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“I—”

“No.” My answer came out more forceful than I’d intended. Everyone’s heads swiveled toward me. “That’s not happening.”

“Why not? Asher’s right. It makes sense,” Scarlett argued. “Carina’s great with kids. She has babysitting experience, and she used to tutor secondary school students in maths. She was like their big sister. They loved her.” She glanced at her friend, her face pink. “I mean, that’s if you want the nanny job.”

Carina opened her mouth.

“No,” I repeated before she got the chance to answer. “Sorry. Nothing personal. But it wouldn’t be a good fit.”

“Why not?” Vincent asked.

“Yeah, Noah.” Brooklyn’s eyes narrowed. “Why not?”

Forget mistake. This entire night was a disaster.

I should’ve stayed home and rewatched The Americans like I’d originally planned. That way, I wouldn’t have to endure my friends’ inquisition about my hiring preferences.

“Because.” I fought to keep my voice calm. “It’s never a good idea to employ someone from your friend circle.”

“It’s not like you’re starting a business together,” Asher said. “This can be a short-term thing. Carina can hold down the fort while you find a more permanent replacement. Plus, she’s already vetted, so you know she’s not a serial⁠—”

“It’s not going to happen, so stop fucking pushing it. Okay?”

Asher fell silent. The air grew thick with tension as Scarlett and Brooklyn glared daggers at me.

Vincent’s eyes ping-ponged between me, Carina, and Asher and back again, but he was wise enough to keep his mouth shut.

“He’s right, guys,” Carina said softly. “It wouldn’t be a good idea. Let’s move on to something else.”

I looked at her head-on for the first time since I sat down. She gave me a tiny, reassuring smile, but I didn’t miss the flicker of hurt in her eyes.

Fuck.

My stomach knotted. It probably didn’t feel good to have someone vehemently oppose your hiring to your face, but I couldn’t have her in my house, day in and day out. I didn’t know why. I just…couldn’t.

“I’m going to get a drink.” I stood and walked to the bar, my entire body a mass of tension. Several players greeted me on my way past, but I didn’t stop to chat.

I ordered a pint. I didn’t like drinking during the season, but I allowed myself one or two a month if I really needed it.

The pub owner, Mac, silently slid the drink across the counter. He was a man of few words, but I appreciated that about him. He ran a tight ship—no photos, autographs, or fights allowed on the premises. Those who broke the rules were kicked out and often banned. It was a big reason why the Angry Boar was so popular with footballers.

“One mai tai, please,” a delicate voice said from behind me. I stiffened. “Thanks, Mac.”

Mac’s scowl deepened. He got to work, muttering under his breath the entire time.

“You shouldn’t order those types of drinks here,” I said without looking at Carina. “They’re not good.”

“I know, but I’m in the mood for something tropical. Maybe because the weather’s been so depressing lately.” She came up beside me. The orange and floral smell returned. “Don’t worry. I’m not here to talk about the nanny job, so you can relax.”

“I am relaxed.”

“I’ve seen mice look more relaxed in a cage of snakes.”

I snorted.

Mac slammed the mai tai onto the counter. Liquid splashed over the rim and onto the already wet surface.

Carina took it without complaint, and she tested out the cocktail with a wince before she put it right back down. She propped her hip against the counter and looked at me while I tried to ignore her weighted stare.