Page 16 of Curvy Nanny for the Nerd

She shook her head. “Toni and I have visited a few museums, but I don’t know what else I want to do.”

I nodded and looked around the kitchen as an idea struck. “Okay, well, do you like sports?”

She looked up at me with a question in her silver blue eyes. “Maybe?”

“All right, then I know what our first stop is going to be.”

Two hours later we sat in box seats at the stadium for the Houston Highlanders. Layla had wide smile on her face as the players skated out onto the ice. “You like hockey Uncle Brady?”

I shrugged. “I know one of the players. We did some work together and have stayed in touch. On and off,” I admitted.

“You must be Brady Winsome.” A pretty woman with big blue eyes and a giant pregnant belly smiled at me and then down at Layla. “I’m Sasha.”

“Alex’s wife,” I said as my memory returned. “Congratulations on the nuptials and the baby.”

“Thanks,” she laughed. “I’m surprised you found your way out for a game. Alex will be pleased.”

I frowned. “He will?”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course, he loves to show off on the ice. It’s unlikely you’ll beat him on real life ice,” she said, likely referencing the ass whooping I dished out when we were testing the hockey game that bears his face.

I laughed. “Without a doubt,” I said and introduced her to Layla.

“Nice to meet you, Layla. Are you a hockey fan?”

“Don’t know yet,” she answered honestly, but an hour into the game, she was yelling and banging on the windows of the box as she shouted at refs for what she perceived as bad calls. “This is pretty cool, Uncle Brady.” Her smile was better than any praise.

“You’re a born hockey fan,” I told her as the game ended with the Highlanders up by three goals.

“It was fun,” she said with a shrug as we made our way down the tunnel to meet with Alex.

He strolled out of the locker room with a cocky smile and a strong handshake for me. “Brady, man, I’m glad you made it. Finally.” His gaze landed on Layla. “Who is this?”

“I’m Layla,” she answered and extended a hand. “Uncle Brady is my uncle and now my dad. Sort of.”

Alex’s brows raised in question and I nodded my confirmation. “I lost my sister and brother-in-law more than a year ago.”

“Shit man, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“He said shit,” Layla said without much emotion.

Alex roared with laughter. “Maybe we should start an unexpected fathers club.” He shook his head and shook Layla’s hand. “It is great, though, isn’t? These little humans will keep you on your toes.”

I hadn’t thought of it like, that but as we said our goodbyes and made our way to the best barbecue restaurant in Houston it was all I could think about. Toni seemed taken with Layla, andAlex seemed to feel the same about his kids, which led me to believe that I was missing something.

“I hope you’re hungry, Lay.”

“Yep,” she admitted as we walked inside the dimly lit restaurant with a large, dark wooden bar and leather booths lining the walls. “What’s your favorite?”

“I don’t have one. Usually I eat something quick, but I’m always a fan of barbecue chicken. And ribs.”

Her gaze scanned the menu carefully. “How about a sampler? We can share and try everything.”

“That’s a good idea,” I told her. “But I’m really hungry so maybe we should order two?”

“That’s a lot of food, Uncle Brady.”

“True, but we can eat any leftovers for dinner. How does that sound?”

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