Page 31 of All Stars Fall
Penny pressed her lips together then got down at eye level. “Well, probably because your Uncle Drew was driving.”
“But he didn’t go fast?” she countered.
Penny gave me a helpless look and smiled. “She heard the car pull up. The boys are upstairs fighting over who gets to wear Captain America, so good luck with that one.”
I groaned and then lifted Bella into my arms once I reached the front door. Penelope’s smile widened as she held the door open.
Everything was spotless.
I put Bella back on her feet and gaped. “How?”
“Soap,” Penelope said with a smug grin.
“Smart ass,” I said under my breath.
Bella giggled and looked up between us. “That’s what Daddy calls Eric when he’s in trouble. Are you in trouble, Penny?”
For some reason the question had me ready to launch a list of ways I could punish Penelope, ways I’d enjoy.
And I was astounded at how graphic my imagination got with my own daughter standing mere feet from me looking up at her new nanny like she owned a Barbie factory and worked at FAO Schwartz for the sole purpose of getting Bella new toys.
“No, sweetie.” Penelope leaned down and kissed her head. “Hey, is it actually okay if I meet you guys there?”
Something in my chest deflated. Was I really that excited to take her to a barbecue?
“Um…” I scratched my head and forced a smile. “Yeah, I mean it starts in an hour so…”
“I can get ready fast.” And then she leaned in and whispered in my ear, her lips so close to my skin I had trouble breathing. What the hell was wrong with me? “I smell like the wet dog your lovely children tried to rescue out back.”
“Dog? We got a dog?”
“It was a small feral squirrel. It stepped in mud, then slipped on trash. I followed after it, and yeah, never mind. Point is, I should shower.” She pulled away, our eyes locked.
And yet again, more visions of her peeling her shirt over her perfectly sculpted body, discovering what was underneath that hoodie seemed to be the only thing my worthless brain could focus on.
Water dripping down her skin.
She gulped and looked down while I wondered if Bella would notice if I touched the nanny.
Touched her?
Seriously?
Talk about crossing a line.
I took a step back, gathered my thoughts, and then nodded. “Yeah, that would be… a great idea.”
“Told ya, I smell.” She shrugged, her smile a bit wobbly, and then she was grabbing her purse and heading for the door.
I followed after her, not really sure why. It wasn’t like it was dark yet and I was worried about her driving alone.
Maybe I just wanted to watch her.
Maybe I just wanted to have a few more seconds in her company.
Maybe I was losing my damn mind.
CHAPTER NINE
