“For me, too,” he said softly as she started up the stairs. “For me, too.”
If she heard him, she gave no sign. Instead she continued to climb the stairs with methodical precision as she headed to her room alone.
Watching her go, he figured he deserved a medal...for either being a responsible parent or the biggest fool on the planet.
Lauren stared at the overnight bag. When she’d unpacked it yesterday, she’d been filled with excitement. The holidays had been something to look forward to with anticipation rather than dread.
She zipped the bag shut and sat on the bed next to it. Sunlight streamed through the window but the warmth brought no comfort.
Regret oozed from every pore in her body. In the clear light of day, it was easy to see how she’d let the holiday spirit cloud her thinking. Unfortunately, she couldn’t take back the words. Dear God, what must Seth think of her now? She’d practically spread her legs and said, “Here I am, take me.”
She chuckled at the image. Okay, so maybe it hadn’t been quite that bad, but it had been awkward. She didn’t see how she could be Ivy’s nanny. Not now. Every time she looked at Seth, or touched his hand, he’d be thinking she wanted to jump him. That wouldn’t be the worst of it. Last night, for the briefest of moments, she’d seen pity reflected in his blue eyes.
He hadn’t understood her relationships with Ruis and Dirk. Granted, most times a purely sexual relationship ended up hurting one of the parties involved. But that hadn’t happened in her case. She’d been as satisfied as the men. Still, she could see where that might be a hard concept for a Montana cowboy to wrap his head around.
A knock at her bedroom door yanked Lauren from her reverie and jerked her to standing.
“Lauren. It’s me, Anna. Can I come in?”
Lauren exhaled a relieved breath. For an instant she’d thought it was Seth. Eventually they’d have to talk about last night. At least with his sister here, it wouldn’t be before she’d had her coffee.
“Lauren? Are you there?”
“Since when do you need permission to come into my bedroom?” Lauren pulled the door open, her spirits lifting at the sight of her friend.
As always, Anna looked like a model. From the heels of her cocoa-colored leather boots to her tweed skirt with a wide belt cinching her sweater close, the look was both fashionable and flattering. Even her honey-colored hair was artfully messy.
It was her dazzling smile that Lauren noticed. Since reuniting with Mitch, Anna wore her happiness on her sleeve. It surrounded her and bathed everyone near in its glow. Lauren fought back a pang of envy. What would it be like to be so much in love...and to be loved so much in return?
“Merry day-after-Christmas.” Anna pulled her close in an exuberant hug. “I wanted so much to be here yesterday.”
“I heard Mitch got stuck.”
“He was a bit frustrated.” Anna released Lauren and stepped back, her eyes twinkling. “You can’t believe how much snow we got. It was like the sky opened up and dumped a ton of the white stuff right over our house.”
“Well, you were both missed.”
“That’s sweet but I’m sure you did fine without me.” Anna gazed at Lauren through lowered lashes. “Seth told me you guys had a fabulous time. I want to hear all about it.”
Seth had told his sister he’d had a fabulous time? What else had he told her?
“Where is your brother?” Lauren asked, stalling for time.
“Ooh, I’m glad you asked.” Anna grabbed Lauren’s hand and pulled her into the hall. “He and Mitch went out to the stable to check on some horse that’s sick. I promised we’d make breakfast before they take us into town.”
By now Lauren’s head was spinning. “Why into town? Where is Ivy?”
“She’s downstairs coloring and very excited about you being her nanny,” Anna said. “She couldn’t stop talking about you. You’ve made quite an impression on my niece.”
“Ivy is the sweetest little girl.” Lauren swallowed past the sudden lump in her throat. Who would Seth get to watch her now? Lauren told herself it was none of her concern, yet she couldn’t help worrying.
“Let’s go see the little princess.” Anna turned and started down the stairs. “And get that breakfast started.”
Lauren had to practically run to catch up to her. “What’s the hurry?”
“As soon as we eat, I need to scoot. I promised Miranda I’d help man the shop for the after-Christmas sale.” Anna tossed the words over her shoulder, the fondness for her new partner evident in her tone.
“I didn’t know you were having a sale.”
“It was Miranda’s idea,” Anna admitted. “I’m not sure how much business we’ll have but it’s worth a shot.”
“I get to go to the shop with Aunt Anna,” Ivy called from the kitchen, apparently hearing their voices. “She’s going to put me to work.”
Lauren followed Anna into the room, realizing she’d have to wait a little longer to tell her about the change in the nanny plans.
“What are you going to do for your aunt?” Lauren asked, moving to the counter to start the coffee. It was crazy, but after one day she already felt comfortable in Seth’s kitchen.
“Something with squares.” Ivy sat at the table hunched over the coloring book she’d gotten for Christmas, looking absolutely adorable in a fuzzy pink sweater. “Right, Aunt Anna?”
“That’s correct, sweetheart.” Anna dropped a kiss on her niece’s head before pulling a frying pan from the drawer beneath the oven. “She’s going to organize quilt squares for me.”
While Anna rattled on about the shop and put long strips of bacon in the skillet, Lauren got the coffee brewing.
“You’re in for a special treat this morning.” Anna cracked a couple of eggs into a mixing bowl. “I’m going to whip
