Page 10 of Stick Play

My stomach cramps as worry races through me. “Tell me what?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t know what is wrong with me. I’ve been so forgetful lately.” She blinks at me. “My daughter Sarah is coming with Callie too, and you know how rarely she comes home. I thought I booked the week off from babysitting so I could spend time with her. Oh dear, I’m so sorry. You don’t mind, do you?”

I fight off a burst of panic. How could I mind? She rarely gets to see her daughter and granddaughter, as they live in California, but I have to work and I have three kids to look after. What the hell am I going to do? My mind starts racing, wondering if any of the sitters I’ve used in the past are available. Some must be home from college but they’re not going to want to babysit for the weekend.

“Maybe Ash could help out?” Margot suggests kindly.

“Help out with what?” Ash asks, stepping into the hall.

“Nothing.” I nibble my bottom lip and try to fight down the unease. “I just have to figure out…” I let my words fall off. When I offered to take Brighton and Noah’s kids for the weekend, I had no idea I’d be losing my sitter, or that my staff would all be home sick, and a huge snowstorm would hit. Talk about a triple whammy.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Gina.” Eyes full of worry, Margot puts her hand on my shoulder. “I’ll just tell Sarah and Callie I’m busy.”

I give a quick shake of my head and Ash’s curious gaze goes back and forth between Margot and me. “No, I don’t want you to do that.”

“What’s going on?” he asks.

“My daughter Sarah and granddaughter Callie are coming for a visit and I thought I’d cleared the week with Gina, but I didn’t. I thought maybe you could help out with the kids.”

“Margot,” I begin as Ash’s body stiffens. “It’s okay. I’ll figure something out.”

I open the door for Margot and a big gust of wind rushes in. I cross my arms to warm myself.

Margot peers out. “Looks like that cold front is coming through. The roads are going to be icy tonight. You be careful driving home, Ash. In fact, you might not even want to be on them.”

She turns worried grandmotherly eyes on me, and my heart squeezes tight. I love that she’s getting to spend time with her family, even though it makes me miss my grandmother and grandfather terribly. They did right by me, and by my mother, but she went spiraling down the wrong path anyway, falling for one asshole after another, and always choosing them over me.

“Thanks, Margot. You have a great week with your family. We’ll be just fine.”

“Okay, dear.” She steps onto the stoop and Ash hurries into his boots to help her down the long flight of stairs. Margot beams at him. “Such a gentleman.” She gives a little wink. “No wonder Callie is smitten.”

He walks her home and when he comes back, the cold air radiating off him, I automatically put my hands on his arms and create heat with friction. “You shouldn’t be out without a coat on.”

“Okay, Mom.”

I grin at him and realize what I’m doing. “Sorry. Once a mom. I’m sure yours would have scolded you too.”

“Wouldn’t know.” I stiffen at that and sense I hit a sore spot, so I leave it.

“I should get started on dinner.” I turn to walk to the kitchen, and he follows me. With his big body behind mine, and my gaze on the kitchen table, a hard quiver goes through me.

“I can help.”

I turn and he’s right there, his entire presence eating up the small kitchen. He dips his head and if I wanted to kiss him, all I’d have to do is go up on my toes.

“Ash, no.” I glance down, before I do just that. I can’t risk kissing this man with my daughter and my friend’s kids in the next room.

“Hey,” he whispers, his thumb under my chin, lifting my gaze to his. “I’m not going to leave you high and dry.”

Dry?

Nope not leaving me dry at all.

“Kids are smart. They can smell fear,” I joke. “I’d probably find you tied up at the end of the day getting beaten with pool noodles.” Is he serious? He’d really step up for me like this? Why, though? Why would he do this? I mean I know he’d do anything for his friends—I’ve seen it with my own eyes how he’s there for everyone, even helping me when they ask—but babysitting kids he’s afraid of goes above and beyond.

His gaze settles on my lips. “Gina…”

My heart thumps hard as he continues to move closer. “I can’t ask you to be my manny.”

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