Page 3 of The Cowboy Takes a Nanny
“Are you asking me to sacrifice my son in such a situation?” When he blustered his denial, she shut him down. “Then I suggest we let this go. You’re talking about horrific scenarios that, of course could happen, but I’m telling you that I would do everything—everything—in my power to ensure both our children were safe, cared for, and loved—because apart from being a mother I am a compassionate human being.” She paused for air, but she wasn’t finished. “But you know, crap happens, life happens, and I am merely human. Ergo, if you want a nanny with superhuman powers then I’m not your girl. So, we’d better be clear on that point right now before we go any further.”
She wanted to spear more ice his way, but both children seemed to sense the tension. Jiggling Mia, she held her a bit firmer and kissed the top of her head, simultaneously reaching to tickle Benny and soothe him with a smile.
She turned back to see Leo staring at her, agog. “Did, did you just—like—bawl me out? While I was interviewing you?”
Unfazed she raised both eyebrows. “I believe I did. And be warned, I won’t hesitate to do it again. That’s another thing I believe we should clear up. If you want a subservient nanny, I am not the woman for the job. I will not interfere in your life, but I will also not hold back if something is relevant to the children.”
He blew out air. “Okay …” Shaking his head. “Right … Okay … Good to know where we stand.” He rose to make more coffee, muttering about maybe needing something stronger, accepting her refusal of both—even though she wasn’t sure the latter offer had included her.
She watched him expertly maneuver the stainless-steel coffee machine built into its own nook in the modern kitchen, determinedly ignoring the way his soft jeans hugged his butt, and forced herself to look around.
Leo’s was the newest home on the Lazy H, completed only last summer, its sleek lines and modern exterior strangely not out of place in rural Montana. Inside this home though, was a different story, and testament to how his life had recently been turned on its tail. The house was barely furnished, which accounted for all the family gathering being hosted in other homes on the ranch.
The sprawling family room that flowed from the kitchen, sported only an area rug and assorted baby paraphernalia, along with a two-seat sofa and a giant television screen, to go with a lovely fireplace. From her perch she could see into part of what she assumed was the formal living room with its plush carpeting, which was devoid of any furnishings at all.
Despite the use of natural materials,—golden river rock chimney walls and focal statement areas, glorious marble and warm-toned wood, the house felt lonely and soulless, cold despite the more than adequate heating—and that made her sad. It was evident Leo was doing his best after being tossed in to the deep end of fatherhood, and the indignation she’d felt moments before began to melt away.
Leo’s sister Joey had shared his story of discovering he was daddy to a six-month-old, and losing the woman he’d loved at the exact same time. Besides which, he’d had a long recovery after a rodeo accident.
That said, he’d healed very well. Very, very well … And thankfully he’d sustained no damage to his face. Or if he had, his plastic surgeon must have been a god among surgeons. Like his brothers, Leo Halligan was a looker. To her mind, possibly the best looking of them all. The other two wore their nature-given gifts more openly somehow. Leo, on the other hand was slower to reveal himself—but when he did, whoa … It was time to hold onto your socks or be blown right away.
It had crossed her mind, given her reaction to him, accepting the position might be a bad idea, but in every other way the job was perfect. Absolutely perfect, even aside from the fact she already loved little Mia. And besides, Leo Halligan would be so well used to women falling over themselves for him, that even if she ever slipped up, he probably wouldn’t notice.
That rationale mightn’t have worked for most people, but if they were as desperate as she was, they’d make it work, just like she intended to do.
That desperation was one reason she partly regretted her outburst of a moment before. The last thing she needed was for him to find reason to deem her unsuitable. But then again, his question had been not only unreasonable, it was insulting. It wasn’t that she hadn’t understood where it had come from. And yes, maybe she’d been a bit sensitive because his question honed right in to her most vulnerable spot. But even thinking it over, she wouldn’t have changed her response.
If he really didn’t like it, so be it.
Breath held, she watched his return to the island counter. Elbows firmly planted, he cupped his mug with both hands, forcing the black T-shirt he was wearing to pull tight across shoulders that begged to be admired. Not to be outdone, those well-matched biceps bunched as he lifted the mug to his lips, and she was grateful that the action concealed the full expanse of his impressive chest. It was a very distracting view.
He lowered the mug and licked some foam from his top lip, and the breath she’d held exploded into the space between them. So loud and forceful, his eyes flew to hers, wide with surprise.
Her response was choked as she indicated the plastic toy Mia held. “Almost dropped it.”
He merely nodded again, and Ella suddenly wanted to peel off layers of clothing; fearing she might internally combust. It was March, the beginning of spring in many parts of the North America, but not so much here in Montana. Snow mounds still lay on the ground thanks to an exceptionally cold February, and while the thaw had begun, she’d been warned snowfalls could appear right up to May and beyond. So, the heating was necessary, and at most times would be comfortable. And it would be, she told herself, just as long as she kept her distance from this man. This silly wave of lust would drift away, crawl back into its hiding place, and she’d be more diligent about ensuring it stayed there in the future.
“Ella, I apologize if I offended you earlier.” His voice interrupted her internal resolve. “It was a clumsy question, and an impossible one to answer. You were right to put me in my place. I just get—”
“Anxious?”
He shrugged.
“Leo, it’s natural. And, yes, I admit I may have overreacted.” She paused and pierced him with her gaze. “I’m not taking any of it back, but my response would have been more reasonable if we’d known each other longer and more thoroughly. Despite having spent time together, we don’t really know each other, and I guess I was offended because I know who I am—but in fairness, you don’t know me, yet.”
A deep V formed between his eyes, marring his otherwise perfect features, tanned from a life lived outdoors. “You bawl me out and then give me a pass?”
She cocked a brow. “I don’t give them out lightly, sir, so if I were you, I’d take it graciously.”
“Sir?” His grin was slow but sure, responding to her own lighter tone. “Fancy title for a lowly cowboy like me.”
She almost laughed. There was nothing lowly about Leo Halligan. In a different era his likeness would be carved in marble and revered by millions.
Benny began to fuss, and she reached for the purse she’d parked beside her stool, hauling it up and retrieving the container of chopped pears she’d prepared earlier, first passing some to Benny to forestall his growing frustration. Naturally Mia stretched her hand for some as well, and Ella looked across at Leo. “Does she like pears?” At his nod she followed with, “Do you have a fruit sock?”
Bewilderment looked back across at her. “A what?”
She shook her head. “No matter, I have one here. It’s brand new and sterilized. Benny’s outgrown them, but I had a spare and threw it in just in case.” As Leo watched on, she unscrewed the plastic handle from the mesh sack and slid in a couple of pieces of juicy pear, reattached the two parts and handed it to Mia, guiding the mesh to her little mouth. When Mia pulled back, Ella squeezed some of the fruit in the sack, pureeing it with her fingers. Mushed fruit squished through the fine mesh and Ella scraped some with her finger and popped it onto Mia’s lips. Her tiny tongue darted out; little brow creased for a second before she eagerly reached for the sack, holding the plastic handle with her chubby hand.
