Page 20 of Nanny for the Doctor

Now? Well, now we’re here, and that spark is growing brighter, reminding me of all the close moments I’d exchanged with her over the years.

Particularly that time on the back porch when Johnny and I were leaving to go to Vegas. I can remember the smell of her body spray and how her hair fluttered around her face in the breeze.

That brief kiss we shared.

But then Johnny came out, and we left.

As my thoughts swirl, Mae finally breaks free from the gaggle wrestling with her, and she steps away, yelling, “Time out!”

She plops down in the chair next to me, breathing hard.

“Good Lord. They’re going to kill me.”

I can’t help but chuckle. Mae looks over and playfully glares, but then she’s sighing and taking a long drink.

“Oh, that’s better. You and Johnny get to catch up a bit?” She eyes Henry, who tries to sneak up on her. “No. No. I get five minutes, buddy. Please?”

Mae holds her hands up like she’s begging him.

“Fine. Bethany! Let’s go check out that bug!”

He runs off, and I shake my head.

“I did. Are you going to make it?”

“Your son has so much energy. But yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m used to it. I still want my five minutes, though. Maybe more, hopefully, if he gets distracted.”

“Hey, Stevie.” I get her attention, and Johnny’s girlfriend walks over to the table. “Would you put on a kids’ movie in the big loft? Popcorn, maybe?”

She smiles down at Mae. “Someone need a break?”

“You have no idea.” Mae hangs her head.

“Of course. Leave it to me.”

Stevie goes back in the house to get it set up, and I smile proudly at Mae. “You’re welcome.”

“You are a fucking godsend. Thank you.”

We both laugh, meeting eyes as she leans back in her chair. Tension prickles down my spine as I hold her stare just a moment too long.

Where the fuck is your head, Reed?

“Can I get you a drink?” I ask.

“Oh, yes. This is—” Mae chugs the last few mouthfuls “—empty.”

“Ha. Nicely done. I’ll be right back.”

Going for another round, I stop to take a quick shot from the bottle of whiskey sitting on the outdoor bar near the garage door. I’m going to need some help if I’m going to make it through the night without kissing Johnny’s sister.

Chapter7

Mae

The movie was an excellent idea, and I’ve been able to actually enjoy the party without being tackled by Henry and his little gang. The beer flows all the steadier, and after a while, Reed calls Henry’s aunt Heather to take him home.

The party empties out for the most part, and Johnny’s tired friends and coworkers drag their kids home, who can’t stop complaining about wanting to stay and play with me.

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