Page 31 of The Biker Needs A Nanny

It won’t be easy. I’m not even sure if I’ll be capable of pulling it off, but I at least owe them the effort to try. I owe Melanie that much.

When I finish the book and close it, the girls yawn, and I kiss both their foreheads. “Bedtime, angels.”

I tuck them in and turn out the light.

“Goodnight, Daddy,” Ella whispers.

“Goodnight, honey.”

I head down the stairs and into the foyer. There’s an entryway storage bench, and Grace’s coat hangs on a hook above it, along with the ratty scarf the girls were talking about. Her jacket looks like it’s seen better days as well.

She arrived with all her belongings in a single duffel bag.

I suddenly realize how little I know about this woman. I’m desperate to know every detail.

I hear her in the kitchen and join her. She’s pouring some milk over cereal and turns like she’s been caught doing something wrong.

“Hungry?” I ask.

“Oh, I—”

“It’s okay, Grace. I’ve been known to have a bowl of cereal late at night.”

“Really?”

“Uh huh.” I pick up the plate of food she kept warm for me. “I’m aCount Choculaguy.”

She hooks a thumb toward herself. “Captain Crunchgirl.”

“Can I join you?”

“Sure.” She scoots on a barstool at the island, and I grab a fork and join her.

At the first bite of lasagna, flavor floods my mouth.

“Do you like it?” she asks timidly.

“I do. Thanks for saving me up a plate.”

“No problem.”

“We’re supposed to get a cold snap next week,” I say, trying to think how to get to the point.

“Oh? I hadn’t heard.”

“The coat in the hall? Is that the only one you’ve got?”

She lowers her spoon. “Um, yes.”

“You might need something warmer.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“How about I take you shopping? I’ll buy you a new coat. Call it a Christmas present.”

“Thanks, really… but I don’t need your help. I’m going shopping when I get paid.”

“Right. Payday. I almost forgot. Cash okay?”

---