“Shall I fly home?” Stacey asked.
Savannah wiped her eyes with the back of her hands. “No. I’m leaving for Norway and would be gone by the time you got here. I just wanted to talk a little.”
“I have the rest of the night,” Stacey said softly.
Savannah leaned back on the sofa, closed her eyes and told her sister about Declan and Jacey and the time in California. Especially about when she’d realized she loved Declan and how she’d tried to put some distance between them, while spending as much time as she could with him—just for a few memories to cling to down through the years.
As she wound down, she ended with, “He’s no more interested in me this time than last time. Why can’t I find some darling man who is single, unattached, no baggage and who would love me to distraction?”
“The heart loves whom it loves,” Stacey said. “Sometimes the person loves back, sometimes not. Your love is still there, not diminished by his not returning it. I’m so sorry it’s bringing you pain instead of happiness. I can relate. I didn’t know Luis loved me until he finally proposed. I thought I was going to end up at home nursing a broken heart, so I feel for you, sis.”
“At least I only have the next couple of days to get through and then my next assignment takes me to Norway. I’m counting on the country to be as pretty as Alaska.”
They spent a few minutes talking about the coming weeks and tentative plans Stacey and Luis had made.
Savannah hung up feeling marginally better. Her sister had the dilemma of having to fulfill contracts when all she wanted was to stay with Luis. Savannah looked forward to her busy schedule to keep her from dwelling on Declan.
* * *
Sunday night her cell rang. Jacey. Savannah almost answered, but decided she didn’t need another confrontation the night before she left. She let it go to voice mail—if the girl would even leave a message. She could listen to it when she felt not so fragile.
Finished with her packing, she went to the kitchen to pull out the small container of chocolate-chocolate-chip ice cream. It was her favorite comfort food. The small container was still too much for one person, but she made serious headway through it. Putting the remainder back, she took a shower and went to bed early.
To lie awake for endless hours as she had the past three nights, thinking about Declan, the kisses they’d shared, the discussions they’d had. Trying to remember that the whole adventure had been just an assignment, not the prelude to a long life together.
Savannah met up with the family she’d accompany the next morning at JFK airport, just before boarding the plane to Oslo. Too busy now to think about might-have-beens, she greeted the three children and once on board had them occupied with coloring books and handheld games. For the next two weeks she’d enjoy Norway, make sure her charges were happy and that the parents had a carefree vacation. She did her job well.
* * *
And her plan worked—except at night. No matter how tired she was, it was hard to fall asleep. And once asleep, more than once she dreamed of Declan. Some dreams were sweet—he laughed and held her hand. Others had them plunging off cliffs on a mountain trail. She never dreamed about Jacey. But every once in a while when she had a free few minutes, she wondered how Declan was faring with his daughter. Had her mother recovered? Was she still planning to live with him for the next few years? She hoped so. He deserved to be happy. Just because she wasn’t the one to make him happy, she still wished him well.
Her heart ached for him. He’d been so happy to see the change in his daughter, so delighted when she’d said she wanted to live with him for the next few years. Savannah hoped that hadn’t changed—for both their sakes.
* * *
The two weeks ended on a happy note and Savannah gave her charges a hug when they parted at JFK upon their return to the U.S. She’d miss those kids. They had been so enchanted with Norway. She laughed, remembering some of their attempts to speak Norwegian—her own included. Fortunately, all those on whom they’d tried out the language had been friendly and helpful.
She got her luggage, hailed a cab and settled back, glad to be home if only for a couple of days.
She had her cell phone with her, but had stupidly left the charger at the apartment. Not that she could have used it in Norway, it was strictly a U.S. phone, but she’d be able to check in with Stephanie now. Was Stacey home or had she thrown caution to the wind and canceled her assignments to spend more time with Luis and his boys? She didn’t think her sister would have backed out of an assignment without someone to take over despite being a woman in love.
She sighed and watched as the familiar scenery sped by. She didn’t think she would have forsaken Vacation Nannies instantly if Declan had been more interested in her. But she would have been tempted not to spend a day apart from him. Now they’d spend a lifetime apart.
She didn’t know what had happened to him in the past two weeks. She remembered the weeks and months after he’d left before. She didn’t want a repeat this time.
When she reached her apartment, she kicked off her shoes and dragged her suitcase into the bedroom. She’d unpack later. Right now she wanted to open windows and air the place out. Being shut up for a couple of weeks in summer made it more than stuffy.
After a slight breeze began to permeate the apartment, she fished out her phone and plugged in the charger. She went to see if there was anything edible in the kitchen or if she needed to do some quick shopping. She wrinkled her nose at the stale bread and over two-week-old eggs. Dumping both, she went to shower and change. Shopping next and then she’d call Stephanie. Saturdays the office manager worked until noon, as some people found it more convenient to come in for interviews on the weekend.
Once showered and dressed, Savannah went to the phone and called the office.
She got an answering machine. Stephanie was probably busy with a client. Grabbing her purse, she headed out. She knew her next assignment wouldn’t start before Monday, so had time to herself for at least a day and a half. Which meant—a lunch at her favorite deli and then grocery shopping. Better on a full stomach anyway, she rationalized. She loved Sol’s. It was the best deli in the area and always packed. Today was no exception. It was good to be home, and back in her routine.
Slipping the key into her lock a couple of hours later, Savannah was feeling good. She was full, had two bags of fresh fruit and salad fixings, and a new carton of chocolate-chocolate-chip ice cream. Could life get much better?
Just as she finished putting everything away, the phone rang.
“Home safe and sound?” Stephanie said when she answered.
“I am and will have my report on the family in by Monday. I can mail it if I’m leaving right away.” They kept records of the childrens’ likes and dislikes, favorite toys or games, and other facts that would help the next time around. And so often that made the second or subsequent assignments that much easier on all. “Are you still at the office?”
“No, I’m home, just calling to see that you made it back. I left the Pendergasts’ folder on my desk if you go in before Monday. You don’t have to meet up with them until four. It’s a late flight to Maine. Also, I never got a report on Murdock,” Stephanie murmured.
Savannah looked at the ceiling. She didn’t want to wri
te Declan up as a client. She felt a pang of longing to see him again. See how he was doing. Find out what had happened between him and his daughter and his ex-wife. Did Jacey get her walking cast?
“I’ll include that one, as well,” she said as the silence ticked on. She didn’t want Stephanie questioning her closely on that assignment.
“Did you have fun in Norway?”
“It was amazing.” Savannah told her about the beautiful scenery she’d enjoyed. She had had a good time, despite thinking of Declan all the time.
“Want to have dinner tomorrow night?” Stephanie asked.
“Sure, we can catch up even more. How about Antoine’s on Fourth?” Savannah suggested.
“Meet you at seven.”
That gave Savannah more than a day to decide what she’d say about Declan and the assignment to California. And to hope she could pass it off as a regular assignment enough to pass Stephanie’s alert.
She went to check on her phone. It was fully charged—and there were forty-seven missed calls.
As she thumbed through them, she saw they were all from one phone—Declan’s. Her heart jumped. The first bunch were the second day she was gone. Then several each day since then. The last one had been two hours ago.
Why was he calling her?
Almost afraid to find out, she debated returning the calls. Maybe later. She put the phone down and went to unpack. She had enough to do to keep her busy. She didn’t need to respond to calls from a one-time client.
But as the afternoon went on she couldn’t help obsessing about his calls. What did he want? Was everything okay? How was Jacey doing? Tempting as it was to call him, she resisted. Almost as if testing her resolve.
Savannah was curled up on the sofa watching reruns that evening and eating her favorite ice cream when her phone rang. Hesitating only a moment, she rose and went to answer, already knowing who was on the other end of the line.
“Savannah?” It was Declan.
“Hi.”
“You’re home now?”
“Yes, I arrived home today.” She wished her heart didn’t race just hearing his voice. She closed her eyes to better picture him.
“I’ve been trying for weeks to reach you.”
“I only have U.S. service and have been in Europe. I didn’t hear any messages.”
“No, I, uh, didn’t want to leave messages. Are you free?”
“For what?”
“I’d like to see you.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve missed you?” he said tentatively.
She sure had missed him, but she thought they might put different emphasis on their version of missed.
“It’s too late for dinner, I’m sure you’ve eaten,” he said.
She looked at the clock, it was after eight. “I did, and right now I’m enjoying dessert.”
“Want to go out for a drink or coffee or something?”
“No, thank you. It’s really late in Europe and I’m still on that time zone. I’m going to bed soon.”
“Tomorrow for breakfast then?”
Her heart raced. He wanted to see her. She had a million reasons why she should refuse. But—she wanted to see him again.
“I’ll pick you up at seven,” he said when she didn’t respond.
“So no sleeping in for me tomorrow,” she murmured, trying to come up with a reason why she should refuse. A reason that wouldn’t tell him how foolish she’d been to fall in love with him again.
“Too early?”
“No.” She wished she felt up to seeing him tonight. But she was tired and she wanted all her senses fully alert when meeting Declan again.
“See you then.”
“Right.” She ended the call, wondering what he had meant by missing her.
She should have asked about Jacey. Maybe the teen would be at breakfast in the morning.
Finishing what she wanted of the ice cream, she put it away and went to bed. She was tired, but even so, as on every other night for the past two weeks, she didn’t fall asleep right away. Her thoughts dwelt on Declan. She would see him in a few short hours. To what end? Nothing had changed.
Not that she cared. At least she’d see him for a little while.
* * *
She wore a pretty lavender sundress the next morning and white sandals. Her hair was done to her satisfaction. Her eyes sparkled as she stared at herself in the mirror and counted the minutes until he’d arrive. She hoped—well, she wasn’t going to set herself up for disappointment. She’d see what he had to say.
When the knock came at the door, Savannah was ready. She threw it open and stared a moment, surprised by her delight at seeing him. He looked wonderful in a dark shirt, dark slacks and wind-blown hair.
“Ah, ready, I see. You were always prompt.”
“I learned that from my business teacher,” she said, picking up a small purse and pulling the door closed. He didn’t move and for a moment she wondered—then he leaned over to kiss her. His lips were warm and firm and so exciting she almost dropped her purse. Her knees grew wobbly as he kissed her and kissed her. Finally he stood tall and looked into her eyes, his own questioning. “I’ve been wanting to do that for two weeks.”
What could she say? This meeting ranked right up there with the top ten stupid things she’d ever done. They had no future together. She knew that. She’d wanted so much more than a kiss, but couldn’t reveal that. Yet she couldn’t deny she’d been a willing and active partner in the kisses. Floundering around for something to say, she grasped on Jacey.
“How’s Jacey doing?”
“Getting around like a pro on her walking cast. She doesn’t seem at all hampered by it, though she says her ankle itches all the time and she’s careful not to get any tan until it comes off.”
“Ah, following her mother’s advice. And how is Margo?” Not that she really wanted to know. Better to keep reminding herself about the other woman. She was never going away.
“Doing better than the doctors originally expected. She’s in a convalescent hospital in Queens.”
“Doing all right without your help?” she couldn’t resist asking.
“Yes, well, that’s another situation. Best saved for later. I thought we could walk to Marney’s on the Battery. It’s still cool enough to enjoy eating outside. And I hope everyone else in the city wanted to sleep in so we won’t have to wait for a table.”
They walked the few blocks to Battery Park and followed a pathway to the small café that had a view of the harbor. Declan had his wish, as well—there were several vacant tables. Taking the one with the best view, they soon ordered and settled back, sipping hot coffee. The day would grow hot soon, but right now the temperature was ideal.
“So update me about Jacey,” she said.
“She had a hard few days while Margo was still in a coma. Once she woke, she’s improved daily. Jacey visits her almost every day. She’s still set on moving in with me, however, which was in doubt for a few days. Her mother’s dead set against it, so there’s a lot of tension there.”
“It’s the money, isn’t it?” she said.
He nodded.
“Putting Jacey right in the middle of it all.”
“Is Margo any good at what she does—selling high-end fashion?” Savannah asked after a moment. “Surely that should bring in enough money for her.”
He shrugged. “To hear her tell it, one day she’s leading sales person, the next she’s so poor she needs more child support. It’s hard to know what’s what with her. But she’s had the job for several years, so I expect she’s doing something right.”
Breakfast arrived and the conversation turned away from the Murdock family.
“Tell me about your trip,” he invited.
Glad for the safe topic, Savannah told him about the cruise, the gorgeous scenery and the fun she and the children had had. He asked questions which showed his interest. He watched her as she talked, his eyes delving deep into hers. A couple of times Savannah felt flustered by so much attention.
He looked around when she finished.
“It’s pretty here, too,” he said.
“Of course. New York is home. But I’m glad I got to see the fjords. Reminded me of part of Alaska on my other cruise.”
He studied her for a moment. “You love the travel part, don’t you?”
“I do. And I’ll forever be grateful for learning enough from your course to make Vacation Nannies a success.”
He nodded, his face losing expression.
“What?” she asked.
“Nothing.” He took a sip of coffee. “Oh, I almost forgot. Jacey told me to be sure and give you this.” He fished an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to her. It was yellow and small. She lifted the flap and drew out a thank-you card. Smiling, she opened it and read, “Savannah, thank you for the dress. It’s very pretty and I will love wearing it once I can walk again. It’s okay if you and my dad see each other. I wish he’d marry someone who would make him happy. If it can’t be my mom, I want it to be you.”
The Nanny Who Kissed Her Boss Page 17
