Dan pushed the bed in place as Serena walked around the room, rocking Claire. She had begun moving in, but Claire had started crying right in the middle of it. "All done."

"Thanks, I could've finished later."

"Its no problem and looks like Claire's asleep." He took Claire from her, walking across the hall to the nursery. He set her down gently, kissing her forehead before closing the door.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." He walked downstairs, following the sway of her hips. He quickly shook his head, focusing on her face. "What's up?"

"Where's Claire's mother?" Serena muttered, cheeks a light pink from embarrassment. "Its okay if you don't want to talk about it or-"

"No, its fine." Dan murmured, looking down at his feet for a second. "Claire's mother decided that children weren't her forte and apparently neither was I. We split up shortly after the birth and I haven't heard from her since."

"I'm sorry, that must be really hard for you." She sat down next to him on the sofa, watching him lean back and exhale slowly.

"I don't want to see her ever again, but one day, I want her to know what she missed out on. I want her to know that leaving her daughter was the worst mistake she had ever made." He sighed, turning to her. "I'm sorry, you just moved in. I bet you don't want to hear about this."

Serena smiled, eyes twinkling. "Its actually pretty nice. I've never gotten to know my employers that well. They never bothered to talk to me, all the contact I've had is them signing the paycheck."

"That sounds horrible. I can't imagine having someone live in the same house with me and not get to know them."

"Well I didn't exactly live with most of them. Half the time, they didn't want the "poor nanny" staying and "tainting" their bed." She made air quotes with her fingers, rolling her eyes. "I was slumming it a lot."

"You see, that's what I don't like about my life. I get to live in this," he searched for a word to describe his life. "paradise. And there are people out there, barely getting by. It really sucks, but there's nothing I can do."

"So I'm your charity case now?" She said, laughing a second later to show that she was just kidding. "You're really something, Daniel Humphrey."

"I am?"

"You sure you're rich? You're too nice."

Dan smiled at her. It had been so long that someone had called him nice. "Thanks, it means a lot to know that I'm not like everyone else." He glanced at his watch, surprised when it read six. "Whoa, no wonder my stomach's been grumbling. Way past dinner time."

Serena giggled, starting to get up. But Dan reached for her, pulling her down. "You're not thinking of cooking are you?"

"Yes?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "Unless I'm not here, you'll never have to cook."

"Alright, so what do I do until you're done?"

"Whatever." He grinned, spreading his arms out. "Then again, you are living in basically a bachelor's pad. Unless, of course, you like ESPN?"

"Afraid not."

"Didn't think so." He laughed. "How about you help me?"

"I'd love to."

--

After dinner, Claire had woken up again, demanding her bottle. Serena tended to her immediately. Instead of using the formula milk Dan normally used, she heated up whole milk in a sippy cup. "When a toddler's about 1 year old, you should switch to regular milk, but you've been doing okay."

"Thank god you're here." Dan smiled and took Claire from her. He ruffled her dark brown hair lightly before setting her in the play pen. "Its just so confusing and I've learned that parenting books lie to you."

"Not all of them." Serena laughed, one eye on Claire. "Just a hefty majority."

"They'd be better off as kindling." Dan muttered, thinking of the many books that littered his study. He had bought book after book once Claire was born and Natalie had made it clear she wasn't going to stick around. And he had thought he actually loved that bitch. "So how does your boyfriend feel about you nannying for people?"

"Actually, I don't have a boyfriend. Its hard to stay in this job and have a relationship at the same time."

Dan's brows furrowed, trying to think of a reason why. "How come?"

"Well, most people who hire me, hire me for my looks. I tried having a boyfriend once, but he just got so jealous. But being single's actually nice. I think I might stay that way for a while."

"I'm sorry you're in that position." He wished that she hadn't said she might remain single. Even though it would be inappropriate, he still felt an attraction her. Something he had never felt before, not even with Natalie. "Maybe one day, you'll find someone."

"One day," she sighed, eyes flitting to Dan. By far, he was the kindest of all her employers. He didn't overstep her boundaries, made her feel safe and she felt no pressure from him at all. It didn't hurt that he was also her most attractive employer. "Until then, I have my job."

"And me." He grinned.

"And you." She added, unable to contain her giggles. "What about you? Ever think about dating?"

"Occasionally." Dan shrugged nonchalantly. "Its just too hard, you know. They hear about Claire and people freak out. And I don't want a short term relationship right now. If I were to have one, it'd be because its worth it."

"Very wise of you."

"Thanks." He grinned suddenly turning to her. "I can think of one good thing of being single though."

"I can have a pretty nanny without anyone getting jealous."

Serena blushed, heat flooding her cheeks. "I-"

"Sorry," Dan said sheepishly, turning pink as well. "Did I cross the line?"

"No, but you're bordering." She giggled, resting her hand on his shoulder for a second. "Its fine, I like compliments."

"Good because you're going to be hearing them for a while."


Thanks for all the reviews, haven't had this much in a while. You guys are the best!