As we head downstairs, I keep that hand on that railing the whole time.
Walker doesn’t comment.
Downstairs, Jonah is chatting with Daryl already, showing off the drawing we did at the community center.
“Grandpa, this is Sadie,” Jonah says, rushing to my side. “She’s my new nanny.”
Daryl smiles warmly at me. “Sadie. Nice to see you again. How’d my son manage to con you into working for him?”
“Dad,” Walker bites out.
I smile at Jonah. “I was lucky enough to have Jonah offer me the chance to spend the summer with him drawing human-meatball-eating aliens and digging for dinosaur bones. An offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Daryl’s grin widens as he looks at Jonah. “You know, kiddo, Sadie always knows the best books to recommend to me. She’s a treasure.” He waggles a finger at his son and grandson. “You boys better treat her like a queen.”
I can’t help but glance at Walker. I almost burst into giggles at his grumpy look.
Yeah, I don’t think I’m getting the royal treatment from my employer anytime soon.
“How’s your mother doing?” Daryl asks me.
“She’s got a dialysis machine at home now,” I say. “Hoping I can trust her to use it. I’ll go back to driving her to the clinic myself if I have to.”
His eyes crinkle at the edges. “She’s lucky to have you.”
I shrug, looking down at my boots. I never know what to do with comments like that.
When I glance up again, for some reason, I find myself looking at Walker. Only to find he’s staring at me with another surprised, thoughtfullook.
I glance away first. I'm not sure what to do with a version of him that isn't scowling.
“All right, JoJo,” Daryl says. “Hop in the truck. Camp is waiting.”
Walker presses a towel into his son’s arms. “Water day, bud. Don’t forget to bring it back home.” He pulls Jonah in for a hug and kisses the top of his head. “Love you.”
Huh. It’s another little glimpse of a softer side. He might be a gruff asshole, but he’s free with the hugs and “love yous” to his kid.
I’m glad a sweet kid like Jonah has a dad who plainly loves him.
Jonah calls out his goodbyes before resuming his happy chatter to his grandpa. Daryl gives me a wave, then winks at Walker, who glowers back at him.
And then the front door shuts, and it’s just the two of us alone in the house.
Me, and my very grumpy, very hot new boss.
Chapter 6
Lonesome
WALKER
Sadie follows me into the kitchen and I put my back to her, opening cabinets, going through the routine. It's easier when I'm not looking at her.
It doesn't help that I can still smell her shampoo, something fruity and warm, with a hint of coconut sunscreen underneath it, and my brain keeps focusing on things it shouldn’t. The curve of her neck. Whether her skin tastes as good as it smells.
Doesn’t help that I had her in my arms five minutes ago and my body hasn’t forgotten it. The softness and warmth of her against me. Those big blue eyes gazing up at me. Those pillowy lips inches from mine.
Jesus, I need to get laid.
