Bear Pack's Nanny: A Reverse Harem Romance (Nanny Shifter Service Book 5)

by Sky Winters

  “With our relocation, you won’t have to worry about being in the same danger you were.”

  “Good,” said Cassie, looking relieved.

  “And over the course of the next week, the expansion should be concluded. Once that happens, we’ll be able to push the Redfang clan out of the picture. Assuming they even still intend on making a move.”

  Cassie nodded, taking it all in.

  “So, with that said, I’m going to be shifting responsibility for the final expansion details on Caleb and Nick. I want to see if they can hold their own during the last bits of negotiations. That means I’ll be here with you and they girls for the next week, maybe two.”

  “You’ll be looking out for me?”

  Something burned inside of Josh at those words. A strong sense of protectiveness came over him, and he knew at that moment he’d do anything to keep her safe. Just the thought of the Redfang laying a single hand on her was enough to make him grit his teeth.

  “I’ll be looking out for you,” he said. “And making sure you and the girls stay out of trouble. Caleb and Nick will be going back and forth between here and Burlington, but they’ll do what they can.”

  “Okay,” said Cassie. “I think I can handle this. But what about the girls’ lessons and tutoring and all of that?”

  “I’ve already made plans. I found other tutors in the city, my intention being to keep the girls’ schedule as close to normal as possible. I don’t want them being too affected by all of this.”

  “Sounds good,” she said.

  Then she looked around, as if not sure what to do next.

  Josh smiled.

  “You’re free to do whatever you want for the afternoon,” he said. “The girls are with Nick and Caleb right now, and they’ll be back soon to coordinate with the tutors.”

  “Oh, okay,” she said. “Then…do you mind if I join you for coffee?”

  Josh noted that she was likely feeling the same pull toward him that he was feeling for her. It was stronger than he was anticipating.

  “Sure,” he said. “I’ll pour you a cup. Meet me on the balcony.”

  Josh’s heart thudded in his chest as he watched Cassie walk. She moved with such sensuality, and the most interesting part to him was that she seemed to not even know she did it.

  Coffee in hand, he stepped out onto the balcony, taking in the fresh morning air. The city of Boston seemed to stretch out into forever.

  “Have you ever lived in a big city like this before?” asked Josh as he handed her the mug.

  Cassie took it and wrapped her slim, delicate fingers around it.

  “I haven’t,” she said. “I’m from the other coast, and my upbringing was, um, more humble than this. Being in a huge mansion in the middle of the woods or a penthouse apartment in a big city is about as far from what I’m used to as you can get.”

  Then she paused and smiled.

  “Not to mention the whole ‘bear shifter’ thing.”

  Josh joined her in the smile as he brought his mug up to his lips.

  “A lot to take in, I know,” he said. “But you’re doing an incredible job. We had high hopes for whoever ended up taking this job, and I’m pleased to see that you’re exceeding them.”

  “Thank you,” she said.

  There was sheepishness to her voice, and Josh suspected it was her feeling unsure about what she’d been doing with Nick and Caleb. Josh didn’t want to bring that up now, however.

  “In fact,” he went on, “I think, considering all that’s been going on, you’re due for a little relaxation.”

  “No, that’s not necessary,” she said. “I’d feel total lazy if I were sitting around while you guys were busting your butts with this business plan. Not to mention everything else.”

  “I insist,” said Josh. “Today’s Thursday. Why don’t you plan on the two of us spending Friday evening together? I can show you around the town, and then we can go out for some dinner. Someplace nice.”

  “Are you sure?” asked Cassie.

  “Of course. And I’ll make sure we stay out danger, and the girls will be with Caleb and Nick.”

  Josh watched a beautiful smile spread across Cassie’s face.

  “Okay,” she said. “You’ve talked me into it. But I don’t really have anything nice to wear. Just jeans and blouses and that sort of thing.”

  “Then we’ll have to do something about that,” he said. “Let’s take the afternoon to do some shopping and get some lunch. And you’ll be able to pick out whatever you need for our evening. It’s on me.”

  “You don’t have to do all that,” said Cassie, her fair skin blushing.

  “I insist,” he said. “If you’re going to be working for me and doing such a great job, then you’re going to have to get used being rewarded for it. Got it?’

  He smiled, and Cassie’s blush deepened.

  “I’ll take that as a ‘yes’,” he said.

  He smiled at her once more before turning his eyes back to the city.

  Josh knew he’d soon have his answer. He’d soon know if Cassie was the one he was looking for.

  CHAPTER 20

  CASSIE

  Cassie and Josh stepped out onto the bustling city streets of downtown Boston. The place was alive with energy, and Cassie noted right away how much of a contrast it all was to the secluded nature of the house in Burlington.

  “You sure we’re safe here?” she asked. “Those other bears aren’t going to follow us?”

  “They’d be fools to do that,” said Josh. “Boston is one of the most populated shifter cities in the country – only behind New York, LA, and Seattle. They’d get into some serious problems if they brought their rivalry into the city limits.”

  Cassie felt relief, but part of her wondered if Josh was simply telling her what he knew she needed to hear to make her feel better. Still, she sensed deep down that whatever happened, Josh would be there to protect her just as Nick had done.

  “So,” said Josh as they made their way down the wide sidewalks of downtown Boston, the pedestrians weaving around them. “We need to get you something to wear for tomorrow night.”

  “Nothing too fancy,” said Cassie. “We can get something cheap and simple. I bet there are even some really good second-hand stores around here in a city like this.”

  Josh flashed a half-smile.

  “Didn’t I tell you to let me take care of it all?” he said. “We’re not going to spend your time off rooting around in clothing bins to save a few bucks.”

  “Thanks,” she said. “But it just feels weird to have money spent on me like this.”

  Josh raised an eyebrow as they turned the corner onto a street packed full of boutiques.

  “Really?” he asked. “You haven’t had a boyfriend who’s fine with taking care of you?”

  Cassie formed her mouth into a flat line as she tried to figure out how to say what was on her mind.

  “My last boyfriend,” she started, “the one who I left to come to Burlington, made pretty okay money. Not nearly what you guys make, but enough to keep me comfortable. But he had controlling terms that went along with it.”

  An expression of curiosity formed on Josh’s handsome face.

  “What kind of terms?”

  “Basically, he felt like paying for my things was his way of buying me. He told me when I could and couldn’t leave, who I was allowed to talk to, and…he wasn’t the nicest man in the world, to put it mildly.”

  “He felt like you were obligated to him if he was to take care of you,” Josh said. “That there were strings attached to his ‘generosity’.”

  “Right,” said Cassie.

  “And now I’m sure you associate being taken care of with men expecting certain things out of you. Certain behavior and compliance.”

  “Exactly,” she said, pleased to hear how easily Josh understood what she was saying.

  “Well, you don’t have to worry about that from me or Nick or Caleb. We don’t believe in holding people
hostage through obligation. I want to take you out to show you my appreciation for your hard work. But if you were to leave as soon as it was safe, that’s your choice. You’re an independent woman, and you’re free to do what you want.”

  Cassie smiled, finding it hard to believe she’d be with a man who was so secure and supportive.

  “I should add that I hope you don’t leave, however,” he said. “The girls love you, and I can’t believe how much your creativity is rubbing off on them. And…”

  “…And?” asked Cassie.

  “And since Rosemary passed, we’ve been looking for a woman who can provide the sort of maternal influence you’ve been able to bring. It’s more than we expected. So, let me say ‘thank you’ on behalf of the family by treating you. And no more trying to talk me out of it, because it’s not going to happen.”

  He gave her a smile that was a surprisingly warm contrast to his typically stern expression.

  “Okay,” she said. “I’ll do my best.”

  “Perfect.”

  Josh stopped in front of one of the boutiques. In the windows were several mannequins, all wearing gorgeous dresses.

  “I think this looks like a good place to start,” he said. “What do you think?”

  “Works for me,” said Cassie.

  Despite her hesitation, Cassie was thrilled to go shopping. She rarely was able to indulge her girly side like this and was eager to pick something out.

  Cassie stepped into the boutique, overwhelmed by the fashion on display.

  “Now,” said Josh. “Take your time, but just keep in mind we have a lunch reservation in a couple of hours.”

  “I think I can manage,” said Cassie.

  And with that, she went to it. Josh took a seat near the dressing room, waiting patiently with a drink in hand served by the staff as Cassie tried on dress after dress. The staff brought her a glass of champagne as she changed, and with the bubbly drink on her lips and a stunning dress on her body, she felt like a princess.

  After an hour or so of changing, Cassie settled on a black cocktail dress, simple but very well-made. She stepped out of the dressing room and in front of the three-panel mirror, shocked at how she looked.

  “The final call is up to you, of course,” said Josh. “But I think that’s the one.”

  “Really?” asked Cassie. “I think I love it too.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Josh’s eyes move slowly along the curves of her body. Far from being offended, Cassie noticed a thrill run up her spine at Josh’s attention. Knowing she looked sexy for him was a turn-on she wasn’t expecting.

  “How much is this?” she asked to the clerk who’d been helping them.

  Josh raised his hand.

  “Don’t tell her,” said Josh. “That’s for me to worry about.”

  After picking out some shoes and a matching clutch, the two made their purchases. Next, they went to a nearby seafood restaurant for lunch. The two of them fell into easy conversation as soon as they sat down. Over a delicious meal, Josh entertained Cassie with stories about Amy and Sam as children, as well as mildly embarrassing and humorous stories about Caleb and Nick – though all in good fun.

  They arrived in time back at the apartment to greet Caleb and Nick, the girls happy to see Josh and Cassie. Together, the six of them ordered in pizza and watched a movie the girls picked out. Once that was done, Cassie saw the girls to bed. As soon as the bedroom doors shut, she realized just how exhausted the day of shopping and fun with Josh had made her.

  Cassie entered the living room, where the three dads were lounging. Nick had his eyes fixed on the TV, a sports recap show playing. Caleb was seated with a sketchbook, his face in an expression of concentration as he drew. And Josh was seated at the nearby kitchen bar, a glass of wine placed next to his laptop as he went over various business-related matters.

  But the attention of all of them turned to Cassie as she entered. Smiles broke out across their faces as they laid eyes on her.

  “Come on in,” said Nick, placing his hand on the couch next to him. “It’s just getting good.”

  Cassie took a seat between Nick and Caleb. Right as she settled into the comfy couch, a glass of wine entered her vision from above, courtesy of Josh. She took the glass and sipped it through a smile. There, with the three men, the girls sleeping safely and soundly in the other room, Cassie tried to remember the last time she’d been among such love.

  *

  The next evening, Cassie stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, taking one last look at herself in her new dress.

  “You look so pretty,” said Sam.

  “That’s a really nice dress,” added Amy. “Looks like it was really well-made.”

  Cassie turned toward her, an impressed look on her face.

  “Caleb brought me some fashion books,” she said. “They have a lot of stuff about how to know how nice a dress is. And that one is great.”

  “Happy to hear you both approve,” said Cassie warmly.

  Then she glanced at the clock, realizing she was running a little late for the dinner reservations.

  “Okay, girls,” she said. “Gotta go.”

  “Can you bring me back some dessert?” asked Sam.

  “I’ll see what I can do,” said Cassie with a smile.

  She stepped out into the living room, where the three men were seated. Caleb and Nick were dressed in casual clothes, and Josh wore a stylish, dark suit, a deep red tie setting off the contrast of the rest of the outfit. All of them raised their eyebrows as they took in the sight of Cassie.

  “Damn, damn,” said Caleb, standing up and eating her up with his eyes. “You…look fucking hot!”

  “I second that,” said Nick. “But, uh, maybe in nicer words.”

  Josh approached her and took her hands into his.

  “You look absolutely lovely,” he said. “So lovely, in fact, that having you in here and not out on my arm seems like some kind of crime. Shall we?”

  “Let’s,” she said.

  She gave her goodbyes to Caleb and Nick before heading into the lobby with Josh. A medium-sized limo waited for them out front, and Josh opened the door for Jess to get in.

  “Wait,” she said. “Do they…know what we’re doing?”

  Josh shut the door and signaled for the driver to take off.

  “We don’t keep any secrets in this household,” he said.

  Cassie’s blood ran cold. The implication seemed clear to her, but she didn’t want to push the matter further, preferring to at least pretend she wasn’t involved with two men at the same time, both of them knowing about the other.

  The limo took off, making its way through the streets of downtown Boston. It wasn’t long before the two of them arrived in front of a very elegant restaurant, the name of the place written on the glass-front façade in golden, cursive letters.

  They stepped in, and Cassie quickly saw that it was as luxurious inside as it was out. White tablecloths, live piano music, and servers in all black completed the picture. The hostess led them to their table and soon they were seated. Josh ordered a bottle of red wine which was brought to them and opened.

  “Cheers,” he said. “To an excellent start to your time with us.”

  They clinked their glasses together and Cassie took a sip of the wine, her eyes closing as she let the delicious liquid run over her palate.

  “You sure know how to pick things out,” said Cassie. “Great wine, great restaurant, great everything.”

  “You have enough fancy dinners with clients and you’ll end up having a few of niceties rub off on you,” he said.

  “Well, I’m okay with it,” she said. “I’m totally out of my element at places like this.”

  “Wouldn’t know that by looking at you,” he said with a smile.

  Cassie blushed hard and turned her eyes away from Josh, his gaze making her feel small, but in a good way.

  “Since you’re new to this sort of scene, let me do the ordering. You know
I’m going to be getting meat – that work for you?”

  “I’ll trust your opinion,” said Cassie.

  The waitress came, and Cassie noticed right away that her eyes lingered on Josh for a long while. A tinge of jealousy ran through her but she was quick to check herself and consider she couldn’t blame the waitress one bit – Josh was about as gorgeous as they came.

  They chatted a bit before the food came, and when it did Cassie realized she was hungrier than she thought. She ripped a huge chunk of meat from the steak and popped it into her mouth. The meat was delicious and went with the wine perfectly.

  “So,” said Josh, after putting away a few bites of his meal. “You getting used this whole ‘people being nice to you’ thing?”

  “I’m getting there,” she said. “It’s still pretty weird, but you guys are making it easy to settle into.”

  “Great,” said Josh. “Happy to hear it.”

  The two of them finished their dinners and ended their meal with an after-dinner drink and some delicious custard.

  “Lovely evening for a walk,” said Josh. “Care to take a stroll?”

  Cassie smiled.

  “I’d love to.”

  Without thinking, Cassie slipped her arm around Josh’s. He responded by pulling her close against him, letting their bodies press against one another’s. The two of them chatted as they walked, and Cassie found herself surprised to learn that Josh was a much warmer man than his businesslike exterior suggested.

  The next hour slipped by and the two of them ended up at the downtown waterfront. Cassie glanced behind her at the glittering towers of the city, and then ahead at the shimmering water of the bay. They stopped to take in the sight, both of them standing in a comfortable silence. Cassie placed her head on Josh’s shoulder, the thought occurring to her that this would be the perfect place to kiss.

  So she wasn’t surprised at all when Josh took her chin into his hand and kissed her softly on the lips.

  CHAPTER 21

  CASSIE

  The two of them burst into the penthouse as soon as the elevator doors opened, their arms wrapped around each other and their lips locked.