by Cindy Kirk
Seth shot Mitch a sharp glance. “It’s not like that—”
“Ivy already caught ’em smoochin’,” Mitch continued. “When he was wearing a Santa suit, no less.”
“Women love men in uniform. It’s a big turn-on.” Josh rubbed his chin. “I’d like to borrow that suit sometime. Stacie’d get a kick out of it.”
Seth held on to his temper with both hands. He knew they were just trying to distract him...as well as have a little fun at his expense. They didn’t realize Lauren was off-limits. The last thing he wanted was for his friends to have the wrong impression. But he was tired of listening, tired of talking, tired of explaining. He had more important things on his mind... like seeing his little girl.
He pushed open the door, but before he stepped outside, Seth turned back to his friends. “I’ll give you a call in a day or two and let you know how I’m doing.”
“You’re not getting rid of us that easily,” Mitch said. “We’ll be back tomorrow to help out.”
Josh met Seth’s gaze. “Lauren knows to call us if you need anything before then.”
Seth thought about telling them his foreman could handle anything that came up but he saved his breath. Josh and Mitch wouldn’t listen anyway. Even though they’d done so much already, they were determined to help some more. “The only thing I need is for you two to get home to your wives.”
Before they could protest, he stepped from the truck and headed straight for the house. By the time he reached the foyer, he was out of breath. He leaned back against the door, cursing the weakness that left him as unsteady as a newborn calf. He hoped Ivy wasn’t too upset or worried. Or, if she was, that he would be able to find the right words to make her feel better.
Sloughing off his coat, Seth stood for a moment in the entryway, gathering his strength, drinking in all that was familiar. The ticking of the mantel clock in the living room. Ivy’s giggles coming from the kitchen. The sweet scent of pine from the Christmas tree.
He loved his life. He loved his daughter. For a split second this afternoon, he’d stood on the verge of losing it all. When the roof had collapsed and blocked his exit, he’d thought his time was up. But Mitch and Josh had gotten him out. The rescue had been nothing short of a miracle.
Seth drew a shaky breath and closed his eyes.
“Seth?”
Even if he hadn’t heard her voice or opened his eyes, the scent of her perfume would have told him Lauren stood before him. Though he’d just seen her this morning, the worried look in her eyes was new, as were her clothes. Dressed casually in jeans and a University of Denver sweatshirt and with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, she looked more like a college student than a responsible nanny.
He was thankful she was here. Oh, he knew Anna would have moved in if he’d asked, but his sister was a newlywed. Her place was with her husband.
His parents would have flown up from Florida in a heartbeat, but they were still recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident in October. Traveling back to Montana for Anna’s wedding had been hard enough on them.
No, Lauren was definitely a lifesaver.
“Are you okay? Can you talk?” She stepped forward, hovering close, her expression anxious.
“I’m fine, really,” he said in a voice he didn’t recognize, one that brought whiskey and cigarettes to mind. “How is Ivy holding up?”
Lauren hesitated. “She’s worried.”
By the concern in her eyes, Seth saw that his daughter wasn’t the only one needing reassurance.
“I was a tad bit concerned myself.” His attempt to joke fell flat. “Doc said I’ll be good as new in a week or two.”
Relief filled Lauren’s gaze. She stepped closer and rested her hand on his arm. “I’m so happy you’re okay.”
“Me, too.” Seth cleared his throat, embarrassed by the tremor. “I’m glad Trenton made it out.”
“Thanks to you and Mitch.”
When Seth had heard the boy calling for help from the second floor, he’d known there was no time to waste. Mitch had gone in right behind him. It had taken longer than Seth had thought it would to find the boy. The panic on the twelve-year-old’s face when they’d found him stumbling around, disoriented by the smoke, would be forever etched in his brain.
“When the ceiling collapsed, I realized my daughter might end up an orphan,” Seth said, almost to himself. “But I had no choice. I couldn’t let a child die. I had to help.”
“Of course you did,” Lauren said reassuringly. “Now that boy will grow into a man.”
Seth rubbed his hand over his eyes, trying to erase the images of the burning house. “Is Ivy in the kitchen?”
Lauren nodded. “Do you need any help walking?”
“Naw.” He shook his head for emphasis. It was a mistake. The room started to spin. As he reached for the wall to steady himself, Seth realized the doctor had been right. He needed to take it slow.
Lauren’s arm slipped around him, providing needed stability. He accepted her support until the room righted itself.
“I’m okay.” He shrugged off her hold.
“I’m helping you whether you like it or not.” Lauren’s tone brooked no argument. “You don’t want to upset Ivy by collapsing at her feet.”
“Anyone ever tell you you’re bossy?” he muttered, but didn’t pull away when she took his arm again.
Lauren laughed, encouraged by his spunk. Seth may have gotten knocked down but he was already pushing his way up from the mat. However, the way he leaned on her as they made their way slowly to the kitchen told her he had a ways to go before he’d be at full speed.
He didn’t speak during the short journey. Neither did Lauren. She knew he needed to conserve his strength— and his voice—for when he faced Ivy. Thankfully the child had been so busy playing she hadn’t heard the truck drive up.
Lauren stopped in the doorway to the kitchen to give Seth one last breather. Ivy sat at the table playing intently with the My Little Ponies that had originally belonged to her mother.
“Ivy,” Lauren called out. “Look who’s here.”
The child turned in her seat—as much as her casts would allow—and a breathtaking expression of joy danced across her face. “Daddy, I missed you so much!”
Seth dropped Lauren’s arm and moved to his daughter’s side.
Tears stung Lauren’s eyes as the two embraced. Seth looked strong, which should reassure Ivy. But Lauren knew the strength wouldn’t last. She hurried to the table and pulled out a chair so he could sit next to Ivy, rather than stand.
Seth offered Lauren a grateful smile before turning his attention back to his daughter. “Have you had a good day?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Ivy nodded her head with such emphasis, Lauren had to smile. “I helped Aunt Anna with squares this morning. Tonight, Miss Lauren has been playing ponies with me.”
Seth picked up a soft plastic horse with a cotton-candy-pink tail and body. “That sounds like fun.”
Ivy tilted her head and studied Seth for a moment.
Lauren could see Seth prepare himself for all the questions that were sure to come.
“You’re dirty.” Ivy wrinkled her nose. “And you smell like smoke.”
“Did Miss Lauren tell you what happened?” Seth spoke softly, his voice raspy.
Ivy shrugged and was silent for a second. “She told me you were a hero. That you saved Brandon’s brother from a fire.”
The child lowered her gaze to the pony on the table in front of her. Her lips began to tremble and tears filled her eyes. “She said you breathed in lots and lots of smoke and had to go to the hospital. I was scared.”
It took every ounce of self-control Lauren possessed not to move. Her arms ached to comfort the child. But this was Seth’s time with his daughter, his chance to reassure Ivy that all was still well in their little world.
“I’m sorry I worried you.” Seth reached up and stroked her hair. “But I’m going to be good as new very, very soon. The doctor says I just need to take it eas
y for a few days.”
Ivy’s face brightened. “You can play ponies with me. It’s super fun. Miss Lauren showed me how to braid hair. I can show you.”
Words tumbled out of the child’s mouth one after the other, and Seth listened with a fond smile on his lips.
“Can I get you something to eat or drink?” Lauren asked when Ivy finally paused to take a breath. “Ivy and I had grilled ham-and-cheese sandwiches for dinner. I could make you one.”
A sandwich wasn’t much to smile about but Lauren couldn’t keep a goofy grin from her lips. She was just so happy that he was alive.
“I’m not really hungry—”
“Still, you should eat something.” She clamped her mouth shut before she started to sound like his mother.
“I’m going to wash up first.” Seth brought his arm to his nose and sniffed the singed fabric. “Ivy’s right. I do stink.”
“You smell like smoke,” Lauren clarified. “You do not stink.”
“Yes, he does,” Ivy piped up, making a pony gallop across the table.
“That clinches it.” His familiar smile flashed. “Shower first. Then food.”
“Are you up to showering?” She didn’t want to second-guess him, but his unsteadiness in the entry way worried her.
“I have to be.” Seth may have lifted his chin in a determined tilt but Lauren could see the uncertainty in his eyes. He was nowhere near as confident as he appeared. “I’ll feel better once I’m clean.”
Lauren thought for a moment, analyzing the problem, searching for a workable solution. “You can use the shower down here.”
“That’s for Ivy.”
“I’m sure she’ll share,” Lauren said, shooting a wink at the child.
“You can have anything of mine, Daddy,” Ivy assured him. “Except for my dolls. You wouldn’t like them, anyway. They’re more for girls than boys.”
“The bathroom has a shower chair and grab bars for Ivy’s injury,” Lauren reminded him. “You can sit while you’re washing up. If you get light-headed, at least you won’t fall.”
“Miss Lauren could help you,” Ivy said, her eyes filled with innocence. “She could wash your back and your hair like you do for me.”
Seth’s cheeks darkened, and if Lauren didn’t know better, she’d think the cowboy was blushing. “I can manage on my own, princess.”
Ivy’s nose wrinkled. “You better go now, Daddy. The ponies say you’re making the room smell bad.”
“I’m headed there now.” Using the table for leverage, Seth pushed to his feet.
Lauren narrowed her gaze. She watched the way he swayed before regaining his balance, and took note of his paleness.
“Ivy, will you stay at the table and play while I talk to your father?”
“Sure.” Ivy whinnied like a horse before bringing two ponies together to kiss.
“I’m just fine,” Seth spoke quietly between gritted teeth.
Lauren slipped her arm through his, ignoring the protest.
“I can manage—”
“Look.” Lauren pulled out the firm, no-nonsense tone she reserved for the unruly students in the classes she taught. “I’m not about to hop into the shower with you. Not even if you say pretty please. Understand?”
Seth’s serious expression eased into a smile. “I don’t know if I should be disappointed or relieved.”
“Definitely disappointed,” Lauren shot back, pleased when he laughed. Sorry when he started coughing.
Yet somehow, without her quite realizing how it had happened, they were back on their old footing. It was as if the proposition had never taken place. Her heart lifted.
The walk-in shower was off the room where Ivy now slept. While Seth sat on the bed and caught his breath, Lauren checked the shower. Soap was there, but no shampoo. Unless he wanted to use Ivy’s Strawberry Shortcake brand. She grinned at the thought.
“I’ll run upstairs and get your shampoo,” Lauren told him. “And some clean clothes for you.”
“You don’t have to—”
“No worries,” Lauren said lightly. “I’ll be back in a flash.”
She was relieved he remained seated as she left the room. Though she was sure he’d be okay in the few minutes she’d be gone, Lauren took the stairs two at a time.
Rummaging through his closets and drawers, she found a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved cotton shirt, the same color as his eyes. She was ready to head to the bathroom for the shampoo when she realized he’d need underwear, too. Unless he was the type who liked to go commando.
The thought of his bare skin beneath tight-fitting jeans sent heat coursing through her veins. But she forced the thought aside and grabbed the first pair of boxers she found.
Minutes later, with a towel and a bottle of shampoo perched precariously atop the stack of clothes, Lauren returned to Seth.
He was still sitting where she’d left him and she was pleased to see that some color had returned to his cheeks. When he’d first arrived, she’d been so happy to see him that she thought he looked wonderful. Now she realized Ivy had been right.
His dark blond hair was a dusty gray. They must have washed his face at the medical center because it was clean, but his neck still held a coat of grime, as did his clothes.
She’d barely entered the room when he began coughing again. By the time the jag ended, what little color he’d gained had left his face.
“I’m putting the shampoo in the shower where it’ll be easy to reach.” Lauren tried not to let her apprehension show. Was he really strong enough to shower by himself? “I’ll make sure the sprayer is right next to the chair and the water isn’t too hot.”
“Thanks, Lauren.” Seth offered her a wan smile. “Forget what I said earlier. I’m not sure I could do this without you.”
Instead of finding the comment reassuring, Lauren’s fears escalated. He must be feeling pretty bad to admit he needed assistance.
“We need to get you undressed.” Lauren placed her hands on her hips. “Can you get those jeans off yourself or do you want my help?”
Chapter Ten
Seth wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly. After all, hadn’t he made it clear in the kitchen that he’d be showering alone? Still, an enticing image of the two of them, naked beneath a stream of water, flashed before him. For a second, he was tempted to reconsider.
“You’re not coming in with me.” He spoke quickly before he could weaken.
“Oh, darn. That would have been so much fun.” Lauren spoke flippantly, snapping her fingers. “Especially with you at the top of your game.”
He wasn’t sure how debilitated she thought he was, but the part of him straining against the zipper of his jeans wasn’t showing any sign of weakness.
“Just to clarify, I’m not planning on stripping you down naked,” Lauren continued, her tone now matter-of-fact. “I’ll help you with your boots, pants and shirt. Beyond that, cowboy, you’re on your own.”
Seth considered his options. Though he tried hard to hide it, he hadn’t felt this exhausted since Ivy’s baby days. While he wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed, he knew he’d sleep better if he got the grime off his skin. He wasn’t sure why he was making such a big deal out of nothing. Having Lauren see him in his underwear was really no different than her seeing him at the pool.
By the time she’d pulled off his boots and peeled off his socks, by the time she’d slipped his shirt over his head, by the time he’d unbuckled his belt and kicked off his jeans, he realized that undressing before an attractive woman in a bedroom was very different from being at a crowded community pool with swim trunks on.
The situation was awkward to say the least. The last time he’d worn so few clothes had been in front of his wife, and that had been a long time ago.
When it came to lovemaking, Jan had never been very adventurous. She’d preferred the lights off. Even as close as they’d been, he couldn’t recall her ever staring at his body in open admiration, as Lauren was doing right now. B
ut concern quickly replaced admiration.
Her brows furrowed. “Those are a couple of mean-looking scratches.”
Unexpectedly she leaned forward. When her fingers touched his skin, he jumped.
“I’m sorry.” Lauren immediately straightened; her expression contrite. “I should have realized they’d be tender.”
Seth didn’t bother to tell her that the scrapes weren’t the problem. When her fingers slid gently across his abdomen, arrows of heat had shot straight to his groin. Now his body threatened to betray him. To stop from embarrassing them both, Seth grabbed the towel and held it in front of him.
“I’ll put some antiseptic on them once you get out of the shower,” Lauren informed him.
“We’ll see.”
“Yes, we will see.” Lauren’s chin lifted in a determined tilt. “I’ll be right outside. Call if you need anything.”
Once the door clicked shut, he removed the last of his clothing and stepped into the shower. Even if the cuts were bleeding profusely, Lauren wasn’t coming anywhere near his bare skin.
Not because he didn’t trust her.
Because he didn’t trust himself.
Chapter Eleven
Lauren cast one final look in her bedroom mirror. It was hard to believe the year was coming to a close. Last New Year’s Eve she’d been partying with her friends at a Denver club. This year she and Seth would be attending a get-together at the Sweet River community center. Though she wasn’t sure he should be going to the New Year’s Eve dance, he was determined to attend. She had to admit he’d been a model patient these past five days. The results were amazing. His cough had all but disappeared and while his voice still had a distinct raspy quality, he was sounding more like the old Seth every day.
She glanced at the skirt and sweater she’d borrowed from Anna to wear tonight. Only in Sweet River would the attire for an end-of-the-year party be so casual. Still, her boots were more comfortable than heels and the sweater and skirt warmer than the wraparound party dress she’d worn last year.
Ivy, well, she hadn’t seemed to mind that they’d be gone. Her former babysitter had arrived fifteen minutes ago, bringing along her twelve-year-old granddaughter. Even super cautious Seth felt confident the two could meet Ivy’s needs for one night.