Page 47 of Nanny for the Bikers

“I ask because…they’re good men, all of them, and when they love, they love with everything they’ve got, and from what I can see, they may not love you yet but they’re getting there…all of them… so what are you doing?”

All of them?I think about the moments I’ve shared with each of them…what would they do if they found out? What would Jamie do? If I told her, would she tell them?I think she would.

“I... I care about them too,” I admit, the words feeling both terrifying and exhilarating as they leave my lips. “But, I…” I trail off, not really having a clue what I want to say.

“Can’t be with all of them?” Jamie finishes, with a small shrug. “Maybe, maybe not.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

She must see the confusion on my face because she keeps talking. “You’re a good impact on them, but don’t be the reason that they get into a war with each other. Don’t tear them apart, and don’t hurt them because you seem like a good girl, but if you did…you don’t know how scary I can become.”

I feel goosebumps on my arm. Somehow despite how sweet she seems, I believe her. “I don’t want to hurt them.”

Jamie studies me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nods, seeming to accept my words. But I can still sense a protective edge to her demeanor, like a mama bear watching over her cubs.

“Good,” she says firmly. “Because they’re my family.”

“I understand.” And I really do. In the short time I’ve been with them, they’ve started to feel like my family. The last thing I want to do is break them apart.

Jamie’s face softens and she pats my hand. “Come on, let’s grab a drink and I’ll fill you in on all the embarrassing childhood stories about those knuckleheads.” She winks conspiratorially.

I laugh, the tension dissipating as we meander over to the coolers. Jamie hands me a lemonade and we talk and swap stories, warmth spreads through me.

Watching the men joke and roughhouse across the yard, I’m struck by the realization that I’m not just stepping into a new job here. I’m being welcomed into a tight-knit community. A family.

25

CLAY

Istretch out on the leather couch, sinking into the plush cushions as a sigh escapes my lips. It’s been a long week, but the weekend beckons with the promise of a much-needed break. Kip and Teller lounge across from me on the recliners.

Kip leans forward, a mischievous glint in his eye. “It’s been too long since we’ve had a proper man’s night out.”

Teller arches an eyebrow. “And what exactly constitutes a ‘proper man’s night’ in your opinion?” His voice is laced with amusement.

“Oh, you know,” Kip grins, “barhopping, watching the game, maybe hitting up that new pool hall downtown. The usual stuff.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “I don’t know, man. Bar-hopping sounds like a recipe for trouble. Remember what happened last time?”

Kip waves a dismissive hand. “That was one time, and it wasn’t even my fault. Besides, we’re older and wiser now.”

“Debatable,” Teller mutters under his breath, earning a playful glare from Kip.

Usually, a night at the bar sounds like fun, but I don’t want to go for my usual reasons – picking up a woman.

And something tells me that none of my brothers do either…because of a certain nanny.

“What about just catching the game at a sports bar?” I suggest trying to find a compromise. “We can grab some wings, have a few beers, and call it a night.”

Kip considers this for a moment before nodding. “I can get behind that. Teller?”

Teller shrugs, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Works for me.”

The door creaks open, and Ayla steps into the living room, Piper nestled in her arms. The sight of them sends a jolt through me, a mixture of warmth and something else I can’t quite name. Ayla’s dark hair is pulled back into a messy bun, a few stray tendrils framing her face. Even tired, with shadows under her eyes, she’s stunning.

“Hey, guys,” she says, her voice soft. “You’re going somewhere?”

I nod, trying to ignore the way my heart races at the sight of her. “Yeah, we’re going to catch a game and grab some food.”

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