Page 41 of Puck Your Nanny

I appreciate the protective streak, but behave. I’ll handle dinner.

I set my phone down, turning my attention back to Will, who’s finished his bottle and is now staring up at me with wide, sleepy eyes.

“What do you think, buddy?” I shift him to my shoulder to burp him. “Is this a bad idea?”

He makes a small noise, content and unconcerned.

I wish I felt the same.

The evening arrives faster than I expect. One moment, I’m prepping vegetables and seasoning the roast, the next I’m pulling it from the oven, the aroma filling the kitchen with rich, savory warmth. I set the pan on the counter to rest, stepping back with a satisfied sigh.

Dinner is ready—roast with perfectly roasted vegetables, a side salad, and a fresh loaf of bread I picked up earlier. It’s simple but homey, something I hope will keep the evening smooth. If Brent and Freda show up on time, we won’t have to worry about the food getting cold.

Will’s already down for the night, and if I’m lucky, he’ll sleep straight through until at least midnight before he needs his next feeding. Still, I keep the baby monitor close, resting it on the corner of the counter where I can easily glance at the screen.

Strong arms wrap around my waist, the scent of sandalwood and leather filling my senses as Nate presses against my back. His lips brush my shoulder before he murmurs, “You look beautiful.”

I smile, warmth blooming in my chest. I went with a simple soft yellow dress, casual but nice enough for dinner guests.

“Thank you." I lean into him.

He hums in approval before reaching over my shoulder, swiping a piece of potato straight from the roast pan.

“Nate—”

His smug grin vanishes the second the heat registers, his eyes going wide as he quickly tosses the potato from one hand to the other before shoving it into his mouth with a muffled curse.

I laugh, shooing him away with a flick of my towel. “That’s what you get for stealing from the pan.”

He grins and gives me a wink before backing out of the kitchen.

Peter steps in just as Nate disappears through the double doors, his crisp dress shirt still unbuttoned at the collar, his tie long abandoned. He’s been home for a few hours now, long enough to shower and settle in, but I know his mind has been elsewhere.

Peter steps closer, his hands sliding into his pockets as he nods toward the dining room. "I set the table."

“Thank you.” My gratitude genuine. Peter might not always show his affection the same way the others do, but moments like this remind me how much he cares.

Calvin appears next, dressed in business casual attire, something that looks odd on him compared to his usual relaxedwardrobe. Tension clings to his frame as he scans the kitchen. He holds a wine bottle. Without a word, he pulls open a drawer, rummaging through it.

I frown. “Looking for something?”

“The wine opener,” he mutters, his voice tight.

I grab it from the counter and hold it out to him. “Here.”

His fingers brush mine as he takes it, but he doesn’t move right away. Something’s off. “Cal, what’s wrong?”

He heaves a sigh before setting the wine down with a little more force than necessary. “The dude better be on his best behavior.”

I sigh, wiping my hands on a towel before turning to him. “Cal, come on. You haven’t even met him yet.”

“Don’t need to.” He crosses his arms, leaning against the counter. “I trust you, Daisy, but I also know what you’ve told us. And if this guy so much as looks at you the wrong way, I’m putting him through a wall.”

I press my lips together, torn between appreciation and exasperation. I know their protectiveness comes from a good place, but I also don’t want them going in with their minds already made up.

“Just… try to be civil? For me?”

Calvin sighs but nods. “Fine. But I’m keeping an eye on him.”

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