Page 44 of Nanny for the Cowboy

I laugh. “Yeah, I’m looking for all the help I can get. I need it.”

As the barista walks off, Rosie giggles at me. “You’re really that tired? Did you have a hard time falling asleep or…”

She lets the question hang, and I’m immediately brought back to my interrupted…“me time.”

“I, umm, yes. I was woken up last night, and it was difficult to get back to sleep.”

We settle into our seats, going about some small talk until our drinks are delivered. After we sip at the splendid nectar and god of all those who suffer from fatigue, Rosie clears her throat and eyes me.

“So, howisworking for Brooks? You seem a little stressed.”

I let out a sigh. “It’s not that bad, really. I’m just not used to it. Though, that has been getting better.”

Sipping at my cold brew, I stare down at the table between us, my thoughts churning.

“What’s going on in that head of yours then? I can tell something’s up.”

Leave it to Rosie to be exceptionally perceptive. “That trick must work wonders with the kids.”

“It can be useful. But now it’s your turn.” She smiles. “Come on.”

A chuckling sigh leaves me, and I nod, taking a sip from my mug and setting it down.

“Yeah, it’s just…there’s some…tensionbetween us.”

Rosie cocks a brow. “Details, please.”

“There’s been some moments between us that feel like…they mightmeansomething. If you catch my drift.”

She laughs at me and leans forward in her chair. “I’m catching that you’re interested in him. Yeah?”

Chewing on my lip, I try not to acknowledge it. I’m not supposed to, after all, and this is a weird situation. Rosie is Darby’s teacher. I don’t want anything to jeopardize Brooks’s lifewith his kid, and if Rosie feels like telling him…that would not be good.

“Hey,” Rosie takes my hand, getting me to look at her, “I’m not going to say anything. I’m not one to judge. I don’t think we can choose what our heart wants, anyway. I’d probably have a much easier time dating if we could.”

We both laugh, and I find myself nodding. “Yeah, there’s something there. Brooks is…intriguing, to say the least. But he’s been so closed off. Even in terms of friendship. But, umm, the other night…he told me about his ex, Leah. That was…a lot.”

“Oof,” Rosie leans back, “that’s an understatement. Everyone in town knows what Leah did, and none of us look too kindly on it. I’ve known Brooks for a long while, even before Leah, since we both grew up here, and I’ll tell you that even then, he was naturally reserved. But after? It’s worse, that’s for sure.”

I can’t help but be a little stunned by that. I know that news circulates easily—and really damn fast—in a small town, but the fact that everyone knows about Leah is…slightly disturbing.

“Can’t say I’d love for everyone to know my business. Can’t imagine Brooks likes it either. Especially since he is more on the ‘close to the vest’ side of the fence.”

Rosie nods. “I’m pretty sure he hates it. Yeah.”

There’s a beat of silence, and then Rosie looks up at me from her drink, a look in her eyes I can’t quite describe but one I know means she’s about to say something.

“Look,” she sets the coffee down and eyes me, “he’s a character, but there’s a reason he’s ‘Ace’ to everyone around these parts. He’s a good guy. But he’s going to take a while to open up. He’s been hurt, you know? All I can say is don’t give up on the guy. I’ve been his friend, his kid’s teacher for a long time, and I want to see him happy—for once.”

Warmth fills my chest, and I smile at Rosie. I’m not sure exactly what I expected to hear her say or what Iwantedto hear, but this is apparently it.

Knowing that Brooks isn’t just singling me out—I mean any more than anyone else from the city—is a relief.

“I won’t. I’ve seen how hard he works. At the very least, I can tell he’s a guy who doesn’t ask for help easily, so he must really need it if he does. I’m happy to lend a hand.”

“Good.” Rosie nods. “And I don’t want you giving up on that offer I made you either. We still need a regular singer.”

A laugh escapes, and I go for my drink, hiding myself behind the cup. “And now I’m on blast. Jeez!”

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