Episode 1: The Tempted Temptress

“This is the address, Ma’am!”

Willamina Pryce peered out of her cab’s window at a large iron gate. Wide-eyed the beautiful young redhead paid the cab driver from across the seat and carefully stepped from the car to avoid snagging her lengthy skirt. Amazed at the stunning Southern California coastline as seen along her scenic journey once leaving her chariot she froze in step and closed her eyelids. She could hear the ocean waves and smell the evident scent of salt in the air. It was magical! Giddy she hopped up and down on her toes and prayed. Not a religious woman at 22 but she certainly needed all of the help she could get. A first-time nanny position was within her grasp if she could just impress the parents. This particular couple was high end in every way. Looking her best she truly hoped they approved.

“Calm yourself, Willa. This is only an interview.” She recites under her breath. “They would not have flown me to San Diego clear from Chicago if they didn’t want me. Right?” Fingers crossed! Looking about she set eyes on an intercom and camera box to the left of the swinging gates. Stepping up to it she buzzed the house and primped at her hair tossed about by the sea breeze filtering around the property. Moments later a woman’s voice replied.

“Yes?”

“Hello! I’m here for the job interview. Willamina Pryce.”

“Right on time. Exercise, YES!” Her enthusiasm made Willa smile. She just hoped this wasn’t a maid. “I’ll buzz you in and meet you halfway up the drive.”

“Thank you!” Hearing the massive gates unlock and hush open on both sides her heart skipped a beat. This was really happening. She was actually going to get to meet her favorite book author and possibly work for he and his family. Stepping over the threshold she nervously moved forward allowing the gates to close once more. Scary!

The driveway was rather lengthy, leading through a magnificent display of shrubbery and flowers along the curb. Willa’s skirt batted about with the summer breeze, even though it led down to her ankles. She dressed up far more dramatically than her ordinary attire, in hopes of making a good impression. Surely a family in need of a nanny would appreciate proper etiquette even in her wardrobe.

Along with her navy-blue flowered skirt, she wore a button-down powder blue silk top and a thin white camisole beneath it to block too much of her large cleavage swell. Over her shoulder was a thin strap leading down to a tiny dangling purse of white. Nearing the halfway point she met a lovely blond woman in tight yoga pants, namely high rising black shorts and an overly snug tank top. The woman was extremely endowed with a bustling 38D cleavage, complimenting a firm tummy lightly exposed. Long muscular legs ended in tennis shoes that looked brand new.

“Hello, Willamina! Bless you for agreeing to this meet and greet, I’m Claire Benson. Please forgive my choice of clothing. I was doing my yoga.”

“No problem! I hope I’m not overdressed myself. I wasn’t quite sure what to wear.”

“You look fine, Willamina. If not suffering from heat exhaustion. I can tell you just arrived on the West Coast. That cumbersome long skirt gives off that impression. None of that here!” She wagged a finger, “Comfort is necessity. Chicago, correct?”

“Yes! Born and raised on the Northside. I can tell you read my application in detail.” She offered a brilliant display of perfect white teeth.

“I always do.” Claire winked, returning her own smile. “It comes with my career, I’m afraid.”

“I hope you don’t mind my saying, but you remind me of the actress Olivia Wilde, such a beautiful woman.”

“I’ll take your word on that. You’re quite lovely yourself Willamina. Your hair is stunning.”

“My fifth best feature they say.” She giggled then realizes that left her open to the question of what the remaining four were.

“Oh? And what do they say the remaining four are?”

Willa playfully gnashed her teeth. “I knew you were going to ask that. First off, can I say that what others might see, I might not. I definitely don’t want to give you the impression I’m conceited.”

“Not at all. Please be honest.” Claire smirked.

“Well! DNA plays into the outer me. My mother models in Chicago. Married to a Defense Attorney, my stepfather. If I’m any image of my real father, I have no clue. I never knew him. I love working out. Keeping in shape is important. Mom taught me that. She always told me that beauty gets you everywhere. My stepdad offered the opposite. He says brains get you further. So, let’s just say the other four are body parts.”

“He must have rubbed off. Two years of college, correct?” Claire enquires.

“Yes! Child psychology! I thought being a nanny sounded promising at this point in my life. I might be young, but I can promise you I am dedicated. My education might need more refining, but I can promise you, I’m hardly a dummy.”

“I see. As long as you’re good with kids. As you know we have two. Lucky for you, our older son goes to Military school. He only comes home every two weeks until June. His name is Jesse. He just turned 17 last Monday. Our daughter Grace is a eight months old. Thus, the yoga. “ She rubbed her belly. “It’s taken me forever to lose the baby fat.”

“Hardly the body of a mother of two. I can tell how hard you work at it.” Willa complimented her. “So, technically I would only care for Grace then?”

“Bless you. Let’s go inside and discuss all of the details. You can meet my husband, Nick. We can continue the interview together.”

“Perfect! I won’t even admit that your husband is one of my favorite authors.” She blushed, “I guess I just did.”

“Fabulous! I’m sure Nick will love hearing that. Come!” Turning Clair wiggled away, Willa sighing at embarrassing herself. Their journey led her into a closer examination of the enormity of the Benson estate. Willa dropped her jaw at how large the seaside home was. As they entered a set of large wooden double doors Claire stopped to use an intercom on the wall.

“Nick? Take a break from the book. Our nanny applicant is here.”

“Give me five minutes. I need to change.” Came a burley intellectual voice.

“Nick’s almost always writing. So, you have read all of his books? His latest was on the best seller list for 23 weeks straight. Let’s hope this new book gets that much attention.”

Willa raised her eyebrows curiously, “What’s the new book called?”

“The Tempted Temptress”. Rather like Fifty Shades of Grey but meatier. Much, much meatier.” Claire fanned herself with her right hand. “I won’t ruin it for him, but I do proofread his work each time he writes a chapter.”

In awe Willa stands stunned, “I like the title. I wish I could say I’ve read everything, but I won’t lie to you, I’ve primarily only read his older books. The Fall of Eden trilogy.”

Claire notes Willa’s shyness creeping in, “Ah! The newer books are much more graphic. I hope subject matter doesn’t scare you off. It can be rather intimidating. The hardcore BDSM is not for some.”

“It’s not that. And I won’t let it. I’m not as shy as you might think. I’m just letting this all kind of sink in. It’s mostly Mister Benson’s fame in general.”

“Nick’s reputation? Let it be known, I make more money than he does.” She chuckled, “I’m a Translator for the United Nations. I speak twelve languages fluently, surpassing the required six. The other five languages normally get translated by private linguists. I bypass all of that which makes me quite valuable. Thus, the need for a nanny. I’m barely home. As a matter of fact, I head for Israel early in the morning.”

“Wow!” Willa bulged her eyes, “That’s so impressive.”

“I think so.” A male voice grumbled from behind them. Nick Benson stepped into view offering Willamina a friendly handshake. Nick stood at a sturdy 6’1, 220 pounds of chiseled muscles and devastatingly good looks. He had dark brown hair with lightly peppered whiteness at his ears and a well-groomed goatee. He wore a lightweight white button-down shirt that draped open to display his hairy chest, accompanied by a pair of pea green khaki shorts, and leather sandals on his feet.

“Nick, this is Willamina.”

“Just Willa!” She corrected them.

“It’s a pleasure Willa.” He gallantly kissed her knuckle while shaking her hand, “You’re quite beautiful if you don’t mind my saying. Almost the striking resemblance of a character in my new book.”

Willa blushed fighting hard to avoid looking away. If it weren’t for that hairy chest she might have succeeded. “Really?” Eyes up she stared into his eyes to prove confident under pressure. “Sorry! A little overwhelmed. I’m getting there.”

Claire rubbed Willa’s opposite arm free of her husband’s grasp. “Come! Let’s sit. We have much to discuss.” Stealing Willa from Nick’s suave welcome Claire took Willa’s hand and led her away. Checking Willa out from behind Nick frowned over the long skirt. That had to go! Following them out through a pair of all glass French doors Claire led them to a well-maintained wooden deck. Over the deck’s glass railing and down a steep incline was the Pacific and a stretch of private beach.

Motioning Willa to a table with a large umbrella for shade, Nick pulled a chair out for the Ginger with a warm smile of please sit. A true Gentleman! For now! Nick then sat next to Willa facing her and crossed his legs. Claire before sitting paused them with an index finger before scurrying back inside to retrieve a small handheld baby monitor. In moments she returned to join them to sit across from Nick.

“Grace is sleeping.” She waved the monitor from side-to-side.

Nick clasped his hands loud enough to alert Willa into looking his direction, “Claire? Does she know of our occupations?”

“She does. Just before you joined us.”

“Good. Do you find what I write about offensive?” He narrows his brow.

Willa stares without blinking and blushes, “I wouldn’t say offensive. I would say that I might be a tiny bit naïve to the subject matter. I’ve read your Fall of Eden trilogy. But I suppose those might be tame compared to what Mrs. Benson spoke of the new material. I guess I need to read your new book before I can be honest. If permitted of course. I swear loyalty to not speak of what it details unless it is with the two of you. However, I will add that has no bearing on my job. I’ll be paid to care for baby Grace, correct?”

Nick winked, “As well as me. My writing keeps me focused. I also teach twice a week at a community college.”

“Care for you how?” She looks to him without expression.

“My needs. My appetite.” He jests with a stern glare.

Claire sighed with a deafening frown, “His meals, laundry, shopping. Don’t let the master there spook you, Willa. He’s just being a cad.”

“Cooking and cleaning I have no issue with. Shopping might be awkward as I don’t own a car. Well, I have a beater with a heater in Chicago, but I will be leaving it behind. I doubt it would make the journey. 2000 miles is a long way. It would overheat by Des Moine, Iowa.”

“Yes, leave it. We have plenty of toys in our garage. Choose a key as needed. That is, if we hire you.” Claire emphasized with a sly grin.

“Or, if I accept.” Willa returns the same grin before looking around her at the beauty of the surroundings, “I love the view. This is the first time I’ve seen the ocean. I’m in awe.”

“Swimming in it is even better. I hope you own a bikini.” Nick expresses as he took in a deep breath of fresh air through sealed eyelids.

“I have one. In Chicago. Honestly, I came here with enough clothing to survive a week.”

“Nick can take you shopping.” Hinted Claire. “If hired!”

“If I must.” He scowled; his eyes still closed.

Willa drifted her attention between the married couple, “So, it will just be Baby Grace and Nick for the duration?”

“Jesse was home last weekend. He won’t be back for two more weeks. If I’m not home by then Nick can introduce you to him.”

“If you survive that boy, you’re a keeper.” Nick chuckled, “He has a bone to pick with the world. He wants to be out there partying instead of cooped up in the Military Academy. He needed the discipline. I grew up in one myself. It gives you character. Creates a sense of take charge.”

“Jesse only plays video games when he’s at home. He plays Soccer in school, but only because we enforce it. He’s actually very good.” Claire adds.

“Do I go to his games with Nick?” Willa pondered.

“If you want to. That might earn his respect.” Claire puckered.

“Speaking of respect.” Nick simmers his gaze on Willa who trembled slightly at what looked like a switch in persona. Before any words could continue that altered state the baby monitor erupted with infant cries.

Claire smiled, “Grace is awake. You two talk, I’ll bring her for a visit.” Leaving them Nick eyes Willa further with a bit of scrutiny.

“I’ll respect you as I see fit. This is my home. My castle. I have some bad habits as some would say. I’ll need you to understand that without disagreement.”

“What type of bad habits?” She sits expressionless but focused on behavior.

“When I write, I do it in the nude. Sometimes I forget that fact and parade around my home. Should you confront the situation, I won’t apologize for it. If this is unacceptable, we can finish this interview here and now.”

Eyes narrowing, she fidgeted before questioning it. “Even around your kids?”

“I try not to, but often times I do forget. I’m hardly any sort of predator. I merely like my freedom.”

“Does that inspire your writing?” She tilted her head with curiosity.

“It does indeed. The importance here belongs to the daily care of my daughter. Should you witness my habit, you’re welcome to walk away or stay. That choice is totally up to you.”

“And Claire is allowing this around me, while she’s gone?” Willa grew confused.

“She knows. She understands my needs. My boy understands even though he avoids me like the plague when I indulge myself. As Grace grows older, she too will grasp the facts. Although, I will certainly alter my journey’s when she is present. It takes a strong nanny to tolerate this. Are you that strong?”

“I don’t know. Would I get a tolerance raise?” She snorted hiding her giggles behind her hand. “Sorry!”

Nick examined her response then nodded with a puckered lower lip. “That is a possibility. Look, I’m not trying to seduce you or buy your attentions.” She did not believe him but was enamored by his charisma. “It’s not like that. On the subject of rewards, you might even help me on occasion with my book.”

“Really? How?” Curiosity set her imagination on fire.

“Sometimes, I’ll have Claire act out a chapter with me to assess if it needs to be revised.”

She dropped her jaw, “Um! Even the sex parts?”

“You don’t have to get naked on my account.” He chuckled. “It’s merely reading it out loud and aiming for emotion.”

“While you’re naked in front of me.” She guessed.

“Possibly! And I won’t lie, my writing arouses me. It’s up to you to do your best to ignore that fact.”

“Wow! This is a lot to think about. I’ve never been around this type of atmosphere. I mean, I’m certainly not wanting to go back to Chicago. But I’ve only seen one man naked in my whole life. Ex-boyfriend! Long story.”

As her questions mount Claire returned holding the most adorable baby girl alive. Dressed in frilly pink she brought everyone’s attention into focus.

“Willa, this is Grace. Grace this is Willa.” Claire introduced her child in her lowest bubbly voice, using Grace’s delicate hand to wave hello.

Willa stood up and leaned in closer to grip the baby’s tiny hand, “Oh, My God! She’s adorable. Hi, Gracie. Did you have a nice nap?”

Grace smiled warmly with an air of pure innocence as Claire and Nick study their chemistry.

“May I hold her?” Willa sighed dramatically with a hopeful expression of flared enthusiasm. Clair carefully lowered her child into the young woman’s custody.

“Absolutely. Bond.”

Claiming Grace with ease Willa enjoyed her brilliant full of life moment for long minutes. As ten minutes passed by Willa caught an unexpected whiff.

“Did Gracie just poopoo?” Willa presses her nose against Gracie’s, wiggling with a squint of playfulness.

“Would you like to do the honors?” Claire tilted her profile onto her shoulder awaiting an answer.

“After you mommy. Show me the pampers and the dirty hampers.” The jest was met with snickers. Leaving Nick to stretch and peer out at the ocean, Willa followed Claire indoors. Moving upstairs their sojourn ended in Grace’s room. The design was obviously pink with clouds on the ceiling and lots of elephants, both stuffed and adhesively applied.

“Look, it’s Dumbo!” Willa gasped, locating Grace to a changing table. A swift observation of technique Claire patted Willa on the shoulder.

“You’re a natural. I adore the sparkle in your eyes as well, as your demeanor with her. You would fit in here perfectly.”