Page 95 of Nanny for the Cowboy

Still, as I pour my second cup of coffee, with two spoonfuls of sugar and a heavy splash of cream, I know that was selfish of me.

I was protecting myself, not Brooks. It would’ve been so hard to look him in the face when I told him I didn’t want to help Kyle when his son was at risk.

And that’s on me.

Though, I’m still surprised Brooks reacted the way he did. He pushed me away so hard and fast. I never said I was leaving.

Hell, I’ve been trying to figure out how to stay and take care of Kyle from here all this time. I still am. But it’s like Brooks couldn’t get away from me quickly enough.

Which fucking hurt.

Again, though, what kind of defense do I have when I haven’t told him the truth? Turnaround is indeed fair play. I mean, it’s his son. I should’ve said something.

But now he won’t talk to me, and if he’s going to be a stubborn son of b?—

“Are you and Dad fighting?”

I nearly spill my coffee all over myself when Darby speaks from behind me. That kid can be a damn ninja when he wants to be.

Or maybe I’m just really distracted.

In any case, I force myself to swallow again, as the previous one didn’t go so smoothly, and then I turn around to face Darby.

He’s sitting at the island, looking at me with those sad puppy dog eyes. My chest pinches, and I sigh, walking up to the counter and leaning on it with my mug between my hands.

The sound of the front door swinging closed echoes through the house, and I know that it is Brooks leaving to go start his work for the day.

He usually cushions the screen so it doesn’t slam, but today, he didn’t bother. He’s all up his ass about our conversation, but Brooks also couldn’t be bothered to come to talk to me about it.

Though, neither could I.

When I look back at Darby, who also noticed the door thing, he’s grimacing. “Umm, not exactly. We…we had a disagreement.”

“Is it bad? Dad seemed pretty grumpy today. Like when he broke his arm.”

Darby has his brows up, and I have to keep myself from scoffing. If Brooks is as upset as when he broke his arm, he really should be talking to me.

I’m going to have to deal with this. He can’t just sulk. I didn’t even say I was going to leave right away.

“It’s not bad, Darby. We’ll be fine. I just need to talk to him. We’re figuring some things out, and…your dad doesn’t like the options.”

Slumping into his seat, Darby picks at his cereal with his spoon. I hate to see him upset like this. He’s such a sweet, caring boy, and the empathy he has for those around him is so incredible.

It’ll also ensure he’s in a terrible mood until we get this sorted out.

“It’ll be fine, buddy. Don’t worry about it, okay?” I pat his hand as I reach across the island and then stand up, sipping at my coffee.

There’s a prolonged silence, but I can feel the tension radiating off of Darby. I don’t know what else to say, though.

He’s just a kid. I can’t burden him with all this—especially not the part where Kyle wants to hurt him.

“You know he really likes you, right?”

I look up from my cup, and Darby meets my eyes, his little expression this combination of hopeful and nervous.

“What?” I shake my head. “I mean, sure, buddy. I know your dad likes having me around.”

Shaking his head, Darby pushes his cereal to the side. “No, not like that. Helikesyou, likes you. He won’t admit it, but I can tell.”

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