The Holiday Nanny Read Online Free Page B

harder. It was a game they played. Toughest kid on the block. A relic of their past. “I appreciate what you’ve done for us, David. By the way, any new lady I should know about?”
    â€œLike I’ve had time?” David snorted, then grinned. “If I could find someone like Connie, I’d make time, though.”
    â€œDid you ask her out?” Wade asked, slightly irritated by the thought.
    â€œShe’s not interested in me. Besides, I’m a lawyer.” David rolled his eyes. “Her ex was one.”
    â€œOw!” Wade winced but laughed.
    â€œWe legal eagles are always maligned. By the way, I hear Jared Hornby’s back. We should get together. It’s been too many years since the old threesome hit this town. Let me know if you hear from him.” David grabbed his briefcase, waggled his fingers and took off in the long-legged stride he’d once used to great advantage on a varsity football field.
    Relishing the relative peace of the sidewalk café after Argentina’s hustle and bustle, Wade remained in his chair, sipping coffee that was too weak and thinking.
    â€œDaddy!” The squeal could only belong to Silver. She appeared, dragging Connie by the hand toward him.
    Connie carried a large bag. It bumped against bare slim legs, which her lovely yet conservative yellow sundress revealed. The lemony shade enhanced the sunny highlights in her tumble of chestnut curls.
    After a moment, Silver found Connie’s progress too slow. She let go of Connie’s hand and raced up to him, the tiny bells attached to her blue barrettes jingling merrily as she flung her arms around his neck and pressed her lipsagainst his cheek. “Are you meeting us for lunch, Daddy? Is that the surprise, Connie?”
    Wade’s warning siren went off. Had the nanny arranged this “chance” meeting?
    â€œNo! Silver, I had no idea your father—” Connie’s flushed face gave away her embarrassment. She glanced quickly at Wade and as quickly away. It was obvious she was recalling his comment from their conversation three nights earlier and was uncomfortable with the current meeting.
    Wade returned Silver’s embrace then released her as he reconsidered his rush to judge the nanny. He’d told no one he was meeting David. His assistant only knew he was to be out of the office for an hour. Connie couldn’t have known of his plans. But a prickle of warning still feathered its way down his nerves. He’d been tricked before. It wouldn’t happen again.
    â€œHaven’t you eaten lunch yet?” Wade took the parcel from Connie and set it on David’s vacated chair. Silver chose the chair across from him, leaving Connie the seat next to his. Wade held it while she sat down, her head tilted to avoid his gaze. But that only gave him a better view of her long, lovely neck.
    â€œI really didn’t know you would be here. I had to go to the fabric store on this block. Silver needs an angel costume,” she muttered.
    â€œThey have those at the fabric store?” Wade motioned for the waiter.
    â€œNo. They have fabric,” she said, risking a quick look at his face. “I got some yardage. I’m going to make her costume.”
    â€œYou know how to sew?” Somehow it didn’t surprise Wade as much as it should have. From the little he’d seen, Connie Ladden seemed to do many things well.
    â€œConnie makes her clothes, Daddy. Isn’t that amazing?” Silver sipped her water, her blue eyes shining.
    â€œVery amazing,” he agreed, studying the lines of her dress. Connie blushed even more deeply so he looked at Silver. “What would you like to have for lunch, my treat.”
    â€œCan I have a hamburger?”
    About to agree to Silver’s request, Wade happened to glance at Connie and saw the quick negative shake of her head. He sat back and waited for her to choose Silver’s meal.
    Connie didn’t