Page 45 of Nanny for the Cowboy

We giggle at the tease, and I shake my head. “I was just looking to get some coffee, and now, I’m expected to add ‘performer’ to my already long list of responsibilities, huh?”

Rosie squints at me, then nods. “Yes.”

All I can do is laugh, leaning on that coffee for some strength.

“You’re good, Clover. And we need to diversify our offerings at events, especially since one bout of food poisoning almost canceled the entire thing. It’s not smart to only have one singer. And you are way too good to keep that talent to yourself.”

Taking a compliment about myself that doesn’t have to do with work has always been a challenge, so I swallow hard and simply nod.

“Thanks, Rosie. Umm, I’ll think about it. Like I said.” Shrugging, I tack on, “I do have a lot on my plate right now.”

“I get that.” She looks at me utterly straight-faced. “But you need to make some time for fun, too.”

Easier said than done. I’ve never been particularly good at that.

Silence creeps over the table, and then my phone buzzes, where it’s resting on the small table next to my coffee. I snag it, seeing that I have a text message.

“God, it’s probably Brooks asking where I am.”

As I pull up the message, my stomach drops. It’s not Brooks. It’s Kyle. The blood rushes out of my face, and dread crawls over me.

Get your ass back to NYC and fix your mess. Or so help me, I’ll get you here myself.

“You okay?” I look up from my phone, suddenly remembering that I’m not alone. “Clover?”

“Umm,” my mouth is so fucking dry, and I think my hands are trembling, “yeah. I’m fine. Sorry. Just a text.”

“Clover, don’t ever play poker.” Rosie raises her brows at me, her lips rolled between her lips. “You are terrible at bluffing.”

With a forced chuckle, I tuck my phone away and go for my coffee, leaning on the beverage to solve all my problems for me again.

“Sorry, just some silly shitty news about work back in the city. I need to let it go.”

Rosie offers a sympathetic smile. “Oh, hun. You do. That stuff’s miles away. Focus on getting Brooks off your ass and then deal with…what was it that you did again?”

Another weak laugh leaves me. “Marketing.”

“Oh, that’s right. Sorry. But seriously,” she puts a hand on my knee. “You came for a break from all that, right? So take your break.”

I just nod. It’s what I’ve told people. A break. Right. Aside from Brooks, no one really knows that the situation is so much worse than a simple unhappy client.

But I need to do like Rosie says regardless. Kyle won’t find me here, and I’m safe while the authorities investigate things back home.

“You’re right. I’m letting it go.” I smile, holding up my coffee in a mock toast.

“Atta girl. Now, before you have to get back to Brooks, how about we go sneak over to the bookstore next door. I need new reading material. Alas, I have finished the latest fairy romance I bought.”

Laughing for real this time, I nod. “Oh, that sounds great. I’ve been looking for something myself.”

Rosie raises her brows, that look of “So you read fantasy smut, too?” on her face.

“But I’m in the mood for something a bit darker this time. I’m thinking…” I lean in, whispering conspiratorially. “…shadow daddy.”

She plays off being shocked, putting a hand to her chest, and then we both burst out into laughter. It’s a relief, and we get packed up to go over to the bookstore.

The smell of paper hits me as soon as we go into the shop. Even so, I can’t shake the worry coursing through my veins.

Kyle has been on my mind just as much as Brooks has, and I don’t like that he’s still fuming about all this back home.

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