I'm so sorry for the delay in posting. But as always please read and review.

Nadine arrived early the next morning. She left earlier than needed so she would have no excuses for being late. She didn't want to take advantage of Nikolas' generosity and having him think she was always late and unreliable.

Alfred comes in.

"Ms. Crowell's here."

"Send her in."

Nadine comes in with her suitcase.

"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't know you were eating."

Nikolas wipes his mouth with his napkin and gets up out of his seat.

"No. No. It's okay but I wasn't expecting you for some time."

"I'm sorry. I wanted to make sure I wasn't late."

Nikolas smiles.

"I can come back."

"No. Don't be silly. Join us. Have you eaten?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Sit with us. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee or juice?"

"Coffee would be nice. Thank you."

He pulled out a chair for her and she sat down.

"Thank you again."

"Are you sure I can't get you anything to eat? An omelet or a croissant perhaps?"

"I don't want to be a bother."

"You're not a bother. This is you're home now so I want you to feel comfortable. If there is anything I can do to make that happen don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you for trying to make me feel so comfortable."

Nikolas picked up a plate and placed a croissant on it and placed it in front of her.

"Thank you Nikolas."

"You're very welcome, Nadine."

"Spencer, do you remember Nadine?"

He shook his head yes.

"Well she's going to be your new nanny. So she's in charge and you will need to listen to her and do what she says."

He shook his head yes.

"Oh I'm not all that bad. We're going to have so much fun. Maybe we can play with you're cars later. Okay."

"Yeah," Spencer responded while smiling.

Nadine noticed he had his father's smile.

"Great."

Nadine took a bite of her croissant.

"That can't be you're only suitcase."

"Yes. I travel light."

"Wow. I have to say that is pretty unusual for a woman."

"Well I guess I'm the exception to the rule. I'm not like most women."

"You can say that again."

It was Nadine's turn to smile.

"Well after we're done here I can show you to you're room and let you get settled and later I can show you around."

"Nikolas, I appreciate that but you must have better things to do. I think I can manage. I'm here to help you not the other way around."

"Nadine, this is your first day here. I don't want you to get lost. Out of concern for you and my son."

"Okay. Thanks Nikolas. I feel like I'm constantly thanking you."

"Give it some time. I'm sure soon enough I'll be the one doing all the thanking."

Nadine laughed and took a sip of her coffee. Nikolas and Nadine continued casually conversing while they finished eating their breakfast.

"Spencer, are you done?"

"Yes."

"Okay why don't you go upstairs and play. I'm just going to help Nadine get settled."

"Okay.'

In a second Spencer ran off.

"He's so adorable."

"Thank you. It must come from his mother's side."

"He totally gets it from you."

"Why, Nadine, you wouldn't be flirting with me now would you?"

Nadine's face became all flushed.

"No I didn't mean it like that. I mean…umm…not that you're not good looking…because you are. I was not coming on to you. Honestly."

Nikolas started laughing.

"Nadine, relax. I was just joking."

"Oh. I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry about. Come on let's go upstairs and show you your room."

"Okay."

They both get up and walk over to her suitcase. Nikolas reaches down to grab for it but Nadine grabbed for it too at the same time. Their hands touched and they both looked up and their eyes locked for the very first time. They both got lost in each other's eyes.

"I can get it."

"Nadine, please. One thing I think I am is a gentleman."

Nadine lets go

"Okay."

Nikolas picks up her suitcase and they head upstairs. Nikolas walks and opens a door next to Spencer's. It was bright and cheery. Nadine was pleasantly surprised.

"Nikolas, it's beautiful."

"I'm glad that you like it."

"Like…I love it!"

He picks up her suitcase and places it on the bed.

"Well I'll leave you alone to get settled. When you're finished I'll be in the sitting room working."

"Okay…Nikolas."

"Yes."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For everything."

"You're welcome. Bye."

"Bye."

Nadine went to unpack her things and went back downstairs when she was finished. She went into the sitting room where Nikolas was. She saw him working at the desk and lightly knocked on the door.

"Done already? You're quick."

"It's okay. I don't want to take up much of your time."

"Would you stop worrying about that? I don't have to go to the office until tomorrow. So I really have all day."

"I thought you were on a time constraint?"

Nikolas tried to think of a response. She was right. He really didn't need her to start until tomorrow. Alfred usually showed his nannies around and helped them get settled. He took a personal interest in Nadine. He wasn't sure why yet but he took advantage of getting to know this woman better.

"I wanted to give you a day to get used to the place. I'm sorry did you have other plans."

"No I just thought you had to work today. Thank you. I appreciate it. What about that tour you promised me?"

"Of course. After you."

Nikolas held out his arm motioning for her to go before him. They went out and Nikolas started showing Nadine the grounds.