Seductively Yours (The Wild McBrides 1)

“Sam.” He stepped swiftly toward them. “Where have you been?”

“I went to the pool to see Jamie,” the boy muttered.

“Without asking anyone? Without telling anyone you were leaving?”

Sam hung his head even lower.

“Sam!” Abbie squealed, waving a chubby hand at her brother.

“How did he know you were at the pool?” Trevor asked, turning to Jamie. “Have you two talked?”

Something in his voice made her frown. “No, of course not. He just took a chance at finding me there—and, fortunately, I was.”

“Go up to your room, Sam. I’ll be in to talk to you soon.”

Sam looked up at his father in protest, his hand tightening around Jamie’s. “But I want to show Jamie my—”

“You’d better mind your dad, Sammy,” she murmured quickly. “I don’t think he’s in a mood to argue with you.”

“Definitely not.” Trevor jerked his chin toward the house. “Your room, Sam.”

Jamie had to bite her lip to keep from suggesting to Trevor that he might go a little easier on the boy. Sam looked so small and sad as he trudged into the house. But it was none of her business, she reminded herself. What Sam had done was very wrong, and it was important that he learn never to do anything like that again. And, besides, she knew very well that what Trevor really wanted to do was snatch the boy into his arms and hold on to him.

“I’ll take Abbie in, if you like, Mr. McBride,” the nanny offered, looking nervously at her stern employer.

Trevor nodded and handed over the always-cheerful tot. “I’ll be in shortly, Mrs. Brown. I’d like to talk to you.”

Jamie watched her swallow. “Yes, sir.”

Waiting only until the nanny had followed Sam into the house, Jamie pointed a finger at Trevor. “Don’t fire her.”

“She’s already fired,” Trevor answered flatly. “I just haven’t had a chance to tell her yet.”

Jamie felt like throwing up her hands in exasperation. “Honestly, Trev, if you insist on perfection in a nanny, you’ll never keep one more than a couple of weeks. Everyone makes mistakes.”

“She never even heard him leave the house.”

“I’m sure she was busy. Maybe Abbie woke up, or something. And you’re underestimating your son. Sam is a very smart little boy. All you need to do is warn Mrs. Brown to keep that in mind from now on. I’m sure she’ll be extra-vigilant with him in the future.”

“How can you be sure?” he challenged. “You don’t even know her.”

“She looked nice.”

“Oh, well, that changes everything.”

“I know you were worried, but there’s no need for sarcasm.”

“Worried?” His rigid shoulders suddenly sagged. “Damn it, Jamie, I was petrified.”

Softening, she took a step toward him and laid a hand on his arm. “I know you were. I saw it in your eyes.”

“Sarah was almost hysterical when she called me. I must have flown here—I hardly remember the drive. A dozen possibilities were running through my head—and none of them were good.”

“Trevor, I kno

w. But Sam’s fine.”

“If you hadn’t been at the pool…”