Page 109 of Nanny for the Firefighter

“Hey, Mason. What’s up?”

“Hi, Easton. Look, I have a weird favor slash question to ask you.”

He chuckles lightly through the line. “Okay, shoot.”

“I’m thinking I need to hire some protection for Bridget while I’m at work. Her ex is stalking her, and things have…escalated.”

“Are you serious?” Easton’s tone is low, so much more on edge now. “That’s some serious shit. Stalkers are nothing to kid about.”

“Unfortunately, I’m one hundred percent serious. He was a real piece of shit while they were dating, and he’s been following her for like three years.”

“Fucking hell, man.” Easton sighs over the line, and I can hear him walking through his house. “Yeah, having someone with her is probably a damn good idea. The police won’t do much, either. I can set her up with one of my guys from the office, but if Bridget isn’t keen on someone watching her 24/7, we’ll need to respect that.”

Now I’m the one sighing, and I slump back down onto the couch. “I get it, Easton. I do. I just…Jai tried to kill her when they were together. It’s why she left.”

“Jesus, dude. This guy is a piece of shit. I’m not going to ask for the details. Not my business. But I can definitely get you set up with someone. I just need to check who’s available.”

The tension in my chest makes it feel like there’s a damn buffalo on my ribs.

“Whatever it takes. I will do anything to keep her safe. And my daughter. The asshole was outside my house, Easton. I’m not taking any chances. If something happened…”

I can’t bring myself to finish the sentence, but Easton catches on quickly.

“I know. We won’t let that happen. And please, call me immediately if you need anything. I’ll be over as fast as I can.”

I smile to myself, exhaling hard through my nose. “Thanks, man. I will.”

“I mean it. If I don’t have a guy available, I’ll watch Bridget and Mia myself. I’m sure Hudson will understand. And I can do office shit from anywhere.”

Relief floods through my chest. “Thank you, Easton. Really. I’ll talk to Bridget and make sure she’s okay with it.”

“Please do. I’m here for whatever you need.”

“You’re a good man, Easton. I’ll text you as soon as Bridget and I get a chance to talk. I’m trying to let her calm down right now.”

“Totally understand. I’ll be here. You know, I’ll just plan on it being me. I don’t want to chance anything with Hudson’s sister and your girl. She’s family, right?”

My chest pinches again, and I take a shuddering breath. “Yes. Yes, she is. Talk soon.”

“Later, man.”

I hang up just as the teapot begins to whistle, and Bridget pulls it off the heat.

I’m not going to let Bridget out of my sight tonight, and as I walk over toward her, she looks up at me with an exhausted smile.

I’ve got you, Bridget. I promise.

Morning comes soon enough, and I nearly call in sick for work. Bridget won’t have it, though, and I wind up going in despite really just wanting to stay with her for the day.

She’s at least given the okay for Easton to help keep an eye on things, and I’m set to call him once I get to the office.

During the entire drive there, all I can think about is Jai. I can’t believe that I was this close to the man all those years ago, and I couldn’t stop him.

Regret and anger swirl together, and I want nothing more than to see that fucker behind bars for the rest of his life.

Or potentially something more permanent, considering he tried to kill her.

I sigh, shaking my head. I’m not an idiot, and I don’t want to see my child grow up from behind bars, so Jai is safe enough from me. I’m just so fucking pissed.

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