On one hand, a large camper van in the middle of the woods was not the home I was expecting Isaac to take me to. On the other hand, I'm just relieved Isaac isn't some creep luring me into a dark, frightening forest to kill me. Although perhaps I shouldn't rule that out, as we are standing in the middle of nowhere right now. All alone, unless you count Clifford.

The van's pretty big, but is it big enough to house a toilet? I'm too embarrassed to ask, even though my bladder is about to burst. Afraid to come across sounding snooty, especially when I'm in no position to judge anyone's living quarters, I ask weakly, " So, you live here?"

" Yes, Ma'am, ready for the grand tour?" Isaac sweeps his hat off his head and bows, causing me to giggle. The soft moonlight brings out the golden streaks in his toffee hair. My fingers, numb with cold, are itching to touch the strands to see if they feel as soft as they look. I curl my fingers into the two tight fists, then shove them in my coat pockets for warmth. Cool it Quinn, he could still be a creeper, I chastise myself. Nate and Hayley must be worried sick about me right now, and I know Nate isn't going to be thrilled that I followed a mysterious man into the woods alone.

" Sure, lead on," I reply, my curiosity to see the inside of the vehicle winning out over my fear. I want to see how a pony-like dog and his master manage to fit comfortably inside this thing. Isaac opens the door and there's no turning back.

The van's interior is as minimalist and modern as it's exterior from the gray vinyl flooring to the Euro-style storage cabinets. There's a large pull-out storage bed that I can imagine would easily accommodate Isaac's tall frame. Hanging above the sofa bed is a 24 inch flatscreen T.V on a swivel. Perched on a pull-out table adjacent to the bed is a Macbook Pro and a Nikon camera, both look fairly new.

Most impressive of all is the kitchen area across from the sofa bed. There's a 12 volt electric fridge, a convection microwave, and a two-burner gas cooktop. The stainless steel sink and small counter tops look solid. It all looks more impressive than the hotplate and cheap Walmart microwave I had in my college dorm at NYU.

Isaac deposits my suitcase on the passenger seat in the cab. The seats are black cushioned leather and Isaac says they're heated. For some reason the idea makes me blush.

Clifford lopes toward the back of the van, whining softly and pawing at a sliding door. Isaac opens the door, revealing a small wet bathroom complete with a toilet and shower head that hangs from the wall. More storage cabinets are built into the wall opposite the toilet. Relief washes over me and I'm about to ask if I can use the bathroom, when Clifford jumps up, barking insistently.

" Relax boy, I know what you want," Isaac says knowingly. He reaches into one of the cabinets and takes out a box of dog biscuits. Instantly, Clifford plops down on his haunches. Tongue wagging, he waits for his daddy to give him a bone-shaped biscuit, which he eagerly devours.

Isaac dusts his hands off on his jeans. " So, Quinn, what do you think of my humble abode?"

All in all I can't help but feel impressed with Isaac's living space. " It's bigger on the inside," I murmur, glancing around again at the surprisingly sleek and modern accommodations.

Isaac's eyes crinkle in amusement. " Just like the Tardis."

" I'm guessing you're a Doctor Who fan?"

" I sure am. Who's your favorite doctor?" Isaac asks.

I don't even have to think twice before blurting out, " David Tennant!" I haven't always been a Whovian, but my best friend Kayla, who had also been my roommate before I couldn't pay rent anymore and refused to accept her offer of help, was a fan of British T.V and Sci-fi. I had grown up watching a ton of Sci-fi, so we had that in common. Once she insisted I watch Doctor Who, I was hooked. A few years ago, Nate gave me Comic Con tickets for my birthday. Naturally, I took Kayla and we were lucky enough to meet David Tennant. That meeting was the best five minutes of my life. The selfie we took with him remains on my phone to this day.

Isaac quirks an eyebrow. " Huge David Tennant fan huh?"

" Yes, I loved him in Broadchurch and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, that movie definitely could've used more Tennant."

" Guess you're not a Potterhead?" Isaac leans against the cabinets, while Clifford licks biscuit crumbs off the floor.

I shrug. " Not really, wizards and magic aren't my thing." Magic and fantasy were more of Nate's interests, not mine. He was a huge Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fan. He had brought me a Harry Potter boxed set when I was nine, which sat on my shelf for years collecting dust. I never had the heart to tell him I donated it to the library.

" They're not mine either," Isaac admits, rubbing Clifford affectionately on the head.

" So, who's your favorite doctor?" I ask.

" That's easy, Matt Smith," he responds with an easy grin.

I slap my hands on my knees. " No way, I would've never pegged you for a Matt Smith fan. You seem more like the scarf doctor type"

Isaac throws back his head with a hearty chuckle. " You mean, the fourth doctor, Tom Baker?" He points an accusatory finger at me, his eyes lit up with mirth. " I'll bet you didn't even know who Tom Baker was until now!"

Heat climbs up my face and I throw up my hands in surrender. " Fine, I'll admit it: I didn't even know his name, only that there was a doctor with an ugly scarf. The tenth doctor was my first and favorite doctor." Tennant had been Kayla's 'doctor' too and Kayla had grown up watching the show as a kid in England.

" Ugly scarf, that's blasphemy to some die-hard Whovians, you know." Isaac shakes his head. " You gotta go back and watch the old episodes one day. The first three doctors are a little weird, but once you get to Baker, things get interesting. Who knows, the 'scarf-doctor' might even become your favorite." He winks.

" I doubt that." I smirk.

Isaac rubs his hands together. " Hey, it's chilly, would you like some coffee or tea before we head out?"

I bob my head. " Tea sounds great, actually, but do you mind if I use the bathroom first?"

Isaac backs up and motions for Clifford to follow. " Sure, I'll get started on that hot water." The door slides shut behind him and I can hear him rummaging around in the storage cabinets, probably pulling out his kettle and mugs.

When I emerge from the bathroom, Clifford is curled up on the floor with a worn flannel blanket, gnawing on a huge bone.

" Excuse me, " I say. He doesn't budge one inch. Gingerly, I step over him and make my way towards the front of the van. Clifford doesn't seem bothered at all. I still feel a twinge of guilt.

" Sorry, we don't get a lot of people here, it's usually just Clifford and I," Isaac apologizes. He shoves his laptop and camera into one of the overhead storage bins and pulls over the little table.

" Need any help?" I ask, jamming my hands into my pockets.

" I'm good, thanks," he replies. " The hot water is almost ready, why don't you take a seat?" He waves a hand towards the sofa bed. I plop down, it feels surprisingly comfortable.

Isaac places two mugs on the table that both look like they were hand-made ceramic pieces, like something you would get at an art festival. The kettle's high pitched whistle is so startling in the quiet van that I almost jump up. I appreciate how Isaac doesn't laugh at me for startling so easily like my ex-boyfriend Max used to.

Isaac turns off the heat on the cook top and shows me a plastic container filled with an assortment of tea bags. He places a handful of sugar packets and individually packaged creamers, the kind you get at a diner with your coffee, and a jar of organic honey next to the tea bags.

" I've got green tea, English breakfast, Cinnamon Chai, Lemon Ginger, and Earl Gray," he offers.

" Lemon Ginger sounds good," I say, hoping it will soothe my dry throat.

He selects a lemon ginger for me and an Earl Gray for himself. He drops the bags in the mugs and carefully pours steaming hot water over them. " One Lemon Ginger and one Earl Gray, hot, coming up," he says.

Inhaling the steam in deep, I warm my hands over the mug. " Guess you're a Next Generation fan too? " I add a dollop of organic honey to my tea.

Isaac wiggles his eyebrows. " You bet I am, Picard is the man. Are you a Trekkie?"

I huff out a laugh. " I wouldn't call myself a Trekkie, but Next Generation and Deep Space Nine were some of my favorite Sci-fi shows growing up," I admit, taking a sip of tea. Captain Picard was also my favorite starship captain. Maybe I'm a bit of a Trekkie, not that I've gone to any of their conventions.

Isaac throws me a "live-long and prosper" symbol. " Well, I'm a Trekkie and proud of it. Star Trek's themes of adventure and exploration never fail to captivate me, you know? I may never travel to space, but living in my van and being a freelance nature photographer is the closest I've come to exploring new worlds. At least for now, anyway." Isaac gazes wistfully out the window at the stars winking in the inky-black sky, and I wonder where he is dreaming of heading to next. As much as I love my brother, if I had a van like Isaac's, sleepy Cedar Point would be the last place I would visit.

" Where have you traveled to?" I ask curiously. Working as a nature photographer has probably taken him to some pretty exciting places, much more exciting than my last job as a retail clothing manager. Somehow I don't get the impression that Isaac would look down on my career history, he seems too sweet for that.

Isaac's eyes light up. " I've been all over the United States and I've been to some places in Canada and Mexico too. My goal was to visit every national park by the time I turned thirty, but I've had to put that on hold for now. I've been to twenty out of sixty-three national parks."

A whistle slips through my teeth. " Wow, that's incredible. The only national park I've ever set foot in is the Everglades. I was only six, so I don't even remember it that well." I shake my head ruefully. "It's always been my dream to visit Redwood National Park, it's just not in the cards right now."

" Redwood National Park is breathtaking, Quinn. I hope you get to experience it someday," Isaac says, his eyes glowing with excitement. " I know it's not Redwood National Park, but there's plenty to explore right here in Cedar Point. The trails and nature preserves are pretty amazing too." This is clearly a topic Isaac is very passionate about, and his grin while he speaks is so endearing that it makes him appear even more attractive. I hope the steam rising from my mug is enough to cover the blush I feel blossoming across my cheeks.

" So, what brings you to Cedar Point anyway?" Isaac inquires, gulping down his tea.

" I'm kind of in between jobs right now, " I admit, swirling the tea bag through my mug so I don't have to meet his gaze and see if he is disappointed or not. " My brother needed a nanny for his three kids, so he offered me the gig. Definitely not the most exciting job."

I dare to look up and Isaac's gaze is surprisingly warm and devoid of pity.

" Hey, family is everything. I'm sure your brother really appreciates you taking this job and helping him out."

" He won't if I never make it there," I chuckle, downing the last of my tea.

Isaac gathers up the empty mugs and places them in the sink. " Don't you worry, I'll have you there in no time," he promises, throwing me a wink.

We quickly clean up the rest of the tea things and I give Nate's address to Isaac: 15 Woodlawn Avenue. He whips out his phone and plugs it into Google Maps. Nate's house is a ten minute walk from here, so it shouldn't take us that long. Grabbing my suitcase, I follow Isaac back out into the woods, with a properly leashed Clifford tagging along with us.

***

Nate's house looms over us, even more impressive than I remember it from my last visit. It's a two-story modern structure with a circular driveway, wrap-around porch and neatly trimmed shrubs. Hayley's brand new Land Rover Discovery and Nate's sleek black BMW are both parked in the driveway.

Although it's not visible from where we stand, the sprawling backyard contains a pool house, paved patio, kidney-shaped pool, and a hot-tub. The woods behind the property offer a sense of privacy and quiet, like living out in the country. It's the kind of home that oozes upper-middle class privilege, a far cry from the cramped attached house we grew up in as kids in Astoria.

If it wasn't for Hayley, Nate would've been happy to live in a condominium, his tastes are more simple like mine. As the daughter of a retired corporate lawyer, Hayley is accustomed to living in style. When Nate married her, he knew she wouldn't settle for anything less than the lavish house and flashy cars she grew up with.

Whistling, Isaac scans the property. " This is where your brother lives?" I can tell Isaac is thinking about how loaded Nate must be, and he wouldn't be wrong. Nate's successful enough that he can afford this house, their luxury vehicles, and at least one vacation every year, all while allowing Hayley to devote herself to running her own charity organization, Hayley's Haven, and raising my three nieces. Since they've been married, Hayley hasn't had to work. It's a life I can't even begin to imagine, not that I think I would want to be a stay-at-home mom and wife. I would find it too confining.

" Who did you say your brother was again?" Isaac asks with a raised brow.

" I didn't actually say." I smirk, playfully bumping him in the hip. I haven't flirted with a guy since I broke up with my ex last summer, so the action feels almost exhilarating. Feeling down in the dumps about my unemployment has made me apathetic about socializing in general, let alone dating. You need money in order to go out, especially in New York City.

Isaac gently hip bumps me back, playing along. A thrill shoots up my spine and I shiver. Isaac frowns. " No use standing out here in the freezing cold, let me walk you to the door." Isaac holds out his hand to take the suitcase from my numb fingers. Clifford butts his head into my thigh, as if to urge me forward.

Taking a deep breath, I knock on the door and brace myself for my brother to berate me for being so late and making him crazy with worry.

The door swings open and I'm instantly enveloped by Hayley's warm embrace, my nose flooded with the scent of Chanel No. 5 and my face pressed into her silky blouse. Hayley is tall like Nate, I only come up to her chest. My worries melt away at the sound of Hayley's soothing voice. " Honey, I'm so relieved you're here."

Once Hayley releases me I'm instantly surrounded by my three nieces. Each girl has Nate's hazel eyes, but the rest of their delicate features, from their pert noses to their honey-blonde hair, come from their mom. Twelve-year old Kayla is almost my height now. She hangs back with a scowl. Nate had warned me that she resented them hiring a nanny, even if it was her favorite aunt. Hopefully she will warm up to the idea with time.

In Kayla's arms is two-year old Brielle, a smiley rosy-cheeked toddler. I can't believe how much she's grown since I last saw her, she was only a baby then. Bouncing on her heels besides Kayla, is seven-year old Mila, flashing me a sweet gap-toothed grin.

" Aunt Quinn!" Mila cries, throwing her arms around my waist. She squeezes tightly, as though she's afraid if she lets go I'll vanish.

Hayley grabs my suitcase from where Isaac left it on the porch, ushering me inside. She wrings her hands, looking me up and down to see if I'm here safe and sound. She smiles, satisfied with what she sees and clasps my hand. " Nate will be relieved, you had us both worried sick."

" My phone died or I would've called you," I say contritely.

" Oh, don't you worry about it, you're just in time for dinner." Hayley is about to close the door, when Kayla's foot shoots out to stop her.

" Wait, who's that guy with the huge dog? The one who was carrying your suitcase?" Mila wrinkles her nose.

I slap my hand against my forehead, silently admonishing myself for leaving poor Isaac and Clifford out in the cold, when I should have been introducing them to my family. It's too late now to even thank my savior because he's already jogging away, Clifford at his heels. My shoulders slump.

" That's Isaac Steele. I got lost and he helped me find my way here," I explain. As I'm about to shut the door, Isaac glances over his shoulder. He waves at me, and Clifford barks as if he is saying good-bye too. I waggle my fingers at them, glad he isn't put-off by my lack of manners, yet disappointed I didn't get to thank him properly. Hopefully this isn't the last time I'll see him before he moves on with his van. I'm sure he isn't planning on staying in the woods of Cedar Point forever.

Hayley nods. " Isaac Steele is a good man."

" That's not what Daddy says," Kayla mutters.

Hayley lifts her fingers to her lips in admonishment. " You shouldn't be repeating things adults say, young lady. Now take your sisters upstairs to wash their hands for supper, and bring Aunt Quinn's suitcase to the guest room."

" Yes, Ma'am," Kayla says, setting Brielle down to take my suitcase. Before I can protest, Kayla is hefting it up the stairs, trailed by Mila, who is holding Brielle's hand.

" Kayla is so grown up," I say, " Are you sure the girls even need a nanny?" Kayla seems mature and helpful, no wonder she is resentful at her parents thrusting a babysitter upon her, even if it is her aunt.

Hayley chuckles. " Kayla can be mature at times. She's a huge help around here, being the oldest, but she's still a typical pre-teen. Plus, we need someone who can cook, drive, and help with homework. That's where you come in, you really don't know how much of a blessing you are to Nate and I."

" Hey, where is Nate?"

Hayley rolls his eyes affectionately. " Working, where else would that man be?" I follow Hayley down the hall towards the spacious family dining room. The room is dominated by a huge fish tank filled to the brim with all varieties of colorful coral and exotic fish, including a seahorse, a starfish, and several pufferfish. I don't remember the tank being here last time, so it must be fairly new.

The long table has already been set for six. In the middle of the table there are three heaping platters of steaming food, including roasted chicken, garlic-parmesan brussel sprouts and homemade mac and cheese. I'm touched to see that they prepared all of my favorite dishes. Nate and Hayley are both amazing cooks. My mouth waters in anticipation.

True to Hayley's word, Nate is seated on a cushioned bench, so engrossed in whatever work he is doing on his laptop, that he doesn't register us as being there until I plop down next to him. At the same time, my nieces burst in excitedly and take their places at the table. Brielle has a special highchair that is attached to an adult chair opposite the side with the bench, so she can sit right with us at the table.

" Nathan, sweetie, look who's here," Hayley announces cheerfully, taking a seat across from Nate. Brielle climbs into her high chair and Hayley pushes it closer to the table so she can reach her utensils.

The laptop closes with a click. Nate beams at me before drawing me into a bear-hug. Now that I have his full attention, I can see how much he's changed. Nate's always been slender, but he looks more fit than the last time I saw him, which means he's probably started running again. Good for him, I plan to get back into shape too. He's finally shaved his thinning hair, although he's kept his goatee. He always used to joke that his daughters were driving him crazy, causing his hair to fall out, so I'm not surprised. Intelligent eyes flecked with green and gold shine behind his thick black glasses. Mom says Nate looks a lot like dad, which always makes me miss him even more.

As Nate releases me, his smile melts into a frown. " Quinn, what happened? We were so worried, I was about to call the police station."

I shake my head, this is typical Nate. Always worried, always overprotective. No wonder he wants a nanny for his kids, he would never just leave the younger girls alone with Kayla, no matter who reliable she may be. In his eyes, she's too young. I'm an adult though, and he's going to have to start treating me like one if he's entrusting these girls to my care.

" My phone died, I got lost, you know, the usual," I joke. Nate's frown deepens. I pat his shoulder. " Relax Nate, I made it here in one piece."

Hayley has started to serve the girls their food, leaving the adult plates empty so we can choose our own portions. My stomach growls as Nate passes me the chicken platter. It's been hours since I last ate anything. I pile my plate high with chicken and sides, then eagerly dig in.

" Mr. Steele helped Aunt Quinn find our house," Mila pipes up, while shoveling a spoonful of mac and cheese into her mouth. Kayla jabs her in the ribs. Mila doesn't seem to notice. " His dog is so cute."

Sweet girl, Isaac's ass in those jeans is cute too, I think, my skin prickling from heat that doesn't just come from filling myself up with hot food.

Nate clenches his knife and fork as he slices into his chicken with more force than necessary. He fixes me with his most serious big-brother gaze. " Quinn, I know you've only just arrived in Cedar Point, but be careful who you trust, promise?"

" Sure Nate, you don't have to worry about me," I promise.

" Who said it was you I'm worried about," he murmurs so softly, I don't think Hayley and the girls even heard him.