Page 2 of Nanny for the Cowboy

I don’t want to believe it. I want to believe that Kyle is the same man that I looked up to when I was still pretty new in this industry.

But I can’t.

There was something so visceral about what just happened that I’m not about to fool myself into thinking it’ll all magically work out.

“You haven’t come to visit me, Clover, and you need a break. A little time in the country will do you good.”

My father’s voice pops into my mind. He’s always begging me to visit Red Lodge, to get away from the city for a while.

And shit, now seems like a damn good time to take him up on that offer.

I shake my head. “You have a job, Clover. You can’t just up and leave.”

It’s the same thing I always tell myself, but now it feels different.Kylefeels different. It feels paranoid, but I don’t think…I don’t think I’m safe.

Sighing, I pull up to a stop light, alone in the car with my churning thoughts. He’s never looked at me like that, and there was genuine rage there.

And I’m not sure how far he’s going to take it.

You don’t feel safe.

The thought rings over and over again in my head. I don’t. I can’t deny it. As silly as it might be to anyone else, I really do think I need to leave.

The light turns green as I nod to myself. “He’s unhinged. I need…I need to protect myself.”

“Dad.Dad! Okay. I hear you. I mean, come on. That’s why I called.”

I can hear him take a steadying breath on the other end of the line. All things considered, he’s taking the Kyle thing pretty damn well.

He’s only threatened to end the guy twice.

“I’m worried, Clover. I want you to trust your instincts. I want you to come out here.”

Slumping onto my tiny couch, I nearly knock over my tea. My nerves have made me clumsy, and I can’t even think about sleeping.

“I know you are. And I’m…yeah, I’m really fucking scared, actually. This just feels so dumb. It’s like a Lifetime movie or something.”

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose as I turn off the TV with my free hand. My studio apartment is so very quiet now, and I listen to the silence as my world crumbles around me.

“What am I supposed to do? Let him ruin my career by driving me away?”

“Honey, he can’t ruin anything if you give your report to the police. And I’d rather have you safe and sound when you do it. Your life is the most important thing.”

I’m off the couch in seconds, pushing up so fast that I hit the coffee table with my knee and push it several inches back. Now, I’m the one pacing, my socks shuffling over the cold hardwood floor.

“My careerismy life, Dad. I’ve worked day and night to get my clients, to grow this business from near bankruptcy.”

“Then how about something temporary?” His words make me pause, staring out the window at the New York City skyline. “You come out here and figure out what your next steps are going to be somewhere safe. I’ll make sure you have a roof over your head. Hell, I can even get you a job.”

I scoff. “A job? Oh yeah, like what?”

“A nanny.”

The world screeches to a halt. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“My buddy is a single dad, and he’s just injured himself. He needs help watching his son. He’s got a ranch, so you’ll have to work hard while you’re here. But you’ve never been one to shy away from a bit of hard work, have you?”

My mouth is hanging open, and I shake my head again. “I have no experience as a nanny.”

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