Page 8 of Twins for the Silver Foxes

Arthur continued, “The three of us invested in this house together.”

“Mansion.”I corrected him automatically, then winced when three sets of eyes turned sharp as glass. “You can’t really call this a house.” My heart stuttered, and I licked my dry lips. “It’s a mansion. I’m guessing you have, what, eighteen rooms?”

“Twenty,”Scott corrected.

“Right.” I twisted my mouth to one side. “But whatever. It’s your place. Call it anything you like. Why did you invite me here?”

“We’rein need of a temporary live-in housekeeper.” Arthur remained motionless, the stiff upper lip British personality I’dalways heard about showing up front and center. “Ours had an unexpected family emergency.”

Scott leaned forward.“You’ll be expected to cook and clean. Along with some planning and arranging of dinner parties that may occur.”

“We understandthat Liddy is your daughter.” Ryland joined the conversation. The quiet way he spoke caused me to lean forward like I feared I’d miss a word. “She can stay here with you as long as you keep an eye on her.” My mouth popped open to speak but Ryland continued before I got the chance to object. “We have a pool. I had a gate and lock installed today; children are curious and tenacious.”

“She won’t be any trouble.”How many times had I said that exact phrase today?

Liddy chosethat moment to leap to her feet and hurtle herself across the floor to my lap. She climbed up and shoved a stuffed hippo in my face. “Look. He’s chubby. Can I keep him?” I fumbled for an answer, a blush heating my cheeks when I realized they continued to watch me. Liddy turned and dropped onto her bottom, nestling against my chest and waving the hippo at Scott.

He wiggled his fingers back,his smile making me want to melt into the floor. “Do you have any questions for us?”

Only a million.I shifted my weight in the seat and tucked Liddy in closer. “Why me? I’m a complete stranger.”

“Anyone we hired would be,”Scott remarked.

Arthur’s motionless stance broke.He lowered his hands to the chair’s armrests. “We will ask that you sign some papers. A contract outlining your duties here. Deena was kind enough to leave you a list of her daily tasks and the best way she has found to accomplish them. You are, of course, free to choose your own method.”

“And we’ll be runninga background check. You’re not a thief or a criminal, are you?” Laughter tinged Scott’s voice. He obviously found the idea ridiculous.

I found it offensive. “Squeaky clean.”I tucked Liddy’s hair behind her ears, giving my hands and thoughts something to concentrate on. The luxury might tempt some, but I worked for my wants and needs. Nothing came for free. Still, the offer was so perfect that it brought tears to my eyes. I choked them back and ducked my head toward Liddy to hide my expression until I regained my composure.

“Then you’re hired.”Scott jumped to his feet so suddenly that Liddy stiffened in my arms. He noticed and slowed his movements.

“This is all too perfect.”I hedged around my concerns. “And there’s a slight hiccup. You said a live-in housekeeper.”

All three men nodded.

“I havea contract on my apartment. I can’t afford to break it. The fees alone would bankrupt me, so I’ll need to commute.” I hated the idea. Hours traveling back and forth each day meant changing Liddy’s routine. Late nights. Early mornings. I might as well prepare for a daily temper tantrum.

“No need.”Scott made his way around the chairs and over to a rich, mahogany desk. He pulled open the top drawer and riffled through a stack of papers. “We’ll pay for your living accommodations as long as you’re living here, along with your hourly income.”

“And… how much is that?”Every word tasted like acid in my mouth, but the answer meant everything.

Scott rattledoff a number that made my head spin. “Is that sufficient?” He frowned like he honestly had no clue about the typical hourly wage.

Numbness invadedmy body but I managed to nod. “That’s very generous.”

He watched me,his eyes narrowing. A quick look passed between Arthur and Ryland. Ryland tipped his head toward me and Liddy. “Of course, all your meals are paid for. You’re welcome to whatever food is in the house, and there’s a credit card available for any groceries you might want or need to purchase.” Ryland joined Scott at the desk. They spoke in whispered murmurs.

Arthur’s gazenever wavered from me. It was the kind of look that dug straight into the heart. The kind of look that said he saw me—truly saw me—and had no qualms.

“When do I start?”Relief turned my body soft and pliant, and I thanked my lucky stars I was sitting down.

“Immediately,”three voices answered me in unison.

5

RYLAND

“You really don’t have to do this.” Hannah’s low, sweet voice barely reached me over the growl of my SUV’s engine.

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