Page 30 of Mistletoe & Magic
“For today,” I say. “For making it feel easy.”
“It is supposed to feel that way,” she says. “We can do hard, too.”
And then she fucking winks at me.
Oh, fuck me.Literally.I should not feel like this towards my daughter’s nanny. And I don’t want my mom or Junie to see us this way, either.
And is she flirting with me? Oh my God.
Ivy turns to Junie and asks about the decorations at her nana's. Junie takes her hand like that is the most natural thing in the world and pulls her toward the table. My mom catches my eye and winks. I roll mine and cannot hide my grin.
It’s really hard to be grumpy. The scarf is warm. Thekitchen smells of cinnamon and pine. The house sounds like it’s full of family and love. Ivy is sunshine in boots, and I did not plan on liking that. I like it, anyway.
And the worst part? I had fun. More fun than I’ve had in…hell, maybe years. She somehow made me see Wisteria Cove with a fresh set of eyes. Lately, life feels like a day-to-day struggle. And today it felt…fun. Lighter and less stressful.
And damn, I want more. I crave more.
Chapter 9
Ivy
The rumble of the truck makes the window glass vibrate just enough to pull me away from stacking the last of the plates as I unload the dishwasher. I glance up, and Junie’s messy little head pops into view over the couch, cheeks squished against the glass.
“Dad brought the trailer around,” she announces like she’s breaking some very big news.
I wipe my hands on my leggings and meet her at the door, feeling curious. “The trailer?”
“Yeah,” she says, eyes wide with curiosity as she watches out the window. “Come on. Let’s go see.”
I shrug into my coat, following her, sliding my arms through too fast, and shove my feet into my boots. Junie’s already hopping from foot to foot like she’s waiting for the starter pistol at a race. When I open the front door, the cold air blasts against my cheeks, and there’s Remy standing at the end of the porch steps, gloves on, coat unzipped just enough to show the flannel underneath. The wind teases his hair, and he looks…determined.
Junie bounces down the steps first. “Are we going to get the tree today?” She asks, looking hopeful.
He shakes his head once, gaze locked on me like I’m the only one in a three-mile radius. “Not today. Right now, we have something very important to take care of, and I need your help.”
Her little shoulders drop in a disappointed sigh. “Like what?”
“We’re going to get Ivy’s things,” he says, looking at me, his voice low but edged in steel. “Remember when I told you we don’t let people hurt and steal from others? We’re going to get Ivy’s dog and her stuff back.”
Oh, shit. He’s joking.
Remy turns again to look at me, his gaze meeting mine with a look in his eye that is possessive and determined. “Get ready. We’re going.”
The way he says it, with hesitation or room for argument, hits somewhere deep. It makes me forget to breathe for half a second.
“Remy, you don’t have to—” I start to object. I don’t want to be Remy’s charity case. I feel like he’s done enough giving me a job, and if I push it, he might not keep me around. Derek sure didn’t.
“We’re going.” He tips his chin toward the truck like that’s the end. “Boots, coat, whatever else you need. We’re leaving in five. Let’s roll out.”
The flutter in my chest is ridiculous. I’m used to men like Derek, who are manipulative, who make me feel like asking for help is some kind of weakness. I had to practically beg for anything I needed or do it myself. But Remy doesn’t ask. He just…handles it. Like he’s going to make things right and take care of everyone around him. And there’s no room for negotiation. He just says it, and we do it. And…I like it. It’s really hot. Next to Junie, Remy might just be becoming my favorite person in the world. I am obviously not his, but I think everyone who knows Remy knows that deep down he’s a good man. And a great dad to Junie.
Junie slips her hand into mine and beams up at me as we walk back into the house. “See? Told you my dad likes you.”
I laugh under my breath, but my pulse is still thundering as I head to get ready, realizing five minutes is not enough time. “Brush your teeth,” I call to Junie and quickly get ready. Remy is a man of surprises, and I’m scared for this one but thrilled. I want my dog back.
Holy crap, I might get my dog back.
The rumble of the truck and the squeak of the trailer hitch cranks my nerves even tighter as we make our way down my street to my old townhouse.
