Sheriff Needs a Nanny by Teresa Carpenter Page A

resources, would you?”
    “You always have an answer, don’t you?”
    Standing, he rubbed a hand over Mickey’s downy soft hair. He was now trying to eat the blocks. Trace maneuvered the walker into the middle of the room, giving Mickey space to move around. He immediately pushed himself back three inches. Backward was his main directional pull. He still needed to master forward.
    “I am a teacher. I’m supposed to have the answers.”
    Trace hid a chuckle in a cough. Not wise to encourage the woman. She already challenged his authority at every curve. But she did make him laugh.
    “And the towels?” He fingered the stack next to his shirts.
    She shrugged. “I love the feel and smell of a warm towel fresh from the dryer. It’s a small delight. I didn’t think you’d mind.”
    “Liar.”
    “Moi?” she asked, all innocence. “Not about this.”
    “You’re spoiling me, Ms. Rhodes.” Loose gold tendrils curled over her ears, and he fought the desire to test the sunshine softness. “And I like it too much.”
    Her eyes flashed. “I think we’re past the Ms. Rhodes stage, don’t you?”
    “I think it’s prudent.”
    “And I think it’s too late for that.”
    “You mean, because of the kiss?” Of course becauseof the kiss. The taste of her, the feel of her in his arms, still haunted him.
    “Yeah.” She met his gaze, then looked away, checking on Mickey in the living room. And Little Miss Ostrich surprised him when she asked, “You want to talk about it?”
    “Absolutely not. I’m doing my best to forget it ever happened.”
    That earned him a coy glance from under dark lashes. “How’s that working for you?”
    “It’s not. But it’s prudent.”
    “Hmm.” She seemed to consider his diversionary tactics. “I thought you believed in confronting issues head-on.”
    “Well, Teach, I’m learning new things from you all the time.” He grinned when she rolled her eyes.
    She continued to tuck and fold, and he sighed. Maybe she’d brought it up for reasons of her own. “Do you want to talk about the kiss?”
    Her brow furrowed while she thought over his question. The myriad of emotions in her amazing golden eyes matched much of what he felt: confusion, attraction, regret and more.
    “Yes,” she finally allowed. But she chewed her lip, not saying anything further, obviously struggling for the right words.
    Feeling defensive, he assured her, “You don’t have to worry. I promise it won’t happen again.”
    Her gaze on his mouth, half wistful, she nodded. “It can’t happen again. It’s more than just professionalethics, it’s written right into my contract. And I have to stay close to Amanda in case she needs me. I can’t risk losing this job.”
    “Of course.” The tension in his shoulders eased as he realized she hadn’t found his kiss objectionable. It was the situation she stressed over. He shouldn’t care, as the kiss wouldn’t be repeated, but somehow he did.
    “There’s Mickey to think of, too,” she added, concern evident in her earnest expression. “He may get confused by a change in our relationship. He’s making such good progress we don’t want to do anything to jeopardize his growth.”
    “You’re probably right.”
    “It’s prudent.” With a small smile, she echoed his earlier assurance. “There is something else I’d like to talk to you about. If you’re not going back to work, I thought you might grill some steaks and we could eat out on the deck and talk.”
    “I should go back.” He checked his watch, saw there was only an hour left of his scheduled time. He’d put in a lot of extra hours lately, so he could justify the time off. And sitting down to a meal and conversation with Nikki sounded really good. All the more reason he should get his butt to work.
    “Let me check in with Lydia. If it’s still quiet, I’ll stay and grill.”
    “Great.” She smiled her pleasure. “I’ll get these clothes put away and start on a salad.” Stacking baby