Standing in the middle of a bar midday was a proper testament to the parenting skills of Rowan Oxley. The owner of the establishment could praise him all she wishes but at the end of the day a nanny had been chosen to watch his offspring and failed. If Rowan was more attentive to the ongoings of the hired help they may not be standing here. It also went without saying the child chose to ignore boundaries laid down by both father and nanny which showed the cracks in parenting. The single father was thankful Roni was a patient warm hearted individual or this could have ended may ways one of which could have been losing custody. Thinking of a life without Wren twisted every organ unpleasantly. Eyes remained focused on the child as several scenarios played out in his mind each one worse than the one before. Roni’s voice brought Rowan back to reality.
Lips curved upward as a menu was plucked from the center of the table and ink scribble across. This turn of events was a pleasant surprise. Warmth pulsed within as laughter escaped. “I’m quite certain I can handle anything you throw my way, milady.” The offered menu was quickly laid back down on the table top so Rowan could program it directly into his mobile device. Too many films had phone numbers lost to the elements and he didn’t wish to reenact any. Once the digits were entered the menu was folded up and placed in the back pocket of jeans just in case. The playful gleam still twinkled in eyes as heart hammered and stomach delightfully lurched. It had been some time since Rowan found interest in another which was both exhilarating and terrifying. This woman had an unexpected edge encasing from what he could tell was a large warm heart. She was an enigma wrapped in a riddle he wished to solve and truthfully unwrap. He would be lying if he didn’t admit physical attraction.
How he wished the offered drink could be obliged in this moment. The scare of the day needed something to take the edge off but doing so in the company of such a stunning woman would sooth all worries away. Alas there wasn’t time to indulge in selfish pleasure which is one of the woes of being a single father. You have my number now... only one response came to mind. “I do.” It didn’t escape how many octaves his tone dropped in reply. A nervous swallow followed thankfully after Roni had left him alone. Years passed since serious flirtations presented. There had been others on the receiving end of playful charms but none worthy of backing up desires. Rowan was befuddled on how to proceed with someone there was an actual interest in.
“Thank you.” The coffee was taken with great care to avoid brushing fingers. If they touched Rowan would find a way to spend more time in the establishment which wasn’t appropriate with a young child. Glancing in the young Oxley’s direction a smile took lips despite the heart-attack she inflicted just hours prior. He really was a lucky man to have such a bright daughter. “Wren, gather your things and say goodbye. We need to be on our way.” Once he took note of the child following orders he turned back to the bar keep. Her next words were peculiar eliciting furrowed brows. The offer to aid in babysitting wasn’t what stunned him. He quickly injected a reply before they could move further. “I have NO right to question your capabilities or responsibilities. You have taken care of Wren and kept your business running without fail. Questioning your skills never arose.” Words were said firm but soft to make known the truth behind. A hand quickly reached out to cup her elbow to keep bodies close as he continued. The shock of something throughout his body when fingers met bare skin was ignored for the time being. “Please know your chosen profession is not one of irresponsibility. You run a successful establishment that seems to be quite popular which entails a friendly personality and willingness to listen to others. You are over qualified to be a nanny. I will never be able to repay you for what you’ve done this afternoon. I am incredibly grateful you are the person who found Wren.”
As if on cue the young girl made herself known by wrapping an arm around Roni’s leg trying to give a hug of thanks. Thank you, Roni! Burst gleefully from little lips as brown eyes looked up at the woman. It was clear Wren had taken to the woman and Robin could not blame the child a bit. The scene before him almost washed away the agitation from prior behaviors. Almost. “Ah I see what’s going on here….” He drew out with a grin while looking at his daughter. “This nice lady only gave me her number to spend more time with YOU.” Rowan leaned down just enough to playfully poke at his daughters side before scooping her up off the ground. “I suppose my excitement was wrongfully placed.” He teased as he glanced over to Roni with a smirk. “I do believe it’s time for us to take our leave. I hope we meet again soon.” Fingers itched to brush Roni’s soft skin again but kept to his side as things were gathered. With great reluctance the Oxley’s headed out of the bar and towards their home.
A need to make it known an open line for any communication was open. When they arrived home and Wren went to put things away Rowan sent a quick text to the captivating woman they just met. Should I save your number as Wren’s Favorite in my mobile? I’m certain I can make myself scarce if the two of you ever wish for privacy. A playful tease leaving the door open for most anything or allowing Roni the opportunity to shut the door entirely. After adding a smirk emoji the send button was pressed, phone locked up and left on the kitchen counter. It was time for a long conversation with his daughter about this day.
Roni cracked a smile and said nothing as Rowan promised he could handle anything she’d throw his way, and didn’t even hesitate as he immediately inserted her number into his phone. Whether he was being cocky or just over confident in himself, she wasn’t sure yet, but the bar owner was very eager to find out. While it was true that Roni grew to despise these kinds of men, Rowan wasn’t like any of them, she knew it from the second she saw him. If there was one thing Roni was confident in, it was her ability to read people. Not that it did her any good before, she still made some bad choices in the past but walked right into them with her eyes wide open. Whatever might happen with the man, Rowan wouldn’t be one of those mistakes. She hoped.
It flattered her not to be judged and hear that Rowan thought she was over qualified to be a nanny, but reality showed her that she was, apparently, extremely underqualified to care for a child. Maybe she should have told him that. If Rowan was going to consider her offer for babysitting seriously, shouldn’t he know that the state refused to put a child in her care? Why would a man she just met trust her enough to leave his child in her care again once he knew about it? A lot had happened since, though. Roni wanted to believe she was a different person today, a better person. She could come clean and tell Rowan about that part of her past. If it changed the first impression she left on him, so be it. He was still just a stranger to her, and far beyond her league. Maybe she wouldn’t even hear from him again and she’d never have to tell him any of that. Roni’s mind was so ahead of itself, she was probably overthinking about this whole situation. Rowan had her number now, he knew where she worked. There was no reason to jump ahead. If he ever contact her, it would be a very pleasant turn of events, and if she’d never hear from him again, well... it would be disappointing... disappointing, but it wouldn’t be Roni’s first or last disappointment in life. For now, she simply thanked Rowan for his kind words.
Even if she wanted to confess of her past, the little girl chose that very moment to make an appearance again and she ran over to give Roni a hug and thank her, melting Roni’s heart and making it even harder for her to say goodbye now. Roni raised a brow, smirking at Rowan’s words as the man scooped the child off the ground. “I guess you’ll have to call the nice lady to figure it out,” she made a final tease before she tapped Wren’s nose with her finger. “Be a good girl for your dad, yeah?” she reminded her, after Roni explained to her earlier that she should never take off on her own, no matter who looked after her, because her dad would be worried sick for her if she disappeared again.
It was difficult to take her mind off Rowan and Wren after they parted ways. Roni really wished she’d see them again. Was it crazy to even consider going to the police station and ask officer Rogers for Rowan’s number if she didn’t hear from him? God. Yes, completely crazy and not to mention, desperate.
Roni’s phone buzzed in her back pocket as she organized the alcohol supply at the bar. It only took a moment to realize the unknown texter that appeared on her screen was no other than Rowan himself, and that brought an immediate smile to her face. She almost giggled like a smitten girl as she read his text. For god’s sake, what did this man do to her? Roni finished unpacking the last couple of bottles and put them in place before she decided to take a break.
Such a tempting offer. You do have the most adorable girl. She quickly typed back, now that she was in a more private area near the bar. But make no mistake, this nice lady actually did give you her number because she was hoping to spend some time with you, too. Roni sent it without much of a thought and smiled to herself before she continued to type. If you’re still interested in hearing those inappropriate things I spoke of. Adding a winking emoji, she hit the send button again. Roni saved Rowan’s number into her device as she sat back in her seat. Nothing to do but to wait now. It was hard to believe she even heard from him, and so soon after he left! Maybe she wasn’t the only one so eager for more after their chance meeting.
