Kitabı oku: «Marrying The Virgin Nanny / The Nanny And Me»

Marrying the Virgin Nanny

And

The Nanny And Me

By

Teresa Southwick

www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author

TERESA SOUTHWICK lives with her husband in Las Vegas, the city that reinvents itself every day. An avid fan of romance novels, she is delighted to be living out her dream of writing for Mills & Boon.

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Marrying the Virgin Nanny

By

Teresa Southwick

To Charles Griemsman, who is simply a joy to work with. You’re the best!

Dear Reader,

I love kids. From the time I was a little girl, if someone in the neighborhood had a baby I was glued to their side. I’m the middle child of six and helped with the younger ones, who were almost as big as me. These days, my definition of family isn’t just those with whom I share DNA, it includes the people who touch my heart and become part of my life.

Maggie Shepherd, the heroine of Marrying the Virgin Nanny, was abandoned as a baby at the Good Shepherd Home for Children. The nuns and kids there became her family and she’d do anything to protect them, including marrying Jason Garrett, the wealthy boss who makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

Jason has his own family problems. He needs a nanny and is dealing with a controlling father who keeps getting marriage wrong. When Jason meets Maggie, he’d do anything to make sure she’s there for his infant son—anything except fall in love.

For me, the only thing better than holding a baby is writing about one, especially the littlest matchmaker who brings Jason and Maggie together. I hope you enjoy their story and look for the next two books in THE NANNY NETWORK series.

Happy reading!

Teresa Southwick

Chapter One

Margaret Mary Shepherd had never been the sort of woman men undressed with their eyes.

But if Maggie had to pick someone for that particular job based solely on looks, Jason Garrett would be right at the top of her list. Dark curly hair and eyes the color of coal complemented the brooding look he no doubt used from the boardroom to the bedroom.

Standing in the doorway of his penthouse condo just off the Las Vegas Strip, Maggie listened to the wail of an infant and knew the exact moment the decibel level went up. The man winced, an expression that was perilously close to panic and put him on the fast track to fear. It also told her that what she looked like underneath her crisp denim jeans and blue turtleneck sweater wasn’t even on his priority list.

“I very much hope that you’re Ms. Shepherd from The Nanny Network,” he said.

“I am.”

“Thank God.” He opened the door wider for her to enter. “Ginger Davis promised that you would be here within the hour.”

“She said it was an emergency, Mr. Garrett.”

He ran his fingers through his hair and from the looks of it, that wasn’t the first time. Quite a tall man, he forced her to look up. His wrinkled white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up and recklessly loosened striped tie only added to his potent masculinity.

“I need a nanny,” he said. Desperate need, judging by the ragged expression on his face. “Ginger assured me that infants are your specialty—”

An enraged, tiny-baby wail came from somewhere nearby. “Right on cue. That must be yours.”

“My son, yes.”

“I’ll just go—”

“Wait.” He glanced in the direction of the cry. “According to your employer you are the very best at what you do, but I’d like some confirmation.”

The baby’s distress was making Maggie want to tell him what he could do with his confirmation. “Isn’t that why you contacted The Nanny Network? The agency has made its reputation by conducting thorough personnel background and qualification checks. Peace of mind is part of the service.”

“I haven’t had a chance to check out Ginger Davis and The Nanny Network the way I’d like. But I’m not hiring ‘Ginger and Company.’ You’re the one who will be taking care of my son. The circumstances I find myself in—”

“What is your situation, Mr. Garrett?”

“I’ve had three nannies since my son was born and he’s only a month old, born December eleventh. I need someone to care for him, someone I can trust.”

The cry increased in pitch and urgency and Maggie couldn’t stand it.

“Look, Mr. Garrett, I’m not sure what your problem is that makes it a challenge for you to keep a nanny, but the job interview can wait.” She turned in the direction of the crying.

“Hold on a second—”

“Not while that baby is upset.”

As she hurried down the hall with the man hot on her heels, Maggie’s impression of his home was understated sophistication and simple elegance that probably cost a bundle. The guy was loaded, some kind of genius developer sensation. And what did any of that matter to the tiny infant who was clearly distressed about something?

She found the nursery and hurried over to the crib. The infant was on his back, thank goodness. His little face was red and the desperate cry was constant, high pitched. His hands and feet were going a mile a minute and his little mouth quivered in the way babies did that could just break your heart.

Without hesitation, she reached in and scooped him into her arms. “Oh my goodness, sweetheart,” she cooed. She lifted him against her chest and rubbed his back, making him feel as secure as possible. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”

She pressed him close and gently swayed, the movement coming automatically. When he’d calmed enough, she settled him into the bend of her elbow, then took his tiny hand in hers and brushed his palm with her thumb. The intensity of the cries diminished until the sound was more like a cat’s meow, one that was telling her off big time for letting the situation deteriorate to such a low.

“I know, sweetheart. You’re absolutely right. The conditions here are deplorable and completely intolerable. But things are looking up.” She glanced at Jason Garrett who was watching her through narrowed eyes.

“I wasn’t finished talking to you.” He wasn’t accustomed to losing control of a situation.

“I was finished talking to you until this little one is sufficiently reassured that his needs will be met.” She cuddled the child close. Smiling down she asked, “What’s his name?”

“Brady.” He moved close. “Brady Hunter Garrett.” Tentatively brushing a finger over the downy dark fuzz on the child’s head, he smiled.

Maggie’s stomach quivered and pitched. He’d been all brooding darkness until he looked at his son. It was an expression so tender and loving her heart quivered and pitched, too.

“It’s a good, strong name.” She continued to caress the tiny palm as she said, “It’s nice to meet you, Brady Hunter Garrett.”

“Are you always so take-charge?” he asked.

“Are you always so long-winded?”

“What does that mean?” he demanded, the brooding look back.

“Brady’s needs come before yours.”

“Not when my need is to make sure he’s safe,” Garrett snapped.

“It’s easy to see why you go through nannies like napkins at a car wash.”

“I don’t have to explain myself to you. I’m the employer; you’re the employee.”

“Not yet. If you can interview me, I should be extended the same courtesy to decide whether or not I want to work for you.”

“Do you screen all potential employers?”

“This is the first time.”

Maggie wasn’t sure why she was doing it now except something was weird here. Her specialty was infants from birth to six weeks. Go in, stabilize the situation, so new mom could get her sea legs and some rest, get out before she, Maggie, fell in love with the child and couldn’t leave without breaking her heart. Ginger Davis, owner of The Nanny Network, had always placed her in work situations with couples—husband and wife or man and woman living together in a committed relationship. Always she’d met the infant’s mother first. Not this time.

“Where’s Mrs. Garrett?” she asked.

“I’m not married.”

“But Brady has a mom.”

He frowned and his perpetual dark look grew positively black. “The woman who gave birth to him is not going to be a part of his life.”

Was that his way of saying she’d passed away? If only there’d been time for Ginger to fully brief her on this position.

“Is she—I mean, was there a medical problem?”

“Nothing like that. All you need to know is that she won’t be an issue.” And the scowl on his face put an end to further questions on the subject.

She had news for him. A mother who disappeared from your life could be an even bigger issue. Maggie knew from firsthand experience.

“Now, if it’s all right with you,” he continued, “I have a few questions.”

“I’m an open book,” she said.

“May I see your references?”

“I didn’t bring anything with me.”

“Then you’re the first who’s arrived without them.”

“I’m between assignments, Mr. Garrett, and was expecting to have several weeks off. Ginger said this was an emergency and I should come right away. She promised to messenger over whatever paperwork was required.”

“I require it before you interact with my son.”

“Then we have a problem.”

She stared at the little boy in her arms who was sucking on his little fist and staring up at her with his father’s dark eyes. There was a funny sort of tightness in her chest just before she felt a powerful tug on her heart. He was a beautiful child, but that wasn’t a surprise because his father was an incredibly handsome man.

This was a first, too. She normally felt nothing but the general nurturing instincts that babies always generated in her. This was different. Because there was no mother in the picture? Because she was one of a long line of nannies in his short little life? Because Jason Garrett clearly needed her? Or was it the man himself?

He was as compelling as any Gothic romance hero she’d ever read. He was Mr. Darcy, Heathcliff and Edward Rochester all rolled into one tall, muscular, attractive and dashing package.

She would be the first to admit that her hormones hadn’t been out for a test drive in quite a while. But they were making up for lost time in a big way now. This father-son duo packed a powerful punch in the few minutes she’d been here. How much damage could they do if given half a chance? It was a disaster in the making.

“I don’t think I can work for you, Mr. Garrett.” She shifted the baby into his arms and the way he instantly stiffened told her he wasn’t used to this.

She refused to let her sympathy cloud her better judgment and walked out of the room.

“Ms. Shepherd—” He caught up with her in the foyer. “Wait—”

Bracing herself, she turned to face him but could only raise her gaze to the collar of his shirt. “There’s no point in wasting any more of your time.”

“It’s my time and I’m asking for just a few more minutes of yours.”

“I don’t think there’s anything left to say.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

“I’m wrong?” she said, taking her purse from the table and sliding the strap over her shoulder.

The baby started to whimper and flail his fists and the just-this-side-of-panic look was back in his father’s eyes. “Okay. Maybe I’ve been a little hasty in judgment. But look at it from my perspective.”

“And what is that?”

It was a mistake to ask, but that wasn’t her first one. Going soft when he all but admitted he was wrong was the number one slip-up.

“Nanny number one couldn’t soothe him, and made some excuse about why it’s all right to let babies cry during the night. When my son cries it’s because he needs tending to and I’m in favor of feeding on demand as opposed to making him wait for a scheduled time.”

“I agree.” To her way of thinking babies always had a reason for crying and should not be ignored. The child came first. Period. The caretaker was always on call. “What happened to nanny number two?”

“A family emergency.” He glanced at his son, a fiercely protective look. “Something I understand all too well.”

She’d never had a family, at least not a traditional one. “That’s not her fault.”

“No, but now it’s my problem. And I have to ask—you walked in and had him quiet in thirty seconds flat—how did you do that?”

She shrugged. “I’m good at what I do, Mr. Garrett.”

“I couldn’t say about babies in general,” he said, a smile cutting through his uncompromising expression. The transformation was amazing. “But I saw for myself that with my son you’re very skilled.”

She wasn’t the only one. Her skill was infants, his was flattery. At first he’d kept it securely under wraps, along with his seriously compelling charm. Now that he needed them, he pulled out both and set them on stun. “Brady is a beautiful child.”

“He’s more than that, Ms. Shepherd—”

“Maggie.”

He nodded. “He’s my son, Maggie. I’m a demanding boss. I’ll admit that. And I don’t know a lot about babies. I’ll admit that, too. But most important for you to know is that I’m a protective father. It seems to me that when caring for a child there are some basic nonnegotiable principles.”

“Such as?”

“Doing your job. When I arrived home from the office unexpectedly, I found nanny number three on the balcony with a glass of wine and Brady in his crib crying.”

Maggie was shocked. “That’s horrific.”

“I thought so, too, and fired her on the spot.”

“Good for you.”

“So, you see, I find myself in a situation. I have a business to run.”

“I’ve heard of it. Garrett Industries is developing that huge project just off the 15 freeway, the one monopolizing all the construction cranes in the Southwest.” When he grinned again, her chest felt funny even before her pulse fluttered.

“There’s nothing I’d like better than to stay home and care for my son, but I have obligations. People are counting on me and I’m counting on you. I’m in great need of your services.”

“What about my references?”

“I understand that there’s no way to measure a person’s ability to do a good job, but it would reassure me to see something in writing that says you’re qualified to care for children. But I’d like to hire you right now, references pending.”

When Brady started to whimper harder, she really felt as if this was a father-son tag team. They were piling it on. His crying went from half-hearted to off the chart in a matter of seconds and Jason handed him back to her.

“Hey, sweetie,” she soothed, and tried stroking his palm again. After several heaving sobs he started to quiet.

“I think I’ve just seen all the references necessary,” Jason said. “He wouldn’t stop crying for me and I offered him a thousand dollars. The interview is over, you’re hired.”

Maggie wasn’t so sure this was a good idea, but she simply couldn’t walk out on this child. “Okay.”

“Brady is asleep.”

Jason looked up and saw Maggie in the doorway to his study. He’d been completely focused on the information in the envelope that Ginger Davis had messengered over. Reading about his new nanny was priority number one and he’d forgotten about asking her to join him when the baby was settled.

Sitting behind his flat oak desk in his home office, he held out a hand. “Have a seat.”

She picked the left wingchair across from him, then folded her hands in her lap as she met his gaze.

“Is Brady all right?”

“He’s an angel,” she said, smiling for the first time. “He’s bathed, fed and sleeping like a baby.”

“Good.” He nodded toward the stack of papers. “Ginger is very efficient.”

“I’ve always found her to be a woman of her word.”

Good to know because The Nanny Network charged a hefty amount of money for the service provided. Everything in life came with a price tag, but you didn’t always know if it would be worth what you paid.

In the case of his son, he wasn’t disappointed. He’d never known a love like he’d felt when he saw Brady for the first time. And the feeling had multiplied tenfold since he’d brought him home from the hospital. When Catherine had broken the news about the unplanned pregnancy, her next comment was that it would be history soon. Jason couldn’t accept that his child would be removed as if it were nothing more than an inconvenience, an annoyance, a stain on the carpet.

After intense negotiation and a large settlement, he had a son whose mother received a bonus for signing off all rights to him. He’d have paid her far more than she’d happily taken, but that had been enough to finance plastic surgery or any other physical enhancement to further her acting ambitions. What he hadn’t counted on was how complicated finding competent child care would be.

“So you finally have my references?” Maggie asked.

Her voice pulled him back from the memories, and he glanced at her before again scanning the résumé that included very thorough background information. “You’re an orphan?”

“That would assume my parents are dead. In fact, I don’t know where they are. I never knew them at all. As an infant I was left on the steps of the Good Shepherd Home for Children where I was found by Sister Margaret and Sister Mary.”

Her tone was so moderate and matter of fact it was several moments before the pieces formed a complete picture. She’d been no bigger than Brady when she was discarded, an annoyance, an inconvenience. “So Margaret Mary Shepherd—”

She nodded. “I was named after two nuns and a home for abandoned children.”

It wasn’t often that people surprised him, but he was surprised now. “Forgive me, I don’t know what to say.”

“That implies you pity me.”

“No, I—”

“It’s all right. I consider myself lucky. Everyone was good to me. No one turned me away when I asked for more gruel.” She smiled at her reference to the famous scene in the dark Dickens book. “I had a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in and people who cared about me. I’m healthy and privileged to do a job I love. I didn’t end up in a Dumpster or as a sensational, sad headline in the newspaper. It could so easily have been a story with a tragic ending, but someone cared enough to give me to the sisters.”

Catherine hadn’t cared, but for a price she’d given him Brady.

Maggie Shepherd met his gaze and her own was unapologetic, clear-eyed and proud. There was no sign that he intimidated her and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Considering his recent nanny problems he’d have preferred a healthy dose of fear.

At first sight he’d thought her plain, although her wide dark-blue eyes that sort of tilted up at the corners were very unusual. Her brown hair was pulled back in a long ponytail. If worn long, it would spill over the shoulders of her turtleneck sweater and down her back. For some reason, he wanted very much to see it loose, maybe so that she’d look older, less like a fourteen-year-old babysitter.

When she’d held his son and smiled, the mouth he’d thought a bit too wide was suddenly intriguing. The tender expression in her eyes when she looked at the baby made her beautiful. Not home-run-with-the-score-tied-in-the-ninthinning exciting, or touchdown-to-take-the-lead-with-thirty-seconds-left-in-the-fourth-quarter stunning. But the individual features blended on a canvas of pale, flawless skin mixed with an air of sweetness and formed a pretty picture.

He folded his hands and settled them on the desk as he leaned forward. “Do you wonder about your parents?”

Her serene look didn’t slip. “It’s a waste of energy.”

“But aren’t you curious about anything?” He couldn’t help wondering if Brady would have questions about where his mother was and why she’d disappeared from his life. The truth wasn’t pretty, and Jason wasn’t prepared to tell it. But at least he knew what the truth was. Maggie had no details about her parents and he wondered if that bothered her. “Do you ever think about where they are? What they’re like? Why you are the way you are?”

She stared at him for a moment, then stood, serenity suddenly shattered. “If this is your way of saying you think I’m unsuitable for the nanny position…”

He stood, too, and noticed for the first time how small she was. Fragile, almost. He towered over her and now it made him feel like a bully until he remembered her fierce determination to comfort a distressed baby. She’d been like a force of nature.

“I didn’t mean to pry,” he said. “But I feel within my rights as a father to know the woman in whose care I’m leaving my son.”

“If you don’t trust me, I’d appreciate it if you’d simply say so.”

“There’s nothing in your background, personal or professional, that made me change my mind about hiring you.”

“Fine. Then, if it’s all right with you, I’ll go settle in while Brady is sleeping.”

“Will you stay for another moment? I have just a few more questions.”

She hesitated, then sat down again. “All right.”

“When did you first become aware that you’re a ‘baby whisperer’?” he asked, rounding the desk to sit on the corner closest to her. “I’m just curious.”

“I’ve always been around children. Everyone at the home was expected to help out, but it never felt like a chore to me. Then my first job while I worked my way through college was with a wealthy family who had four children, ranging in age from an infant to early twenties. He was in college.” Her lips pressed together for a moment before she added, “I found I liked babies.”

But she hadn’t liked something. Jason wondered about that and also about what she did after college graduation. Her background information had only said that she’d spent time in the convent without taking final vows.

“Why did you decide to become a nun?”

“I admired the sisters and wanted to be like them. It was important to me to give back, help people the way I’d been helped.” Her face was all innocence and sincerity that couldn’t quite hide the shadows.

“There are many altruistic professions that don’t require such a structured lifestyle,” he said.

“I knew what I was leaving behind in the secular life.”

So she’d dated and still chose to enter the convent. Or maybe dating drove her into the convent.

“You didn’t find what you were looking for with the nuns?” He was pushing the boundaries of this interview and he knew it. But she stirred his curiosity.

She sighed and thought for several moments before answering, as if choosing her words carefully. “It wasn’t a matter of not finding what I was looking for in the convent as much as I’m simply not good nun material.”

The corners of his mouth curved up. “Oh?”

“When you’re close to final vows, it’s a time for reflection and honesty. I simply had too many doubts.”

“About what?”

“Me.” She shrugged. “There was an expectation of sacrifice and commitment that I wasn’t sure of being able to sustain.”

“I see,” he said.

“And speaking of expectations—” she shifted in her chair, and met his gaze “—it’s time we discussed what you expect of me.”

“Take care of Brady. He’s your only responsibility. I have a cleaning service and a cook who also runs the household. If you need anything let Linda know.”

“Fine. But that’s not what I meant.” She blew out a breath. “It’s obvious to me that you’re not comfortable with Brady yet. Do you need me to teach you how to take care of him?”

“It’s your job to do that.”

“I’m not being sarcastic or judgmental,” she added quickly. “It’s just that this is different for me.”

“How so?”

“You’re a single father.”

“Is that a problem?” he asked, thinking about her first job and the oldest son. Did she get hit on? The thought made him angry. “Like I said before, if I could care for my son, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But I have a large company and need to work.”

“I understand. And are the people working for you entitled to scheduled time off?”

“Of course, but—”

“I require one day off a week. Saturday, until midday Sunday. That should be stipulated in the contract that arrived with the rest of the paperwork. Can you handle the baby for a day?” She met his gaze with a direct one of her own and when he hesitated, she said, “Since I’ve been with The Nanny Network it’s never been a problem. But I’ve never worked in a home where there wasn’t a father and a mother.”

“Like I said, the woman who gave birth to Brady is a nonissue. I’m paying you to—”

“To be his mother?” she asked.

“No—” He’d paid a woman to bring him into the world and was going to pay Maggie to take care of him. There was no need to put a finer point on it. “Why does this matter?”

“Because you’re a single father, it would make good sense for you to find a long-term situation. If I’d known that, I would have turned down the job.”

“Why?”

“I only stay for six weeks, then—”

“What?”

“That’s also in my contract. My assignments last no longer than that.”

Jason didn’t want a parade of strangers coming through. He didn’t want a revolving door on Brady’s care. Continuity and stability were the cornerstones of a well-adjusted childhood and he’d do whatever was necessary to give his son the best cornerstone money could buy. He wanted long term now. He wanted Margaret Mary Shepherd.

She watched him carefully, gauging his reaction. “Ginger will find someone else—”

“What if I don’t want someone else?”

From the moment she’d ignored everything but the need to protect a baby—his baby—she’d had him. No one else would do.

Shadows turned her eyes navy blue and she pulled her lips tight for a moment. “I won’t stay beyond what’s stipulated in the agreement. It’s important that you’re aware of that up front.”

“Are you already angling for a raise, Maggie?”

“This has nothing to do with money.”

Right. And he was Mother Goose.

“Look,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “This isn’t something we need to decide tonight. When the time comes, we’ll discuss new terms.”

She stood up. “Six weeks, Mr. Garrett.”

“Call me Jason.”

“All right, Jason. But I’m not budging on my deadline. I won’t stay more than six weeks.”

He watched the unconsciously sexy sway of her slender hips as she walked out of his office after issuing what could only be construed as a challenge. Obviously Margaret Mary Shepherd had never negotiated with someone who was willing and able to pay whatever it cost to have her.

Chapter Two

Maggie stretched the baby out on her thighs and curled his fingers around her thumbs. “Hey, big boy. Where’s that smile? I know you’ve got one for me,” she cooed to him. “Let’s see it.”

He wasn’t five weeks old, and yet he was showing signs that he was on the verge of smiling. Would he look like his father? Her heart tripped up at the thought. This little guy wouldn’t be in that heartthrob league yet. The lack of teeth thing could be an issue. But his dad was something else. Jason Garrett had a very nice, very potent smile when he chose to use it. And Brady showed every indication that he’d be the spitting image of his dad.

Stretching out, the baby pressed his little feet into her abdomen and she wondered, not for the first time, what it felt like when life moved inside you. This child was a beautiful miracle, one his mother had walked away from. Not unlike her own mother.

She liked to think lack of money and resources had factored into the decision to abandon her. But Brady’s father clearly had big bucks. The penthouse was understated elegance with recessed lighting, soft yellow paint on the walls, plush white sofas and dark wood tables. Walking on the thick beige carpet was like sinking to your knees in softness. Expertly lighted art hung on the walls and expensive glass pieces and figurines were scattered throughout. In fact, before her tenure here ended, she felt duty bound to remind him to put the pricey stuff up high when Brady got mobile. A toddler’s oops in this place could cost way more than most people made in a month.

She glanced out the floor-to-ceiling windows with a spectacular view of the lights on the Las Vegas Strip and the valley beyond. Scenery like that didn’t come cheap.

Jason had thoroughly checked her out, and she’d returned the favor, grilling Ginger for information. Her Nanny Network boss had assured her there were no sexual harassment or hostile work environment accusations against him. No hint of scandal or impropriety. Quite the opposite. Everyone who worked for him had only good things to say. Employee retention at his company was exceptionally high.

So why couldn’t he retain the mother of his son? Maggie would really like to know the answer to that question.

As if he felt her attention drifting, Brady cooed his irresistible baby coo, and she smiled. “I wasn’t ignoring you, sweetie pie. You’re a charmer in training, that’s what you are.”

His mouth curved up at the corners as he happily kicked his feet. She laughed and a corresponding sound gurgled up from deep inside him in what could only have been a laugh.

It was a major “awww” moment, melting her heart like ice on a summer sidewalk. And that was cause for alarm. She didn’t do the heart melty thing. That wasn’t to say she didn’t love babies, all babies. She did. But her thing was not to get attached. On her first day, this little guy had easily hurdled her defenses, then grabbed on to her emotions with both of his tiny hands and the sweetest disposition in the world. He was already starting to feel special and she had enough time left on her commitment for him to do a lot of damage.

Rubbing her thumbs across his tiny knuckles, she smiled. “You are too cute for words, Mr. Garrett.”

“Thank you.”

The familiar deep voice came from behind her and slid over her senses like warm chocolate and whiskey. Maggie had lost count, but this was the fourth or fifth time today Jason Garrett had dropped in unexpectedly. All that practice should have helped her get used to him. Unfortunately, she wasn’t even close to comfortable with Sin City’s most eligible bachelor and overachieving tycoon.

“Actually, I wasn’t talking to you,” she said. “I didn’t know you were there. Just like a couple hours ago when you stealthily sneaked up behind me. And the time before that. And the time before—”

“Yeah.” He came closer and set his suit jacket on the sofa back, then rested a hip beside it. He leaned forward and smiled at his son. “Hi, buddy,” he said, then looked at her. “I get your drift.”

“And I get yours.”

“I’m not subtle?” he asked.

“Not even a little bit.” From the moment they’d met, she’d figured out that he wasn’t the most trusting of men. His behavior today was further confirmation. “You’re checking up on me.”

“Does it bother you?” he asked, not taking the trouble to deny it.

“No. Quite the opposite. I respect you for protecting your son. If every child in the world was cared for so well, it would be a much better place.”

What she didn’t say was that his defensive actions not only made her respect him, she liked him, too. That was a good thing, right? How come it didn’t feel that way? All she felt was uneasy. The last time she’d liked a man this much the feelings had grown into love. He came with a family who liked her back and she’d felt as if she was getting everything she’d always wanted. Then it didn’t work out, a major blow that had hurt a lot.

She chanced a glance up at Jason, and her stomach dropped like an airplane hitting turbulence. The sight of him in his rumpled white dress shirt and loosened red tie made it hard to breathe. It was much safer to look at the baby.

“Your daddy’s home, Brady. For good this time? Or can we expect ongoing guerrilla warfare tactics this evening?”

“I’m in for the night. You can stand down.”

“Good to know.”

Jason leaned over again and stirred up the scent of him, something spicy and sexy and all male. Something that made it impossible for her senses to stand down. She felt tingly all over.

He reached out and loosely caught hold of a tiny foot. “Hey, buddy. How are you? Did you have a good day?”

The baby waved his arms and smiled. Jason laughed and the sound warmed her clear through. She was exceptionally good at resisting warm and fuzzy, but there it was again. As if she needed more proof, that double whammy convinced her the combined effect of the Garrett men was pretty potent and highly dangerous stuff. She scooped the baby into her arms, then stood and walked around the sofa.

“He’s fed, bathed and in his jammies. All ready to spend some time with his daddy.” She settled Brady in his arms and backed away.

This felt weird. After a year at The Nanny Network, Maggie had lots of assignments under her belt. When the man of the house returned from his day at work, Maggie faded discreetly away to give mom and dad couple- and family-bonding time. She waited in the background, ready to jump in and help if needed. The only couple here was father and son. She’d never been in this situation before and didn’t quite know what to do with herself.

Jason smiled down at his child. “He smells good.”

“Yeah. I don’t think anything smells better than a freshly bathed baby.”

He looked at her and something dark and dangerous glittered in his eyes for a split second before disappearing. “And he seems pretty happy.”

“He’s been an angel all day.”

“I may be a new father, but I know this mood can disappear in a nanosecond. Before that happens, would you mind taking him while I get out of this suit?”

“Of course.”

She took the handoff and tried not to think about him changing. The situation already felt too intimate. She walked around the living room, then into the kitchen. Never in her life had she seen such a beautiful, functional kitchen. Maple cupboards were topped by black granite and in the center was an island big enough for its own zip code. The appliances were stainless steel, including the Sub-Zero refrigerator and two ovens. A glass French door closed off the walk-in pantry that was tidy and organized. In her assignments, Maggie had seen lots of different houses and condos, but never anything as gorgeous as this.

It was past dinnertime and she’d already eaten, but the cook had left a plate for Jason. She felt the need to keep busy and settled Brady in the infant seat on the floor beside the glass-topped dinette. After spinning the toy strung in front of him, she watched him watch it until his interest kicked in. Then she took the plate of lasagna from the fridge, removed the plastic covering and stuck it in the microwave. There was also a salad that she tossed vigorously with Italian dressing.

When Jason returned in his worn jeans and powder-blue pullover sweater, her insides got a vigorous tossing of their own. He looked as good in casual clothes as he did in slacks and tie. Maybe better, if possible.

She realized she’d been staring and to fill the awkward silence said the first thing that came to mind. “I’m warming up your dinner. You’re probably hungry.”

“I am.” He had a funny sort of intense expression on his face. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll have a quick bite to eat before hanging out with Brady. Could you stick around?”

“Of course.”

He glanced into the microwave. “Something smells good.”

“Yeah.” And she wasn’t at all sure she meant the food. “Linda is a good cook. But you already know that.”

“She’s been with me for several years.”

Stability. Since she never stayed more than six weeks, that was a foreign concept to her. She leaned over the infant carrier and nudged it with a finger, partly to keep nervous hands busy. Partly to rock the baby and stretch out this unpredictable contentment as long as possible.

“I can’t help wondering what Linda’s job interview was like,” she said.

Jason glanced at her over one broad shoulder. “She had terrific references.”

“Was there a test? Did she have to prepare pheasant under glass out of corn flakes and tofu?”

He laughed. “Are you implying I’m a demanding boss?”

“Heaven forbid.”

“You’d be right. And I won’t apologize for it.” When the microwave beeped, he retrieved his plate and brought it to the table where his salad waited. “I don’t demand more of anyone else than I’m willing to give. That said, working with food is relatively easy. Babies, not so much. Because I’m willing to give everything I’ve got.”

“You’re his father. That’s the way it should be.” She didn’t have the right to give everything and had to hold part of herself back. Otherwise, leaving hurt too much.

Brady’s snorts and grunts changed tone indicating that the grumpy portion of the evening was about to commence. She was grateful for the distraction because the words made her like Jason even more. “I’ll take him into the other room so you can eat in peace.”

“Stay.” He put a hand on her arm and stared at it for a second before meeting her gaze. Shrugging, he added, “Peace is highly overrated. I haven’t seen him all day.”

“I beg to differ. What with the unannounced visitations.”

“Let me rephrase. I haven’t had a chance to spend quality time with him. Keep me company. It won’t take long to wolf this down.”

Her arm tingled from his touch and she felt strange, out of her element, which made her want to run and hide. But how could she refuse? Especially when he said it like that. Not to mention that he was the boss.

“Okay.”

But when she tried to sit, the baby wasn’t happy. She stood and her body automatically started a gentle swaying motion. She turned Brady so his back was against her chest and father and son could see each other. She caressed the baby’s palm with her thumb because he seemed to like that.

“So, tell me,” Jason said, “what did I miss today? What did you do?”

“Let me see,” she started. “I changed diapers. Fed this little guy. Played with him. Sang songs—for your information, his favorites are ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’ and ‘Rubber Ducky.’”

“He told you that?” Jason chewed as he studied her.

“Not in so many words. But in body language, he was rockin’ out.”

“Meaning he didn’t have a meltdown during the performance?”

“Pretty much,” she confirmed.

He laughed, then forked up a bite of salad. After chewing, he asked, “What else?”

She thought about the day. “He took two naps, during which I’m quite sure he had a significant growth spurt. I can feel the difference in density already.”

“In one day?”

“Absolutely.”

Singing his son’s praises and giving the blow-by-blow of Brady’s day made her feel more connected than she liked. And protective. She couldn’t shake the sensation of wanting to go run interference for him because he was starting out life with one strike against him. Like her.

Jason smiled tenderly at the boy. “Way to go, buddy. Getting bigger is your job.”

“Speaking of jobs,” Maggie said. “What did you do today?”

Thoughtfully, he chewed a bite of lasagna and washed it down with water. “I had a great day. In between nanny surveillance, I closed a billion-dollar deal, which will net enough money to make a significant donation to a prestigious university. It’s more than enough to ensure that my son will be accepted and get into whatever program he wants.”

“So you bought him a way into college?”

He tilted his head thoughtfully. “Let’s say I removed any doubt.”

He was a man who had the means to get what he wanted.

Twenty-four hours ago Jason had said he wanted her, and here she was. The thought set off a powerful quivering in the pit of her stomach as she recalled the dark and determined look on his face when he’d made the pronouncement.

He wanted her.

That was a heady notion, a thought she refused to take any further.

After Jason finished eating, he set his dishes in the sink, then took the baby from her. Murmuring tenderly, he settled Brady in the crook of his muscular arm, and Maggie barely managed to hold in a sigh.

Was there anything more appealing than the sight of a handsome man holding a tiny infant in his strong arms? If so, she’d never seen it.

She watched the two Garrett men walk away, although technically only one was walking. But that didn’t change the fact that she was alone. Along with the solitude, common sense came pouring in. She’d never felt a pull on her heart like this. Was it because she was a stand-in mom, being the only female on the premises? Is that why she was feeling so connected to the single father and his motherless baby?

Whatever the reason, she had to stop. She was an employee, a very temporary one, nothing more. Soon she would be a nanny to another baby. And darned if the thought of leaving was about as appealing as a header off the top of the Stratosphere. It must have something to do with the fact that they were a family without a mom and she was a woman without a family.

This strong reaction, with five weeks and six days to go, made her wish she hadn’t agreed to stay at all.

Jason wasn’t accustomed to concentration problems when he worked—either at the office, or at his home office, which was where he was now. The baby had changed his life in so many ways, and could be a distraction, but that wasn’t the problem. It had nothing to do with adjusting to his new situation and everything to do with the new nanny.

Maggie.

Margaret Mary Shepherd wasn’t the sort of woman who would normally capture his notice. She wasn’t classically beautiful nor did she have legs that went on forever. As a matter of fact, he’d never seen her legs except covered by denim, apparently the uniform of efficient nannies these days. Her appeal was all about character. She was dependable, efficient and sarcastically witty.

Admittedly, his taste in women left a lot to be desired. Case in point: his son’s biological mother who had required a large sum of money to guarantee Brady’s very existence.

Maggie wasn’t like that. If she was, it would have been easier to put her out of his mind.

A soft knock sounded on his study door. It couldn’t be Brady, so by process of elimination…His stomach tightened just a fraction with what felt like anticipation.

“Come in,” he said.

And there was his distraction in the flesh, wearing jeans and a yellow sweater, looking a lot like a slice of sunshine.

“Maggie. Hi.”

“Sorry to interrupt.”

“Not a problem.” He removed his glasses and turned off the computer, giving her his full attention—full, because she’d already had part of it since she arrived five days ago. “What can I do for you? Is Brady okay?”

“Fine. He was a little fussier than normal tonight. I hope he didn’t disturb you.”

“Never.” Thoughts of her had disturbed him, but that wasn’t her problem. Nor was it something he intended to share. “Any idea why he was restless?”

She stayed in the doorway. “Babies are a guessing game. He could have been overtired. Maybe gas. There’s no way to know. You listen to the various cries—”

“It all sounds the same to me.” Jason leaned back in his chair and linked his fingers over his abdomen. “They’re different?”

“Very.” She smiled. “There’s a frantic edge to it when he’s hungry. A sort of general dissatisfaction when he needs to be changed. Kind of a quiet mewling sound when he’s telling you off because his need wasn’t met in a timely fashion.”

“Fascinating.” As was the fact that she hadn’t moved any closer to his desk. “Where are my manners? Come in and have a seat.”

“Oh—I just wanted to remind you—”

He motioned her in and indicated one of the matching wing chairs in front of him. The smooth leather had gold buttons. Very pretentious. Very not her, but what could you do? “Please sit.”

“Okay.” She started to close the door the way it had been, then hesitated and opened it wide. “I need to listen for the baby.”

“Of course.” That was her job. She worked for him. At the office he didn’t find it necessary to remind himself that any woman was his employee. But it was different with Maggie. Must have something to do with the intimacy of living under the same roof.

She sat in front of him and the movement brought the scent of her wafting to him. It was sweet, which suited her.

“I just wanted to remind you that tomorrow is Saturday—my day off. And I won’t be back until noon on Sunday. You’ll have to get up with Brady if he needs anything. Should I notify Ginger to send someone to fill in?”

He thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. “I’m looking forward to time with my son.”

“Okay.”

The smile she gave him was full of approval and he felt like he’d given the correct game-show answer that would make all his dreams come true. Her reaction shouldn’t be that important to him.

“Do you have plans for the day?” he asked, mostly to distract himself from the unsettling thought.

“I’m going to do what I do every Saturday.”

“And that is?”

“Volunteer at the Good Shepherd Home.”

“I see.” No shopping? Lunch with the girls? A manicure, pedicure or facial? He was lying. He didn’t see at all. “What do you do there?”

“I fill in for one of the staff who takes a day off. And to answer your question, I do whatever needs doing. Cooking. Cleaning. Playing with the kids. Talking to them. Tucking them in at night. It’s important they know people care, that they’re not leftovers. Throwaways.”

“Is that how you felt?”

The question came out before he could stop it. His only excuse was that part of his mind was focused on her mouth, and its high sexiness factor. If she wasn’t his son’s nanny, he’d kiss her, take those unusually tempting lips out for a spin and see if they tasted as good as they looked. But she was the nanny and it wouldn’t be smart. He couldn’t think about himself when Brady needed her. And his son’s needs came first.

He shook his head. “Forgive me for prying. That’s really none of my business.”

“It’s all right.” She sighed. “Probably wouldn’t be normal for me not to have abandonment issues. Not letting that define your life is the challenge. My goal is to help the kids understand that message.”

“You’re a good person.”

She shrugged and her gaze lowered to the hands clasped in her lap. “I’m just trying to give back.”

“The home’s gain is my loss,” he said. Standing, he rounded the desk and rested one hip on the corner, just an arm’s length from her. He wouldn’t kiss her, but he wanted to get closer. Out of the frying pan into the fire. “Traditionally Saturday is date night. Your benevolence will put a speed bump in my social life.”

“Speed bump?” She met his gaze and spirit sparkled in her eyes. “You probably beat the women back with a stick.”

“Not lately.” He laughed. “Now that I think about it, dating is tedious. Time consuming. Hectic and energy draining. Especially now when I need all the energy I have for Brady.”

Again she gave him the approving smile. “Then you should think about settling down. Getting married. Did you know studies have shown that married men live longer?”

“I hadn’t heard that.”

“Oh, I know marriage takes energy.” The earnest expression on her face was cute and incredibly appealing. “But a committed relationship is different. And the rewards make it worth the effort.”

Not in his opinion. “And how do you know this? Have you been married?”

“Me?” She touched a hand to her chest. “No. But I’ve observed a lot of happy, contented couples who are united in their dedication to raising a family and making a life together.”

“You get around.”

She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Occupational hazard.”

A subtle reminder that her time with him was finite. She didn’t know it yet, but she wouldn’t have to look for another job.

“From my perspective, marriage provides nothing but stress and discord,” he said.

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah.” And then some, he thought. “It doesn’t work and inevitably leads to divorce and disillusionment or the demise of dreams. At the very least it causes bitterness and resentment.”

She frowned. “May I ask what your perspective is?”

“My father. He’s currently involved in financial negotiations in a divorce from wife number four and engaged to number five. I’ve had a front-row seat to discord and dying dreams.”

The look she gave him was filled with pity. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” His tone was more sharp than he’d intended. “It was and continues to be a good education. It’s cost Dad a lot of money, a good portion of which goes to the army of accountants he employs to keep up with alimony payments.”

“For what it’s worth,” she said, “I can see where that would give you pause. I might have abandonment issues, but at least I had stability. The nuns at Good Shepherd gave me that.”

He didn’t plan to debate the benefits and drawbacks of growing up in an orphanage versus the marriage-go-round of his own childhood. He had a thing about commitment; she had abandonment issues. That was information he would tuck away for another time.

He folded his arms over his chest. “Now that I’m a father, I can see where a case could be made for constancy. I’d be lying if I said it—marriage—hadn’t crossed my mind.”

“That’s the spirit,” she said.

He held up his hands. “Whoa. Finding someone to marry is a nice fantasy, but it’s easier said than done.”

“Are you one of those men who manufactures flaws in every woman he meets?”

“That’s a loaded question.”

“And probably none of my business. But you started it.” She tilted her head to the side and her silky ponytail brushed the shoulder of her sweater making his fingers itch to do the same. “I just meant that some men find the smallest excuses to walk away from a relationship, not really trying to make it work.”

“And you know this from firsthand experience?” Since he’d started the prying, what was the harm in a little more?

“Magazines. Articles in women’s periodicals.”

None of that was helpful information. “You don’t date?”

“I have two problems with dating.”

“Only two?” he asked.

She laughed. “Number one is lack of time. Between my job and working at the home, there’s very little left over.”

“What’s number two?”

“Lack of men.”

“Excuse me?”

“Think about it. My day revolves around infants. I go from job to job. It’s pretty intense.” She gave him a wry look. “And energy consuming. Besides, where am I going to meet someone?”

It was on the tip of his tongue to ask if he was chopped liver, but he figured that wasn’t a place he was prepared to go for too many reasons to list. But right at the top was the fact that he was way too pleased she didn’t meet men.

And suddenly the temptation to touch her was too much to resist when he was this close. And he didn’t trust himself to only touch her. Straightening, he moved back around to the other side of his desk, putting distance between them.

“I’m the last person who should give you advice,” he said.

“Actually, I think Sister Margaret and Sister Mary are the last ones to give advice on the dos and don’ts of dating.”

He couldn’t stop the grin. Wicked, witty sarcasm. It was incredibly intriguing. “Okay. Point taken.”

She looked thoughtful. “For what it’s worth, the most advantageous environment for Brady is one with positive male and female role models. That said, when you meet the right woman, you should snap her up.”

“That’s a challenge to do without Saturday nights. And make no mistake, it will take a lot of dating to get it right.”

“I’m sorry I won’t be around to watch.”

“I should think your curiosity would be powerful motivation to stay,” he said.

“There’s only five weeks left on my contract and I can’t extend it.” Genuine regret darkened her eyes.

And she wasn’t the only one. Unlike the other nannies he’d had, he actually liked Maggie. She was direct and didn’t play games. On top of that she was incredibly good with his son. He couldn’t imagine her being more loving, tender and nurturing if she’d actually given birth to the boy. In the nanny department, this time was indeed the charm. Did she really think he would let her get away without a fight?

Not so fast, Margaret Mary Shepherd. She hadn’t seen his very best stuff yet.