“Oh, a very long time ago.” Kara smiled.
“I start big school in two years. I go to kindergarten now.”
“She’s so lucky. She gets to play all day. But I have to do homework.” Lucas pouted.
“I have to do homework too,” Kara replied. Lucas and Molly looked at her. “I’ve got to learn how to do everything here. I’ve got to learn what time to take you to school and what you like for lunch.” And hope that she didn’t make a mess of things and earn the wrath of Dr. Hunter, whom she was yet to meet.
“It’s not that hard.” Lucas gulped down some water before placing his cup on the table. “We leave at eight in the morning. I like cheese and Molly likes ham or peanut butter and jelly. But you have to be careful with allergies, so it’s usually just ham or cheese. Sometimes Grace packs surprises, like chocolate chip cookies.”
“Oh, I make a mean chocolate chip cookie. Would you like to make some with me?” Both children nodded, and after finishing their meals, which surprisingly they ate most of, Kara set the children up at the counter with bowls, wooden spoons and the ingredients. She’d baked with Marie’s children before, and baking was one thing she was good at. How hard could it be to bake with a stranger’s children?
“First of all, we need to sift the flour into the bowl.” She poured flour into the sieve and watched Lucas shake it from side-to-side. Puffs of white powder floated on the air like snowflakes, before coming to rest on the counter. Kara added sugar and cubes of butter to Molly’s bowl.
“You ready to mix this together? It’s going to be noisy.”
“You do it.” Molly covered her ears as Kara flicked on the handheld mixer. She couldn’t help but smile as Molly’s eyes widened watching the butter and sugar cream together. What a gorgeous child she was.
“What do you think comes next?” Just as Kara turned the mixer off and rinsed the blades under the faucet, the front door opened.
“Daddy! Daddy!” Molly cried, jumping off the stool and running out of the kitchen. Butterflies took flight in Kara’s stomach. She grabbed a cloth and quickly wiped over the counter, leaving a smear of flour across the dark marble top. She glanced at the globs of sugar and butter on the edge of the bowl and remnants of egg oozing from the broken shell, and silently groaned. This was going to be awkward and nothing like she’d planned for. Why couldn’t Miriam have introduced her to Dr. Hunter at the hospital? Then she wouldn’t be wasting energy worrying about being in his home and worrying about how he would react when …
“Hang on, Molly. Daddy has some work to do.” A deep voice drew near.
Her breath caught in her throat as Molly entered the kitchen, dragging her father behind her. His dark hair was mussed on his head, as though he’d spent a good few hours running his hands through it. The knot of the cornflower-blue tie was loose around his neck. Lines etched the corners of the dark chocolate eyes which were now fixed on her. Kara felt the blood rush to her face under his intense gaze.
“Who are you?”
Swallowing hard, Kara wiped her hands on her pants, only to realize too late she wasn’t wearing an apron. Surely Miriam had mentioned she’d be there? Dr. Hunter’s gaze bore into her. Intense. Brooding. With a hint of … sadness? Whatever it was, her knees trembled and her heart pounded against her ribs. Oh, she was so out of her league.
“I’m Kara Savell,” she squeaked before clearing her throat.
He quirked an eyebrow as he removed his jacket, draping it over the back of the empty kitchen stool. Crisp white cotton stretched over broad shoulders. He loosened the buttons around his wrist and rolled the sleeves up to reveal tanned forearms corded by thick veins. Where did he find the time to work out and get a tan? Steve didn’t have the busy schedule of a cardiologist, and yet he certainly didn’t look like the man standing before her. Resting one hand on the counter to prevent her legs from giving way, Kara straightened her shoulders.
“Kara Savell,” she repeated, with more confidence than she felt. “The new nanny.”
“Oh, right. Of course. Miriam mentioned she’d found someone. Sorry. Your name slipped my mind.” He waved a hand in the air. “Looks like you’ve got everything sorted here. I’ve got a lot of work to do, so I’m going to head to my office.”
“Daddy, can’t you stay? Please?” Molly tugged on his arm. The gesture tugged on Kara’s heartstrings. Miriam mentioned he didn’t enjoy being home, but surely he could spare time for his own flesh and blood.
“Not tonight, Molly Moo.” His broad hand scruffed her curls as he turned to go.
Molly climbed up onto the stool and rested her chin in her hands. Sorrow filled her eyes, and her bottom lip trembled. Kara wanted to march after the doctor and demand he come back and spend some time with his children. But, she’d only just met the man, and it wasn’t her place to say anything. Yet.
“There’s dinner in the oven if you’re hungry,” she called to his receding back.
“I’m not,” came his gruff reply. Indignation pulsed through her veins. What a horrid man! At this rate, she wasn’t going to last very long in the Hunter household. Perhaps tomorrow she could start looking for another job. Even dealing with rude customers at Macy’s would be better than living under the same roof as someone who ignored his own children.
Kara read an Enid Blyton story to the children while the cookies baked. And after enjoying a glass of cold milk with a warm cookie fresh from the oven, she ensured they brushed their teeth, washed their faces and settled into bed for the night.
The light was still on in the office when Kara finished tidying the kitchen and climbed the stairs to her room. She didn’t know what proper nanny etiquette was – should she knock and say goodnight, or leave Dr. Hunter to his own devices? She opted for the latter and once ready for bed, called Marie to allay her woes.
“He’s so rude, Marie!” Kara exclaimed. “He didn’t know who I was, and he dismissed his children like he was swatting an insect. Poor Molly was almost in tears.”
“Was he mad you were there?”
“No, I don’t think so.” Dr. Hunter hadn’t been mad. He hadn’t been … anything.
“Poor kids,” Marie murmured.
“Yeah, I know. They were so excited to see him, and then he just left.”
“Miriam said he’s been so focused on his work since Camille died. I’m glad you’re there for them, though. You’ll make a huge difference for those kids.”
Kara doubted it. What did she have to offer, other than baggage of her own? She’d give it a week, and then see about finding a new job.
“Thanks for the chat. I should go to bed. Maybe he won’t be such a bear with a sore head in the morning.”
Marie chuckled. “Sweet dreams, dear cousin.”
Chapter 7
Darkness blanketed the house when Kara woke the following morning. She donned a pair of jeans and long-sleeved t-shirt, ran a comb through her shoulder-length hair and padded softly downstairs to prepare for her first full day as the nanny. There were almost two hours before Lucas and Molly were due at school and kindergarten, which would give her enough time to pack everything they needed, with extra time in case she was running behind schedule.
“Oh, good morning.” Kara’s steps faltered at the sight of Dr. Hunter sitting at the oak table in the breakfast nook off the kitchen, with a cup of coffee in one hand and a newspaper open in front of him. “I didn’t think anyone was up yet.”
“Hello,” he replied, without glancing up.
Kara opened the refrigerator and stared at its contents as she silently fumed. Was he that far above her that he couldn’t even engage in a conversation?
“You must have had a late night. I saw the office light still on when I went to bed.”
“I usually go to bed late. And I’m up early. I don’t normally get much sleep.”
That was a good start. Something to work with. “I can only imagine the stress of your work.” She placed a carton of eggs on the bench and pulled out a bunch of scallions and a pu
nnet of tomatoes. “Would you like an omelet?”
Dr. Hunter glanced across the room. “Oh, sure. Thanks. I don’t normally eat much in the mornings. Coffee and maybe a piece of toast.”
Kara tutted. She couldn’t help herself. “That’s not exactly practicing what you preach, is it, doctor? Healthy eating. Healthy living and all that?”
A deep chuckle reverberated around the room and seeped through Kara’s defenses. “Probably not. Where did Miriam find you?”
“In your office.” She set the stove to medium and added a blob of butter to the frypan.
Another chuckle sounded. Kara observed him from the corner of her eye as she poured the egg mixture into the sizzling pan. His facial features were softer in the morning light, and his hair was damp as though he’d just stepped out of the shower. His burgundy tie draped around his open-collared shirt.
Kara flipped the omelet and plated it when it was cooked to perfection.
“Enjoy,” she said, placing the plate in front of him. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can get you before you head out.”
“Kara.”
The rich timbre of his voice elicited a trail of goosebumps down her spine. She stopped and slowly turned to face him. What had she done wrong? Was he going to fire her already? She thought back to the previous evening. She’d tidied the kitchen, ensuring all the flour was vacuumed up from all the nooks and crannies. The children’s lunches were all packed and ready for the morning. Uniforms were ironed and ready. What had she missed?
“I apologize.” Small lines appeared at the corners of his eyes as his mouth curved into a soft smile.
“For …?” She tilted her head. She hadn’t been expecting an apology.
“For getting off to a bad start. I was rude last night, and I apologize.” He stood and stepped towards her with an outstretched hand. Her nostrils filled with the fresh fragrance of soap and sandalwood, and it was all she could do not to step closer and inhale his delicious manly scent.
“I accept your apology.” Warmth cascaded over her arm as his large hand enveloped her petite one. For a brief moment she couldn’t formulate a single thought. Her eyes traveled the contours of his tanned skin. The grooves along his knuckles. The veins traversing the back of his hand. Willing her heart to slow, Kara quickly lowered her hand and shifted her gaze to the ground.
“I … I can only imagine how odd it must have been to have a complete stranger in your home, baking cookies with your children.” She couldn’t breathe. Although there was a good foot between them, he was still too close. His chest was too broad. His scent, too intoxicating.
“Yes, it was. I’m so used to seeing Grace, that I completely forgot Miriam had told me about you.” He ran a hand through his hair, sending it up in all directions. Kara entwined her fingers so she wouldn’t be tempted to smooth it back into place.
“That’s okay. I’m easily forgettable.” She chuckled at her awkwardness. Good grief, Kara. He’s going to think you’re totally not suitable to be the nanny.
“I wouldn’t say that.” Dr. Hunter’s gaze held hers until she could feel her face was on fire.
“Er, I should … go and wake the children. I don’t want them to be late on my first day.” With a nervous giggle, she turned and fled the room, fanning her face as she strode up the staircase. What on earth, Kara? You’re acting like a schoolgirl. Get yourself together. You’re here to do a job. Don’t mess things up.
But even all her self pep-talk couldn’t shake the sight, sound and smell of Dr. Hunter as she prepared the children for the day. No one had ever elicited such a visceral response from her before. Not even Steve, in all their years together. She trailed her fingers over her hand, recalling his handshake and the jolt of electricity she’d felt all the way to her toes.
“Kara.” She blinked as Lucas appeared at the kitchen counter, drawing her from her silly daydream.
“Yes?”
“We’re ready to go.”
“Oh! Okay, then. Let me just grab the keys and I’ll …”
“I’ll take them this morning, if that’s okay.” Dr. Hunter strode into the room. His shirt collar was buttoned, and his tie was knotted perfectly at the neck. Not a hair was out of place.
Kara swallowed, her gaze meeting his in surprise before darting away. There was no way she could make eye contact with him without swooning. Good grief, Kara! You’re not sixteen! She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
“I’ll see you later tonight, then.” He gave a light smile before ushering Lucas and Molly toward the front door.
“Bye, Kara!” They called.
“’Bye!” She turned and began loading the dishwasher with the breakfast dishes.
Footsteps sounded on the tiled floor and Dr. Hunter reappeared. “Kara, if you’re going to be living under my roof, please call me Caleb.” He nodded abruptly before leaving just as quickly as he had appeared.
Resting against the counter, Kara clutched a hand against her chest and exhaled. She hadn’t even been there for one day, and already she was a lost cause.
Chapter 8
“How’s the new nanny?” Miriam placed a stack of patient files on Caleb’s desk and folded her arms.
“She’s doing well.” Caleb nodded, leaning back in his chair. The two weeks Kara had been in his employ had been good. Easy. Dare he say, wonderful? She brought a joy to his home that he didn’t realize had been missing.
Lucas and Molly adored her. And he found himself finishing work earlier, just so he could be home for dinner. He moved his work from the office to the dining table, just so he could watch her work in the kitchen and interact with his children. She was a natural. And something stirred deep in his chest every time she smiled or laughed.
Grace had been wonderful as well. But Kara was different. Perhaps it was an age thing. He certainly hadn’t looked at Grace the same way he found himself staring at Kara. She was easy on the eyes, that was for sure. But it was more than that. He enjoyed her carefree spirit. The way her eyes lit up when she engaged with the children. She never brushed them off, or told them she was too busy. Oh, he knew it was her job to interact with them. But she did it in such a way that seemed like she meant it. It was never forced. Never because it was her job to do so.
“Thanks for finding her.” He drummed his fingers on the desk.
“It was pure luck, really. A blessing from heaven, so to speak. Anyway, I’m glad she’s settled in well. And I’m glad you’re going home earlier these days.” Miriam quirked an eyebrow and gave a knowing nod before returning to her desk.
Caleb folded his hands behind his head and swiveled the chair to face the window overlooking the hospital grounds. The sun’s rays filtered through the trees casting long shadows on the ground, and a few people meandered through the gardens separating the main building from other medical suites.
A small smile played on his lips as his thoughts drifted to Kara. They’d stayed up talking the previous night once the children were in bed. She looked so relaxed as she sat in the armchair opposite his, with one leg tucked up underneath her. Her slender fingers traced along the glass of water clasped in her hand. He’d been drawn in by her smooth voice, and her laugh as it lilted on the air. He was mesmerized by the brightness in her hazel eyes, and the tendrils of light brown hair floating around her face. They’d stayed up late. Which wasn’t unusual for him.
What was unusual, was that he’d gone to sleep with a smile on his face and woken up eight hours later in the same position. His first undisturbed night of sleep in as long as he could remember.
Chapter 9
The following week, Kara met Marie for lunch in the hospital cafeteria.
“So, tell me all about the handsome Dr. Hunter.” Marie leaned forward, her eyes gleaming as she clasped her hands around a paper coffee cup.
Kara glanced around the cafeteria full of hospital staff, visitors and patients. “What do you want to know? There’s not a great deal to tell.”
“Really?” Ma
rie quirked an eyebrow.
Shifting on her seat, Kara traced her fingers around the edge of a napkin. “He’s nice.”
“Nice? That’s all you’ve got?”
Kara held up a hand and grinned. “Okay. Okay. He’s more than nice. But, he’s also my boss. And there’s a line there that cannot be crossed. I’m there for his children. Not for me.”
“You do realize you’re the envy of many women in this hospital, right? There are so many women who would love to be in your shoes right now. Living under the same roof. Eating at the same table. Washing his clothes.”
“Yeah, ‘cause that’s so romantic!” Kara laughed, tossing her ponytail over her shoulder. “It sounds like I’m a housewife more than anything. Just without the … you know …” Her face reddened. Gosh, she needed to keep a rein on her thoughts.
“And I hear you’ve made a great impression on Lucas and Molly,” Marie continued.
“How do you know that?” Kara’s heart warmed. They really were adorable kids, and she loved spending time with them. The previous nanny and Dr. Hunter – Caleb – had managed to raise them without being too affected by the loss of their mother.
“Oh, people talk,” Marie said vaguely. “Some of the other parents at school have mentioned it. In fact, Lucas gave a presentation for show and tell about you.”
“He what?” Kara spluttered, spraying a light mist of coffee on the table. She quickly mopped it up with a napkin. Lucas? Talking about her? Her heart melted a little more, if that was even possible.
“You’ve made a good impression, and I’m so proud of you, Kara.” Marie reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “I knew you’d be great.”
“Surprisingly, I actually love it,” Kara replied with a smile. “And I’ve seen a change in Caleb in the few weeks since I started. He’s coming home earlier to spend more time with Lucas and Molly.”
There was the arched eyebrow again.
A Heart For Christmas (Heartwarming Romance) Page 4