Marriage Material

I shake myself out of my fantasy and decide to pretend like nothing happened. I turn around and go the other way, praying I don’t see him again. I go to another aisle to escape for a moment and wonder who the hell this new mystery man is. Then I remember the Jenkins’ house sold a couple of weeks ago, so maybe that’s the family that moved in there. It makes sense because that’s a beautiful home made for a really big family. Maybe he has more kids at home, or perhaps he and his wife are planning for more.

Jealousy hits me hard at the thought. I’m not sure if it’s him I’m jealous of or the life I imagine he has. It’s probably both, and I hate myself for it, so I shake my head to clear out my negative thoughts.

I go back to getting the things on my list, but every time I turn down an aisle disappointment hits me when I don’t see him. I’m almost finished with my shopping when I turn down the last one and see him standing in front of the baby section. He’s studying a shelf of ointments and creams and looks confused.

The baby starts crying and he puts the creams back to pick her up from the car seat and hold her. He tries to pat her back to get her to calm down, but it’s not working.

“I know, I know, I’m going to get something.”

He pats her while he tries to find what he’s looking for, and I can tell he’s getting worked up. I walk over to them, and he turns to look down at me when I get close. God, he’s even taller than I thought.

“Let me hold her,” I say, putting my hands out.

He studies me for a moment before placing her in my arms. I pull her close to my body and sway back and forth, and instantly she stops crying. I smile down at the little girl and her big green eyes stare back at me. Her little chubby hand reaches up and grabs a lock of my hair and I coo at her.

“How did you do that?” he asks, and I look up at him. That’s when I notice his green eyes match his daughter’s.

“Babies like the swaying motion. Do you have a swing at home? They can be a life saver.”

“I’ll have to get one.” He smiles at me.

Jesus, he’s hot. The little bit of facial hair on him is so freaking sexy. He’s got that sexy muscle between his neck and his shoulder that does dirty things to the lower half of my body. Even his Adam’s apple is sexy, but his size is what’s got my attention most of all.

“I’d order it online. It’s probably easier than taking this little one into the city,” I rush to say because I realize I’m just staring at him.

“Do you have a suggestion on any of these?” he asks, pointing to the shelf. “She has a little rash.”

I glance over and grab one. “Personally I prefer this one. It’s a little more expensive, but it works like a charm in a day or two,” I say and hand it to him.

“You have kids?” he asks but doesn’t look up as he takes the box from me. Why do I get the feeling he’s being shy?

“No, I wish.” I bite the inside of my cheek. That’s just what a guy wants to hear—a girl desperate for a baby. I might not have any experience with men, but I’m pretty sure that’s how it works.

“I’m Robin,” I say as I look down at the baby. “Who is this little sugar cube?”

“That’s Charlotte, and I’m Anderson.” He smiles, and I catch the edge of a dimple. Dear god, this man was made to melt panties. “How do you know all this stuff if you don’t have kids?”

“I’m a nanny,” I tell him as I put his sleeping daughter back in her car seat.

“Really?”

“Yeah, well, right now I’m between jobs, so I’m doing random babysitting and—”

“You’re hired,” he blurts out, cutting me off. He catches me completely off-guard and I stand there wide eyed for a moment.

“Hired, like, as in your nanny?” I ask, wondering if I heard him right.

“Yes, I’m in desperate need of some help. I have no idea what I’m doing and I question every decision I make.” I want to melt at how his eyebrows pull together in concern over how he’s taking care of his daughter.

“Do you live around here?” I ask, knowing I can’t move too far from town but really need a job.

“Yes, I just bought a house down the road.”

“So you’re in the Jenkins’ house,” I guess, and he nods. “Maybe you should talk to your wife before you just hire me,” I suggest, hoping I’m not talking myself out of a job.