“Your father came to visit you,” Daniel said nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal. “Though when I told him you were out here with the girls, I could tell that he didn’t realize you had a job as a nanny.”
Emma gave Daniel a wide-eyed stare that told him the cat was out of the bag, so to speak. Although her father was around teenagers and college-aged students all day, he was still a traditionalist.
Because Daniel had only explained one half of her situation here, and she wanted her father to know she hadn’t lied to him, she told him, “When the girls are at their camp, I’m Daniel’s office manager.”
Her father crossed to her and glanced around the yard. When his focus fell on Daniel’s daughters, his expression softened a bit. However, when he returned his attention to Emma, she could easily see that disapproval again.
Her father still had a full head of black hair. He was wearing a short-sleeved white shirt and dress slacks with shiny loafers. Yes, this was her dad, who rarely wore jeans. He thought his students needed to see him at his most professional.
He said to Emma in a terse tone, “Emelina, you’re living with a man you hardly know.”
Emma put a finger to her lips and nodded to Daniel’s daughters. “I have a suite for myself on the first floor. Daniel and his daughters sleep upstairs.”
“You have a lock on your door?”
“Yes, I do.” But she didn’t tell her dad that she hadn’t used it.
Her father’s wary glance at Daniel told her he still didn’t trust him.
Nevertheless, Daniel stepped forward, unwilling to be left out of the conversation. “I have the utmost respect for your daughter, Mr. Alvarez. I would never do anything against her wishes.”
Jorge Alvarez still didn’t look convinced.
Daniel added, “I’m divorced, with three daughters who demand all of my attention when I’m not working. I intend to provide a good example for them. Let me introduce you.” Daniel put two fingers to his lips—lips that Emma remembered vividly against hers. He whistled.
As soon as Paris, Penny and Pippa heard him, they turned toward him, waved and ran toward the house.
“You have them well trained, Mr. Sutton.”
“Not trained,” Daniel responded with a smile. “They just know the signal. It helps me call them when they’re farther away than my voice. I don’t let them out of my sight unless they’re with another adult I approve of.”
Her father seemed to look at Daniel with renewed interest. “You’re a wise man, Mr. Sutton. But as they grow in age, you’ll find keeping them in your sight will become harder and harder.”
“Dad...” Emma warned.
“Emelina moved to North Carolina without consulting me. I still don’t know the whole story.”
Emma was grateful when all three girls skidded to a stop in front of them. She explained, “This is my dad.”
Pippa was the first to step forward and offer her hand to him. “It’s good to meet you, Mr. Alvarez.”
Emma saw Daniel try to suppress a grin at his little girl acting so grown up. Before her dad could hide his surprise, Pippa latched onto his hand and asked, “Do you want to see my cat? She’s going to have kittens soon.”
Paris and Penny both protested. “She’s our cat.”
Pippa was already tugging Emma’s father toward the sliding glass doors.
“C’mon. It’s cooler inside,” Penny added, beckoning to him.
Paris was silent but followed Pippa.
Her father gave Emma a pointed stare, then shrugged. “I suppose I’m going to see a cat.”
As soon as they were all inside, the three P’s took Emma’s dad upstairs.
Daniel placed his hand on Emma’s shoulder and she felt warmth—not only there, but also through her whole body. “They’ll soften him up.”
“Children can do that,” Emma commented. “But I’m going to have to tell him about moving to North Carolina because of John. I’ve never kept things from him before.”
“Will you move out if he disapproves?”
“No, I will not move out. I’ll be clear that I have my own life and I’ve had it for years. He treats me as if I’m sixteen when I’m twenty-six. Giving in to him will only reinforce his behavior.”
Daniel chuckled. “We’ll see what he thinks about that. My guess is, he’ll do a background check on me as soon as he can.”
“Oh, Daniel. I’m sorry.”
When he squeezed her closer, she felt the comfort of his strength. But it was more than that. She wanted to be close to him.
“I don’t have anything to hide, Emma. A background check doesn’t scare me.”
“You seem to be taking this unexpected visit in stride.” She admired that and the way he’d handled himself around her dad.
“Ever since Lydia left, I’ve had no choice but to take each curveball as it comes. We’ll invite your dad to dinner and Pippa will steal his heart. How much do you want to bet?”
Emma couldn’t believe the next few hours passed so quickly. She’d learned her father was staying at a bed-and-breakfast at the edge of town. He seemed to think Daniel’s daughters were worth his time because he regaled them with stories about Emma growing up and the times he spent with his own grandfather, riding on the train and blowing the whistle. Even Paris seemed interested.
After the girls asked to be excused, Daniel and her dad began discussing the economics of the region, the way small towns were being revamped, why Daniel needed to add staff to his law practice. Daniel, of course, didn’t go into the whole story, but he did reveal Megan’s credentials and said he was looking forward to working with her.
Emma’s father glanced at Emma, maybe to see if she minded that Daniel had hired a new woman to work with. She purposely kept her expression blank. She didn’t mind. First of all, she had no reason to be jealous. And second...he wasn’t the type of man to go around kissing every woman he met. For whatever reason—instinct or women’s intuition—she was sure of that.
It wasn’t long until her father decided, “I’d better be going. I’m driving back to Pennsylvania in the morning.”
Daniel shook his hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Can you say goodbye to my daughters before you leave? They enjoyed your stories.”
“You’ve done a fine job of raising them. I can tell.”
A few minutes later Emma and her father were standing in the foyer alone. “I’m happy here, Dad.”
“You think this is what you want now. Tomorrow or next week might be different. I want you to come home, get an advanced business degree and start a real life.”
“My life is real. Penny, Paris and Pippa need me.”
“You are not their mother. Where is she?”
“She left. Daniel told me she hasn’t seen the girls for a very long time. She’s written them a few notes, but that’s it. They need a woman’s guidance.”
Her father patted her shoulder. “And what life will you have after you give it? Think about that, Emma, before you decide to stay here permanently.”
“Dad—”
He held up his hand to stop her. “Just think about everything I said. Agree to do that.”
“I agree,” she answered, feeling like the sixteen-year-old who’d been coaxed to make the same comment about curfews and other rules. It was a sign that they were both attempting to be on the same page. However, this time they weren’t. Her growing feelings for Daniel changed everything.
After her father left, Daniel came to stand with her in the foyer. “Was that a tough goodbye?”
“Not exactly. He wants what he wants for me. I want what I want. But he left on good terms, I think,” she said with a weak smile.
Daniel came close enough to her that he could reach out and tuck her curls behind her ear. “What do you want?”
“I’m finding out day by da
y. That’s all I can tell you.”
After he studied her, he nodded. “Same here. The thing is... I seem to want more each day.” He ran his finger along her jawline. “More of you.”
She felt dizzy from the need she saw in his eyes. She felt as if they were both taking a ride into uncharted territory that could be dangerous. She wouldn’t be impulsive. If she thought logically about Daniel, wouldn’t that guide her to the right conclusion?
In her mind she saw a conclusion—the two of them in bed together. Was that what Daniel wanted? Simply that?
Too soon to know. But she’d better find out quickly before it was too late.
* * *
Daniel didn’t come home for supper the following evening. He’d called and told her he was working late to acquaint Megan with some of his clients and to answer some questions that had cropped up after Emma had given her a preliminary tour that morning. It was easy for her to offer, “I’ll prepare a plate for you that you can warm up when you get home.”
There was huskiness in his voice when he responded, “Thank you, Emma.”
She didn’t know why that simple thank-you had touched her like it had. Maybe because it was so heartfelt.
She was hoping she could find time alone with Daniel tonight. Something had happened with Paris when she’d taken the girls clothes shopping that he should know about. The result of that excursion was that Paris was upset.
Daniel arrived home around 7:00 p.m. Penny and Pippa were playing games on the TV. Paris had gone upstairs to her room to read. At least that’s what she’d told Emma she was going to do.
Emma sat with Daniel, drinking a cup of coffee as he ate dinner. He told her about a case he was working on. She’d seen the papers on the divorce settlement while she was working in the office that morning.
He explained, “It got more complicated today. Clarice has decided she wants a car and the house. Of course, Dave is fighting it. I suggested mediation, so we’ll see.”
“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“I might not be able to answer it, but go ahead and ask.” Daniel pushed aside his plate and picked up his glass of sweet tea, taking a few swallows.
Emma watched his large hands hold the glass, studied the hair on his forearms that curled a bit, watched as his throat muscles worked to swallow. Get a grip, she told herself. She focused on her question. “Did you and your ex-wife have a problem coming to a settlement?”
Daniel appeared surprised at her question but not disconcerted. “Lydia just wanted out of the marriage. I cared about full custody of the girls. There really wasn’t much to settle.”
Emma decided they’d better arrive at a nonpersonal footing again. “Would you like anything else to eat?”
“No, I’m good. Emma, you don’t have to wait on me. That’s not part of your job description.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, she stood. He did, too, then picked up his plate and glass and took them to the sink.
Now was the time to discuss Paris. “Can I talk to you? Let’s go to my room,” she suggested. “It will be more private.”
His gaze was questioning, but he simply said, “Sure.”
Daniel followed Emma to her room. She felt nervous about what she had to say. But the conversation couldn’t be helped, not if she was really serious about watching over his daughters.
Once in her suite, Daniel went to the love seat.
Emma sat next to him and plunged right in. “I took the girls clothes shopping today.”
“O-o-okay,” he said, drawing out the word. “Did you spend more than you expected?”
She had spoken to him about shopping ahead of time and he’d given her cash so she wouldn’t have to worry about a credit card.
“No, the money wasn’t the problem. We found good sales. Paris—” She stopped and cleared her throat. “Penny and Pippa seemed delighted with what we bought.”
“But Paris...?” He wore a worried look now.
“Paris tried on a dress she loved but she couldn’t get into it, because it was too tight. She was upset. I told her we’d find something just as cute in her size, but Paris told me she wants to be the size of that dress. I’m concerned the talk we had about healthy eating didn’t make a difference.”
“That settles it. I’m going to make an appointment with her doctor. Maybe he can talk some sense into her about healthy height and weight for her age. I don’t want this to become a worse problem than it is.” Focusing on her, he smiled. “Thank you for caring. I know the three P’s can feel it. That will make such a difference in their lives.”
“They’re making a difference in my life. You are, too,” Emma admitted.
With her admission, he circled her with his arms and pulled her closer. Her lips found his and his found hers. His kiss was passionate and powerful and could lead them right to her bed.
When she pulled away, he let her go. But as he did, his finger caught in the chain of the locket she always wore. He was careful not to break the delicate chain as he leaned away. His voice was a bit deeper than usual when he said, “You wear that locket all the time.”
“Except when I’m swimming,” she said lightly. She reached behind her neck and opened the clasp. With the locket in her palm, she pressed the little button on the edge and the two sides popped open. Inside was a picture of her mother and father when they were young.
“This belonged to my mother. She told me she put that photo of my dad in there soon after she met him. She was sure he’d be her husband. This locket is probably my most prized possession.”
As Daniel studied the photos, Emma thought she heard the tap of shoes on the hardwood floor in the hall outside her doorway. But when she turned to peer out, no one was there. Maybe she’d imagined it. Maybe she just wanted a distraction so she wouldn’t end up in Daniel’s arms again.
His green eyes darkened and she recognized the desire that told her he wanted to kiss her again, maybe harder and longer this time. However, instead he wrapped his hand around hers, the one holding the locket. “It’s good that you have something of your mother’s that brings back memories of her.”
“That’s what my dad said it would do when he gave it to me.”
“Then your father is a very wise man.”
Daniel was right. Maybe she should consider her father’s wisdom more seriously.
Chapter Eight
Emma sat at the reception desk the following morning, very much aware of Daniel in his office. Being distracted by him didn’t interfere with her work, but when each task was completed, she thought about him. She thought about how he’d looked in his swim trunks on Monday at the pool. She thought about his scent when he’d kissed her. She thought about his deep voice as she heard him on the phone with clients.
He kept his office door open. Had he done that with Raina, too? Or was this a new habit, for her...in case she needed him?
She thought again about what her father had suggested—that she go back to Pennsylvania, finish her degree, get a real job. All of that might be logical but it didn’t sit well in her heart. Whether she did it quickly or took a long time to think about it, she always followed her heart.
When the main line to the office rang, Emma took the call. “Hello, Daniel Sutton’s law office.”
“You aren’t Raina,” a woman’s high-pitched voice said in complaint.
“No, I’m not Raina. She’s away for a while and I’m standing in. But Daniel’s here. May I help you?”
“If Daniel’s there, that’s all right then. We trust him.”
Was that the royal we? Emma wondered. “May I ask who’s calling?”
“Oh, my. Raina knows my voice. You don’t. I’m Birdie Whitaker.”
“Hello, Miss Whitaker,” Emma said. She was definitely familiar with the name because Birdie and her sister, Bunny, were co-owners of Furever Paws Animal
Rescue. “I volunteer at Furever Paws. Though we haven’t met officially, I know you and your sister do so much to help animals.”
“And you must be the young woman who convinced Daniel to take Fiesta home. You’re like Bunny. You can’t turn an animal away.”
Emma smiled. Apparently, Birdie knew exactly what was going on at the shelter. “I’m also Daniel’s daughters’ nanny. I thought taking in Fiesta would be a good experience for everyone.”
“A woman after my own heart. Animals teach children responsibility. You’re on the right track there.”
Again Emma had to smile.
Birdie went on, “I don’t want to take up too much of your time, but my sister and I would like to consult with Daniel about our legal affairs. Would it be possible for Daniel to come out to see us?”
Emma would put Birdie through to Daniel right now except she heard his voice on the phone and the light for line three was lit.
“Daniel’s on another call right now, but I’ll check with him and get back to you as soon as I can. Would that be all right?”
“Oh, yes. Bunny and I will be here all day.”
“It was nice finally speaking with you, Miss Whitaker.”
“You, too, Emma. Maybe you could come along with Daniel. We can talk animals all we want.”
Emma laughed out loud. “That sounds good. I’ll talk with you soon.”
After Emma ended the call, she saw line three was still lit. She inputted notes into the computer and filed papers. When she was finished, she saw that Daniel was off the phone. She went to his door and softly rapped.
He motioned for her to come in. “You don’t have to knock.”
“It just seems the right thing to do.” Her gaze and Daniel’s locked for what seemed like an eternity. She remembered the way she’d felt in his arms. Was he remembering their kiss? The way his eyes darkened, she supposed he might be.
“Is there something you needed?” he asked.
“Birdie Whitaker called. She’d like to know if you could come to the estate to consult with her and her sister about their legal affairs.”
The Nanny Clause Page 9
