Syd’s voice cuts through the tension, her innocence oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around us. “Daddy, come and play with us!”

He clears his throat, drawing the girls’ attention. “Not right now, okay? I...” He looks at me but quickly turns away. “I need to get back to the library.”

Ari and Syd wave at him, giggling about their dad’s rugged look and bandaged fingers, but as he turns to leave, I roll my eyes, still angry, annoyed, and disappointed by his treatment just a few hours ago.

After an afternoon filled with laughter and outdoor games, I usher Syd and Ari inside to clean up before dinner.

As we enter the house, Syd tugs at her shirt, her nose scrunching up. “Can’t we just eat right now?”

“And sit at the dinner table all stinky and dirty? No, ma’am!” I playfully chide, leading them to their bathrooms. The girls giggle and race ahead. Their energy is seemingly inexhaustible. I follow, my smile lingering even as I peel away to my room for a much-needed shower.

Stepping into my steam-filled bathroom, I turn the taps, allowing the hot water to cascade down. The heat seeps into my muscles, soothing the day’s exertion. It’s not even officially my first day, and I’m already discovering that nannying demands a different kind of stamina than teaching in a classroom. I’m exhausted, but as the water covers me, my mind drifts away to forbidden territory, to Vic.

Ugh, why does he have to be such an insufferable and sexy jerk? His beard, his arms, his scowl, his rare smile, the way he looked earlier in those work clothes, muscles flexing as he moved…I find my hands wandering to places they shouldn’t.

But I shake my head and force the thoughts away. Focus, Kerry, I scold myself.

As soon as I step out of the shower, my phone relentlessly buzzes on the bathroom counter. Wrapped in a towel, I check it, frowning at the screen lit up with notifications from an unknown number. The texts aren’t just intrusive; they’re downright vile, each message more aggressive than the last.

Unknown: Answer your phone, Kerry!

Unknown: I know you know who this is. Answer or I’ll make you answer.

Unknown: I need you back. I can’t take this anymore. Where are you?

Unknown: Are you with your new boyfriend? End it now or I’ll end you.

I sigh, unafraid of his threats but still deeply disturbed. “I’m too damn old to be dealing with this.” I fuss, contemplating yet another number change to escape Cory’s latest bout of harassment.

Rubbing my temples, I decide not to let the unnerving texts ruin my evening. After getting dressed, I push aside my irritation and muster a bright smile for the girls.

Upon entering the kitchen, I spot Ari, Syd, and nearly the entire staff standing around, looking bewildered and a bit lost.