The SEAL’s Beautiful Nanny (The Admiral’s SEALs Book 2) Read online

  She stopped on the walk, mustering her bravado and reminding herself that she and Colin had no future. They were one-night-only material, and it was better that way. He and Sofia deserved someone who would stay and fulfill the role of wife and mother, which would be so much better for both of them than having a nanny in their lives.

  When her phone pinged, she dug it from her pocket, using the message as an excuse not to face Colin. He’d be in the kitchen, having breakfast with Sofia before leaving for work. She glanced at the display and read the message from Samantha.

  Colin canceled. What’s up with that?

  A tingle went through her, but she told herself the canceled date meant nothing. He was probably working or too tired from the week he’d had.

  No idea. Sorry.

  She sent the message back, feeling a little guilty about her false apology. She wasn’t sorry at all that the date was a no go. She did feel bad that she’d arranged it and talked up Colin’s qualities to Samantha. Work probably interfered, though.

  When she pushed open the kitchen door, two sets of eyes turned to her. One dark and excited, the other intense blue and unreadable. She forced a smile and walked to Sofia’s high chair, dropping a kiss on the girl’s head.

  “Waffles, yum,” Lily commented, surprised Colin had taken the time to make them. “Good morning.” She assessed him, noting his casual attire. Jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Not what he wore to work that she’d noticed. “Are you off today?”

  “The project finished up late last night,” he explained.

  “Oh,” she said, confused. “So why did you break the date with Samantha? She just texted me.”

  “I don’t think it would have worked out.” He took a sip of coffee, watching her over the rim.

  “Really? I mean… you seemed perfect for each other. You’re looking for steady and rational, and she practically screams those characteristics. If she ever screams at all, which I’m sure she doesn’t.” Samantha, an ER nurse supervisor, was never ruffled, always perfectly calm and controlled. Screaming as an expression of emotion was not in her makeup. Again, making her the right woman for Colin. “And she plays bridge. Do you know how difficult it is to find anyone under the age of eighty who does that?” She put her hand to her mouth, but it was too late—the words were out. “No offense,” she added.

  Colin forked up a piece of waffle and grinned at her, letting her know he wasn’t offended, but that didn’t improve her understanding of what had happened with the date.

  “Are you sure?” she asked. “Samantha’s terrific.”

  “It’s canceled,” he said with a shrug. “I’m taking a break from dating. Maybe I’ll find some other activities to keep me busy. I could take an art class, for instance.”

  Who are you? she wanted to ask. And what have you done with uptight Colin, whose house was white as snow? She looked around his kitchen, which wasn’t so white anymore. Sofia’s artwork was stuck to the refrigerator, and though the space was clean, it was no longer the gleaming, sterile environment it had once been. The other rooms were the same. Little bits of color and clutter had been added, including Sofia’s green handprint on the glass cabinet that held Colin’s beloved cards.

  “If you like,” she said, having canceled her classes that week due to his work. She hadn’t minded.

  “Today, though,” he said, “I’d like to spend time with you and Sofia and tag along on this adventure that Sofia’s so excited about.”

  “Sure,” Lily agreed, wondering why he didn’t simply dismiss her for the day. She had set up the activity and looked forward to it, but she’d give it up if he asked. “We better get you cleaned up and dressed.” She lifted Sofia from the high chair.

  “I can do it,” he said, reaching for his daughter at the same time. They bumped together, front to front, before she took a quick step back. That brief contact had her thinking thoughts she shouldn’t, not in the kitchen with his toddler daughter present—and not at all, if she were being practical. Getting involved with a man who ultimately didn’t want her wasn’t smart.

  “Sofia wants to wear something special,” Lily explained. “Let me.”

  Upstairs, Lily dressed Sofia in a princess costume that must have been left over from the previous Halloween. Despite it being a size too small, Sofia could still squeeze into it. Lily twisted the girl’s thick hair into a bun and added a tiny bit of lip gloss.

  “Gorgeous,” Lily declared. “Let’s find your daddy and go.”

  They spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon in a children’s story center in a neighboring town. Sofia skipped ahead of them, exploring the large space that allowed children to interact with their favorite books. In one area, Sofia followed a path through a forest complete with trees, flowers, and caves. In another, she waved from the tower of a storybook castle. Her favorite room turned out to be a giant library, reminiscent of the one in Beauty and the Beast.

  Later, they grabbed some takeout and headed for a park to have an impromptu picnic and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. After Sofia ate, she begged her daddy for a game of chase while Lily stayed on the bench and watched them. Sofia laughed and ran, keeping just ahead of Colin, who was moving in exaggerated slow motion. After several minutes of chasing, he reached out and almost “caught” Sofia, only to stumble when he missed. Sofia squealed with delight, dancing around his fallen form until he snatched her, taking her to the grass and tickling her.

  Lily laughed at the antics of the big, handsome man, still built like a SEAL, and his precious daughter. She had to admit that he wormed his way into her heart at moments like this. And other ones. His love for his daughter was so sweet. No one could witness that, as she had living in the household, and not realize how big his heart was. She felt a pang. Colin and Sofia deserved someone who would stay with them forever and complete the picture of the perfect family he seemed to want so much.

  She sighed, happy he’d canceled the date that night. He’d date again, though, and he should, she told herself. He deserved the happiness that a good relationship could bring. She waved when they looked in her direction, feeling a tug at her heart for both father and daughter.

  Colin scooped Sofia up in his arms and rested her on his shoulders as they walked back to Lily. Sofia loved to ride up there, since his height gave her a bird’s-eye view. She clapped her hands and squealed when he ran a few steps, bouncing her. She would sleep soundly that night, which was a good thing since he had plans for the night involving her nanny.

  Despite work consuming almost every waking minute for the past week, he’d stolen time to think about Lily, about their night together. It had been damn near perfect, and he’d regretted the phone call that abruptly ended it. Maybe it had been for the best, though. He didn’t know what he would have said to this woman who had captured both his daughter’s heart and his interest so easily. The week had given him time to consider the possibility of them as a couple.

  She wasn’t on board with the idea of a relationship. He knew that, but he was patient. It was worth it to him to give them the chance to work it out, because something magical had happened when they came together—something he’d never experienced before.

  “Time to go home?” he asked when he approached the bench where she waited. Late-day golden sunlight outlined the contours of her face, and he had the overwhelming urge to kiss her. He wondered for a second if Sofia would mind. He didn’t think so, since she was as enamored with her nanny as he was—though in a very different way.

  “Let me clean up.” Lily stood and gathered up their containers and bags.

  As she tidied the area where they’d eaten, Colin felt a twitch of warning. Something was off. He tightened his hold on Sofia’s legs and scanned their surroundings. Kids playing, parents watching them, joggers and cyclists going past. Nothing out of the ordinary. Until his eyes fell on a man standing on the edge of the parking lot. Recognition hit him. It was the guy he’d seen at Lily’s apartment building the day he’d helpe
d her move out.

  The man was openly staring at Lily, following her every move as she walked to a nearby trash can and returned. Had they had a relationship? Was that why the man was devouring her with his eyes? Colin tamped down on the jealous anger he felt and went to his training to guide his reaction.

  He looked beyond the man to the parking area. A gray Camry with tinted windows sat parked on the edge of the lot, very likely the same vehicle that had taken the slow drives past his house. Twice that he knew of. How many other times? Colin’s skin prickled with a warning, and he swung Sofia to the ground, preparing to take action if necessary.

  “This can’t be happening,” Lily muttered, her gaze focused on the man, a visible shiver going through her body.

  “My truck, now,” Colin said in a low voice, letting Lily take Sofia. He kept an arm around Lily and sheltered her and his daughter with his body as they hustled to his vehicle. He stood guard while Lily strapped Sofia in and climbed in herself.

  A moment later they were headed out of the parking area. He kept his eyes on the rearview mirror and intentionally turned onto a busy road instead of taking the scenic but isolated way home he preferred.

  “You know him,” he said quietly after they’d driven a few miles.

  “Yes.” Her voice was faint, and she’d turned several times in her seat to look behind them.

  “He’s not following,” he said to reassure her. “Later, after Sofia’s gone to bed, I want you to tell me everything you know about him.” His daughter wasn’t yet three, but he didn’t want her picking up on the sense of danger he felt.

  Lily nodded and spent the rest of the trip pointing things out and chatting to entertain Sofia. When they arrived home, Colin did a sweep of the house and yard, but he saw nothing to worry him. Still, he couldn’t shake his unease. Maybe the conversation with Lily would help him. After they settled Sofia into bed, he stayed a minute longer in her room to make sure she was asleep before going into the hall where Lily was pacing.

  “Come with me,” he said, catching her hand and leading her to his bedroom.

  “I don’t think…” She hesitated at the threshold, but he pulled her along and settled her in the upholstered chair by the window. He sat on the ottoman, facing her, and got straight to the point.

  “The man at the park today lived in your building?”

  She sighed. “Yes. His name’s John Stout, although I usually think of him as ‘creepy guy.’”

  He didn’t want to believe that she’d gone out with a man she referred to in that way, but he had to ask. “Did you date him?”

  “No.” Her fingers dug into the arms of the chair. “He asked. Several times, despite my repeated refusals.” The same shiver he’d seen earlier went through her. The guy had done more than ask.

  “He harassed you?”

  “He was always wherever I was. At first I thought it was coincidence, but he would be at the coffee shop down the block or the grocery store when I was. Since his apartment was directly across the hall from mine, I couldn’t come or go without him knowing. That’s why I was so glad to move in here and get away from him. I hadn’t seen him since, so I assumed he’d given up, but now I don’t know. Do you think it was an accident that he was in the park?”

  No, Colin wanted to answer. Instead, he put his hands over hers while he debated whether or not to tell her about the slow passes by his house. The car matched the description, but he couldn’t say for certain it was this Stout guy. Every instinct he possessed said it was, but there was no point in frightening Lily until he was certain.

  “Oh my God.” Her eyes went wide. “Do you think the footprints in the backyard could belong to him? Does he know where I am now? How could… what about Sofia? I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her because of my problems.” She jumped to her feet as if to bolt from the room. Colin rose and pulled her into a hug before she could. As he kissed her hair, he decided not to add to her worries by telling her about the car. He’d investigate before doing that—and increase his vigilance at home.

  “I’ll protect you and Sofia if it comes to that.” He lifted her chin. “I’m well trained.” He tried to joke with her, to relieve some of her stress, but her usual ready smile didn’t appear. “I promise.” He rested his forehead against hers, glad to have her in his arms again. Gradually, her body softened and relaxed.

  “I don’t want to be alone tonight,” she said, tilting her head so she could meet his eyes.

  “I don’t want you to be alone.” They exchanged a long, charged look. “You’ll have to stay close to me.”

  She pressed herself against him, her arms going around his middle. “Is this good?”

  It was amazing. He could feel every curve of her body and her warm breath on his neck. But he wanted more. He wanted what he’d had a week ago with her. “Closer. Skin to skin.”

  “I want that, too,” she whispered.

  He took her lips and began a kiss that rocked him to his core. He liked that she wasn’t shy about sex. If anything, she was adventurous—something he hadn’t expected.

  “Bed,” he growled, when she bit his shoulder lightly. Both their shirts had hit the floor, along with the skirt she’d worn, leaving her in a bra and panties. Black with little pink hearts, completely sexy and unforgettable.

  “Make me,” she countered and whooped when he lifted her off her feet. She clamped her hand over her mouth, and they both listened for Sofia. Seconds ticked away, but no sound came from the toddler’s room. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be,” he said as he took her down to the mattress with him. Throughout the week, he’d thought about all the ways he could make love to her. It had turned into a long list, and he planned to check a few items off that night. “I like this.” He ran a hand over the satin of her bra. “Did you wear it for me?”

  “I didn’t think… I didn’t know we’d end up…” She trailed off when he kissed along the lace trim of the cup.

  She’d doubted they’d go to bed again. He hadn’t. Not for one second. It had only been a matter of when. He slid a hand behind her to unclasp the bra before removing her panties. Something primal in him loved having her naked and beneath him. He rested on his forearms, his body inches above hers, just enjoying the moment.

  “What are you thinking?” She tapped a finger to his lips.

  “How much I want you,” he answered honestly.

  “I think the question is…” She ran her hands down his chest. “How do you want me?”

  “Every way I can have you. And then all over again.”

  She laughed. “Your jeans have to go.” Her fingers were on the buttons of his Levi’s, slowly undoing each one. He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of being undressed by her, of feeling the brush of her hand on his dick.

  “Jesus,” he muttered when she finally stroked him, her fingers expertly traveling from his balls to the sensitive tip and back down. He could have stayed like that forever, but he wanted to please her.

  “Hey,” she complained when he left her to strip off his pants. He was gone just long enough to remove the clothes and grab a condom.

  “I want to taste you,” he said, coming back over her. A flare of interest showed in her eyes. No shyness, no reluctance. That was such a turn-on. He kissed her lips before making his way slowly down her body. He gave each breast attention, arousing the nipples, and dipped his tongue into her navel before parting her thighs and finding the sensitive nub at her center. He slid his hands under her butt, opening her more to his attention. She tasted sweet and hot as he sucked her clit. She moaned, and her fists balled in the sheets. He broke off and kissed the insides of her thighs, not letting her orgasm yet.

  “Please,” she whispered.

  “You want more?” He was willing to oblige her every wish.

  “I want to be on top.” Her eyes were on him as he kissed his way over her flat stomach, her nipples, and the curve where her shoulder met her neck.

  “Okay.” He rolled them
over, letting her straddle him and loving every second of it. She rocked back, taking his dick in her mouth in one quick, wet thrust before putting the condom on him. Once that was done, she lowered herself onto him, coming forward so her breasts dragged against his chest. Nothing had ever felt so good as when she squeezed her inner muscles and tightened around him.

  “Is this all right?” she teased, giving his neck a little nip.

  He grasped her butt with his hands, guiding the rhythm as much as he could. He pushed deeper into her, enjoying her gasp. While he took her mouth with his, they pounded together until he felt her spasm around him as she came. He was right behind her. With one last thrust, he reached his orgasm. And damn if he didn’t see stars for a moment.

  She collapsed onto his chest, breathing heavily, their bodies still joined.

  Exactly how he wanted them to be.

  10

  Lily put her bag of art supplies in her car after the class ended. The day was perfect. Bright blue skies, even a little on the warm side for early April. She thought about taking a walk through the downtown area, maybe doing a little shopping, but she had something else on her mind.

  A lot of somethings, if she was honest. She leaned against her car, watching the Saturday shoppers. It had been a week since she moved into the spare bedroom next to Sofia’s. Colin didn’t want her sleeping in her apartment anymore. He thought it was too far away, and she was glad to be closer to him. She’d been very close when they awoke that morning. A smile crept across her face.

  She might have officially moved into the house’s third bedroom, but she had yet to sleep in its bed. She’d tried one night when Colin worked late, but he’d come for her, taking her back to his spacious bed and making slow love to her. Each time they’d come together had been amazing and special. She felt a little stunned by it all.