Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115706 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115706 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
My brain freezes. “I-I . . . What?”
With a long exhale, Caleb leans back again and explains the entire situation to me. When he’s done speaking, I remain silent for a long moment, trying to process.
Finally, I say, “I’m not qualified to be a sobriety coach. I have no idea how to do that.”
“You’re over eighteen, right?”
“Twenty-four.”
“Are you capable of abstaining from alcohol and drugs for the next three weeks and two days?”
I scoff. “I haven’t had a drink in over two years, and I’ve never done any kind of drugs. I quit drinking for Claudia and never looked back.”
“Congratulations. You’re qualified.”
“But I don’t want to live with you,” I insist. “I want to stay here with Raine and my parents and—”
“It’s non-negotiable, Aubrey.” When I say nothing, he throws up his hands in frustration. “It’s not like I’ll be holding you prisoner at my place. You can see your parents every day, if you want. But you and Raine absolutely have to come live with me for the next three weeks and two days. Non-negotiable.”
I rub my neck, feeling a bit hot and dizzy. “How much will you pay me to do both jobs—sobriety coach and nanny—for the next three weeks and two days?”
Caleb pauses. “Five grand.”
My heart stops. Holy shit. Five grand for only three weeks of work is more than I’ve ever made in my life! But even so, he’s clearly desperate, so I think I can get even more, if I push back. Six grand, maybe? Two grand per week, to make it a round number.
I open my mouth to suggest the new, higher number, but Caleb speaks first.
“I think that’s fair for now, considering you’re doing both jobs,” he says. “But once the sobriety coach portion of your job is over, and once we know the result of the custody hearing, we’ll re-negotiate your full-time nanny salary, For now, though, while I’m staying here in Prairie Springs, I think it’s fair for me to pay you five grand per week to do both jobs.”
Per week?
Wait.
Did Caleb just say he’s willing to pay me five grand . . . per week . . . and not five grand . . . total? I feel like I’m going to faint.
“Come on, Aubrey,” Caleb huffs out, when I’m too shocked to speak. “Don’t play hardball with me. You’d be taking care of Raine for the next three weeks, anyway, for free. Granted, I realize I’m also asking you to babysit me, on top of that, but that’s why—”
“No, no, I . . .” I take a deep breath to steady myself. “Five grand per week is fine. For now.” Holy crap, this is a godsend. With an easy fifteen grand in my pocket, I’ll be able to help my parents put a major dent in their medical bills! Do I want to spend the next three weeks and two days living under the same roof with a pathetic man-child who’s got the fate of my happiness in the palm of his hand? No. I’d rather eat rusty nails. But what choice do I have? At least, this living arrangement will afford me the chance to help my parents while also trying to influence Caleb before the hearing. If I play my cards right, maybe I can make him see it’s me who should get custody of Raine, while Caleb gets unlimited visitation rights.
“So, we’ve got a deal?” Caleb asks, a hint of annoyance in his tone.
I clear my throat. “Yes. For now.”
I take Caleb’s offered hand, but when electricity courses between us at the point of contact, I release his palm like I’ve touched a hot stove.
“What, uh . . .” Damn. Come on, Aubrey. Focus. “What time do you want me to bring Raine over to your cabin in the morning?”
“Raine can sleep here tonight, but you’re coming with me to my place.”
“No, Caleb. Let’s start this arrangement tomorrow. Give me a day to—”
“I can’t do that. As my sobriety coach, you’ll need to submit a form certifying my sobriety, starting tonight.”
My jaw hangs open. “What? But, Caleb—”
“Whatever you’re about to say, don’t bother. Like I keep saying, it’s non-negotiable.” He smirks at whatever he’s seeing on my face. “Go on, Aubrey. Go pack a bag and say goodbye to Raine and your parents. Whether you like it or not, you’re coming home with me.”
Chapter 8
Caleb
Iglance over at Aubrey’s stunning profile in my passenger seat again. Same as before, she’s silently staring out the windshield of my rental car like an annoyed, kidnapped robot. Although come to think of it, I doubt a robot could be programmed to pout that much. Or look that fucking hot.
Man, it’s too bad Aubrey hates my guts. Given that we’re going to be stuck under one roof for the next three weeks and two days, it would have been an unexpected silver lining of our forced living arrangement to partake in a little carnal fun every night after Raine’s bedtime.