Page 23 of Bragg's Christmas

I pick her up and twirl her around. “Of course, you do. You’re a princess, aren’t you?”

“I’m a princess!” She squeals.

I settle her on my hip and kiss her nose. “You’re Daddy’s princess.”

I notice Love Hill retreating to the kitchen. “Nanny Love, come meet our guests.”

She freezes and her eyes widen. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s scared of five old ladies. She clears her throat and waves toward the kitchen. “I need to unpack the dishes.”

“Don’t be rude. Come say hi.”

“No need. I know the gossip gals.”

I frown before marching her way. I shackle her wrist and lead her back to the living room.

“Let me see if I can get the names correct. This is Sage, Petal, Feather, Clove, and Cayenne.”

She waves at them. “Hi!”

Sage purses her lips as she studies Love Hill. “I don’t know. Maybe my instincts are wrong about this.”

“Your instincts wrong?” Feather scoffs. “Let’s get this in writing. Sage was wrong about something.”

Petal sighs. “This is going to be my favorite project ever.”

“This is going to be the most difficult project ever,” Cayenne grumbles.

Love Hill yanks her wrist from my hold and backs up while holding her hands in front of her. “No, this isn’t a project. You hate me, remember?”

“Who hates Love Hill?” Sage asks. “Come on. A show of hands.” When no one raises their hand, she grins. “What’s your next excuse?”

“Hold on,” I say as I step closer to Love Hill. “You’re making Nanny Love uncomfortable.”

“He’s a protector.” Clove nods. “I approve.”

“I can practically see the tension in the air between the two of them. Time to find some sexy books for them to read.” Feather rubs her hands together.

“And I better prepare new candles,” Petal says.

“Maybe you can explain what’s going on to me.” I aim my question at Sage as she appears to be the ringleader.

“Don’t you worry, junior. All will be revealed soon enough.” She pats my cheek. “I believe our work here is done.”

She marches out the door with her friends following her.

“What just happened?” I ask Love Hill once they’re gone.

“Trust me. You don’t want to know.”

She marches to the kitchen before I can question her further. My gaze drops to her pert ass in those jeans. My fingers itch to dig into her flesh.

I scowl. No can do. Love Hill is my daughter’s nanny. And I don’t appreciate her refusing to explain what the gossip gals mean about having a ‘project’.

There’s more to Love Hill than meets the eye. But I’m unsure if ‘more’ is good or bad. Best to keep my hands to myself.

Chapter 9

Who has the binoculars? I swear I saw Love Hill running down the street in the rain. ~ Message from Feather on the Winter Falls Facebook page

---