Romancing The Nanny. Cindy Kirk

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      She couldn’t leave. He depended on her to keep his household running smoothly. And he really liked having her around. Over the past couple of years they’d become good friends. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like if she wasn’t there.

      “She’ll get married.” Jake nodded his head to punctuate the point. “She’s hot, in a plump sort of way. If she lost some pounds, I might be interested in dating her myself.”

      Despite knowing Jake’s penchant for women who were model-slim, the comment set Dan’s teeth on edge. Maybe it was because he knew how Amy struggled with her weight and how self-conscious she was about the few extra pounds that made her more curvy than pencil-thin.

      “Amy doesn’t need to lose an ounce,” Dan said. “And even if you wanted to date her, I know you too well to let that happen.”

      Jake just laughed.

      “Can I interest you two in some wings?” The waiter leaned across the table and slid Jake’s second drink in front of him.

      Dan’s stomach growled and he realized with a start that lunch had been hours ago. He glanced at his watch and swore. Reaching into his pocket, Dan brought out a couple of bills and tossed them on the table.

      “I’ll take a plate of the barbecued ones,” Jake said to the waiter before shifting his gaze to Dan. He lifted a brow. “You’re leaving?”

      “I’m late.” Dan grabbed his briefcase and rose to his feet. “Amy will have dinner on the table.”

      “I forgot.” Jake sat back in his chair, an inscrutable look on his face. “Superwoman does it all—cleans your house, cares for your kid and makes your meals. If you could just get her naked, you’d have it made.”

      Dan ignored the crude comment—and the hint of envy in his friend’s tone—and simply smiled.

      It was true. Amy had breakfast waiting for him every morning and dinner ready every night. The house was always spotless and, when he entertained, she worked behind the scenes making sure every little detail was covered. Best of all, she cared for Emma as if the child were her own.

      No, as long as Amy was in his house, all was well in Dan’s world.

      

      “Dinner was fabulous, Amy.” Dan wiped the corners of his mouth with the linen napkin and heaved a contented sigh. “And that dessert—”

      “It was good, wasn’t it, Daddy?” Emma’s blue eyes sparkled the way they always did when her father was in the room.

      “It certainly was, princess.” Dan’s fond smile lingered on his daughter. “Amy is a great cook.”

      Amy pushed back her chair and rose, unable to stop the warm flush of pleasure at the compliment. There was nothing she enjoyed more than trying new recipes. She hadn’t been sure how Emma and Dan would react to the citrus-glazed salmon, but she’d been fairly certain they’d love the sour cream peach pie with homemade ice cream.

      She hadn’t allowed herself even the tiniest of bites. A Moment On The Lips, Forever On The Hips had become her new mantra.

      “Can I get either of you anything else before I clear the table?” Amy’s gaze shifted from Dan to Emma.

      “No, thank you,” Emma said.

      Amy shot the little girl a smile of approval. She’d been working with Emma the last couple of months on her manners and it was obviously paying off.

      “And how about you?” Amy’s gaze settled on Dan. She’d lived in his house for over three years and firmly believed she knew him better than he knew himself. Like now, she couldn’t help but notice the lines of fatigue edging his eyes. Lately he’d been working too hard…and socializing too much.

      Last Friday night, she’d lain awake until 1:00 a.m. waiting for him to come home before she’d finally fallen asleep. She wasn’t sure what time he’d come in but the next morning he’d been at the table at eight, ready to take Emma to the zoo as promised. Saturday night he’d stayed in. They’d all gone to the park and had a picnic, then came home and played board games on the porch until it was time to go to bed.

      Being home on a Saturday night had been just one of the signs that another of Dan’s relationships had come to an end. It hadn’t surprised her. Melinda had been calling a lot and trying to cozy up to Emma. Amy could have told her such behavior was the kiss of death. If a woman wanted to keep Dan Major’s interest, she had to act like she didn’t care. That’s why Amy had kept a tight lid on her burgeoning desire for him. As far as he knew, she didn’t feel anything more for him than simple friendship. She was his housekeeper, his daughter’s caregiver and his friend.

      Occasionally he’d confide in her, knowing what he said wouldn’t go any further. She savored those times and the closeness she…

      “Earth to Amy.” Dan’s voice broke through her reverie.

      She looked up with a start to find Dan and Emma staring at her.

      Emma giggled. “You were spacing out.”

      Amy blinked and warmth crept up her neck.

      “What were you thinking about?” Dan asked, a curious glint in his eye. “You had the most interesting smile on your face.”

      I was thinking about you.

      The words rose unbidden to her tongue and when Emma giggled again, for a second Amy feared she’d said them aloud. She searched for a plausible explanation. “I was thinking about Steven.”

      “Steven?” Dan frowned. “Who’s that?”

      “He’s her boyfriend,” Emma said. “Amy and Steven sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love—”

      “You were kissing a man?” The shocked look on Dan’s face would have been funny at any other time. “In front of Emma?”

      “Of course I wasn’t, I didn’t,” Amy said quickly, embarrassed warmth coloring her cheeks. She shifted her gaze to Emma. “And Steven is my friend, not my boyfriend.”

      “You talked to him for a long time on the phone today,” Emma said. “And you were smiling when you hung up.”

      “He’s my friend,” Amy repeated. She glanced at Dan. “I’ve told you about him. He’s the guy from my cooking club. We were exchanging lasagna recipes.”

      Dan’s dimple flashed. “Lasagna recipes?”

      “That’s right.” Amy lifted a brow. “You find that amusing?”

      “Not at all,” Dan said smoothly. “I think it’s nice that you two have so much in common.”

      Amy pulled her brows together, not sure if he was being serious or insulting.

      “We both like to cook,” she said finally.

      Dan’s СКАЧАТЬ