Page 26 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

After nodding an acknowledgement, Rusty tilted his head. “How would he react if you put in fewer hours in the office? If you spent more time at home?”

How to put this into words? How would Zach react? Over the past two weeks his compassion had been ever present. Would it extend to a new work arrangement? She’d have to approach this carefully. “I’ll talk to him, see what he says. Would it be okay if I wait until I’m caught up on my work? Can you handle me working long hours for a few weeks?”

“We’ll cope. All I ask is you spend time with Calleigh.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m going to check on the girls.”

“I’ll go.” Even as she made the offer, she surprised herself. It’d be easier to let him do this, but she hadn’t seen Calleigh all day, and she missed the contact.

He inclined his head. “I’ve got milk and vegetables for them if they’re interested. Otherwise, we’ll have an early dinner. If you don’t mind watching the girls, I’ll run to the store. We’re running low on supplies.”

“Let me get some money.” This she could do. She made her way to the bedroom and, grateful she had cash, she pulled all of it from her wallet. Of course they were running out of things—she hadn’t shopped since her parents’ death. The vegetables Rusty’d brought with him when he moved in yesterday were the only ones in the house.

When she returned to the kitchen, the goofiest grin adorned his face. He held his finger to her lips, while beckoning her toward the girls’ room. Curiosity piqued, she followed.

Reaching the doorway, she saw why he was so happy. Calleigh had crawled into Mira’s bed, and the girls huddled together over a picture book. Since neither girl could read, they made up a story as they went along.

He withdrew his omnipresent cellphone from his pocket and snapped a picture.

She’d spotted him doing this several times as if it were as natural as breathing. Well, it wasn’t for her.

As the girls continued their reading, the adults backed away.

When she handed over the cash, he raised an eyebrow. “Planning to feed an army?”

“I’ve only ever done grocery shopping for one person.” Defensiveness was her stance because she had no clue what she was doing.

“A joke, Remy.”

She closed her eyes. “I’m sorry.” She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. “Consider it a prepayment on future purchases.”

“Are you thinking you’ll pay my grocery bill as well?”

“Yes, I’m paying for your food and Mira’s. Consider it part of your pay package and a thanks.”

“Thanks?”

“Thanks for doing the grocery shopping, which I hate.”

His burst of laughter caught her unaware. “It’s something I’d do anyway.”

“Well, it’s appreciated.” She looked back toward the bedroom. “The sooner you go, the sooner you get back.”

“They sense fear, you know.”

She laughed, relief washing through her. Something she didn’t hear from herself often enough.

Chapter eight

“Zach,canwetalk?”Remy clasped her hands together and she held her nervousness in check…barely. Her boss was known for his easygoing demeanor, but him angry was a sight to behold. Of course, she’d done nothing wrong, but that didn’t quiet the butterflies in her stomach.

Zach glanced up from his pile of papers. “I have a few minutes.” He gestured to a chair. “What can I do for you?”

She sat, taking a deep breath, fighting the urge to smooth down her skirt. Zach’s ability to smell weakness was legendary. “It’s a personal matter.” She’d been back to work for a week now, each day knowing this was a necessary conversation, and each day finding a reason to put if off. Not normally a procrastinator, she’d come up with every excuse she could think of. Friday afternoon was upon them, and time was up. She didn’t want to stew in stress over the weekend.

“A personal matter.” Zach gestured for her to continue. “Does this have to do with Calleigh?”

Pull yourself together.“Having a nanny is great, but I think I need to spend more time with her.”

“You mean like leaving here at five every day?”

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