Page 21 of Nanny for the SEAL

I nod, unable to keep the excited grin from my face. “Yeah, Daisy Ledger, Xaden Ledger’s little girl. I’m his new nanny.”

The relaxed happiness bleeds from Sam’s face, and she sits up straighter on her stool. “Xaden Ledger? Oh, shit. Well, be careful there.”

Frowning slightly, I lean in as Sam continues to make a face that’s very “ooh, watch out.”

“Careful? What do you mean?”

Nodding, Sam leans forward, lowering her voice. “Yeah, it’s not him. It’s his friend, Amy. She can be…intensewhen it comes to the people in Xaden’s life. They’ve been friends since, like, college, I think, and Amy has garnered herself a reputation for being a bit of a bitch, especially when it comes to other women.”

My mouth drops open slightly, and I think back to the people who’ve swung by the house a few times. There’s been no sign of this Amy person, and I’m immediately grateful that I now have the heads up.

“Oh, I didn’t know. He seems so…laid back for all that. What do you think that’s about?”

Sam tilts her head down, her brows going up as she sucks her cheeks in. “Well, you didn’t hear it from me, but I think she’s got the hots for him. Which, come on, he’s gorgeous, so yeah. But I’m guessing Xaden just isn’t into her like that, and she’s miffed.”

“Jeez. Okay, well, I definitely appreciate the warning. I think I’ll be fine, though. I’m not seeing Xaden. I’m just taking care of his kid.”

Smiling, Sam nods in a tight line created by rolling her lips between her teeth. “I’m sure that’s true. But Amy came in here screaming one day about the last nanny, so…”

“Well, in her defense, that woman was stealing from Xaden, so I understand her frustration.”

“Sure, sure. I just don’t think that’s what she meant. Unless strumpet means something else.”

My eyes flare, and I swallow down the last of my coffee. “Oof, point taken. Well, thanks, Sam.”

She winks. “Any time, Ivy. And look at that we didn’t even have to do the awkward asking for names thing. I guess the tag and the cup have their perks.”

Laughing, I move to stand up when Sam holds out her hand.

“Here, hand me your phone and I’ll put my number in. I officially need friends who aren’t related to me, and I choose you, Pikachu.”

The Pokemon reference has me cracking up, and I give her my cell as I go to toss my empty cup in the trash, careful not to run into anyone again.

When I get back to the table, Sam hands me my phone, and I smile down at the one and only new number I’ve programmed into the thing in years.

“Thank you.” I feel my cheeks heat, that rush of somewhat embarrassed gratitude hitting me. “It was really nice to meet you, Sam.”

“Likewise, Ivy. We should definitely get drinks one of these nights. I’ll show you the only viable bars in town and tour you around Red Lodge. Ooh, and if you like horror movies next week is the October Movie Marathon for Halloween down at the local theater. And the drive-in does double feature horror nights every other week, including some great holiday-themed ones.”

I perk up, not necessarily for the horror flicks, but because Sam is already thinking about things to do with me next month.

It’s beyond nice.

“I would love that. Thanks again—for the friendship and the coffee. I was dragging ass this morning and certainly needed it.”

She chuckles. “Happy to help. If you’ll be needing coffee on the regular, be sure to swing by before eight. It’s way less crowded then.”

“Oh, note to self.”

Getting up from her stool, Sam stretches and walks back toward the register. “Well, I should get back there. See you tomorrow for another cold brew?”

I nod. “Probably. I’m out of coffee at the house, and this was way better.”

“Awesome. Catch you later, Ivy.”

She waves casually, and I return the gesture, heading out the front door, which jingles the little bell above it pleasantly.

I’m only a few steps away from the coffee shop when my phone buzzes, and I wonder if Sam has remembered something else she wants to show me in Red Lodge.

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