25 BONUS
Chapter 19
With that thought in mind, Sharon asked, “Mr. Cooper, what exactly would I need to do?”
Xavier smiled, clearly satisfied. “My work keeps me busy. I rarely have time for him. Miss…” He paused, then asked, “What’s your name?”
“Sharon.”
“Sharon,” he continued, “the job is simple. If he stays with you, just take him to and from school, make meals, and be with him during his downtime. That’s all.
“Of course, if you want to take him to an amusement park, summer camp, or travel elsewhere, that’s fine too–totally up to you. Those expenses will be reimbursed separately.”
Wendy looked on, eyes practically glowing green with envy.
Paid vacations? Was that even a real thing?
Sharon’s gaze flickered. “He… has to live with me?”
Xavier raised an eyebrow. “Why? Were you planning to move in with me instead? Not that I’d mind, but with someone as young as you, I’d worry your husband or boyfriend might get the wrong idea.”
Until he mentioned it, Sharon hadn’t even thought of that. They didn’t look too far apart in age, and moving into Xavier’s place… yeah, people would talk. Not to mention, his wife probably wouldn’t be thrilled about another woman living under the same roof as her husband. (1)
She hesitated, then asked, “Does Matty’s mother agree
to this?”
Xavier was silent for a few seconds. “His mother passed away.”
Sharon quickly apologized, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Xavier said lightly. “It’s been years.”
She looked down, her gaze softening when it shifted to Matty. There was a tenderness there now. A quiet kind of empathy.
She nodded. “Aren’t you worried that if I take him home, I might mistreat him?”
His voice dropped–low, rich, but laced with unmistakable arrogance. “My son? I’m Xavier Cooper. Who would dare lay a hand on my son?”
Fair point. Xavier didn’t exactly give off the vibe of a regular man. You’d have to be insane to mess with someone like his kid.
And honestly, if he was trusting her to take Matty, there was no way he wouldn’t have someone keeping tabs on her in the background. His offer was generous, sure–but no way was it easy money.
Still, Sharon had a clear conscience. If he wanted to watch her, fine
She asked, “When would I start?”
“Right now,” Xavier replied after a quick glance at his watch. “I have to leave for a last–minute trip–should be back by the weekend. In the meantime, you’ll take care of Matty.”
He looked her straight in the eye. “Any questions? If not, I’ll be heading out.”
“One more,” Sharon said, her eyes drifting to the quiet Matty beside her. “He doesn’t seem too strong. Are there any foods he needs to avoid, or anything I should watch for?”
Xavier raised his brows, visibly surprised. “You know medicine?”
“I studied alternative medicine for a few years. I’m somewhat familiar with pediatric deficiencies.”
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Chapter 19
+25 BONUS
She paused, then added, “Since I don’t know much about Matty yet, could you have his usual caretaker compile a document with his routines and preferences and send it to me?”
Xavier’s eyes narrowed slightly. The careless ease on his face faded, giving way to something deeper. He stared at her- something unreadable behind his gaze–like a still lake concealing unknown depths.
Startled by the shift in his expression, Sharon asked instinctively, Mr. Cooper… did I say something wrong?”
Chapter 20
+25 BONUS
Chapter 20
