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“I need a nanny and you need a place to live.”

“I’m not being paid to look after Riley, so it’d be weird. You’re my friend.”

I need to think, to fix this. Not wanting to argue, I simply state, “You’re not leaving town,” in a tone that is final.

Getting lost in our own thoughts, we move about the kitchen preparing dinner in a comfortable silence.

She’s not leaving town.

She’s not leaving me.

Ever.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Shelby

Helping Leonard gather the plates, I follow him into the kitchen.

“Are you sure all the cake is gone?” Riley pouts, trailing us.

“Yes, muffin. We ate it all.” But even as I say the words, I lean over the island counter and drag the cake tray toward us.

A large hand settles on the small of my back, and I shiver beneath his touch.

Depositing the dirty dishes on the marble countertop, I snatch the spoon off the top. Scraping all frosting left in the tray, I fill the spoon before handing it over to the grinning little girl in front of me.

“You’re a bad influence,” her dad whispers in my ear.

I wink down at Riley and laugh when I see frosting around her mouth. Raising my right hand, I catch the cloth that Leo throws. Gently gripping her chin, I wipe away all evidence of our sweet treat.

“Daddy, can I watch TV?” Riley pleads with big doe eyes.

“I told you no more screens. And it’s nearly bath time.”

“Awww.”

How can he say no to that face?

I quickly find myself pouting with her.

“No.” He points at me. “Baby, you can have thirty minutes playing in your room, but I don’t want to hear that television.”

“Okay,” she happily agrees as if she won.

I peek out of the kitchen, shaking my head as she skips down the corridor. “I’ve babysat kids that would have had a tantrum over that.”

“Riley knows not to push. No means no. Arguing will only result in no screen time tomorrow.”

“She’s a good kid, and she’s lucky to have you.”

Lifting the plates, I head for the sink, cringing when my core reminds me of my nightly activities.

“What’s wrong?” Leo frowns.

“Nothing.” I wave him off.

“You’re in pain,” he argues.