Page 54 of Nanny for the Firefighter

I just nod again, but there’s a weird part of me that feels possessive over watching Mia.

It’s beyond silly, but I’ve really come to love that little girl, even though it’s only been a week or so.

“Well, good luck on the showing. I’ll see you tomorrow, I guess.”

Mason nods this time. “Thanks. And yeah. Tomorrow. Bev, it was nice seeing you. Glad to see you looking better, too.”

My mother smiles, waving him off like she’s some Southern Belle. “Oh, Mason, you flatter me. Thank you. And I appreciate you working with Bridget since she just got back home. You’re a good man.”

He actually blushes slightly, and dammit, that shouldn’t be so adorable. “Oh, well, of course. I needed the help, so it’s perfect. I really should be going, though. See you girls later.”

With a small wave, Mason starts for his car, which I now see is parked up the block a bit.

“See ya,” I whisper, locking eyes with him for just a moment before he’s gone.

Mason’s stare still burns, however, even as he sits down in his car and pulls away. The memory of his lips on mine makes them tingle, and I have to blink myself back to reality.

“Now there’s a man that would treat you right, Bridget.”

My attention snaps to my mother. “Mom!”

“What?” She eyes me like it’s nothing. “I have eyes, don’t I? You two have been circling around each other ever since you were kids. I always thought he’d wind up with you, and now that Jai’s out of the picture…”

“Oh my God, this isn’t happening.”

I hang my head between my hands, but I can still feel my mother’s knowing smirk leveled directly at me.

“Well, it’s not if you don’t make a move, honey. Mason is sweet, but that man will never ask you out first. You’re going to have to do the work, Bridget.”

“I am not asking him out, Mother. He’s my boss and Hudson’s best friend.”

She scoffs. “Pfft, that’s not a big deal. And come on, like love plays by the rules.”

I can’t bring myself to respond.

That’s twice in one day that the women in my life have told me to go for it with Mason, and it’s becoming harder and harder to say no.

FIFTEEN

Bridget

Mia has treated me to another excellent tea party when Mason comes in through the front door. He’s running a bit late today, and I can see the way he’s dragging himself along like he could pass out any moment.

I only saw him yesterday, but it looks like this Monday has been a particularly rough one, and I offer a sympathetic smile.

“Hey. Sorry I’m late. I got hung up at the office.” Mason sounds just as tired as he looks, and he shuffles inside, dropping his briefcase near the door and taking off his suit jacket.

“I’m sure you’ve been waiting to go home. I appreciate it.”

As Mia runs over toward him, I follow behind her.

“It’s okay. I’m in no hurry.”

Mason’s phone rings, and when he looks at the screen, he sighs with an annoyed grumble.

“Dammit, I’ll…I’ll just call back later.”

Anyone can tell that Mason needs to answer that phone, so I just smirk at him.

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