Page 15 of Mended Hearts

“Heck yeah, big guy!”

Without hesitation, she whisked her camera into her palm, held it out selfie-style, and snapped a photo.

And with that, Beau bolted back inside, screeching for Matilda.

Sighing dreamily, Leighton said, “God, he'scute.”

“Yeah,” I agreed, rubbing the back of my neck as we both wandered inside after him. “But he knows it. That’s the problem.”

A body nearly slammed into her, and I lunged forward, snaking an arm around her waist to haul her back as the new nanny, Oaklyn, skidded to a halt.

Every time I touched Leighton, I had to remind myself the ensuing spark could mean nothing.

We were adults. We could master chemistry.

“Where’s the fire?” Leighton quipped.

“Fire?” the little blonde repeated, blinking dazedly.

“You know, like, where’s the rush?”

“I don’t understand. Is something on fire?”

Leighton pursed her lips, turning to look at me pointedly.

It took all my self-control not to burst out laughing.

“Never mind,” I said, shaking my head. “Everything alright?”

“Yeah, just hunting for Matilda’s boots. She’s in a bit of a panic, and?—”

“Piano room beside the bench,” I supplied quickly. With a little girl who was particular about everything, I'd gotten very good at remembering where all of it lived.

“Piano room,” Oaklyn parroted, looking no less dazed.

“Beside the dining room in the back,” I prompted again, as Leighton bit her lip to keep from laughing.

“Right. Dining room. On it.” And she practically ran away.

Not looking at Leighton as we walked toward the kitchen, I muttered, “Don’t say it.”

“What?” she balked, too-innocently. “She’s cute. She just skedaddled off like a tiny river dancer.”

When I chuckled, she rocked her shoulder into me.

“Although it does seem like she’s afraid of your daughter.”

“Who isn’t?”

She shrugged. “I’m not.”

“Yes, butyouhad eleven siblings to beat the fear out of you,” I pointed out.

“And I give that little sunspot two weeks max before those kids chew her up and spit her out.”

“I’m running out of options. I swear we’ve gone through half the female population of Emerald Bay.”

“Drama king.”

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