Page 24 of The Nanny Contract

As Logan laughed, the tension from earlier eased. He gave me an appreciative look, and I could sense that his gratitude ran deeper than he let on. Betsy’s approving laughter solidified the bond I’d started to form with the family.

They’d welcomed me with open arms, and I was grateful.

Chapter 6

Logan

Peace of mind had escaped me for the past twenty-four hours.

And I knew exactly why.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Casey.

And not just in a professional way. Not because I was grateful for his services.

He had embedded himself in my brain. But I was a willing captive.

As I paced the hardwood floors of my oversized bedroom, I tried to rid my mind of all things Casey. My bedroom was the perfect space for pacing. Below was a library that no one ever used, and outside my door was a wide hallway that was typically vacant.

However, today I heard footsteps shuffling around outside my door, and immediately recognized the pitter patter of Martin’s feet. He had a very distinctive way of walking.

No doubt he’d been sent by my mother to spy.

Betsy frequently used Martin as a tool to keep tabs on everyone—and everything—at the house.

“Martin!” I called out, my voice reverberating off the walls. “Is that you out there?”

Through the closed door, I heard a muffled, quiet reply. “Just here to offer coffee, sir.”

Bullshit, I thought.You’re here to snoop.

“None for me, thanks!”

Obviously, Mother had sent him to listen outside my door. Maybe she thought she’d hear a snippet of a conversation, or a cry of angst.

She had probably seen the tension between me and Casey the night before. She was hawkeyed and always aware.

Finally, I heard Martin’s footsteps as he walked away.

I needed to get real. I needed to absolve myself of any notion that anything could ever happen between me and Casey.

First, he’s my nanny.

Second, he’s… a man.

Since Gloria passed two years ago, neither romance nor sex had entered my mind often. My singular focus had been performing my duties at the hospital and providing a happy home for Henry.

Unfortunately for me, that had meant two years of lonely nights.

As Henry grew older and obtained more independence, I wondered what would be left for me. He was already eyeing colleges and talking about his dreams of campus life. Two years from now I’d be alone with only my career to comfort me.

Before Gloria, there had only been a few women.

Never a man.

But there was something about Casey.

Something captivating. Enticing.

---