of you?’
‘No. It was a team effort that included some specialised programmes. But I was there with him every day, a major part of that.’
That might not sound as good as I did it all myself, but it was the truth.
No sign of approval on those stark features. Maybe that was how Jake Maynard looked while processing information—gaze sharp, brow frowning and mouth pursed. The expression emphasised the heavy planes of his jaw and the slant of his high cheekbones. He reminded Caro of a picture that had fascinated her as a child, of a medieval knight frowning in concentration as he pinioned a flailing dragon the size of small Shetland pony with his lance.
Her sympathies had always been with the little dragon.
‘You think four or five years working as a nanny and preschool assistant make you the best person to look after my niece?’
She’d been wrong. The steely glint in his eyes was more condescending than the medieval knight who hung in a dark corner of the upstairs corridor. It reminded her of her father’s chilly stare. The one that through her childhood had reduced her to apologetic silence.
That, as much as her desperation, stiffened Caro’s spine.
Slowly she shifted position, sitting back in her seat and lifting one leg, crossing it over her other knee, feeling the slide of silky pantyhose. A flicker in that grey-eyed stare told her Jake Maynard noted the movement.
For some reason her chest constricted, as if the air turned thick and hard to breathe. She refused to let it show, instead adopting what she hoped was a relaxed pose.
‘I can’t speak about the other applicants, but if I’m given the opportunity I’ll devote myself to your niece totally. You won’t have any complaints.’
‘That’s a big claim.’
‘But true. I know my capabilities, and my dedication.’ In that at least she was absolutely the best person for the job.
Her stomach plunged. He didn’t look impressed. Why should he? No doubt he had hordes of ultra-qualified specialists at his beck and call. The very real possibility of being ejected without a chance to prove herself seemed more likely by the moment. Then where would she be? What other opportunity would she have?
Caro re-crossed her legs. ‘Clearly you were interested enough in my application to interview me.’
Her pulse thundered in her ears as she stifled fear at the prospect of failing. She’d known her chances were slim yet she’d obstinately clung to hope. This was her one opportunity to make things right. If Jake Maynard had any inkling of why she was really here she’d be out of the door before her feet touched the ground.
The thought flushed heat through her, eddying deep inside and burning her cheeks. Was his niece somewhere close even now?
‘Perhaps I was interested in meeting a woman so confident despite her lack of solid credentials.’
Caro stiffened. His tone hadn’t changed, hadn’t even sharpened, but his words were like harpoons piercing soft flesh.
Fortunately it took more than words or dismissive stares to discomfit her these days.
‘I’m sure, Mr Maynard, you wouldn’t drag applicants out into the wilds of the Alps on a mere whim.’
At least she hoped so. Surely this interview meant she had a chance?
‘Wilds?’ He shook his head. ‘You object to the location? The advertisement made it clear this is a live-in position.’
If he was looking for an excuse to reject her it wouldn’t be that.
‘No, I’m quite content to live in the country. In fact it’s what I’m used to.’
Silvery eyes bored into hers and Caro looked back calmly. Her heart might be hammering an out-of-kilter tempo and her palms might be damp with nerves, but she wouldn’t show it. Better to take the initiative.
‘I understand your niece is from St Ancilla—’
‘Who told you that?’ He leaned forward abruptly, hands planted on the desk, as if ready to vault across the polished wood. Now she registered what his chilly expression had concealed. Protectiveness.
Maybe it was the innate caution of a wealthy, good-looking bachelor, a target for the paparazzi. Yet Caro sensed his protectiveness was for his niece. Caro warmed to him a little. She was glad the little girl had someone to stand up for her and keep her safe.
Out of nowhere emotion swept in, blindsiding Caro. It rose, a choking ball of heat in her throat, making her swallow convulsively. It roiled in her belly and prickled the backs of her eyes. If only she’d been stronger—
‘Are you going to answer me?’
Caro blinked and met that searing stare, hating that moment of weakness. ‘I did my research before applying for the position.’
For the first time since she’d walked into this room, Jake Maynard didn’t look completely in control, despite his perfectly tailored clothes, his big desk and air of authority. ‘That’s not common knowledge.’
Fear rippled through her. Had she slipped up already? Her mind raced, thinking through what she’d said.
‘It may not be common knowledge here, but in St Ancilla it’s no secret.’ She paused. ‘The accident that killed her parents was reported by the local press.’ When still he didn’t say anything Caro continued. ‘I’m very sorry for your loss. It must be a difficult time for you and your niece.’
Caro’s heart squeezed. If her information was right, and she knew it was, little Ariane had been orphaned twice. Once as a newborn and then again a month ago when her adoptive parents died in a severe storm. The poor mite had had a rough start to life.
Caro was determined that the child’s future would be brighter. In so many ways.
‘And you somehow linked that small news item to my advertisement? I don’t recall the St Ancillan press mentioning me.’
He sounded sceptical and she couldn’t blame him. In fact he sounded downright suspicious.
That was the last thing Caro needed.
Jake Maynard was a self-made multibillionaire. You didn’t become a world-class financier without being clever and insightful, or by taking people at face value. Why had she ever thought this might be straightforward?
The answer was simple. Because she needed it to be.
She smoothed her hands over her skirt, buying time to conquer her emotions.
‘A friend lives in that part of St Ancilla and happened to mention that you were now Ariane’s guardian.’ Caro paused, hearing the slight wobble in her voice as she said the little girl’s name. Stupid to let emotion affect her now. She couldn’t afford any sign of weakness. This man would pounce on it mercilessly. She looked straight at Jake Maynard and spread her hands in an open gesture. ‘Later, when I saw your advertisement I put two and two together.’
‘I see.’
