My charge then gave her grandfather a kiss on each cheek, and we made our way into the low slung white-washed clay building. It was dark inside with a large empty room and a cold fireplace. I took a huge inhale, thankful to be free of the tension at the table. There were single unisex restrooms off a small hallway and one was free. I made sure it didn’t have a hinky lock and then told Dauphine I’d wait for her.

As soon as she’d closed the door behind her, another restroom door opened and Alfredo Morosto stepped out.

I smiled politely.

“Ahh, bella. I was hoping I would get a chance to talk with you.”

“I’m just waiting for Dauphine.”

“Of course, of course you are. You are even more beautiful up close.”

I cleared my throat as I backed to the wall and folded my arms across my chest. “Thank you. They’re waiting for you at the table.”

“Let them wait.” He stepped a tad closer and a hand reached out and I flinched, but he merely picked up a piece of my hair that had fallen from my bun and studied it. “Fascinating color,” he said as he immediately dropped it. “Real?”

My heart thudded, and I smoothed my hair and tucked the piece behind my ear as he lifted his hand in an innocent gesture. Hurry up, Dauphine, I willed her.

“So how long have you known Xavier? He’s a smart one, that. Passing you off as the nanny.”

“I am the nanny.”

“Of course, of course. But a man like him, so much judgment. I bet people are wondering. I’m wondering. Listen, uh, here’s my number. I always like to chat. I love to know what work the young Pascale is up to in business these days. I’m a fan, you know.”

I frowned. “Are you asking me to spy on him?”

“No, no, just … for us to be friends. Good friends. Friends who might do … favors for each other. Chat. There’s a lot in it for you. Information you might have access to. Think about it. Rumor has it he’s working on something big. Something I might be able to help with.”

I scoffed and glanced at the door to the bathroom. “Why don’t you call him then.” My God. How long did a pee pee from a tiny bladder take?

“You know,” he stepped a tad closer, and I had to resist a shudder, “I have an opening for a nanny at my home.” His fingers hovered over my shoulder, skimming my swimsuit halter string. “Just in case you were looking for something more … interesting. My kids are grown of course. But I’m generous. We don’t have to call it nanny. We can call it whatever you like.”