“Maybe a trike?” he asked.

“I wrecked by Big Wheels.” She laughed. “So how did you and Sebastian become a club?”

“We knew other people who liked to ride and they started joining us on adventures. They knew people, who knew people,” he said. “We decided to become a formal club. We like to do charity runs and, of course, we honor the fallen. Mostly, though, we just like to hang out and ride when we can.”

“You must suffer from withdrawal when it’s snowing or icy out,” she said.

“I do,” he says. “What do you do for fun?”

“I’m pretty boring. I hang out with Beth, Taryn, and Conner. I like to read and the theater. Over the last few years, I’ve seen a few off-Broadway shows. I love nature and enjoy botanical gardens and zoos that really take good care of the animals.”

“Not too boring. Sounds relaxing in your own way. We’ll have to take the kids to the zoo and other places,” Rory said. “They really love having you around. They said you were like having a mom.”

“That’s sweet. Can I ask what happened to their mother?”

Rory sighed and said, “Eva is still alive. She went on a reality show and got discovered. A soap opera producer invited her to try out for a part. She left when Drake was a year old and has been a star ever since.”

“I can’t imagine anyone leaving these kids behind, especially their mother,” Savvy said angrily. “I’m sorry. It’s not my place to judge.”

“It’s all good. I’ve thought the same.”

“Their mother is missing out on so much. They make it easy to love them. They are such great kids. It does help that they have an involved, caring father.”

Rory smiled. They held each other’s gaze for a minute, and Rory felt his heart beat faster.

She shook her head lightly and said, “I need to get to bed. I have a busy day with the pups tomorrow. Good night.”

She touched his arm as she walked past him, sending a wave of heat exploding in his body.

If just that simple touch sets me off, imagine what throwing her down on the bed and having sex would be like. Rory felt himself start to get hard. She’s the nanny and is off-limits. Cold shower and bed.

5

Savvy

“Hey, guys. I have the day off and I thought that maybe we could go somewhere fun,” Rory announced at breakfast.

“Where are we going?” Drake asked.

“Can Savvy come?” Cat asked.

“I was thinking that we could go to Santa Fe. It’s not too far from here, and they have some fun things to do there. And, of course, Savvy can come. It’s not a family day without her.”

He looked at her and smiled. Savvy’s heart skipped a beat and a thousand butterflies danced in her stomach.

“Woohoo,” Drake yelled and started gobbling his breakfast faster.

“Slow down, kiddo, or you’re going to give yourself a tummy ache, and you aren’t going to enjoy anything.”

“I’m a wolf. We can eat fast and be okay.” Drake caught his father’s eye and then said, “Yes, ma’am.”

“I’ll have to get me one of those looks.” Savvy laughed.

Rory refused to tell them where they were going until they pulled up in front of the Reptile and Bug Museum.

“Reptiles and bugs?” Cat asked skeptically. “If we want to see bugs, we can go in our own backyard.”

“Give it a try,” Rory said. “I’ll bet that you’ll like it.”