Safe Bet (The Rules 4)

“What?”

“There were photographers out front, asking all sorts of questions. Like where was Fable, and who was I. They even mentioned me being the nanny, like they already knew. It was weird.”

“Paparazzi, I guess.” I don’t know what that’s like. No one knows me, no one cares enough about me to chase my ass out of a restaurant and flash their cameras in my face. That happens to Drew and Fable on occasion, though—tonight wasn’t a good night for it, that’s for sure.

Turns out that’ll be the understatement of the century.

“Thank you for taking us home,” I say quietly as Wade puts the SUV in park and shuts off the engine. We just arrived at the Callahan house and I’m so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open. But I can feel his gaze on me, studying me, probably ready to ask some question I can’t or don’t want to answer just yet, so I keep my head averted. Too afraid of what I might see if I did happen to meet his gaze.

Disappointment maybe? I know I’m definitely disappointed over how I acted. I truly believed I wouldn’t crack under pressure, but seeing Fable unconscious on the floor at the restaurant just about did me in. I tried my best to keep it together and I held up for the most part. Thanks to Wade, if I’m being honest with myself. He offered comfort, and then he distracted me, which was a good thing.

A really good thing.

Though in the back of my mind, I worried constantly that entire ride to the hospital. About Fable, most definitely. I just hoped that she was okay. But I also worried about myself. About my capabilities when it came to my job. Clearly, I was unable to handle major stress. What if Drew and Fable realize that and fire me? Where would I go? What would I do?

I told myself to quit worrying about losing my job and focused on actually doing my job. Luckily enough, Jacob fell asleep fast. Someone dug up a lollipop for Autumn and she sucked on that thing all the way home, until she finally crashed out about ten minutes ago.

So now it’s just Wade and I, and the two sleeping Callahan children. Jacob is softly snoring and he sounds adorable, but I can’t truly focus on the adorableness. I’m still too caught up in my chaotic emotions.

“You’re welcome,” he finally says, his deep, slightly rough voice sending a ripple of awareness down my spine. “Are you all right? After everything that happened?”

“I’m fine,” I say with false brightness and a careless shrug.

When he remains quiet, I can tell he’s not falling for my bullshit.

“I’m okay,” I say, turning to look at him. He’s watching me, his gaze meeting mine, and I try to offer a reassuring smile. “Really.”

“I was sort of mean to you earlier. At the restaurant.” He hesitates. “And I’m sorry.”

“Oh, you were fine. I totally understand. It all happened so fast.” I wave a hand, brushing off his apology, his supposed rudeness. I don’t remember him being mean, but maybe he was? I’m not sure. Everything is still sort of a blur.

The doubtful expression on his face tells me he still doesn’t believe me, but I can’t worry about this right now. I need to get Jacob and Autumn inside and into their beds. And I’m not looking forward to dealing with two cranky kids who will most likely want their mama once they realize she’s not around.

Ugh.

“You need help with Autumn and Jacob? Getting them to bed?” he asks, like he can read my mind.

I nod, nibbling on my lower lip. This means I will be alone with him in the house for hours—possibly the entire night. What if the hospital doesn’t release Fable right away? I’d fully expect Drew to stay by his wife’s side…

You can handle this, Syd. This is your job now. You’re a big girl, so act like one, damn it.

“That would be great, thanks,” I murmur, glancing over my shoulder to check on the children. They both look so content, like little angels. Soon-to-be little angry angels who won’t like being awoken out of a deep sleep, I bet.

Wade reaches up to push the controller to open the garage door. My gaze snags on his muscular arm, the bulging curve of his biceps. Those broad shoulders and his wide chest…the man is built. Thick and strong and I can only imagine what he must look like with his shirt off. How it would feel, to have him hold me close. Touch me. Pick me up and carry me to his...

Yeah. Scratch that. My wicked fantasies need to take a break. I have too much work to do.

Without a word we climb out of the SUV and he grabs Autumn out of her car seat while I unbuckle Jacob. I grab the diaper bag and Wade follows me into the house, a drowsy Autumn in his arms while I hold a still sleeping Jacob.

“Where’s my lollipop?” Autumn asks sleepily.

“You already ate it,” Wade reminds her.

“No I didn’t,” she protests just as I flick on the kitchen light and turn to look at the two of them.

The lollipop stick is stuck in Autumn’s fine dark brown hair, right by her ear. Her cheeks are shiny—most likely with lollipop-flavored slobber—and there are bits of red candy lingering in the corners of her mouth. “Um, I’m pretty sure you did finish the lollipop, though some of it is stuck on your face,” I say.

Autumn smacks her fingers against her sticky cheeks, then glances up at Wade. “Will you give me a bath, Uncle Wade?” She blinks up at him with extra wide eyes, her lower lip trembling, like she’s about to cry.

“I’m guessing Sydney will want to do that,” Wade says, sounding nervous.