Page 19 of Nanny for the Firefighter

“Next.”

Stepping up to the counter, I pick up Mom’s medication, the clerk calling her to be sure it’s okay. And then I’m on my way to Mason’s.

My heart pounds, screaming in my ears, and I drive to the other side of town and past the main thoroughfare to the rolling fields surrounding Red Lodge.

I got Mason’s number from Hudson and texted him for the address. He’s right at the end of the town limits, parked right against the national forest and its incredible views.

Trying to calm my nerves with several deep breaths, I manage to get all the way up to the front door, raising my hand to knock before I freeze unable to follow through.

It’s not like that, Bridget. There’s nothing going on. You’re just helping with his kid.

Chest pinching over the thought of Mason evenhavinga kid, I shake myself and knock firmly on the door.

I don’t wait long. Mason is at the door just a few moments later, and I notice immediately that he’s shucked the jeans and a tee for a suit and tie.

Shit.

It hits me how handsome he is, and I have to swallow down the sudden lump in my throat. Mason has always been attractive, and if anything, the years have only done him better.

Aging like a fine wine.

It’s such a stupid thought, and I have to close my mouth since my jaw straight up dropped when I saw him.

I’m about to say something—or maybe just continue to gawk at him—when a little girl runs up behind him and crashes into his leg.

Mia is the spitting image of her dad, with dark hair and warm-toned skin. Her curls bounce as she hops up and down, and I notice her beautiful green eyes, knowing immediately that she must have got them from her mom.

“Hi there,” I offer quietly, and Mia suddenly realizes I’m there.

She stares up at me with wide eyes before cowering back behind Mason’s leg. It’s clear she’s a ball of energy but also shy.

Mason scoops her up into his arms, Mia clinging to him tightly.

“It’s okay, hun. This is Bridget, my friend.”

Mia looks over at me, and seeing the two of them together has me basically melting into the floor. It’s a moment before Mia manages to muster up a “Hi,” and then Mason welcomes me inside.

Mason’s house is lovely, big and elegantly rustic and full of children’s toys tucked into numerous baskets and cloth bins.

It’s a bit like a cabin, which is fitting against the backdrop of trees, and I scan my eyes over the living room as Mason brings me in while he carries Mia.

There’s a massive rough-cut stone fireplace on one wall, the brick-like pieces stretching all the way up to the eighteen-foot ceiling. The far wall is all gorgeous windows that showcase that incredible view.

On the other side, I can see the open connection that leads to a cozy yet very decked-out kitchen.

The warm woods and colors of the stone make the house feel cozy without sacrificing any of that spacious feel, and there are oversized leather couches and a matching chair parked in front of the fireplace.

The TV is mounted into the stone just above it, and cartoons are playing as we walk by. It’s something I’ve never seen before, but a show that admittedly looks very appealing for an almost three-year-old.

Mason continues forward into the kitchen area, which I can tell is the heart of the home. My throat tightens as we pass photos on the wall, clearly depicting a woman Mason is in a relationship with.

Stairs to the second floor appear around the corner when we step into the kitchen. I can see that the landing at the top has been made into a balcony that overlooks the first floor.

“All right, baby. I’m going to set you down.”

Mason plops Mia in one of the chairs at the island, sliding over a sippy cup of what I assume is milk or juice.

Mia drinks happily, and Mason sighs out a long breath and smiles tiredly at me.

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