up and down the West Coast,” I revealed. “Then I’ll have a month touring our locations in the Caribbean before I go to Chicago, Houston, Denver, and Las Vegas. With stops home in Boston here and there.”
We had more locations across the country, but I’d handpicked a selection in our most popular destinations.
“Jeesh.” Peyton’s eyebrows raised farther. “So, my job would be to babysit you during the day and babysit Julia at night.”
Oh, how I wanted to toy with him for that. Fuck it, I wanted to prey on him. He was a brat. A feisty little brat.
This was excellent, though. He’d moved on from “Your PA would” to “I would.”
He was carefully picturing himself in the position.
I was not-so-carefully picturing him in another position.
He’d certainly make my showers more interesting if he worked for me. Perhaps it was best if he had a wife or girlfriend who waited for him at home. I was going to need some firmly set boundaries in order to keep my promise. That time of my life was over and done with. I had Julia now.
“I mean, I would be there too,” I told him, clearing my throat. “I’m not a distant father, by any means. Just clueless. I need help, definitely, but I was raised by nannies. I don’t want that for her.”
More than that, I didn’t want it for myself. I spent a week away from Julia last year and thought I was going to have a heart attack.
“You’re serious about this,” Peyton stated. “You haven’t even seen my resumé.”
“I’m serious about giving you a trial run,” I replied. “I’ve heard enough to know that much. If you could extend the twenty-four hours to a week, even better. And you’re welcome to call my office in Boston. Or hell, look into me online. Whatever you need.”
He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled a small laugh. “I just got this position a few months ago. My first job where I don’t have to worry about making rent.”
“Working for me would be your second, then,” I said. “How much do you make here? Around forty-five? You could make five or six times that with me—and you wouldn’t have any rent to pay. You’d live with me, of course.”
A thought that was more appealing than it should be.
“Jesus Christ,” Peyton chuckled, scrubbing his hands over his face. “Well, um. I’d be stupid not to do the trial run, at least. Fuck it, right? We only live once. But I’ll still look into you online.”
Thank fuck.
I smiled. “Terrific. We’ll meet up for breakfast at my hotel tomorrow. I’m staying at our Pier 62 location, and I’ll make sure the staff knows you’re expected.” I nodded at his suit. “Consider that your dress code.”
“I’m not saying it was wrong, Edward,” Cathryn amended. “Just…bold. He could be anyone.”
“So can any guy with a resumé,” I pointed out.
“Well, that guy of yours is late now.”
I checked my watch. “He’ll be here.” I hoped.
Julia came running out from our bedroom with a scowl. “I’m hungwy.”
I pointed toward the dining area past the living room. “Room service was just delivered. Any chance I can get a hug this morning?”
“No!” She stalked between the two sofas and almost stumbled on the carpet. “Daddy, help meeee! Wait. No.”
I scratched my forehead and exchanged a look with Cathryn.
“Do you think something is wrong with her?” I felt bad for asking, but I couldn’t help but wonder.
“No, sir.” Cathryn’s gaze softened. “I think she’s just—”
Two firm knocks on the door cut our topic short, and I headed for the entryway.
It was a visibly winded Peyton, who was, if possible, even more gorgeous with his cheeks flushed.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said, taking a breath. “I assumed we’d have breakfast in the restaurant.”
Ah. My fault for not having been clearer. “I should’ve been more specific. I apologize. Please come in, Peyton.” I opened the door wider and dropped my gaze while he trailed toward Cathryn. Goddamn. What an exquisite, tight, round little ass.
It’d been much too long since I’d gotten laid.
Peyton and Cathryn handled their introductions on their own, and then I swooped in to take him to Julia.
“Darling, come meet a new friend.” I found her on the other side of the dining table, trying to reach for the bowl of blueberries. “This is Peyton. He’s going to spend some time with us.”
She became shy in a heartbeat, though I knew it wouldn’t last very long. She wasn’t a shy girl. That said, I