Page 13 of Curvy Nanny for the Cowboy

“Poor weeds.”

She sucked in a sharp breath. “Son of a ding-a-ling,” she sputtered. “You scared me.”

I quirked a brow at her strange curse and smiled. “Son of a ding-a-ling?”

She shrugged, her green gaze blazing with defiance. “Never know when little ears are listening.”

“Come on, little fucker?”

Her cheeks flamed bright pink at the reminder. “That weed was being particularly fucker-like.”

I laughed again and shook my head. Molly was a spitfire. She was fiery and sassy, and I couldn’t get enough of it, especially when combined with her sweet side. “Where’s Hunter?”

That sassy smile turned sweet at the mention of my son. “Poor fella was tuckered out. We spent most of the morning with Peanut Butter, and he made it about five minutes into gardening before he started dozing off. Long story short, he’s napping.”

“Are you sure it’s nothing more?”

She nodded. “I’m certain. I checked for a fever just to be sure, but if you’d seen him today, you would understand. Billy gave him a riding lesson that lasted more than an hour.” She beamed a wide smile at the memory. “And he insisted on teaching me what to do before and after you ride a horse. But he did it all himself.”

“Yeah?” I hated that I was missing so many of the little things, and I wanted to be there with Hunter for them all.

“Yep. He’s strong and capable. He showed me every single step, and I’m sure I could do it on my own if I have to.” Her words were proud, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“I might have to test that out one of these days. You ever ridden a horse before?”

“Nope.” Her stomach growled, and her cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink. “I better finish this up before my stomach stages a mutiny.” Her smile was wide and slightly embarrassed as she turned back to gardening.

I climbed the porch and went into the mudroom, where I toed off my boots and stepped into the kitchen, still thinking about Molly. What in the hell was it about that woman that made her so unforgettable? What pulled me towards her?

Part of it was her forgiving nature. She could’ve given me ten miles of shit for the way I spoke to her yesterday morning, but she hadn’t. Sure, she’d been aloof most of yesterday, but she didn’t appear to hold it against me, and I’ve never met a woman who couldn’t hold a grudge for all of eternity. The other part was her sincerity. Molly’s expressive face gave away every thought and emotion, and as far as I could tell, she didn’t say anything she didn’t mean.

I looked at the spread of sandwiches on the table, and I knew exactly what I could do to apologize because it was the least I could do. I rushed upstairs for a quick shower and a change of clothes because I smelled like all the animals on the ranch, which is to say I stank like hell. Ignoring the visions of Molly in pink leggings and yoga shorts, I rushed through my shower and set up something I knew—I hoped—would impress Molly.

I peeked out at the garden, and my shoulders sank when I realized she wasn’t there. Maybe she didn’t plan to have lunch since Hunter was asleep? I shrugged it off and prepared everything, feeling hopeful that she would make an appearance.

“What’s all this?”

I whirled around with a narrowed gaze. “You move like a ninja.”

She smiled and wiggled her brows. “Surprised a girl my size can move so stealthily?”

I frowned. “Your size?”

She nodded, a glint of a challenge in her gaze.

“Molly, there’s nothing at all wrong with your size, and I’m sorry if I made you think there was. This,” I motioned to the table, “is my attempt at an apology.”

She stepped closer to the table; her fresh-from-the-shower scent invaded my senses. “Are these your cheeses?”

I nodded. “Cinnamon and sandalwood,” came out instead of an answer.

“What?”

“You smell like cinnamon and sandalwood.” The words sounded like an accusation, but in true Molly fashion, she grinned.

“Good nose. It’s a set that my mom bought me when I received my first placement after college.”

It was fucking irresistible, and it made me want to lean forward and take a deep whiff, which would be weird. Possibly creepy. Maybe even illegal. “It’s nice.” Nice and distracting.

---