Page 43 of Nanny for the Cowboy

“Mm-hm,” he drawls, still hanging on that door in a way that makes the plane of his stomach stretch, his abs still peeking at me, “sure. Just like you’renota good singer who loves to perform.”

But now I’m the one grinning. “Really liked my song, didn’t you?”

“It was alright for a city girl’s pick.” He barely smiles, his eyes narrowing. “By the way, you okay there? You seem…pretty flushed.”

Heat roars through me at the very correct observation, and I’m sure that my cheeks flare even brighter. I snap my legs back down under the covers and draw them up to my chest.

“I was in the middle of a nightmare when you decided to knock on my door,Ace.”

The smile Brooks unleashes is devastatingly charming, and my thighs clench. “Oh, really? Should I eke out a tune or fetch ya some water?”

Rolling my eyes, I chew on the inside of my lip. “I’ll be just fine. You’re more than welcome to go back to bed.”

We stare at each other for a while, neither of us wanting to be the first to break. It certainly takes two to tango, and this dance is like a game of chicken where both people are committed to being the last to flinch.

“Suppose I should.” Brooks offers, pushing himself off the door frame to settle back down on his heels. “Have a good night, Clover. And…”

He drops his stare to the floor before it hits me again, and the look there is enough to have me right on the edge of that orgasm again.

“Sweet dreams.”

SIXTEEN

Clover

I’m running five minutes late to the coffee shop, and I don’t want to keep Rosie waiting. She’s been so good about scheduling this around chores and dealing with Darby—not to mention her own teaching schedule—and I won’t miss this chance to actually make a friend.

Rushing into the store, the bell over my head jingles, and I look around the semi-crowded space for where Rosie might be sitting. The place is cute, in that cozy, country way, and I can’t help but check out the array of plants growing on the counter by the window.

There are always new clippings and stuff, more plants coming and going, and I’ve seen the barista spend at least twenty minutes watering them all.

When I reach the monstera, Rosie is in a plush, beige chair with faded pink flowers all over it, and I hurry over.

“I’m so sorry I’m late. Thank you for waiting.”

She looks up with a smile, waving me off like she does. “Aw, think nothing of it, hun. I’m in no rush today. Weekends are nice for that.”

“Gosh, it must be nice,” I joke and take a seat in the mismatched chair across from her, sinking into the plush, deep teal fabric. “There were at least twelve things I needed to do before I left the house, and that wasaftergiving Brooks the heads up that I had a coffee date this morning.”

The airy, light atmosphere of the coffee shop feels incredible on a hot day like today, and as the wind picks up outside for a moment, it slips in through the cracked windows.

Off-white drapes dance in the breeze, and I sigh, taking the opportunity to enjoy the way it feels on my skin.

“Damn, I guess Brooks really is working you hard.” Rosie chuckles. “Nothing like a bit of caffeine then, huh?”

Opening my eyes, I smile over at her. “Precisely. But it’s gonna be iced today. It’s like a million outside.”

“Ninety-two, but who’s counting?”

We both giggle lightly, and the barista comes by our set of chairs, a small table between them, and gets our drink orders. It’s one of the few places I’ve ever been to where you don’t just order at the counter.

I mean, you could. But theywillcome to you.So not a New York vibe.

“I’ll have a lavender iced coffee, please,” Rosie orders, and when the barista turns to me, I have to quickly decide between my two favorites.

“Umm…” I hesitate, looking over the menu from where I sit. “I’ll do…a cold brew with an extra shot and…the invigorating blend. Oh, and can you bring a few packets of the Sugar in the Raw?”

The woman who takes our order cocks her head with a grin while she writes it down on her pad. “Someone’s really looking to get a buzz.”

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