6 Mountain Brothers for Christmas

“Ah,” Philip said, looking me up and down. “The nanny.”

“Hi,” I said. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” he said, still eyeing me closely.

I let Sean and Philip take the kids to the park that morning, hanging back to give them time together. It was a huge surprise to see Sean’s best friend suddenly appear at the door, but I hoped his presence might soften Sean’s mood.

That night, we all ordered pizza and played board games. Philip was amazing with both Tommy and Sarah. He kept them laughing and even managed to diffuse their many fights. I almost felt useless with him around, but he didn’t let me. Every few minutes, he would make sure to pull me into the conversation. After just a few hours, I’d grown to really like him, mostly because of the way he changed Sean.

Sean wasn’t just softer, he was fun. He was more open and light-hearted. Watching him interact with Philip was amazing. He was like an entirely different person.

I put the kids to bed that night, leaving Sean and Philip alone to catch up. When I was done, I headed back downstairs but froze halfway there. Sean and Philip were talking in the living room, and I distinctly heard my name. I knew I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help myself. I ducked down on the staircase to listen.

“You like her,” Philip said with confidence.

“It’s not that,” Sean said. “She’s just, I don’t know. I am attracted to her. I won’t deny that, but it doesn’t go beyond that.”

“So, nothing’s happened between you two?” Philip asked.

I held my breath, straining to hear his response over the sound of my heart pounding in my ears.

“We kissed,” Sean admitted.

“But you don’t like her?” Philip asked.

“It’s just physical, man,” Sean said. “It’s not real.”

“That’s bullshit,” Philip said. “God, sometimes you really are an idiot.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Sean asked.

I could hear the frustration in his voice.

“She’s gorgeous,” Philip said. “That much is obvious, but if you could see the way you look at her. Sean, this girl has changed you.”

“Come on,” Sean said with a soft laugh. “You’re full of it.”

“Am I?” Philip asked. “So, you don’t watch her when she isn’t looking? Your eyes don’t follow her when she walks across the room?”

Sean didn’t say anything. I crouched lower on the stairs and leaned forward, trying to hear every word.

“Sometimes,” he finally said. “But it doesn’t matter. She’s here to take care of my kids, Phil. What kind of father would I be if I hooked up with their nanny?”

“It wouldn’t be the end of the world,” Philip said. “Besides, after everything Telissa put you through—”

“We’re not talking about that,” Sean said roughly.

“I won’t,” Philip said. “I’m just saying, it’s obvious that you deserve a little happiness. You’ve been through hell these past few years. So have Tommy and Sarah. From what I can tell, Emily is the best thing that could have happened to all of you.”

“She’s amazing with them,” Sean said. My heart warmed at the compliment. “She dotes on them.”

“She’s good with you too,” Philip said. “When you let her be.”

“I don’t know.”

“Let yourself have this,” Philip said. “At least, see what can happen. You’re right. It could be terrible. But it could also be great. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to get laid?”

Sean laughed, and Philip quickly joined in. I found myself smiling as I listened to the rest of their conversation. I stayed perched on the stairs for a while, waiting for the perfect opportunity to make my presence known.