Page 7 of Brazilian Fantasy
Another big wave crashes into Maddie and me, pulling my thoughts back, and we jump. I look at the little girl, and she smiles up at me. My heart wobbles a bit. Losing a mother isn’t easy, and no child should have so much heaviness in her heart. I can definitely relate to her pain. She might have a loving father, doting grandparents, and a regular nanny—all of whom care deeply for her—but from the way she clings to her ratty old teddy bear, and from having been in her situation, I’m pretty sure I know what it’s going to take for her to come out of her shell.
With a plan taking shape in my mind, I go down on one knee, meeting her at eye level, and say, “Maddie, would you like to go into town with me today?” She nods eagerly, and I brush her wet hair from her shoulder. I’ve not explored the nearest town yet, nor have I left the house in search of epic sex like I’m supposed to.
And why is that?
Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because the guy I want to get down and dirty with is doing everything in his power to keep his distance from me, despite the heat between us.
“Come on then. Let’s go get changed and do some power shopping.”
The hot morning sun dries our bodies and swimsuits as we start up the beach, and when she puts her small hand in mine, my heart practically seizes. Lucas said she was afraid of strangers, and I have to say I’m still shocked at how fast she’s taken to me. Maybe it’s because we share a bond, both having lost our mothers. Or maybe it’s because I’m younger than her regular nanny, not to mention a little less regimented in my daily routine. I tossed away the schedule Nanny Eugenie had left for us the second I saw it. Sure, in the daycare we have to schedule activities to maintain order, and I’m no psychologist like her regular nanny, but deep in my gut I don’t feel there is a need for Maddie to live by the clock in her own home.
Her little fingers squeeze my hand, and I turn my head slowly. My belly tightens, and when I find her staring up at me, the pain in those big brown eyes pulls my darkest nightmare to the forefront. I see so much of myself in Maddie, and while I have no idea how to properly mother, the need to nurture pulls at me. I just pray I don’t end up failing this family.
“Did Nanny Eugenie ever take you shopping?” She shakes her head, and I grin. “I hope you’re ready for some big fun. Come on. I’ll race you back.” I take off running, and she squeals and comes after me. I make my way up the hill and climb the steps to the back patio overlooking the ocean. We’re both breathless, and I’m laughing when we reach the sliding door. I step into the kitchen and come to a resounding halt when I find Lucas and another man, both dressed in business suits, filling their coffee mugs at the kitchen counter.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize you had company.” I capture Maddie’s hand, ready to dart upstairs. “Maddie and I will be on our way.”
“Wait,” Lucas says. I stop, and when his gaze slips lower, I become acutely aware of my skimpy swimsuit and the way my nipples are puckering under his appreciate gaze. Damn things have a mind of their own these days, a ridiculously dirty one. “Piper, this is my business partner, Blair Stevenson.”
Over the last few days, I’ve done enough snooping to understand Lucas is a brilliant software engineer and mostly works from home so he can be close to his daughter. I extend my arm, and Blair comes close to shakes my hand.
“So this is the new nanny I’ve heard so much about,” he says, his blue eyes widening as they search my face.
Lucas has been talking about me?
Is it possible he is trying to set me up with one of his friends? Curious, my gaze slides back to Lucas, who is holding his arms out for his daughter. Maddie leaves my side, and he scoops her up. I ease my hand from Blair’s and cross my arms over my chest.
Sorry, Blair, these are for Lucas. He just needs to come and get them.
“Did you have fun swimming?” Lucas asks Maddie, the bond between the worried father and his broken daughter so strong it nearly brings tears to my eyes.
She nods and looks at me. Her mouth opens, and I hold my breath. Is she going to speak? When she closes it again, my heart sinks, and I speak for her. “Maddie and I are going to town to do some shopping.”
Lucas frowns. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’m positive it’s a good idea,” I say and plant one hand on my hip. “It’s what girls do.” I wink at Maddie. “Isn’t that right, kiddo?” She grins, and I can see the way it melts her father’s heart.
Lucas hesitates. “You don’t know your way around yet. It’s easy to get lost…”
“If you’re worried, then come with us,” I say. My reason for inviting him is two-fold: one, he works too hard and needs a break; and two, it will give us a chance to get to know each other better. He’s still a bit of a mystery to me, and I want to get to know the real man behind the hot body and what makes him tick.
“I could take them,” Blair pipes in. Lucas stiffens and steps toward me.
I stare at him, shocked at his blatant show of possessiveness in front of his friend—in front of me. I wet my salty lips, and when Lucas’s gaze drops, and his eyes fill with heat, my pulse leaps, eager with hope.
“I’ll take them. I have a pretty light schedule this afternoon.” Lucas tugs on his tie, and my belly stirs at the sexy movement. “Let me get changed, and we’ll all go together.” Maddie throws her arms around her father’s neck and hugs him tight. My heart thumps at the sight.
With Maddie still in his arms, he walks Blair to the door, and I’m so grateful he wasn’t trying to set me up. I smile at that. Lucas is a good man, true to his word. Lord knows I haven’t met too many of them in my life…or ever. I dart up the stairs to get changed. I have an odd little flutter inside me, excited to spend a few hours with Lucas and Maddie. I rifle through my suitcase and pull out a lacy yellow sundress, perfect for strolling the streets.
Maddie’s feet slap the hardwood floors as she dashes to her room, and I comb out my hair then follow her. I step into her beautiful ballerina-themed bedroom and grin. What I would have done to have such a magnificent room as a child. I knock to make my presence known, and Maddie spins around. She gazes at my yellow dress and dashes to her closet, pulling out one similar in color. It’s cute that she wants to mimic me. I help her into it and pick up her brush to smooth her hair, but her eyes go so wide, I freeze.
“It’s okay, Piper,” Lucas says from the doorway, his voice low, soothing.
As Maddie stares at the brush in my hand, I gingerly set it back on her little vanity table. “What did I do?” I squeak, my heart sinking into my
stomach.
Dressed in casual shorts and a T-shirt, Lucas crosses the room to stand close to me as Maddie climbs onto her chair and looks at herself in the vanity mirror. “It was her mother’s brush,” he whispers. “Brushing each other’s hair was their favorite thing to do. She doesn’t like anyone to touch it but me.”
