Page 124 of Holiday Hire

"I'm sure you'll find another date soon," Ruby chirps.

I offer, "Sorry he wasn't the one. What can I help with?"

"I've got to peel all these potatoes, if you want to jump in," Evelyn states.

"Sure." I step next to her and start peeling the boiled potatoes.

We spend the next few hours getting everything ready for the main meal. From time to time, the kids run into the kitchen, and around two o'clock, everything's finally ready.

Paisley declares, "I'll go ring the bell."

It takes another half hour until everyone's inside and washed up.

Alexander holds his chair out and motions for me to sit beside him. My butterflies take off like they always do around him. I sit down, and his aphrodisiac of musk, sweat, and outdoors flares around me. I cross my legs, squeezing them together.

He asks, "Feeling better?"

I nod. "Yeah. Thanks for the headache tablets."

"You're welcome."

I lean closer and whisper, "And for the boots."

"They fit okay?"

"Perfectly!"

"Great." He winks.

My butterflies go crazy.

Jacob says a prayer and then one by one, everyone states what they're thankful for.

It's my turn, and I declare, "I'm thankful you gave me a chance to be Ace and Wilder's nanny, and that I've been so graciously welcomed into your family. Thank you." A swell of emotion hits me and I tear up.

I realize I've never felt so welcome in anyone's home. The Cartwrights truly love each other, and they've always made me feel so comfortable. It feels like home, and sometimes it's hard because I know I'll have to head back to California in a little over a month or figure out another place to go.

The longer I go without hearing from Lance, the more I realize I don't want to be with him.

I want a man like Alexander. Someone who treats me as well as he does. And it sucks he's unavailable.

I've never felt chemistry with someone before. Now that I've had it with him, I know what it feels like. Yet I don't know if it exists beyond him, and it's becoming clearer and clearer I never had it with Lance and probably never will. What I thought were good times are different from how things should be.

Ruby beams. "That's so sweet. We're so happy to have you here, dear."

"Yeah. Everything is way better since you got here," Ace adds, making my heart soar.

"I agree," Wilder chimes in, then gives me a wink.

I laugh. It's cocky and looks just like Jagger's, who has a really big ego, but he seems to be able to get away with it.

Jacob says, "Your turn, Alexander."

He shifts in his seat and then locks eyes with me. He confidently states, "I'm grateful for Pheebs. The boys and I would have been lost the last few weeks. Mom, you were right to make me hire her."

My pulse skyrockets through the roof. My voice catches, but I manage to get out, "Th-thank you."

"It's true." He focuses on me for another few seconds, then turns back to the table.

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