Page 25 of The Manny

My face warmed. “It’s not like that.”

It kind of was.

He held up his hands. “Hey, it’s none of my business.”

“That I agree with.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be in my room if you need me. I’m going to do a little reading.”

“Okay. I’m going to watch some TV to unwind.” I was glad he was retreating to his room, so I didn’t have to hide in mine. I sat in the family room and put the TV on with the volume low. Being considerate of others was something I’d have to get used to. It certainly didn’t come naturally to me. Probably because I’d lived alone for most of my adult life.

I flipped through the channels, feeling on edge. For a first day, it hadn’t been a complete disaster. I was sorry it was ending with Mia feeling sick. I had to wonder if part of her illness wasn’t due to the stress she had to be under. Losing her mother and moving in with strangers had to take a toll on her.

There was movement out of the corner of my eye, and when I glanced over, Thomas was walking into the kitchen. He wore shorts and a thin white T-shirt. I was embarrassed when my gaze fixated on his long, sinewy legs. His entire body was more muscular than I’d imagined. I’d had it in my head he was a nerdy bookworm, who got his exercise lifting toddlers. I’d obviously got that wrong. The muscles he had could only be the result of lifting weights.

I dragged my eyes back to the TV, hoping he hadn’t felt my gaze on him. When he left the kitchen, I made a point of not looking over. One thing was for sure, I’d die before I got caught ogling Thomas. The guy already was way too sure of himself.

My plan was to let things settle down with Mia. Once she felt at home here, I’d check back with the nanny agency and see if maybe they had a suitable replacement for Thomas. Maybe Charity would be recovered from her surgery by then. That way Thomas could go back to his adoring fans at the agency, and I could stop being annoyed constantly by the person who was supposed to have my back.

Chapter Six

Thomas

The next week went smoothly. I established a routine with Mia, so she knew what to expect each day. We’d eat breakfast, go to the park to feed the ducks, come back and paint or draw. Sometimes I’d throw in a bit of reading or simple math just to introduce her to those subjects.

Jack spent most of his time at work, although he did make good on his promise of joining us for dinner each night. Usually he returned to work after eating, but now and then he’d stay home and we’d all spend time together in the family room. On those nights, I’d do something to occupy Mia, and Jack would watch TV in silence. I hoped eventually he’d shut off the TV and join us, but so far, no such luck.

Mia was a sweet, affectionate child. She stuck close to me most of the time, and seemed intimidated by Jack. I wanted him to interact with her more, but knew that wouldn’t come naturally to him. I needed to think of something that would allow him to spend time with us, without it being too forced.

We were having dinner one night, and Jack was scrolling through his phone like he often did. I’d tried very hard not to nag him too often, but the phone thing bugged me. After all, the one time of the day he spent any time with Mia, it seemed he should be able to focus some of his actual attention on her.

“Hey, Jack,” I said quietly.

He glanced up. “Yeah?”

“You never got those photos of Jules out for Mia to see.” Mia hadn’t said anything, but I knew she’d love to see the pictures of her mom.

Grimacing, he set his phone down and looked at Mia. “Oh, that’s right.”

Mia blinked at him. “Is it okay to see them?”

“Of course.” He pulled his gaze from hers. “I’ll get them after dinner.”

I wondered if he’d really forgotten, or if the photos were painful for him to see, so he’d just not bothered digging them out. I was beginning to catch on more and more to Jack’s personality. He tended to avoid anything that made him feel emotions. Jules had obviously meant a lot to him, but he’d buried those feelings. I kept wishing he’d share more of himself with me. I’d have loved to know about his childhood, and why it was he seemed so guarded.

Once dinner was over, Jack helped me clear the table. I was a bit surprised he was bothering, but then it occurred to me he was stalling getting the photos. As he carried some plates to where I stood at the sink, I glanced over.

“You don’t have to help me.” I met his enigmatic gaze as I spoke.

He shrugged. “I don’t mind.” The heat of his body seeped into mine as he leaned closer to set some dishes in the soapy water.

I scrubbed the dish I held harder, trying to ignore his scent and the brush of his arm against mine. If I turned my head, his face was close enough we could have kissed. I couldn’t help but wonder what he’d taste like. His lips were full and probably soft as silk. If he came even closer and pressed me up against the sink with his body, would I mind?

What am I doing? He’s my employer. Rein it in.

I cleared my throat. “I can handle the dishes. Why don’t you go get those photos of Jules?”

His energy changed immediately. The moment the words left my lips, I could almost hear the sound of jackhammers as his protective walls were erected.

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