Sheriff Needs a Nanny Read Online Free PDF Page A

authority he projected made her nerves tingle.
    She told herself it was in annoyance for his desertion even as she caught herself staring.
    He met her gaze. “I’ll show you your rooms tonight.”
    “Wait.” She stepped into his path. “What about the time you’re going to spend with Carmichael?”
    “It’ll have to be tonight.” He walked around her. “I’ll try to check in during the day. I left my numbers by the phone if there’s an emergency.”
    The door closed behind him and Nikki found herself alone in the quiet house. That so had not gone how she’d expected.
     
    That night, Nikki followed Trace Oliver’s broad-shouldered, slim-hipped saunter to the garage behind his house. She eyed his chiseled profile, waiting for the right moment to address her concerns. She’d had all day to plot her course of action. She’d try to catch him in a good mood, but if that failed she’d have to risk the fallout. Mickey had needs and she meant to see them met.
    “These will be your rooms.” Trace opened the door and gestured her inside.
    Head held high, she squeezed past him, inhaling soap, mint and man, an intoxicating combination. It was enough to distract her from her surroundings—until the wheels of her suitcase bumped up against the threshold and stopped. With a small tug, she proceeded into the room.
    He’d been polite but distant since arriving home. Mickey was sleeping, so Trace was taking the opportunity to show her where she’d be staying.
    The garage had been converted into a studio apartment. A large living area included a small kitchen in the far right corner. A full bath occupied the far left corner, with a closet dividing the two. Like the main house, the furnishings here were modern, simplistic, in dark gray and burgundy.
    Yeah, a few feminine touches might bring it up to the level of an impersonal hotel room. Not a problem. She needed to clear out of her sister’s place anyway. The infusion of her things would brighten this space, bring a warmth and hominess to the small suite.
    She moved deeper into the room and caught her reflection in the full-length mirror on the closet door. Intent on fostering the professional relationship they’d agreed upon—and he’d outlined it in excruciating detail—she’d dressed in a pencil-slim skirt that ended two inches above her knees and a fitted vest both in black. For herself, she’d paired the severe clothing with a romantic white cotton shirt, ruffled at the scooped neck and capped sleeves. Black sandals completed the outfit.
    Catching sight of his reflection behind her, she felta punch to the gut. He looked as good now as he had this morning—better, actually. Being a little rumpled made him appear more approachable.
    Not wanting to be caught staring, she quickly diverted her attention back to the room.
    “This is really very nice. Is there wood for the fireplace?” Oh, great save. Like she needed a fire in late June.
    “By the shed outside, to the left. But you probably won’t be here long enough to use it.”
    “What do you mean?” Miffed, Nikki tried and failed to keep the bite out of the question. “I’m playing by the rules.” She gestured to her uniform of black and white.
    His intense gaze rolled over her until his eyes met hers. “Right. But we both know this is a temporary arrangement at best.”
    “Why do you say that?” she demanded. “I assure you I truly care about Mickey, and I’m committed to staying until—”
    Whoa . She cut herself off as her mind caught up with her mouth. She couldn’t tell him she intended staying until father and son bonded. Already she knew he’d take her interference as well as a cat took to water: with a whole lot of resistance and no discernible gratitude for the effort involved. He only accepted her presence now because Mickey liked her. That was where she needed to channel her efforts.
    “Until what, Ms. Rhodes? He starts school? Can stay home alone? Begins to drive? You won’t be