Page 16 of Playing with Fire

Nicole: Because if that's the case, maybe try a little subtle flirting and see if he responds. Then you'll know.

I sighed. Well, she wasn't going to be helpful. Somehow, the idea of the growly grumpy dad flirting was laughable.

The cars in front of me began moving as their children were loaded up and I pulled forward. Once Alice and Nikki climbed in the back seat and were buckled, I exited the school parking lot, my conversation with Nicole put on the back burner.

“Guess what?” I hoped they were as excited as I expected them to be about what I had to tell them.

“What?” They both responded in unison.

“Your mom got you both signed up for soccer.”

“Really?” Nikki beamed, looking between me in the rearview to Alice sitting next to her.

“Yup. And your first practice is today.” I still couldn't believe Maggie was able to pull it off. But she said she knew one of the coaches, so it made it easier to get them signed up and placed on a team quickly.

“That's so cool.” Alice smiled, but just as quickly, her lips turned down in a frown. “But we don't have uniforms or anything.”

“That's okay. Right now it's only practice. You can wear regular clothes.”

“Okay.” Her smile was back. “You're going to take us?”

I nodded. “Yup. We need to run home and get you both changed, and then head to the field.”

They both beamed excitedly, and luckily it took us record time to change, grab a snack, and get to the field. It helped that they were motivated, and I didn’t have to give instructions more than once. Not that they weren’t good listeners, but like most five-year-olds, they needed constant reminders. Neither of them hesitated to run out and join the group of other kids their age once we got there, but Alice needed time to warm up to the idea of running after the ball. Nikki, on the other hand, didn’t bat an eye and took off after it immediately.

I found a spot among the parents and waved to a few of the moms I recognized. Both girls were doing well, considering it was their first practice. Having practiced with them in the backyard after school this week, I could tell they would both pick up the sport easily. They thought it was cool that I played in high school. Honestly, I preferred softball over soccer, even though I played both. Wonder if either of them would be interested in that?

A woman in a blouse and dress slacks stepped over to where I stood. “Are you the Murray's new nanny?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I'm Izzy.”

“I'm Susan. Rowan's mom.” She pointed out her child.

We fell into easy small talk until the roar of a diesel engine had us both glancing toward the parking lot to see the fire truck pulling in. Did Logan go anywhere while on shift without that big thing?

Susan smiled, watching as the men jumped out and started making their way toward us. “I love that they all show up for them.”

“Huh?” I turned back toward her and tilted my head.

“Like a few weeks ago at the fun run, they all came to cheer the girls on, not just Logan. I thought it was the sweetest thing. It's like they have a bunch of uncles.”

I glanced back at the guys just as my brother waved. I sent him a wave back and then shifted my gaze to Logan. The tight, heather gray T-shirt clung to his broad shoulders and muscular chest. I didn't want to have an opinion, but I caught myself a few times wondering what it would be like to have those muscular arms wrapped around me.

His lips were in their normal firm line. At least he wasn't scowling. Before the guys made it all the way to us, a woman called out Logan's name and jogged over to him.

I was sure I made some kind of sound of disbelief when he smiled brightly at her. I get growly papa bear, but obviously, other women get friendly, flirty Logan. Which was fine. Why did I even care? I was tasked with watching his kids. I needed to stop imagining anything else.

The rest of the guys made it to us as Logan stayed a few feet behind, talking to the woman. I could make out a bit of their conversation involving fire safety week and promises to chat more about it over coffee. God, I hated that I felt jealous. I was being so ridiculous.

“They’re pretty decent.” My brother commented as we watched the kids run after the ball. “Kind of reminds me how you were. Never hesitated to go after the ball.”

I nodded. “Yeah.” I glanced down the line at Zack and Adam as Logan stepped up at the end. “New guy didn't come?”

“Seth?”

Right, that was his name. “Yeah.”

“No.” He shook his head. “He keeps to himself. Hasn't really taken to the group yet. I think we're a bit much for him.” Nikki took her turn kicking the ball toward the goal and Jay tipped his head in that direction. “Logan was really happy you were able to do this.” He chuckled. “He should have asked you about nannying months ago, like I suggested.”

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