Page 7 of Playing with Fire

“Okay, so what happened and why are you regretting it?”

I filled her in on Maggie's job offer and my immediate jump at the opportunity. “The hours are perfect. I can still work at the hospital part-time, and seriously, the money they are willing to pay me is insane. I'll be able to pay off my debt and build my savings back up.”

“So what's the problem? Do you not like the kids or something?”

“The girls are amazing. So sweet and fun. We played soccer in the backyard, and they helped me make dinner.” I was almost surprised at how enjoyable I found the time I spent with them. I took a breath before admitting the real reason I was having second thoughts. “It's Logan. He obviously doesn't like me, and now I have to work for him.”

She chuckled. “I've told you before, I think it's because hedoeslike you, but doesn'twantto like you. That's how Wyatt was when I first started working for him.”

I scoffed. Our situations weren't anything alike. “I don't think that's it. He seems annoyed by my very presence.”

“You want this job?”

I leaned back against my pillow and bent one knee, bringing it to my chest and tapping out a rhythm with my fingers. “Yes. It's perfect. And I think I could really enjoy it.”

“Okay. So ignore the moody single dad and just do your job. He'll get over whatever his issue is eventually.”

I blew out a harsh breath. Was she right?

It didn't matter. I shouldn't care so much that he didn't like me.

I wanted—no, I needed—this job. So the days I was there, I'd do my job and not worry about his not-so-pleasant disposition. Easy enough, right?

* * *

Standingoutside his front door the next morning, I squared my shoulders and knocked. I could do this. Ignore the big, growly man and his unpleasant attitude. No problem.

The door swung open and I stumbled back. Shocked wasn't a strong enough word for my reaction to what greeted me. Logan Murray was smiling. Not the biggest smile I'd ever seen, and I couldn't be sure it wasn't forced, but he wasn't sporting his normal scowl. I'd take it.

He stepped back and waved me in. “Come on in.”

I followed him inside, shutting the door behind me. Inside the kitchen area that opened to a large great room, he stopped and spun toward me, crossing his arms over his heather gray T-shirt. The smile was mostly gone, but he wasn't scowling. Still a win so far.

“The girls are still sleeping. You need to get them up in the next twenty minutes.”

I nodded. “Okay. Not a problem.”

His jaw clenched, and I braced for the scowl I sensed coming. He took a visible deep breath in and his gaze locked intently on my face.

“They like you.”

He said it like it was surprising. Did he think they weren't going to like me? Frankly, I'd yet to meet anyone, except for this man, who didn't like me.

“Okay...” I wasn't sure what kind of response he expected. “That's good.”

He nodded. “Yes, it is. They’ve had a crappy go of nannies in the last couple of years.” He shifted, almost uncomfortably.

I tilted my head, still not sure where he was going with this conversation or what I was supposed to say.

“I know you're young and...” He stopped, like he was searching for the right word. “Still figuring stuff out.”

I was? What was I supposed to be figuring out? “I'm not?—”

“I just want to prepare them if this is temporary for you.”

Oh.Oh. I softened at the overprotective dad interrogation. I couldn't blame him for wanting to look out for his babies.

“Don't worry, papa bear.” I smiled even though he was now back to scowling at me. “You all are stuck with me now.”

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