7. Ayla

7

AYLA

M e, a nanny? It’s absurd. I shake my head, trying to dislodge the very notion. Memories of babysitting my little cousins years ago flit through my mind - the tantrums, the spilled juice, the utter exhaustion at the end of those long afternoons. But I also remember how rewarding it was when they would fall asleep in my lap or when they would hug me with teary eyes as they said goodbye when their parents picked them up.. Could I take on the responsibility of caring for a baby full-time?

My hands clench into fists at my sides. I’ve always been the one taking care of others, putting their needs before my own. But this...this is too much. Panic rises in my throat as doubts swirl in my mind.

I’ve always loved babies, but that doesn’t mean I can be a nanny.

Clay’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. “Ayla, I know you’re hesitating, but I truly believe you’re perfect for this.” His earnest gaze locks with mine, unwavering. “Piper adores you already. That’s not something to take lightly.”

I glance down at the baby nestled in his arms. Piper’s wide, innocent eyes meet mine, and she lets out a delighted coo, pudgy hands reaching for me. Despite myself, I feel a smile tugging at my lips. “She is pretty cute,” I admit softly. “But I don’t have any experience being a nanny.”

Clay chuckles, the sound warm and rich. He shifts Piper in his arms, bouncing her gently. “Experience isn’t everything, Ayla. Business is all about connection and you have that with her.”

“I can’t, Clay,” I sigh, tearing my gaze away from Piper’s adorable face. “I’m supposed to be on the road.”

“Where are you headed, anyway?” Clay asks, tilting his head curiously. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

I tense, the question hitting a little too close to home. “Just... getting away,” I mutter, my gaze skittering away from his. “Needed a change of scenery, I guess.”

It’s a half-truth at best, but I can’t bring myself to reveal the messy reality of my life; especially not to a stranger. The pain, the betrayal, the desperate need to escape. It’s too raw, too vulnerable. And I’m not ready to let anyone see that part of me. Not yet.

Clay’s expression softens, his eyes filled with a mix of understanding and concern. “Listen, Ayla,” he begins, his voice gentle yet firm. “I know we just met, but I have a proposition for you. Why don’t you come and stay with us in Wolf Pike for a while? It could be a good interim spot for you.”

I blink, taken aback by his sudden offer. “You’re insane. We just met and you want me to take care of your child. ”

He shakes his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I’m serious. I have a room you can stay in, and I’ll pay you…” He pauses, considering. “How does one thousand dollars a week sound?”

A sharp laugh escapes me, disbelief coloring my tone. “A thousand a week? You’re joking, right?”

But Clay’s expression remains serious, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m completely serious, Ayla. And if that’s not enough, I’ll raise it to fifteen hundred.”

My jaw drops, my mind reeling at the staggering amount. “Fifteen hundred dollars a week? Are you crazy?” I blurt out, a nervous chuckle bubbling up my throat. “I can’t stay with you. I mean, for all I know, you could be some kind of serial killer.”

Clay’s eyebrows shoot up, amusement dancing in his eyes. “A serial killer, huh? As fun as that sounds, not the case this time.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out his phone. “Here, let me show you something.”

He taps the screen a few times before turning the phone towards me. “This is my LinkedIn profile. As you can see, I own Rev & Ride. It’s a shop where I restore classic motorcycles and keep new ones safe for riders and I have plenty of connections in Wolf Pike. I’ve lived here my entire life. Ask anyone about me and while they can tell you wild stories of my youth, I’m a businessman and a pretty good one at that.”

I study the profile, taking in the details of Clay’s life. It all seems aboveboard, but a part of me still hesitates. The offer is tempting, almost too good to be true. But it’s different…and I’m not the best with different.

And yet, the thought of not having to sleep in my truck is enticing, especially as I think about my gas tank inching closer to empty with each passing mile… I can’t expect handouts at every gas station and I do need money now more than ever.

I bite my lip, torn between the safety of the familiar and the allure of the unknown. Can I really trust this man? Can I trust myself to make the right decision?

What do I have to lose?

The question echoes in my mind. And as I stand there, the weight of my past pressing down on me, I realize that maybe, just maybe, this is the lifeline I’ve been desperately searching for.

“Alright,” I say, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. “I’ll agree to your offer on one condition.”

Clay raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “And what might that be?”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for his reaction. “Shadow has to approve of you.”

“Who’s Shadow?”

“My dog.”

For a moment, Clay just stares at me, his expression unreadable. Then, a laugh bursts from his lips, deep and rich. “You’re serious?”

I nod, my gaze unwavering. “As serious as you hiring me on as a nanny within a minute of meeting me. Shadow’s opinion is non-negotiable.”

To my surprise, Clay doesn’t argue. Instead, he shrugs, a smile still lingering on his face. “Fair enough. Lead the way.”

I turn, my heart pounding as I make my way towards the fenced-off dog park where Shadow waits, sitting at the gate patiently, tail wagging when he sees me coming his way.

“Don’t tell me, it’s the…”

“Big black dog?” I finish for him. “It is.”

“Figures.”

I unlatch the gate, stepping inside with Clay close behind.

“Hey, buddy,” I murmur, kneeling down to scratch behind Shadow’s ears. Shadow tilts his head, and I stand, gesturing for Clay to come closer.

“Let him sniff you,” I instruct, watching as Clay extends his hand, palm up.

Shadow approaches cautiously, his nose twitching as he takes in Clay’s scent. The seconds stretch on, tension building in the air as we both wait for Shadow’s verdict.

“And what exactly does this prove?” Clay asks.

“Shadow is the best judge of character there is.”

Then, just as I’m beginning to think this was all a terrible idea, Shadow’s tail starts to wag. He leans forward, his tongue darting out to lick Clay’s hand.

A grin spreading across my face. “Well, would you look at that? You passed the test.”

Clay chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he looks down at Shadow. “I’m honored.”

Clay’s smile fades slightly as he glances at me, a hint of concern in his eyes. “I’ve never had a dog in my house before,” he admits, his hand still resting on Shadow’s head. “Does she have to come inside because I can…”

“Shadow is a he.” I bristle at the implication, my protective instincts flaring. “And he goes where I go,” I state firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument. “That’s non-negotiable.”

Clay holds up his hands in a placating gesture. “I understand,” he assures me.

“Shadow’s a good boy. He won’t cause any problems.”

“You’ll keep him clean?”

“Always.”

Clay nods, seeming to accept my word. “Alright then,” he says, a hint of playfulness creeping into his tone. “I guess we have a deal.”

Just as we’re about to shake on it, Piper begins to cry, her face scrunched up in distress.

Clay is by her side in an instant, his brow furrowed with concern as he lifts her into his arms. “Shh, it’s okay, baby girl,” he murmurs, bouncing her gently. “She’s hungry, I think,” he announces, glancing at his watch.

“What time does she usually eat?” I ask.

“Now?” I frown at his questioning tone. Doesn’t how know? “Do you have a bottle?”

“No.” Clay swallows. “I didn’t bring one.”

I frown. “It’s a good thing you’re hiring a nanny, Clay.” This man doesn’t seem to know anything about raising a child.

“Yeah.” He sighs. Clay adjusts Piper in his arms, cradling her gently as she suckles the bottle. He glances up at me, his blue eyes catching mine. “I’ll have to head home. You can follow me. I’m parked just over there,” he says, nodding towards a sleek black Jeep.

I nod slowly and with that, he turns and walks towards his Jeep, Piper nestled securely in his arms.

I watch them go, my mind whirling with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As Clay’s Jeep pulls out of the parking lot, I turn to Shadow, who sits patiently at my feet. “Well, buddy, looks like we’re in for quite the ride.”

I hesitate, my heart skipping a beat. Am I really doing this? Agreeing to be a live-in nanny for a man I just met? It’s crazy, impulsive, and completely unlike me. But isn’t that the point of this journey? To break free from the confines of my old life and embrace the unknown?

Shadow wags his tail, his tongue lolling out in a doggy grin. I ruffle her fur. “We’ve got this, right? I mean, how hard can being a nanny be?”

Famous last words , I think wryly as I climb into my truck. But as I turn the key and the engine roars to life, I feel a surge of determination. I can do this. I will do this.

With a deep breath, I put the truck in drive and pull out of the parking lot, following the taillights of Clay’s Jeep. This may not be the adventure I had planned, but something tells me it’s going to be one hell of a ride.