Page 22 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Nanny

I flinch at the mention of my past, the reminder of why I came to Green Lake in the first place. “I’m not falling for anyone,” I insist, my voice firm even as my heart skips a beat. “Especially not Jack.”

Jane just laughs, looping her arm through mine as we head inside. “Keep telling yourself that. But just remember, it’s okay to let someone in. Even if it’s the last person you expected.”

Inside, the house is warm and familiar, filled with the comforting scent of freshly baked cookies. Reiner’s in the kitchen, and he waves us over with a flour-covered hand, grinning like he’s part of some inside joke I’m not in on.

“Hey, Sonya!” Reiner says, tossing a cookie in Jack’s direction as we join him. “Good to see you out of the house. I was starting to think Jack had you on house arrest.”

“Please,” I groan, taking a cookie and munching on it to avoid the topic. “You two are terrible. You know that, right?”

“We’re not wrong,” Reiner jokes, his gaze shifting to Jack, who’s settling Fiona in a high chair with a kind of practiced ease that makes my chest ache in a way I’m not prepared for. “How’s it going, Jack? You surviving this whole dad thing?”

Jack laughs, wiping a smear of cookie off Fiona’s cheek. “Barely, but Sonya’s keeping us both in line. Can’t complain.”

I roll my eyes, but there’s a flutter of something in my chest that I can’t quite ignore. It’s easy to pretend that nothing’s changed when I’m talking to Jane, but seeing Jack here, fitting in so seamlessly with my friends, it’s harder to convince myself that he’s still the same guy I’ve always written off.

As the afternoon passes, I watch Jack with Fiona, with Reiner, and even with Jane, and I realize that maybe there’s more to him than I’ve been willing to see. He’s still Jack, still the guy who drives me up the wall with his cocky grin and flippant attitude, but he’s also the guy who’s stepped up in ways I never expected.

Jane’s words echo in my mind, and I push them aside, focusing on Fiona’s giggles and the easy laughter that fills the room. This is all it needs to be—an afternoon with friends, nothing more. But as I catch Jack’s eye across the table, his smile warm and genuine, I can’t help but wonder if I’m lying to myself.

After we wrap up at Jane and Reiner’s, I assume we’re heading straight home. Fiona’s been a little fussy since we got here, and it’s about time for her nap. But when I glance over at Jack, he’s got that look on his face. The one that says he’s got something up his sleeve.

“We’re not going home, are we?” I ask, raising an eyebrow as he secures Fiona in her car seat.

Jack flashes me a quick grin. “Not yet. Thought we could take Fiona to the park for a bit. It’s a nice day, and she could usesome fresh air. Plus, I’ve been cooped up in the shop all week. Could use the break.”

I hesitate, glancing at Fiona, who’s watching us with wide, curious eyes. “Are you sure? She’s been a little cranky, and I don’t want her to get overtired.”

Jack shrugs, sliding into the driver’s seat. “A quick stroll won’t hurt. Besides, she usually loves the park, right? And if she gets tired, we’ll head home. No big deal.”

I chew on my lip, but there’s no real argument left in me. Fiona does love the park, and I could use a little sunshine myself. “All right,” I relent, settling into my seat. “But if she starts fussing, we’re out of there.”

“Deal,” Jack agrees, throwing the car into gear and pulling out of Jane and Reiner’s driveway.

The drive to the park is short, and soon enough, we’re wandering down the paved paths with the warm sun on our faces. Fiona’s nestled in her stroller, kicking her legs happily as she takes in the sights around her. It’s peaceful, the kind of afternoon that feels like a small escape from the chaos of everyday life.

Jack pushes the stroller, and I fall into step beside him, enjoying the rare moment of quiet between us. There’s no bickering, no teasing—just the sound of birds overhead and the distant chatter of other park-goers. I find myself glancing at Jack every so often, surprised by how easily he fits into this scene. He’s not the careless guy I used to think he was, and watching him dote on Fiona, it’s hard to remember why I ever thought he wasn’t capable of this.

As we round a bend in the path, though, my good mood sours instantly. Standing by one of the park benches is Tanner.He spots us before I have a chance to steer us in another direction, and I can already see the smirk forming on his face.

“Jack! Didn’t expect to see you here,” Tanner calls out, his voice laced with that annoying, mocking tone I’ve come to associate with him. “Playing daddy daycare, huh?”

Jack’s grip tightens on the stroller. He forces a smile, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. “Just spending time with my daughter, Tanner. What’s up?”

Tanner saunters over. His gaze moves to me and then back to Jack. “Man, look at you,” he says, shaking his head like he’s witnessing some great cosmic joke. “Never thought I’d see the day. Jack Thomas, all domesticated with a kid and—” His eyes linger on me, and I resist the urge to smack that smug look right off his face. “—and a nanny. Bet you’re loving that. Hope you’re a better nanny than you were a waitress.”

Jack’s jaw clenches, and he moves to stand between me and Tanner like he’s blocking him from view. “Knock it off, Tanner. We’re just here to enjoy the park. No need to be a dick.”

Tanner holds up his hands in mock surrender, but his grin doesn’t falter. “Whoa, hey, no need to get touchy. I was just saying. I mean, I figured if you were going to hire a nanny, she’d at least be hot. This one looks like she wouldn’t know a good time if it hit her upside the head.”

My face burns, and I can feel the words bubbling up. But before I can snap back, Jack steps in. “Watch it,” he warns, his voice low and deadly serious. “Sonya’s not just ‘the nanny,’ and I’m not putting up with your crap today.”

Tanner’s eyes widen at the tone, but he doesn’t back down. “Whoa, didn’t mean to hit a nerve. Just curious how long you’re planning to keep playing house. Must be nice, though, having her around for… company.” His grin turns sleazy, and Ican’t help but bristle at the implication. “But there are some she-wolves more in your league I’m sure would be thrilled to play the part.”

“Excuse me?” I cut in, my voice sharp. “I’m standing right here, you know. And I’m not some prop in Jack’s life for your entertainment. I’m here for Fiona, and that’s it.”

Jack’s hand lands on my shoulder, a silent gesture of support that’s both calming and grounding. “Tanner, you’ve said enough. Sonya’s helping me take care of Fiona, and that’s something I’m grateful for. More than you’d understand. I haven’t even heard from you since I found out I had a kid. So, why don’t you take your bullshit somewhere else?”

Tanner snorts, but there’s an edge of discomfort in his expression now, like he wasn’t expecting Jack to stand his ground on my behalf. “Whatever, man. Just saying it like it is. Good luck with all… this.” He waves a hand vaguely at Fiona and me before turning on his heel and striding off down the path.

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