by Cathryn Fox
Maybe I was wrong when I said he cared about no one but himself.
Before I even realize what he’s doing, he leans forward and places the softest kiss on my mouth. Our lips linger, no hurried movements, no frenzied tearing of clothes to get each other naked, just a tender exchange that unearths something inside me…something I’ve kept buried for a long time.
“I’d better go,” I say when he pulls back. I stand up quickly and head to the kitchen. I find my phone on the counter and reach for it.
“Jonah,” I call out, as I grab my travel mug and fill it with coffee. “Looks like we have a lead on a nanny. I can get the details today and check out her credentials.”
“Thanks,” he says, but he’s standing behind me.
I jump and nearly spill the coffee. “I’m getting you a bell.”
He laughs and nods toward my phone. “Keep me posted.”
“Yeah, the sooner we can get it arranged, the better. I can’t stay on helping forever.”
I drop my phone into my purse and look at him—really look at him—and when I do, I suddenly see more than the gorgeous hockey player who is always out to score, on and off the ice.
“You got this, Jonah. I promise.”
“You do?” he asks, like my answer is the most important thing he’ll ever hear, like it could make or break him.
I touch his arm, then rub Daisy’s back. “She’s in good hands. I mean that.”
“Thank you,” he says, and lets loose a breath of relief.
“Okay, I’m off. You know my number, just call or text if you need me.”
He walks me to the door, and he turns Daisy in his arm, waving me off with her hand, and my heart jumps into my throat and lodges. I climb into my car and make my way into the city. Forty minutes later, I squeeze my car into my parking spot and head inside.
When I do, I’m bombarded with questions from my co-workers and my best friend, Tina.
“Are you really staying with Jonah Long?” Carrie askes, all wide-eyed and dreamy, like I’m playing house and getting banged by the Body Checker.
“Has the Body Checker checked out your body yet?” Tammy asks.
“It’s not like that.”
Oh, it’s like that. They just don’t have to know it.
“Why not?” Tina asks. “If I were you, I’d be tapping that.”
I laugh and shake my head. “You’re not me. I’m just helping him out.”
I turn to Carrie, the daycare director, before Tina can read the lie on my face. I’m just not ready to share the details with anyone, not even my best friend. “This nanny you recommended. Can I get her information?”
“Sure, come on.”
“If you start tapping that, I want all the details,” Tina says, and I just roll my eyes at her. “Text is fine too,” she adds with a laugh.
Carrie sits at her desk and rifles through her papers. “She’s my neighbor’s daughter. She just received her early childhood education certificate, and wants to start with in-home care.”
I take the girl’s name and number and drop it into my purse. “Thanks,” I say. “I’ll be helping Jonah with the interviews, but he has last say, so I can’t promise anything.”
“Fine by me either way. I can do a little more searching and find you more candidates if you like.”
“I’d appreciate that.” I’m about to leave when Carrie gives me a strange look. “What?”
“It’s good of you to help him like this.”
I give a fast wave. “We go way back. He’s like my brother,” I fib.
Carrie’s lips twitch. “Brother? That’s how you see him?” she asks, like she can see right through my lie.
Heat burns through me, undoubtedly turning my cheeks a darker shade of pink, so I quickly turn and say, “Yes, that’s how I see him,” and pray to God my pants don’t catch on fire.
I take my phone from my pocket and type Jonah a text, giving him the nanny’s name and number, and suggesting he call so we can interview her tonight. My hand lingers over the send button.
Do I really want some girl taking over tonight? That would mean I’m out and she’s in.
Would it also mean she’d take over in the bedroom as well?
Send the message already.
Annoyed with myself, I hit send and put the phone in my back pocket. The sound of laughter reaches my ears, and I go into the playroom to get the activities ready for the kids. They all start to pile in, all bright-eyed and fresh-faced, and ready for their morning playtime.
I’m more tired than usual when lunchtime comes around. Probably because I’ve been exercising muscles that have been dormant far too long. I head to the lunch room for my break when my phone pings. My heart does a little leap when I see it’s Jonah, and I don’t want to think too hard on that.
Daisy has a rash. What do I do?
Go to the drugstore and get some cream. Ask the pharmacist what they recommend.
I think we need to get her some more onesies, she’s gone through three changes today.
Okay, good idea, I text back.
Do you think it’s her formula making her spit up?
I laugh. No, she’s just a baby. Babies spit up.
I’ll talk to the pharmacist, ask about that.
Okay, talk to you later.
What time do you think you’ll be home?
Around five-thirty.
I’ll try to have dinner ready.
No worries, you have your hands full.
She’s been crying a lot today. Maybe she misses you. Oh, I was going to give her a bath, Google said that would help, but I don’t want to do that without you.
We’ll do that tonight.
I stare at the phone, and three dots keep repeating. I wait for Jonah’s next text to come through but it doesn’t. Whatever he was going to say, he must have changed his mind. I’m about to put my phone back in my pocket but consider texting Zander to check up on Jonah. Then change my mind. I don’t want him to think I called in reinforcement because he can’t handle a four-month-old.
The rest of the day passes quickly, as it always does in the daycare, and after seeing all the kids off to their waiting parents, Carrie meets me at the door with a list of names.
“Wow, you really came through for me. Thank you.”
“I made a few calls. No problem at all. I hope you find someone to care for the child.” A pause, and then, “I know it’s not my business but where is her mother?”
“We don’t know, she just dropped the baby off.”
“Do you think she’ll come back for her?”
I give that thought more consideration. Would it break Jonah’s heart to hand his daughter over, or will he be relieved? I can already see the bond growing, but hockey is his first love. Would he grow to resent Daisy? The responsibility of taking care of a child has already interfered with his lifestyle, and worrying about her when he’s on the road could interfere with his game. He might be stepping up, but this isn’t what he wants. Not really.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen. Right now, we’re just trying to get by day by day.”
Carrie puts her hand on my shoulder. “Just be careful, okay?”
Careful?
Why would she tell me to be careful? I’m about to ask, when a car horn sounds and Carrie waves. “That’s Dave. Gotta run.” She leaves the center, and once the place is empty, I grab my purse, lock up, and head home.
Home?
Well, not my home, but Jonah’s home. I crack the window and let the warm breeze fall over me as I drive. When I reach Jonah’s place, his car isn’t in the driveway. Although it could be in the garage.
I park and walk up to the front door to find it locked. Unease worms through me, and I knock. Could they be inside sleeping? If so, I don’t want to wake them up. Then again, maybe he’s at the drugstore. I spin around and shade the late-day sun from my eyes as I figure out my next move. Should I call Zander? He has a key to the place. I pull out my phone, and I’m about to dial
when Jonah’s car comes down the road at a snail’s pace.
I hurry down the stairs and meet them in the driveway. “Everything okay?” I say, working to keep my voice casual as I glance into the backseat, seeing a sleeping baby.
Jonah climbs out looking ragged and unkempt, with his hair a mess and food stains on his shirt. I’ve never seen him like this, but he looks so damn adorable. Wait, is that dried milk in his hair?
“She was exhausted, and I couldn’t get her to sleep,” he explains.
I grin. “So you took her for a ride.”
“Yeah, I googled it.” He opens the backseat and unhooks the baby seat, keeping Daisy in it.
“Did you get the cream for her rash?”
“Yeah, and do you think Pampers or Huggies are better? I wasn’t sure and was going to text you, but decided to buy both.” He pops the trunk to reveal two big boxes. I grab them and follow him up the steps. He unlocks the door and carries Daisy in, then turns to me. “I had this made for you today.” He hands me a key to his place. “If you’re going to be staying here, you need your own key.”
I drop the diapers and close my hand around the shiny new key. “Good plan,” I say. Then tease, “Are you sure about this, Jonah? If I can come and go as I please, I might catch you with one of your girlfriends.”
“You’re the only girl in my life, Quinn,” he states flatly. Then he glances at his sleeping daughter. “Well, you and Daisy.” My stupid heart twists at that, then I give myself a good hard lecture.
You don’t want to be his girl, Quinn.
I follow him into the kitchen, take in the mess. He gives me a sheepish look, and it’s so damn adorable, I want to take him into my arms and hug him.
“I’m sorry,” he says quickly. “I know you told me to keep the place clean, but Daisy is quite the handful.”
I truly love how hard he’s trying. “It’s bottles and toys and clothes, Jonah. Not beer bottles and empty pizza boxes.”
“Speaking of pizza boxes. Do you want to order something in?”
Daisy fusses in her seat, and Jonah releases the straps and holds her to him. She instantly settles—and that’s when I think about Carrie’s warning. What will happen if the mother comes back? It’s definitely something Jonah has to consider and be prepared for.
“I didn’t have time to cook for you. This little one is a full-time job.”
“I can make us something,” I say. “We had groceries delivered.” I pull open the fridge. “How about BBQ hamburgers and salad?”
“Works for me.”
He bounces with Daisy in his arms, and I pull all the ingredients from the fridge. “Did you call about the nanny?” I ask.
“She’ll be here tonight around seven.”
A pang of disappointment settles in my gut. “That’s great, and if she doesn’t work out, I have a whole list of names for you. Recommended by the daycare director.”
We step outside and the warm air falls over me. I glance at the big pool in the backyard. “You’re going to have to babyproof that, Jonah,” I say as I light the grill.
“I’ve been thinking the same thing. I have to babyproof the whole house.”
I nod, but then say, “We should wait on that.” In the back of my mind, I can’t help but think Shari is going to show up and reclaim her daughter. Then again, Jonah will likely want visitation rights, and his house will have to be ready for that.
Jonah goes to the pool and sits, dangling his legs in the water. I toss the meat onto the grill, baste it, and then join him. I hike my pants up and dip my feet in.
“That feels glorious.”
“Why don’t we have a swim later?” he says, but there is mischief in his eyes. Warm need moves through me, and when his thigh brushes mine, my thoughts go off in a million directions. With my body growing needy, I stand, flip the burgers and hurry inside to whip up a salad. I glance out the window, and Daisy is now awake. Jonah is lifting her over his head and she’s grinning at him. My heart wobbles at the cuteness.
“Quinn,” he calls out, and I run outside. “I think she likes me,” he says, the childlike enthusiasm in his voice making me laugh.
“I told you it would just take time.”
He winks at me. “I’m used to women liking me sooner than that. Well, except for you. It took you ten years to like me.”
Oh, if he only knew.
He holds Daisy up again and she breaks out in a big smile.
“Careful, Jonah,” I warm. “You’re holding her over your face, and she’s a wet burper.”
“Oh, Jesus,” he says and puts her back on his lap. We both laugh, and I point at him.
“Language.”
“Shit, right.” He climbs from the edge of the pool. “Can we help you with anything?”
“Why don’t you set the table, things are just about ready.”
He sets Daisy in her car seat and she plays with the rubber rings, her big blue eyes bright and shiny, like she had a good day with Jonah. My heart warms at that as I load the plates with our burgers and salad. I carry them to the table, and Jonah is about to sit across from me when his phone pings. He hesitates, like he’s not sure whether to answer it or not.
“You’d better get it,” I say. “It could be about Daisy.”
He looks at the caller and frowns, and my heart jumps. Is it Shari, wanting to come back for her daughter? Jonah scratches his head, then slides his finger across his phone.
“Hey Katee,” he says, and our eyes meet. “No, no, I’m fine. Really.”
I sit there and try not to listen to his conversation, but it’s impossible.
“Quinn is here.” A pause, and then, “That’s right, Zander’s sister. She’s a daycare teacher. She’s helping me.” He picks up his fork and toys with it, an uncomfortable look on his face. “Katee, I’m fine. You don’t need to come here.”
I take a drink of my water, and when he’s finally able to get her off the phone, he looks at me.
“Sorry about that.”
“Everything okay?” I ask as he sits across from me.
“Yeah, that was Katee. News certainly spreads fast. My phone has been pinging since Saturday morning, lots of offers to help.”
“How nice that she wants to help you out,” I say, and stab my cucumber, hating—absolutely hating—the jealousy rising up inside me. “Maybe you should take her up on that.”
“Why would I take her up on that when I have you?”
“Not for long,” I say, and my stomach clenches. I’ve only been here for three days, and I’m already growing to like every moment with these two.
“I know, you keep reminding me,” he says, then he picks up his knife and redirects. “I usually eat at the island,” he says, and we both glance at the marble countertop, to the spot where he pleasured me. My thighs quiver at the memories, and our gazes meet. He shakes his head, like he’s shocked at the turn his life has taken. “Then again, I’m doing a lot of things I’ve never done before.” He looks down at his food, his mood changing. “I have to say, I’m a little scared, Quinn,” he admits honestly, and my heart goes out to him.
He’s not the only one who’s scared. When I see him holding his baby, making her smile, it draws me in a little deeper, has me thinking about my future…one where kids and a husband do exist. Only problem is, when I visualize that little scenario, both Daisy and Jonah figure prominently.
9
Jonah
I listen to Quinn talk to ‘baby talk’ to Daisy, as I load the dishwasher and clean the kitchen. Her sweet whispered words bring a smile to my face, but they also make me wonder why she’s so adamant that she doesn’t want a family of her own. Zander is the opposite. Sure, he’s young and playing the field right now, but he talks about settling down in the future. I can see him with a kid. He’d make a great dad. Way better than me, that’s for sure.
I turn the dishwasher on and head into the living room to find my girls playing on the sofa.
My girls?
Well, for
the time being, they’re both mine. Just then, the doorbell rings.
“Must be the nanny,” Quinn says as she bundles Daisy up and holds her to her chest in a protective manner.
I make my way to the door, and when I pull it open, there is a young girl standing on my stoop, an envelope in her hand. Her eyes go wide when they see me. Well, not me, but the Body Checker.
“You’re…you’re…”
“Jonah Long,” I say, and step back to wave her in.
She curls a strand of hair around her finger and steps into the room, and her eyes land on Quinn and the baby. Quinn steps up to her and introduces the baby, then herself.
“I’m Rebecca,” she says, and hands me the envelop. She looks young, like high-school young. “Here’s my resume.”
“Why don’t you have a seat,” Quinn says. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“No, I’m good thanks,” she says as her nervous glance moves to me again. I pull the paper from the envelope and look it over quickly. After high school, she did a two-year certification course. On paper, she seems to have everything one would need to care for a child, but I worry about her experience.
Quinn and I sit on the sofa together, a united team—outside the bedroom, for once in our lives—and face Rebecca, who folds her hands and places them on her thighs.
“Can you tell us a little about yourself?” Quinn asks.
“I received my certification last month, and I’m looking forward to starting in-house care. Eventually I want to open my own daycare.”
Quinn smiles at her. “Do you have any experience?”
“I have three younger brothers,” she says and laughs. “Plus, I used to babysit through high school.” She points to her resume. “I have references.”
“Is there anything you’d like to ask us?” I say.
“Would I have my weekends off?”
Both Quinn and I exchange a fast look, then I say, “When I’m on the road, I need someone here caring for Daisy full time.”