Page 30 of Buckin' Around

Honestly, a live-in nanny would be fantastic.

I round the desk and close the space between me and the tiny little Irish woman whose dark hair and pretty features have been haunting me since I walked in on her at my sister’s apartment a few weeks ago.

“Deal, O’Malley. But I have one condition.”

I hold out my hand.

She eyes the gesture, sucking in a breath. “And that is?”

“I’ll pay you to stay with Ivy for the rest of the year, and up front. But I need every weekend to ride.”

Her face is unreadable.

“Oh right, the bull riding thing.” The smile that pops over her face is static. “No problem.” Her hand slides into mine, and she shakes it.

The loathing she possesses for me flickers through her expression. And I have the distinct feeling she is not doing this for me.

Far, far from it.

Chapter 8

Riley

The last of my stuff is shoved into the back of my tiny car. I slam the trunk shut, and Stacey leans against the side of the car with a frown.

“I still think this is a really bad idea, babe.”

Maybe, but it solves my money problems.

“I’m like twenty minutes away. If I need you, I’ll text. Okay?”

She sighs. “Spencer, he’s . . .”

Her face turns pained.

“I am well aware of your brother’s reputation. It’s what landed me the opportunity for a paying job, after all.”

She rolls her eyes. “If he makes any type of move, you tell me, and I will ream his ass out for days. I swear.”

“Thanks, but I can handle one arrogant cowboy-ish guy.” I cringe the second the words leave my mouth. He’s still her brother.

“He’s a manwhore, Riles. Label it, girl.”

Okay, so she’s never been particularly kind about him. I kinda thought the baby thing might bring them together a little. But if anything, she is more critical of him than ever. Their family seems to run off the opinions of others rather than their love for one another. It is so foreign to me.

I lean in and give her a hug. “I will be fine. Besides, I’ll see you most days on campus.”

“I know.” She lets me go with a sigh. “Speaking of, I have to go. Catch you tomorrow?”

“Sure thing. See ye.”

Stacey adjusts her cardigan and tote and heads for the library. I slide into my car and fire up the engine.

After double-checking the full amount for full-time care for Ivy was deposited into my account last night, I packed. With almost eighty grand in my account, everything feels lighter. My study load seems more doable. I just have to learn to balance both Ivy and my study.

Piece of cake, right?

I’ve done this before. I can absolutely do it again. I have no choice at this point. I need the money, and I became emotionally invested the second I picked Ivy up. I was awake all night worrying about her. The tug that kept pulling on me, not letting me fall asleep, was similar to the one that crashed into me when Chlo took her first few steps.