The Nanny and the CEO (15 page)

When he helped her to climb in, she felt fire shoot up her arm. This really wasn't a good idea, but she'd said she would go. Somehow she needed to turn off the hormones. To her chagrin she didn't know how.

Nick was so at home on the water, you would have thought he lived here year-round. After handing her a life jacket and telling her to put it on, he untied the ropes and they backed out into the blue bay. Once they got beyond the buoys, they sped through the glasslike water of the Aegean. Glorious.

When he turned his head and smiled at her, she was in such a euphoric state, she felt as if they were flying. “There's no beach in the world like the one you're going to see.”

“I can't imagine anything more beautiful than the ones we've been to already.”

“Papafragas is different. Have you had a good time so far? Feel like you've gotten away from all your studies and worries?”

Her lips curved into a full-bodied smile. “A good time?” she mocked. “That's like asking me if I've been having a good time in paradise.”

“There are levels of excitement, even in paradise.”

She averted her eyes. Yes. To be loved and make love with Nick would be the pinnacle, the only part of paradise she would never know.

They eventually drew close to another part of the island. Nick cut the motor and the momentum drove them toward a cave opening.

“I feel like a pirate.”

He flashed her a penetrating glance. “Andreas tells me they used to roam these waters. We'll swim from here.” Nick got out of his seat and lowered the anchor. “If you get tired, you've got your life jacket on to support you and I'll take us the rest of the way.”

At the thought of him touching her one more time, adrenaline shot through her system, driving her to her feet. Without waiting for Nick, she leaped off the side and headed through the cave opening. Once beyond it she realized it was a long, natural, fjordlike swimming pool surrounded by walls of white rock.

“This is fantastic!”

“This is fantastic!”
came the echo. She laughed in delight.

He caught up to her and they did the side stroke as they headed for the other end. His dark eyes held hers. “There are half a dozen caves in here. If we had more time, we could explore them.”

Time. Her enemy.

Another fifty yards lay a strip of warm white sand from the sun finding its way down between the walls of rock. Nick reached it first and pulled her onto the sand. They both turned over to lie on their backs.

“You were right, Nick. This beach is incredible.”

“Andreas said he used to come here with his brother Leon to play space aliens.”

Her laughter rang out over and over because of the echo. “I love it here!” she cried. Again, her words reverberated,
Love it here, love it here, love it here.

“You sound happy, Reese.”

“Not happy. Something so much more, but there is no word in English for what I'm feeling right now.”

“Then you admit you needed a vacation, too.”

She let out an exasperated sound. “You know I did. I've been in school for so long, I almost forgot what it's like to play. Of course there's playing, and then there's the Wainwright-Simonides way of having fun.”

This time Nick's deep, rich laughter resounded against the walls.

Reese smiled at him. “You sound like King Poseidon in here, coming up from the sea for a breather because he's happy, too.”

“I am. When I think of the dark place I was before I hired you, I can't relate to it anymore. I have you to thank for that. There's no way in this world I'll be able to repay you for showing me how to be a dad to my son.”

Her eyes filled with tears she fought to hold back. “You just have by giving me this trip. Andreas and Gabi are the nicest people I've ever known. It's been an experience I'll cherish all my life.”

“I'm glad then,” he said in a husky voice. Quick as lightning he rolled on his side, bringing him close to her. “Reese—” He put his hand on her arm, but she wasn't destined to succumb to her needs because four people had started down the rocks from the surface on their end of the beach and their voices were already making echoes.

She heard a groan of protest come out of Nick before he got up and pulled her to her feet. His eyes fused with hers. “A serpent has entered Eden. Let's go.”

Much as she hated the intrusion, those swimmers had probably prevented her from confessing all to Nick and begging him to make love to her. She'd passed up her chance when they'd gone sailing at Martha's Vineyard.
This time she wouldn't have had the willpower to deny herself or him anything.

Other swimmers were pouring in at the other end of the cave entrance. Apparently it was a very popular place in the late afternoon. She and Nick had been lucky to have it to themselves for as long as they did.

On the other side of the rocks were two more boats with even more people jumping off to enter the cave. They asked questions of Nick in Greek. It gave her time to hurry around the end of their jet boat and climb the ladder before he could touch her. The unforgettable memories were storing up like mad.

During the trip back, Nick was unusually quiet. She was glad, because she was in no frame of mind to make small talk. It was good they were leaving in the morning. She couldn't take any more of this kind of togetherness, knowing it had no future.

As soon as they pulled up to the pier, she told him she was anxious to shower. After that she would relieve the maid of taking care of Jamie and would see him at dinner.

It turned out to be a big family affair with many of Andreas's family in attendance. So many children. So much love. All of them belonged to each other except for her and Nick.

Reese was actually glad when morning came and the three of them left in the helicopter for Athens. Once they were back in New York, they would return to their normal routine. Nick would go to work and Reese would continue to love the baby and take him everywhere with her until…

She couldn't think about
until
. The thought of moving to that tiny little room and starting her internship without them was anathema to her.

R
EESE
had endured a terrible last night on Milos. She'd finally fallen asleep on a wet pillow. By the time they were in flight on Nick's private jet and she'd given Jamie a bottle, she was so tired, Nick took the baby from her and told her to go to sleep.

She didn't waken until the fasten-seat-belts sign flashed on. Jamie was strapped in his carrycot in the other club seat sound asleep. Reese looked at Nick.

“I'm sorry I slept so long.”

“Evidently you needed it.” He was staring at her rather strangely. She didn't understand.

“Is there something wrong?”

“Not at all.”

Maybe it was her imagination. After leaving Greece, it was probably hard for him to come back to the penthouse, which was a huge reminder of the sadness he'd lived through during the past year.

The jet touched down and taxied to a stop in front of the private hangar. Out the window she saw Paul leave the limo and walk toward them. With Nick, everything ran like clockwork.

She undid her seat belt and stood up to stretch. Paul came on board and nodded to her before carrying Jamie
off the jet. When she turned to Nick, he smiled. “You look rested.”

“I am. How did Jamie do during the flight?”

“He was perfect.”

“That's good.” Why was he standing there, looking at her in such an odd way again?

“It's because of the expert care you've given him. He's thriving because of you. Now it's time for you to have a few weeks to yourself before you start your internship at Miroff's. My pilot has instructions to fly you to Lincoln as soon as I get off.”

What?
Her world started to reel.

“Andreas and I talked about it and thought it best that both you and Jamie have a clean break from each other. He's had maids and a housekeeper fussing over him while we were in Greece. Hopefully he'll adjust to the new nanny Leah has found for me. Since I don't have one complaint about you, I'm going to trust her judgment again.”

He was sending her back to Nebraska, just like that?

“Please accept my gratitude for all you've done by accepting this last gift. As your employer, I have the right.” So saying, he reached in his pocket for an envelope and handed it to her. “Inside this is an airline ticket for your flight when you come back to New York in two weeks.”

Her mouth had gone dry to the point it was impossible to swallow. “I couldn't take it.”

“If that's your decision, but I wish you'd reconsider.” He took it and tossed it on the seat of the club car next to her. “The return date has been left open in case you didn't plan to arrive until the day you start at Miroff's.
Since I put your full salary for the three months specified into your account the day you came to work for me, I don't think I've left anything out.”

No. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

“I instructed Rita to pack the rest of your belongings. Paul brought them to the airport. They're being put on board right now. Since I'm sure your parents would want to know you're coming, why not phone them before the pilot's ready to take off?”

“I'll do that,” she answered numbly.

“If you need anything, just ask the steward.”

“I will. Give Jamie a goodbye kiss for me.”

“Of course.” He studied her for a moment longer. “Miroff's is going to be lucky to get you. Have a safe flight.”

 

“I can't face the family tonight, Mom. Yesterday when I got home, I thought I could.” Reese had been shucking the corn while her mom finished fixing the green salad for the barbecue. Her dad was outside getting the grill warmed up. The whole family would descend en masse in a little while.

“I know you're absolutely devastated, but that's the very reason why you need to.”

Tears gushed down her tanned face. “You'll never know the pain I'm in. I honestly thought Nick had fallen in love with me, too. I'm such a little fool I can't believe it.”

Her mom flashed her a commiserating look. “You know what you're going to have to do?” She sliced two rows of tomatoes and onions in perfect sections. “Put this experience behind you. I realize that's easy for me to say, but in a way he's done you a great favor. Another
two weeks of togetherness would have made the parting nearly impossible. You have to think of Jamie.”

“You're right.” She wiped her wet cheeks with the back of her hands. “Nick could see how attached I've become to him. I love that little boy. He's so cute and darling, you have no idea.”

“I'm sure he loves
you
. The hospital visit bonded you.”

“I know,” she said in a haunted whisper.

“Thanks to Nick's generosity, we have two weeks to talk this over without you having money worries or deadlines.”

At any other time in her life Reese might have echoed her mom's feelings, but it was agony being away from Nick. Every time she thought about him and Jamie, she got this pain in her chest and could hardly breathe.

“Do you have pictures of them?”

“Yes. I had doubles made up for his baby book and kept some for me. I'll get them.” She dashed through the house to her bedroom and grabbed the packet off her dresser. “These are the ones I took of them the day we put the nursery together. And here are some I took while we were on Milos.”

Her mom wiped her hands and studied them. When she lifted her head, she took a long time before she spoke because her lovely gray-blue eyes said it all. “I think your pain is going to take a long time to go away. It's a good thing you'll be working so hard at Miroff's.”

Her mom was right. She needed family around. Her sister Carrie would be here soon with her two children. The distraction would help, but then everyone would go home after the weekend was over and Reese would once more be a prisoner to her memories.

She didn't know how she was she going to make it through tonight, let alone the rest of her life without him and Jamie. But to her shock, she was still alive the next day and the day after that. Her dad put her to work at the lumberyard, which saved her life. She answered phones and did odd jobs for him.

On Friday of the second week her mom phoned the office. “I'm glad you answered it. An express-mail envelope just came for you. I had to sign for it.” Reese's heart began to thud. Intellectually she knew it wasn't from Nick, but her heart was crying out otherwise. “Do you want me to open it?”

“Please. It could be my exam results, but I thought they'd just send my score online.”

“Well, you
are
their top student.”

Reese smiled to herself in spite of her pain. “I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have a cheering section like you, Mom. What's in it?”

“A letter from Miroff and Hooplan.” Reese had been waiting for final instructions from them, but her disappointment was so acute that it wasn't from Nick, she sank down in the chair. “Do you want me to read it?”

“Yes. I need to know when to make my return flight.”

“Let's see. It's very short. ‘Dear Ms. Chamberlain, congratulations on your new appointment. Please report to our office on Monday, August 29, at 9:00 a.m. for an orientation that will last until 4:00 p.m.'”

“That's two days sooner than my studio apartment will be vacant—”

“Don't worry. Your father and I want to pay for a decent hotel for you to stay in until you're settled.”

“You're wonderful. Thanks, Mom.”

“It says, ‘We look forward to working with you. Sincerest Regards, Gerald Soffe, Vice President of Internal Affairs.' Well, honey, that makes it official.”

 

The taxi dropped Reese off in front of Miroff's on Broadway. She'd decided to dress in a summer two-piece suit in a melon color. Maybe she could get away with a ponytail later on, but today she wore her hair down. It fell from a side part and had a tendency to curl in the humidity.

She paid the driver and went inside carrying her briefcase that held her laptop. “I'm Reese Chamberlain. I was told to report to Mr. Soffe,” she told the receptionist.

“Second door down the hall on your left. He's expecting you.”

“Thank you.” She started for her destination, realizing she didn't feel the excitement she should have. For the past two weeks she'd been in a depressed state. Coming back to New York had made it worse.

When she spotted his name and title on the door, she opened it and walked in to find another receptionist, who lifted her red head. “You must be Ms. Chamberlain.”

“Yes.”

“Go right on in.”

“Thank you.”

The second she entered the man's office, she saw a familiar figure seated behind the desk and let out a cry.

It was Nick!

He'd kept his dark tan since their return from Greece and his black hair had grown longer. In a dove-gray summer suit with a darker gray shirt and no tie, he was gorgeous beyond belief.

“Hello, Reese.” His eyes played over her slowly, missing nothing from her head to her low heels. “Come all the way in and sit down.”

He didn't need to tell her that. By the time she reached the nearest chair, she was out of breath and her legs no longer supported her. “H-how's Jamie?” she stammered like a fool.

“Other than missing you, he's perfect.”

She'd started trembling and couldn't stop. “What's going on? Where's Mr. Soffe?”

“He's a professional friend of mine. I asked him to make himself scarce while I talked to you first.”

Maybe she was hallucinating. “Why would you do that?”

“When my uncle Lew assigned Rich Bonner to be the fall intern, he made a mistake. You were the top candidate from Wharton's, but as you know, blue bloods don't consider women equal to men, so he chose Mr. Bonner, who'd been ranked second highest in his class.”

Reese wanted to die. “You'll never forgive me for that, will you. Don't you know how sorry I am?” she cried out emotionally.

His eyes flashed dark fire. “You have nothing to feel guilty about. Why would you when it was the truth! I straightened things out with Gerald. He's been in contact with Mr. Bonner, who will be coming to work for Miroff's in a few days.”

With those words, Reese felt as if she was in a strange dream where nothing was as it should be. “Don't think I don't appreciate what you've tried to do for me, Nick, but I don't want anything changed, because I have no intention of working for your corporation. Even though
I was a woman, Miroff's took me on. I plan to make them very happy with their choice.”

He studied her for a tension-filled moment. “In that case you'll have to walk across the street with me while we visit with Greg, Uncle Lew's son. You met him the night we had dinner at the Yacht Club. You need to tell him what you just told me. Then he'll make it right with Gerald and your friend Rich.”

Searing pain drove through her to think that in the future she'd be working across the street from Nick. She couldn't bear it.

He came around the desk and picked up her briefcase. “Shall we go?”

How many times had she heard him say that before in connection with Jamie. Like déjà vu she left the building with him. Whenever they walked together, she had to hurry to keep up with his long strides. They maneuvered the crowded crosswalk and eventually entered the tall doors of his family's firm.

Nick nodded to the foyer receptionist and continued to the elevator. “Greg's in his office waiting for us.” They emerged on the third floor and entered a door marked Gregory Wainwright, President.

President?
But
Nick
was the CEO.

Before she could ask what it meant, Leah Tribe was there to greet her. “We meet again, Ms. Chamberlain.”

But Mrs. Tribe was
Nick's
secretary. What was going on? “How are you, Mrs. Tribe?”

“I couldn't be better. I hear you're going to be working for us. How do you feel about that?”

How did she feel?
“I'm afraid there's been a mistake. I need to talk to Mr. Wainwright.”

“Oh—” The secretary looked surprised. “Go right on in. He's expecting you.”

Nick slanted her a glance she couldn't read. Still carrying her briefcase, he led her inside the inner door.

Reese remembered Nick's cousin, who got to his feet. He was a man in his thirties who bore a slight resemblance to Nick, though he was shorter and less fit looking.

“Greg? You were introduced to Ms. Chamberlain before. Apparently there's been a mistake. She intends to stay with Miroff's and you'll be getting Mr. Bonner as planned.”

His cousin looked completely thrown, but before he could say anything there was a buzz, then Leah Tribe's voice came over the intercom. “I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. Wainwright, but Stan needs a minute of your time for something that can't wait.”

“I'll be right there, Leah. Nick?” He turned to him. “If you'll keep Ms. Chamberlain occupied, I'll be back as soon as I can.”

The door shut, enclosing the two of them in a silence so quiet, she was sure Nick could hear her heart hammering. He took his seat behind the desk. She found a wing chair opposite him and sat down.

“Did they let you go because of what happened at the Yacht Club?”

“No. It was my choice. In fact I stepped down before I left for Greece with you and Jamie.”

“Why?” she asked in shock. “I don't understand.”

He stared at her for a long time. “Because I wanted to be free. You see…I'm getting married right away. You could say I'm starting a new life.”

Reese thought she would faint, but she wouldn't let
him know how his news had affected her. “Someone you've known for a long time?”

Nick cocked his head. “Do you remember the day you stepped into my limo for the first time?”