0373659288 (R)

by Leanne Banks

  “I guess so,” he said and looked toward her. “As I said the other day, I really wasn’t sure you would last more than a day or two. You just seemed so young.”

  “I’m small, but mighty,” she joked.

  “I’m starting to think that may be true. You’ve been full of surprises, though. Some secrets in your background. You put on a happy face, but I’ve seen a few moments of sadness in your eyes.”

  Nerves jangled in her stomach. She didn’t know she’d given so much away. She thought she’d put on a good front. “You’re very observant,” she said. “I think most of us have experienced sadness by my age. I try not to dwell on it.”

  “Was it the loss of your parents?” he asked.

  “That was painful, but there has been an avalanche of other issues and events that have been life-changing for my sister and brother since that time. Our future became uncertain,” she said, her heart squeezing with the pain of worry over her sister and brother. She just wanted them to be safe, and if at all possible, happy.

  Gavin squeezed her shoulder. “I wish you could see your eyes. They look stormy and a little afraid. You know you’re safe here, don’t you?”

  Sara took a deep breath. He’d nailed her emotions, making her feel uncomfortably vulnerable. At the same time, his hand on her shoulder was so comforting and the expression on his face was an exquisite combination of kindness and male strength. It would be so easy to give in to that. Too easy.

  The moment stretched between them, and Sara knew she should turn away. But Gavin was compelling and she’d been strong a long time. He lowered his head toward hers and pressed his mouth against hers. His lips felt warm and sensual. Sara felt a wicked forbidden heat rush through her. His hands slid up to cup her jaw and the touch exuded both comfort and seduction. She’d never experienced that combination before and she couldn’t help wanting more. Leaning toward him, she opened her mouth and he deepened the kiss. A ripple of awareness hummed through her.

  “Daddy?”

  Sam’s little-boy voice broke the spell and Sara pulled back, appalled by her susceptibility to Gavin. She needed to get herself straight. She needed to get herself under control. She stood because she couldn’t figure what else to do.

  “Hey, big guy, what’s up?” Gavin asked as if he had just been doing lawn work instead of shaking her up from the inside out.

  “Can I have some water?” he asked.

  “Sure,” Gavin said and rose.

  “I’ll get it,” Sara said. “I’d like some water, too. I’m ready to go to bed.”

  “Sara,” Gavin began.

  “No. Really,” she insisted. She darted for the kitchen and poured water for Sam and herself. She returned to the den and offered the cup to Sam. “Here you go, sweetie. Good night to both of you,” she said without meeting Gavin’s gaze. And then she rushed to her room and closed the door.

  Taking several deep breaths, she stood in the room and covered her face. What was wrong with her? During the past ten years, Sara had never put her needs before her duties. Never. She couldn’t mess things up for her siblings now. Chantaine had offered them a safe place. She couldn’t jeopardize that for her sister or brother even if her brother was nowhere to be found, and her sister was doing God knew what with God knew who.

  She made a quick trip to the bathroom, splashed water on her face and brushed her teeth, then returned to her bedroom where she changed into her nightgown. Climbing into bed, she forced her eyes closed and told her brain to shut down. Easier said than done. Why was she so drawn to Gavin? He was just a single dad doing the best he could. What about him affected her down to her very core?

  * * *

  The next several days, Sara managed to avoid meeting Gavin’s direct gaze, although it was challenging. The weather took a turn for the worse and she tried several methods to keep the children entertained. Soon enough, everyone showed signs of cabin fever. Sam whined and Adelaide cried.

  Out of desperation, she took to the piano. She banged out some hard modern pieces. The kids turned silent, or maybe she just couldn’t hear them. Sara played three songs, then looked at Adelaide sitting in her infant seat and Sam standing beside the piano. Both just stared at her.

  Many people seemed to forget that the piano was a percussion instrument. Hard to ignore.

  Sam stepped toward her and pressed down a key.

  “Try another,” she said. “It won’t bite.”

  He pressed down another key, then another and another.

  “Want to learn a tune?” she asked.

  “What tune?” he asked.

  “‘Chopsticks,’” she said, and she began to play.

  Fifteen minutes later, Sam had learned his part.

  Sara caught him playing the piano again during some free time. Unfortunately, the rain continued and even “Chopsticks” couldn’t save them.

  Desperate, Sara took the children outside in the rain. Warning them this would only last a short time, she headed straight for the mud puddles. Sam jumped up and down, splashing her and Adelaide. The baby shrieked in delight. Sara was just glad both kids seemed happy and entertained.

  She had every intention of taking them inside and bathing them.

  But Gavin came home early and drove past them on his way up the driveway to the cottage. “Uh-oh,” she said.

  Sam looked at her. “Are we in trouble?”

  “Maybe,” she said with a wince.

  “Maybe he won’t be mad,” Sam said hopefully.

  With the rain streaming down on them, she stared at him and smiled. “Maybe not. It’s just rain and a little mud,” she said. “I guess we better go back,” she said. Sam nodded.

  They walked back to the cottage where Gavin stood at the open front door with his hands crossed over his chest.

  “Hi, Daddy,” Sam said, darting toward his father. “We’ve been splashing in the puddles.”

  “I can see that,” Gavin said, pulling his son up into his arms. He sent an inquiring glance toward Sara.

  “We got very, very bored,” she admitted.

  Gavin gave a slow nod.

  “I thought we could all get a bath after a little time outside,” she said.

  “I can play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam told Gavin.

  “What?” Gavin asked Sam.

  “I can play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam repeated. “Sara says I’m ’cellent.”

  Gavin smiled at his son. “I bet you are.” He met Sara’s gaze. “Let’s get those baths.”

  Moments later, Sara bathed Adelaide. Afterward she strapped the little girl into her baby seat and then rinsed herself in the shower. She toweled dry and quickly dressed herself. She took the baby carrier to the den.

  Two minutes later, Gavin and Sam, scrubbed clean, entered the room. “We should play ‘Chopsticks,’” Sam said to Sara.

  “Sounds good to me,” she said. She sat on the left side of the piano bench. Sam joined her on the right side. “I’ll play it through one time, okay?” she said.

  She started and Sam joined in after the first time. They played it through twice and ended with a flair. Sara lifted her hand in a victory clap to Sam.

  Sam spun around on the bench. “I’m a musician,” he shouted.

  Gavin beamed and gave a thumbs-up. “You bet you are.”

  “And you’re not mad because we played in the puddles?” Sam asked.

  Gavin’s expression softened. “I’m not mad. You looked like you were having a good time,” he said, his gaze locked with Sara’s. She saw a combination of gratitude and something else she couldn’t quite name, but it made her heart skip a beat.

  Hours later after they’d had dinner and both children had been put to bed, Sara tried to get her cup of water and escape to her room as usual, but Gavin caught her in the hallway.

  “You’re not avoiding me, are you?” he asked.

  Sara searched for an honest, but gentle response. “I’m not sure I would use the word avoiding.”

  Gavin lifted a brow in speculat
ion. “What word or words would you use? Running scared?”

  Sara stiffened her back. “That’s a bit extreme. Even insulting.”

  “You haven’t given me an alternative explanation. Did you hate kissing me so much?” he asked.

  Her heart stopped at his words, at the expression on his face. “No. I didn’t hate it,” she said.

  “Then why have you been avoiding me like the plague?” he demanded.

  “Because I liked it,” she confessed, irritated. “I liked our kiss. Way too much.”

  Chapter Four

  Thank heavens Gavin was too stunned to respond, so Sara was able to escape to her bedroom. She counted backward from five hundred to battle her insomnia but was still too worked up to fall asleep. Sara didn’t know when she finally drifted off, but dawn seemed to arrive far too soon.

  Sara raced into nanny mode as soon as her alarm rang. There was no time for Gavin to question her.

  “We’re visiting Princess Bridget and her family today,” Sara told Gavin. “She has an American husband who is apparently determined to populate their property with many different animals.”

  Gavin poured coffee into a travel cup. “Sounds like an interesting day,” he said.

  Sara smiled. “I’m sure it will be. Princess Bridget is a wonder. Her boys will inspire Sam. Plus she has a baby daughter. There should be plenty of havoc. You shall wish you hadn’t missed it.”

  “If you say so,” Gavin said.

  “I do,” she insisted. “Bet you won’t encounter animals today.”

  “Trust me,” he said. “I’ll encounter animals today. They just won’t be cute and furry or feathery.”

  An hour later, Sara packed the children into the car and drove to Princess Bridget’s home. A security man casually waved her through since she was expected. Approaching the home, Sara noticed the festive holiday wreaths and lights and made a mental note to work on decorations for the cottage. Sara carried Adelaide up the steps with Sam sticking close by her side. He’d been even more quiet than usual. Sara knocked on the door.

  A woman answered with a nod and a smile. “You must be Sara. I’m Ms. Shelton,” she said. “Please come in. Her Highness is waiting for you.”

  “Unless Princess Bridget gives you different instructions, remember to address her first as Your Highness and then as ma’am, just like we practiced,” Sara told Sam.

  Sam nodded in response. Ms. Shelton led them into a lovely but comfortable-looking room with upholstered couches, chairs, a Christmas tree in the corner and an open toy box against one of the walls. Bridget was seated and appeared to be wiping something off the face of her squirming baby, who was a few months older than Adelaide.

  “Your Highness, your visitors are here,” Ms. Shelton said.

  Bridget immediately turned and shot them a brilliant smile. “Ah, here you are. I’m so glad you came, Sash—” She broke off and deliberately said, “Sara. And you must be Samuel,” she said bending toward him.

  Sam nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. Sam.”

  “Oh, let’s not worry over those titles. You may call me Miss Bridget. My boys should be along any minute now to help the nanny give you a tour of the ranch. Do you like animals?”

  Sam nodded again. “Yes, ma’am,” he said in a quiet voice.

  “What a lovely young man you are. I hope you’ll survive my boys,” she murmured under her breath. Barely two seconds passed before the sound of pounding footsteps filled the house. The twins scrambled into the room, shirts untucked, hair sticking out and there was, if Sara wasn’t mistaken, a bit of chocolate on one of their cheeks.

  Bridget made a tsking sound. “Boys, I can tell that Miss Janet didn’t get a chance to check you before you came downstairs. You were supposed to clean up and you’re not at all tidy.”

  “We were in a race,” one of the boys said.

  “We want to go outside,” the other said.

  “After you clean up a bit more. Move along now,” Bridget said. “We have guests who are waiting.” She bent down and gave them each a kiss, softening her directives.

  “Apologies,” Bridget said. “They’re wonderful, but I fear what they’re teaching little Mia, here. She watches every move they make. I thought we would all take a little stroll, so your little red-haired darling could get a peek at the animals, too. We can let the boys stay out a bit longer while we bring the girls back inside and have some tea and a chat. Does that sound good?”

  Sara glanced at Sam. “What do you think, Sam?”

  Sam nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Sara smiled and squeezed his shoulder. “Good job,” she said. He didn’t immediately dart away. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to accept her a bit.

  The boys soon returned and introductions were made. Sara breathed a sigh of relief when she saw how friendly the twins, Tyler and Travis, were toward Sam. The nanny, Miss Janet, appeared completely at ease with the boys and the ranch.

  Bridget, wearing a floral dress and sweater, allowed the nanny to take the lead. “Miss Janet grew up on a farm, so she’s keen to take the boys on all kinds of outdoor adventures.”

  The group viewed the horses, goats and chickens, then Sara and Bridget and the babies returned to the house.

  Bridget spread an activity blanket on the floor with some toys and Sara placed Adelaide on the blanket.

  “So, how is your new temporary position working out?” Bridget asked as Miss Shelton brought a tray of tea and biscuits into the room.

  “It has been an adventure,” Sara said. “Because I had enjoyed leading volunteer music activities with children in most of the cities where I performed, I thought it would be an easy transition. I’m glad I received some training with your nanny and children. Especially since Sam and his father are still dealing with their grief. I will say this,” she added, “With the exception of a few nights when my mind was too busy, I can’t remember when I’ve slept this well.”

  Bridget gave a hearty laugh. “Good for you. I was a bit concerned when Ericka told me about this scheme, but you did very well with my children during your training. Plus you seem quite determined. How is your sister doing?”

  Sara wrinkled her brow in concern. “My sister has a different personality than I do. She’s more about living for the moment. I worry, but that’s my nature. She seems to be doing fine. Thank you for asking.”

  “And you find Mr. Sinclair agreeable?” Bridget asked, sipping her tea.

  “I can see that he’s doing the best he can as a single dad,” Sara said.

  “I can relate. When I first met my husband, he was a single dad to the twins and working as a doctor at a hospital. You do have a relief nanny, don’t you?” she asked.

  Sara hesitated a bit too long.

  Bridget shook her head. “Well, that is not acceptable at all. It’s difficult enough for you to go from being a concert pianist and princess to a nanny. And, yes, I know it’s temporary and for your own good. But everyone needs backup for child care. I had this same discussion with my sister Ericka less than a year ago. We need to do something about that right away.”

  “It may not be that easy,” Bridget said, biting her lip. “The children aren’t bad, but it’s a challenging situation. Sam is upset. He’s so quiet and he tenses up almost every time I touch his shoulder. Adelaide is teething quite a bit, which makes her miserable. This is a good day,” she said, nodding toward the red-haired tot chewing on a toy. “By the end of the day, we put the children to bed and I go to bed right after that.”

  “Well, that explains why Mr. Sinclair hasn’t accepted any invitations for dinner at the palace,” Bridget said. “I’ll figure something out. Don’t worry.”

  “I’m not worried,” Sara said. “We’re doing much better than we were the first few days.”

  “Excellent,” Bridget said, but Sara suspected that Bridget was making plans. “I know we’re trying to keep your presence in Chantaine a secret, but I’m sure my sisters would love an opportunity to have you and your sister fo
r tea at the palace.” Bridget lifted her finger. “Before you say no, I’ll make sure that the children have proper care.”

  “Thank you, but I don’t want you to go to any extra trouble. I will ask a different favor, however. I’m concerned about celebrations for the Christmas holidays. Mr. Sinclair seems reluctant to decorate the cottage. He says he wants everything low-key and says all their decorations are in storage back in the States.”

  Bridget shot her a look of horror. “Well, you must decorate. The palace has tons of extra decorations. I’ll make sure to have some delivered to the cottage.”

  “Thank you. I think it would be good for everyone. No matter what’s going on in your life, Christmas decorations have a way of lifting your spirit.”

  “I so agree,” Bridget said with a nod.

  At that moment, there was a stampede of footsteps in the foyer. Bridget’s twins raced into the room, breathless. “Sam is bleeding!” they both said at once.

  Panic coursed through Sara and she raced toward the front door. “Bleeding,” she repeated. She shouldn’t have turned his care over to anyone. She was responsible. She should have kept him safe.

  Running out the front door, she saw him coming up the steps with skinned knees and a scraped face. “Oh, Sam,” she said and pulled him into her arms.

  “I’m okay,” he said. “I’m okay. I ran after the goats and fell down. I’m okay. I’m okay.”

  Miss Janet nodded. “He’s a very brave boy.”

  “Of course he is,” Sara said, her chest twisting with emotion. “Let’s clean up your scrapes.”

  Sam nodded. “I’m okay.”

  Sara continued hugging him and for several seconds, he didn’t pull away.

  After she bandaged his wounds, they returned home and both children went down for a nap. Sara spent the next two hours recovering from her panic. She knew Sam would be fine, but what if something worse had happened? Even though she’d received a bit of emergency training, Sara wondered if she was truly prepared for that possibility.

  After the children awakened from their naps, Sara served them an early dinner. Soon afterward, Gavin walked through the door.