A Child's Christmas Wish
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Makenna Lee
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HarlequinChapter One
This guy really needs me. But what am I getting myself into?
Tendrils of smoke, and the acrid scent of burned food drifted from the open kitchen door of Barton Estate. Jenny Winslet considered running back to the warmth of her car, but this single father obviously needed a nanny. When police chief Anson Curry had approached her about this job, she’d almost declined, but with the amount of money Eric McKnight was offering for only a couple of months, she’d finally have enough saved to begin fashion design school at the spring semester.
She continued across the redbrick patio as a rich baritone voice mingled with the remains of smoke. The a cappella recording reminded her of her grandmother’s favorite singer, Frank Sinatra, and cemented her original prediction that the man who’d purchased Barton Estate would be a clean-cut gentleman in khakis and a button-up. Someone who attended the opera and drank fine bottles of wine.
But when she stood in the open doorway, it was not the radio or a recording. Wowzer. The voice was coming from the mountain of a man standing at the stove with a toddler on his hip. His rich, full voice was so big it drowned out the whirr of the vent fan and filled the space between them. He turned enough that she caught a view of his face.
Holy heart rush.
He was a Highland warrior with the voice of an angel, and Jenny was surprised he didn’t have a claymore strapped to his back. His brown hair reached his shoulders, the strands streaked with sun-bleached highlights. The kind one gets from working outdoors, not a bottle. He was Outlander’s Jamie, Aquaman and Thor all rolled into one delicious treat for the eyes.
But he was s-o-o-o off limits.
Getting involved with the man who wrote her paycheck could risk the last step in securing her ten-year dream.
The adorable curly-headed toddler tipped her head and returned Jenny’s smile over the giant’s shoulder.
Maybe he wasn’t her prospective boss and wouldn’t be forbidden. Maybe he was...
A delicious figment of my imagination?
The tempting man stopped singing. “Lilly Bug, it looks like we’re having a can of soup tonight.”
Of course he has a dreamy speaking voice, too.
Jenny’s inner diva stood up and fluttered her lashes. Even her Pollyanna-good-girl side fanned her face. Why was she so attracted to guys who looked like bad boys, and usually had an equally bad effect on her heart?
The little girl’s tiny hand patted his flannel-covered shoulder. “Daddy, look see. Fairy girl.”
His broad chest lifted on inhale, eyes making a quick sweep of Jenny’s body before widening.
Suddenly breathless and overheated, she locked in on his gaze and couldn’t look away. Her grandmother would say they were gawking like a pair of lusty teens. And she’d be right. Resistance was going to be...tough.
“You a fairy girl,” the toddler squealed, making her father wince and breaking the connection with Jenny.
She stepped over the threshold. “Hello there. You must be Lilly.”
After a delighted gasp, the cutie giggled behind her hand.
A happy child was always a good sign. This situation couldn’t be as dire as she’d first feared.
“Are you Jenny?” he asked, his voice a deep rumble, but with a noticeable coolness.
“Yes, sorry. I should’ve knocked and introduced myself.” She rushed forward with her hand extended but dropped it when his free hand fisted at his side. Brows that had been arched in surprise now drew together, and pale blue eyes with dark outer rings narrowed into a penetrating stare. She shivered, and it wasn’t from the cold November air coming in the open doorway. It was a shot of lust so strong she worried she’d blush to her toes.
Nope. Get control. Resist. All. Temptations.
Shifting until the marble-topped kitchen island stood between them, she tugged at the neck of her red cable-knit sweater and was tempted to press her fingertips to her lips. Jenny’s heart—so recently healed—was still in self-protect mode. “If this is a bad time, I can come back tomorrow.” If she didn’t pull herself together in a big hurry, she was bound to say something embarrassing.
“Now is as good of a time as any. I’m Eric McKnight, but I guess you’ve figured that out.” Shifting his daughter on his hip, he motioned to the smoking remains on the stovetop. “I would offer you dinner, but...”
“I already ate but thank—Oh!” Jerking up her hand and spinning, she discovered the upturned face and wagging tongue of a golden retriever.
Lilly giggled, and her father’s brows sprang up again. “Are you afraid of dogs?”
“No. I love animals.”
“That’s Brad,” Eric said. “He’s Lilly’s therapy dog.”
“He’s quiet on his feet and just startled me.” She knelt and stroked his soft fur. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you.” She laughed when the animal held up a paw for a shake.
“I hope you don’t mind discussing the nanny position while I feed Lilly?”
“Not at all. In fact, let me help.” Jenny crossed to the stovetop but hesitated when he stiffened and stepped away. The single father who’d stared at her with what felt like sizzling attraction was now scowling, and the vibe was not one of mutual attraction. A stab of disappointment tightened her belly. Just because she couldn’t date him didn’t mean she wanted him to find her unattractive. “Why don’t I toss out the...uhm.” The charcoal blobs on the cookie tray were not easily identifiable.
“Chicken strips and tater tots,” he said and glanced away.
Lilly waved a hand in front of her nose. “Yucky stinky.”
“Let’s get this smelly stuff out of here.” Grabbing two potholders, Jenny took the tray, headed out the still-open door to the edge of the back parking area near the carriage house and tossed the burned food into a thicket of trees. The neglected structure of what had been a fantastical playhouse was still nestled in the overgrown woods. Once upon a time it had been a little girl’s dream. A one-room miniature version of a fine house, complete with lacy curtains and a chandelier. But time, weather and forgotten summers had stolen the magic. The place that had held such fascination for an imaginative little girl was now overgrown and weathering away with each season, but that couldn’t hide her faded childhood memories.
When she turned back for the house, Eric’s frame filled the window above the sink. And his expression... Searching. Curious. Brooding. She was good at reading people, but this guy...
The man was a mystery. And Jenny loved a good mystery. This one would be especially fun to solve if she was doing that. Which she wasn’t. She hurried her steps and willed the brisk wind to blow away her off-limits thoughts.
Lilly was seated in a booster seat eating Goldfish crackers while her delectable and somewhat intimidating father dumped a can of beef stew into a pot.
“What was it?” he asked.
“What?” She put the dirty tray into the sink, unsure if she’d missed part of his question while preoccupied with thoughts that could lead her into trouble of the heartache kind.
“In the woods. What held your attention for so long?”
To keep from staring at his piercing eyes, she focused on washing her hands. “An old playhouse I remember from childhood. Sadly, it’s starting to deteriorate from lack of care.”
“I thought it was a storage shed because it’s full height. You’ve been here before?”
“Yes.” She took a seat at the table beside the precious toddler who cocked her head and handed Jenny a cracker. “Thank you, Lilly. My grandmother, Mimi, used to cook for Mrs. Barton, and I often came with her.”
“So, you know this kitchen?”
“Quite well. I’ve spent a lot of time in this house.” This kitchen had played a big part in her growing up. She had great memories of running around and playing in the butler’s pantry when she was about Lilly’s age. Mimi’s singing as she cooked. The aroma of baking bread and fresh butter melting on her tongue. Homework at the kitchen table. And Mrs. Barton sneaking her treats while Mimi was pretending not to see it.
“You like fairies?” Lilly whispered.
“I love fairies.” She couldn’t resist stroking the toddler’s soft, blond curls. “How old are you?”
“I’m a big girl,” she said and shared another cracker.
“You sure are.”
“She’s almost four,” Eric said and knelt to give the dog a treat and belly rub.
As she did when she got nervous, Jenny started to chatter. “Anson said you’re going to remodel this place. Unfortunately, Jim, the town’s best and only full-time remodeler recently retired. He’s the one who painted the outside of this house right before you bought it. His old crew still does some of the work, but not full renos. You’ll have to venture to a nearby town to hire a good company.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’m a construction contractor. Had my own company in Chicago.” He handed a sippy cup of juice to his daughter. “I’d like to talk to some of Jim’s craftsmen and see if any of them are interested in working for me.”
“I went to high school with a few of them and can introduce you.” So, that’s where he got all the bulging muscles and highlights. Construction. She had been wrong on so many accounts for what she’d expected. “Do you plan to keep the historical features or modernize this house?”
“I want to focus on historically accurate restoration.”
Excitement took away some of her jumpiness and gave her hope that they’d have something in common to talk about. “That’s wonderful news. This house has such elegant lines and shapes. The movement from one space to the next is so flowing and inviting.”
He paused stirring the soup to glance in her direction. “That’s an interesting way to put it.”
Unable to hold his gaze without blushing, she focused on the built-in baker’s cabinet where she’d helped Mimi knead dough and cut out sugar cookies. So many nice memories filled this house. “I tend to think in shapes and lines. Always have.”
“More, please,” Lilly said and kicked one leg.
“Just a few, Lilly Bug,” Eric said and poured two glasses of tea. “Stew is almost ready.”
Jenny grabbed the bag from the table and sprinkled some onto the plate. “There you go, sweetie. What made you decide to move to Oak Hollow and buy this big old house?”
“Anson Curry.”
“He said you were a friend but didn’t say from where.”
“Marines.”
If she’d known this, she might’ve been prepared for the tough and sexy man of few words she’d met as opposed to the one she’d expected.
“When this place went on the market, he called. He’s been trying to get me to move here ever since...” Eric cleared his throat. “For a while now.”
What had he stopped himself from saying? Could it be the mother no one had mentioned? Now didn’t seem the time for an inquiry. She needed to get her nerves under control and make sure he knew she was capable of taking care of his daughter. “Tell me what you expect in a nanny.”
“I was thinking...” He scratched his cheek, a hint of stubble whispering under his fingers. “I had thought about a live-in nanny, but you’d probably be more comfortable at your own place?”
It was stated as a question, as if he were as unsure about things as she was. Living in this house? With him? Sleeping under the same roof? With the funny little sparks shooting through her, it was probably best if she wasn’t here at night. “I can just come during the day if that’s best. And Anson told you that I can only work for a short time?”
“Yes. Something about school?” Eric put a glass of tea in front of her.
“Fashion design school in New York City.”
“Eager to get away from here?” He attached a red plastic bowl with a suction cup bottom to the table in front of Lilly.
“I’ve been trying to get out of my hometown for years.” As beautiful as it was here, she looked forward to being beyond the borders of the Texas Hill Country. Among culture and high fashion. “I can’t wait to explore more of the world.”
His brows slashed into a deep V, and his upper lip cocked right before a barely audible growl slipped out.
Whoa. Jenny shivered. What had she said to garner this animalistic reaction? It both startled and turned her on in equal measure. This man made her think of a lion, powerful, gorgeous and dangerous. She had the sudden urge to touch and calm him. Tame him. See if she could make him purr.
Stop it, girl!
He lifted his daughter’s left arm onto her tray. “Use this hand to get your cracker.” He pushed a goldfish closer, and she grabbed it with two fingers. “Now put it in your mouth.”
The toddler brought it first to her chest and then to her mouth.
Jenny realized Lilly tended to favor her right arm. “Anson told me she’ll be starting physical therapy soon?”
“First session is in a few weeks. Her left side is weaker due to cerebral palsy, especially her leg. I first noticed when she was learning to roll over and push herself up.”
She recalled Tess Curry’s protective nature with her daughter, Hannah, and how quickly Anson had taken to raising a child with Down syndrome. Jenny was well aware of what parents of any special needs child often went through. Issues most parents never considered. Worries that weighed heavy on a heart and mind. It was clear that Eric needed her help. She couldn’t walk away just because he made her feel everything at once. “I can learn and help with the exercises they suggest.”
He released a breath. “That would be great. Can you cook?”
Captured by his hopeful expression, it took her a moment to put together the right words. “Yes, I can. Lucky for you and this kitchen.” Oh flip! Why’d I say that last part?
A slow half smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “No doubt.”
The breath eased from her chest on a small shiver. There was a sense of humor under his grumbly facade.
“So, will you be Lilly’s nanny?”
“Yes. Absolutely.” Lilly was adorable with a capital A and would be a pleasure to take care of, but Eric McKnight...
He was going to be a multilevel challenge.
Once they had the logistics of her new nanny position worked out, Jenny drove straight to Sip & Read, the new wine bar and bookstore on the town square. The Halloween decorations had been removed, leaving behind pumpkins and fall leaf garlands that fluttered in the autumn wind. What had once been a hardware store now boasted a historically elegant vibe with red brick walls, dark woodwork and unique book displays. Each genre was combined with appropriately themed merchandise and beverage suggestions.
Girls’ night with Tess and Alexandra was her favorite night of the week. She joined her friends at their usual table in the romance section. “Tess Curry, why didn’t you warn me about your husband’s military buddy?”
The other woman’s big green eyes widened. “I haven’t met him yet. What’s wrong with him?”
“Oh, this sounds like it’ll be good,” Alexandra said and adjusted the thin paintbrush holding her long auburn hair in a messy bun.
Tess slid a glass of red wine across the table to Jenny. “Tell us. Judging by the sparkle in your eyes, it couldn’t be that bad.”
“He’s one of those swallow-your-tongue-smokin’-hot-manly-man types. Picture Jason Momoa as a Highland warrior. And he sings like a professional.”
“He sang to you?” her girlfriends said in unison and smiled big cheesy grins.
“Not to me.” Funny little tingles danced in her belly as her active imagination spun a tale of his piercing blue eyes locked on hers while he crooned a love song.
“Yoo-hoo, Earth to Jenny,” one of the women said.
With a shake of her head, she returned from fantasyland. “He was singing to his daughter when I got there.” That garnered a round of Awws.
“My husband has been holding out on me.” Tess tipped her glass of wine in a cheers motion. “Tell us everything, sparing no details.”
Jenny sighed and propped her chin on her fist. “I’m going to be tripping over my feet and my tongue every time he comes into the room. But his little girl is adorable and called me fairy girl. I couldn’t say no to taking care of her. Lilly is only three, but since they’re new in town, maybe we can set up a play date with Hannah and Cody.”
“Absolutely,” Tess said. “You know how much Hannah loves to play the little momma to younger children.”
“So...” Alexandra leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Did this hot, single daddy flirt with you?”
Jenny’s bark of laughter held no real amusement. “He definitely did not flirt with me. Not in the least little bit. Although I was instantly attracted to him, he seemed repelled by me.”
“What? No way,” Tess said.
“It’s true. He didn’t want to shake my hand, backed away when I got close and his facial expressions screamed more of a warning than come here and kiss me.”
Alexandra chuckled and rubbed her paint-stained hands together. “I think I know what’s going on. That’s exactly how Luke acted when we first met. I believe we have a case of he’s so attracted to you that you scare the boots off him.”
“I don’t think so.” Jenny said.
“I think we need to set up more than a play date.” Tess’s wide full-watt smile showed off her dimples. “I’ll tell Anson to invite this mysterious man over for Thanksgiving. We can check out the way he looks at you.”
“Good idea,” Alexandra said. “Since we’ll all be there, it’s the perfect opportunity.”
Jenny loved that these amazing women had become such good friends, but they were way too eager to see her settled down, just like them. “This is not a request to fix me up,” Jenny scolded and took a large sip of wine. “It’s a plea to help me resist my new boss until I leave for New York.”
“Oh, that reminds me,” Alexandra said. “My aunt and uncle said the construction of their garage apartment will be done before the start of the design school’s next session. And as long as you’re willing to house and pet sit during all of their upcoming travels, you stay there rent free.”
Something fluttered in Jenny’s chest. “That’s amazing news. If they’re truly serious, I’ll absolutely take that deal.”
“They’re very serious. They plan to travel a lot over the next few years and want someone there. Just remember that you’ll have to take the subway to go to school.”
“It sounds exciting and so different from what I’m used to. Alexandra, I can’t thank you enough for setting this up.” This extremely generous offer would not only stretch Jenny’s savings so much further, but realistically make it possible for her to actually attend design school in New York.
“I’m really going to miss you, but we’re all so proud and excited for you. You’re finally chasing your dream.” Tess stroked the sapphire velvet cape draped over her chair. “Even though I don’t know what design school can teach you that you don’t already know. For example, this beautiful garment. Everyone wants to know where I bought it.”
“Right?” Alexandra said. “Everything you make is killer. You don’t just make clothes, you create them.”
The compliment made Jenny smile. “I’m sure there’s plenty for me to learn. Not to mention the credibility the degree will provide.” Jenny had made up her mind years ago. She’d go to design school and hopefully work for a big fashion house. That was the plan. “So, what are your husbands and children up to tonight?”
“Wait. Back up a minute.” Alexandra glanced around and then leaned closer. “Why do you need to resist this hot new guy?”
Jenny twitched a finger in the air. “Don’t be putting ideas in my head. He’s my boss, and I can’t risk not getting this paycheck. Plus, I’m leaving soon. And he doesn’t like me.” She’d keep telling herself that. It would make it easier to resist anything happening between them.
Her girlfriends shared a look as if marriage had given them special knowledge and powers in the relationship department.
“Don’t rule anything out,” Tess said. “Take it from ladies who have been in your position.”
“You didn’t work for your husbands.”
Alexandra laughed. “True, but we haven’t seen this kind of excitement from you since before that bozo who shall not be named broke your heart.”
Jenny couldn’t argue that truth. That bozo had played with her emotions, and she was glad he’d moved across the country.
As for the man still in Oak Hollow? Eric would be a daily treat for her eyes, and at the same time, a workout in controlling temptation.
