Really then?" "That's great, honey."

"I save you some daddy."

"Did you?" "I can't wait to try them," I told her. "Look, dear, my dad called to say I'll be home late tonight." "Daddy needs to finish up some work."

She said, "Okay, Daddy."

"You be good, okay?"

"Yes, Dad. "I adore you."

I told her, "I love you too."

"Bye, Daddy."

"Bye," I said as I hung up.

All of a sudden, I feel energised again. You wouldn't believe how a simple chat with my daughter could make my day...or night better.

I took a deep breath and went back to work.

It was 11pm when I got home. I was worn out, and I still have a meeting early tomorrow morning.

I quickly went to Lia's room by going up the stairs.

When I saw her, I smiled. Before I left her room, I gave her a quick kiss, and good night.

I feel bad that I still don't have a babysitter for her, and I know I need to find one soon.

Once more, Aria comes into my mind.

Good morning! It's hard for me to think about her.

I chose to take a quick, cold shower to get things done.

I keep thinking about her.

Getting into bed, I hoped to fall asleep quickly. I couldn't help but think about Aria, and I wondered if she felt the same way about me.

With that last thought in mind, I finally gave up because I was too tired and fell asleep.