“Quit reading my mind,” Savvy said.

“Why? It’s so much fun in there.”

“Don’t make me get the flyswatter,” Savvy hissed at her, playfully.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Cassia replied.

Savvy was about to say something when Colby asked, “Are you okay?”

She squealed, jumped, and turned around all at the same time.

“Yes. I just have a habit of talking to myself,” Savvy said, blushing, sure that the man thought she was a complete lunatic. “I was enjoying your beautiful flowers.”

He smiled with pleasure and pointed out the different types that grew on the premises. “We also have a vegetable and herb garden. A lot of the veggies that Rosa serves come from here.”

“That’s awesome,” Savvy said.

They talked for a while until the kids came back. She purposely turned her back toward Rory while she herded the children upstairs for their showers. When they were finished, Rory came upstairs to read with them and put them to bed.

“I’m going out for a while.”

She nodded, not sure how she was supposed to respond. “Have fun” or be “safe” sounded too wifey.

Once they were asleep, she grabbed the monitors and fished her book out of her suitcase. After grabbing a glass of homemade lemonade, she went out to the deck to read. The air was cool and the stars were dancing above her. She almost got lost in the peace.

“This is my favorite place to hang out, too,” Rory said.

She squealed and said, laughing, “What is it with you men around here sneaking up on me? You guys are going to give me a heart attack.”

“I’m sorry.” He grinned.

Holding up the monitors, she said, “The kids are in bed.”

“No worries. I trust you.”

There was an awkwardness in the air as though he wanted to say something about stripping down in front of her, but wasn’t sure what. Savvy searched her brain for something to say.

“The kids are amazing. We had a good time. I should have had you show you their weather books.”

“I’ll ask about them tomorrow.” There was another awkward silence and then, “I’ll leave you to your book. Good night.”

Not wanting to seem like she was following him, Savvy waited a few minutes and then went to her suite and jumped in the shower. She closed her eyes and imagined Rory’s hands touching her everywhere the water streamed. Licking her lips, she envisioned Rory’s mouth pressed to hers.

“Stop it, Savvy,” she told herself. “He’s my boss. Nothing more.”

But a little voice in the back of her head told her that it was okay to fantasize about him while she pleasured herself.

Savvy groaned early the next morning when her alarm went off. Even though she said she could get up early, she really was more of a night owl than an early bird.

The kids kept her busy all day and she barely had time to breathe. Rory came home long enough to eat, read to the kids, and tuck them in. When Savvy went to check on them one last time, Cat hugged her. “I really like you a lot. Are you going to stay?”

Kissing her forehead, Savvy said, “I really like you guys, too. I’m planning on staying.”

Savvy meant it. She loved the kiddos already – and there was just something about Rory that made her really want to stay.

4

Rory