Baby in Her Arms (4 page)
Authors: Judy Christenberry
Tags: #Romance, #Contemporary, #Historical, #Nonfiction, #Series
“Why don’t I stay with you until Monday? I’m sure they can find someone for you by then.”
Josh stared at her. “Are you serious? You would do that?”
He seemed almost as surprised as Maggie was at her offer. She shrugged her shoulders. “I’ve got a lot of vacation time due to me, and I’ve fallen in love with Ginny. She’s such a sweetheart.”
“If you’re sure, Maggie, I’ll accept your offer. And I owe you big-time.”
With the lightness that filled Maggie’s heart, she wondered if perhaps she might be the one owing him.
Maggie had insisted on driving her car back to his condo after their trip to her apartment. Josh had followed her, not liking the idea of her driving after dark alone. She’d laughed at his concern. But he’d followed her anyway.
Panic filled him every time he thought about the changes he was going to have to make in his life. But he would make them. He didn’t shirk his responsibilities.
Tomorrow morning he was going to start calling agencies and find a nanny. That’s what he needed. A twenty-four-hour nanny.
One just like Maggie.
After they got back from the drive to her apartment, he spent the evening putting together the crib, the high chair and the playpen, leaving Maggie to deal with Ginny.
She was a beautiful baby. But he wasn’t going to fall into the trap of having to give up the job he loved, like his father had. And he feared time spent with Ginny would trap him.
Maggie and Ginny appeared in the door of his second bedroom, now in total disarray with the desk shoved back against the bookcase to leave room for the newest purchases.
“Are you ready for Ginny to go to bed? She’s getting sleepy.”
“Uh, yeah. I just finished with the high chair. I’ll take it to the kitchen.”
“Aren’t you going to kiss Ginny good-night?”
“I’ll make her cry.”
“I don’t think so. She’s getting used to you.” Maggie moved closer.
He stepped back. “She’ll cry.”
“Ginny, don’t you want your daddy to kiss you good-night?”
He knew Ginny couldn’t understand what Maggie had said, but the baby nestled against Maggie’s shoulder and gave him a sleepy smile.
“See? She wants her good-night kiss.”
Cornered, Josh leaned over and touched Ginny’s cheek with his lips. Baby powder and baby sweetness were heady scents. Josh stepped back at once.
Maggie had washed the new baby sheets and put them on the bed. She laid Ginny down and wound up the mobile they’d bought that hung over the baby. Ginny’s eyes widened, and she kicked her little legs.
“I think she likes it,” Maggie whispered. Then she touched Josh’s arm, urging him from the room.
Picking up the high chair, he headed for the kitchen. Anything to get away from the emotions tugging on his heart When he turned around, he discovered Maggie hadn’t followed him.
Had she decided to turn in? It was almost ten. Maybe she wanted to avoid conversation with him. It had been a while since he’d shared living quarters with a woman. He’d forgotten how to adapt.
The dishes from dinner were soaking in the sink. With a weary sigh, Josh began loading the dishwasher. Mrs. Lassiter wouldn’t be back for five more days. Too long to leave the dishes.
“I think I’ll turn in now, Josh, if you don’t mind.”
He whirled around, almost dropping the glass he’d been rinsing.
Maggie stood there in a cotton robe, her face scrubbed clean, her hair hanging loose to her shoulders. She looked almost as innocent as Ginny, and he felt a protective tenderness toward her, as well as a disconcerting desire.
“Sure. I imagine you’re tired:”
“No more than you. Change is hard to handle.”
He cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah.” Having Maggie around was almost as unsettling as having Ginny.
She waited, as if she thought he would say something else, but he didn’t know what to say.
“Good night,” she finally said and walked out of the kitchen.
He fought the urge to follow her, to assure her everything would be all right. But he didn’t because he didn’t know if it was true. He didn’t know what he was going to do about Ginny. She was his responsibility. And he would ensure she was well provided for. But how?
He doggedly rinsed the dishes, staying away from the bedroom. That was dangerous territory. When he’d finished washing up, he wiped his hands and decided he’d best make up the sofa for another uncomfortable night. The damned thing wasn’t long enough for his body.
He walked past the living room door before he realized what he’d seen. Turning around, he crossed the distance to the sofa quickly.
“What are you doing?”
Maggie, wrapped in a sheet, her head on a pillow, opened her eyes and stared up at him. “I thought you were a private investigator. You need me to tell you I’m trying to sleep?”
“You’re supposed to be in the bedroom.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re my guest. You’re doing me a favor. Now, come on.”
He turned to precede her, then realized she hadn’t moved. In fact, she’d shut her eyes.
“Maggie!”
She shifted on the sofa, and his gaze immediately traced her body beneath the covering. Unbidden came the question of what she wore to bed. Her cotton robe hadn’t given any hint.
“Maggie, come on. I really want you to sleep in the bed.”
“I’m comfortable, Josh. And the couch isn’t big enough for you.”
“I’ll manage.”
She closed her eyes, completely ignoring him.
He squatted down to look her in the eye—if she would only open them. “Do I have to carry you to bed?”
He hadn’t realized how suggestive his words were until heat flooded his body. And her cheeks.
Her eyes flew open. “You do, and you’ll be taking care of your baby by yourself.”
“Hey, no fair,” Josh protested. “You know I need you to stay.”
“So I’m staying. Go away and let me sleep.” She closed her eyes again.
He stared at her serene face, her dark lashes long against her delicate cheeks. Maggie was so different from any other woman he’d ever known.
Unable to stop himself, he reached out and ran a finger down her cheek. Her skin was petal soft, and he felt a tightness in his groin.
She jerked, her eyes widening in shock. “What...what are you doing?”
“Trying to convince you to get a good night’s sleep,” he whispered, working hard to keep his hands off her. Her velvety skin drew him.
“I’ll get a good night’s sleep if you’ll go to bed and leave me alone.” She closed her eyes again.
“We could share.” Maggie wasn’t like the women he dated. She wasn’t overtly sexy. She didn’t flirt. He knew she’d be shocked by his words. But he found the thought of taking her to his bed a pleasurable one.
She didn’t even open her eyes. “Go away, Josh, or I’m leaving.”
He stood. This time she had the upper hand.
It wouldn’t last.
Chapter Four
W
hen Maggie awoke the next morning, the apartment was quiet. She hurriedly dressed in jeans and a shirt she’d brought from her apartment.
hen Maggie awoke the next morning, the apartment was quiet. She hurriedly dressed in jeans and a shirt she’d brought from her apartment.
Today was Friday. She’d take today off from work as a vacation day, and she’d promise to be in early Monday morning. Her employers wouldn’t like it, but they had no choice. She had a lot of vacation days saved.
As she waited for the coffee to perk, she heard Ginny talking. Hurrying down the hall, she quietly opened the door to the second bedroom.
Ginny saw her at once and beamed. With an answering smile on her face, Maggie crossed to the crib. “Good morning, Ginny. Do you like your new bed?”
“Ma-ma,” Ginny cooed, reaching her arms up for Maggie.
“Oh, sweetheart, no! My name:is Maggie.” She repeated her name several times, but the baby kept saying “Mama.”
After changing Ginny’s diaper and dressing her in a playsuit, Maggie took her to the kitchen. Carefully following the instructions about Ginny’s schedule on the pages she’d found in the suitcase last night, Maggie fed the child her cereal and juice.
After breakfast Maggie carried Ginny to the playpen set up in the living room and set her down in it with several toys. “Time for me to clean up your mess, little one.”
When she’d finished tidying up, Maggie wondered what she was supposed to do with herself now. Realizing that she needed to do whatever she could to resolve the situation she was in—before she broke her heart—she picked up the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory.
Half an hour later she had a comprehensive list of agencies that provided child care workers. But since she didn’t know Josh’s financial situation, she couldn’t select one in his price range. He’d certainly spent money freely last night, but that didn’t mean he could afford a pricey nanny.
Checking her watch, she realized it was eightthirty. With a determination belied by her trembling fingers, she pushed up from the sofa and headed for the master bedroom.
Knocking on the door, she waited for an answer. Nothing. Finally she turned the knob and opened the door. “Josh?”
His back was to the door as he lay sprawled on the bed, and he didn’t move.
“Josh?” When he didn’t respond, she approached the bed and shook his bare shoulder.
He sprang into action, grabbing hold of her wrist and pulling. Maggie screamed as she hit the bed.
Josh hadn’t slept so soundly in a long time. Nor had he awakened so swiftly. Suddenly he was in the middle of his king-size bed with Maggie sprawled on top of him, a frightened look on her face.
“Maggie? Are you all right? What’s wrong? Where’s Ginny?”
“You’re...you’re naked!” Maggie said with a gasp, her big hazel eyes staring at his chest.
He looked down at himself, puzzled. “No, I’m wearing shorts,” he assured her, but he didn’t understand why his attire was being discussed.
She tugged at her wrist, and he realized he was holding her. He turned her loose—reluctantly he noticed—as she scrambled from the bed.
“You didn’t answer my questions. Is everything all right?”
“No! I wanted to awaken you, not do hand-to-hand combat!” she protested, straightening her shirt.
He looked at the clock. “I didn’t realize it was so late. Sorry. But you took the day off from work, didn’t you?”
“Yes, but not so you could sleep in.”
Righteous anger filled her voice, and he couldn’t resist teasing her. Lifting the covers slightly, he said, “There’s room for you, if you’re jealous.”
With a look of disgust, and maybe just a hint of temptation—at least he hoped so—she turned around and slammed out of his bedroom.
He chuckled until he thought he heard another door slam. He sprang from the bed, afraid she was leaving. “Maggie? Maggie, you didn’t leave, did you? I was just teasing.”
His only answer was Ginny’s babbling.
Panicking, he ran down the hall. “Maggie? Maggie?”
“For heaven’s sake, put on some clothes,” she said crossly, looking away when she realized he hadn’t dressed.
The sight of her sitting on the sofa, her arms crossed over her chest, filled him with relief. Though he’d appeared in front of other women with less apparel than he was wearing now, Josh hurriedly backed out of the room.
“I’ll be right back,” he promised as he returned to his room to dress.
Maggie felt like a prim old maid. Why hadn’t she acted more composed? Her behavior had all but told Josh she was inexperienced. In fact, she could’ve worn a sign on her forehead that said “Virgin” and not been as obvious.
After giving Ginny a kiss on her soft baby curls, Maggie hurried to the kitchen. Not that Josh deserved breakfast, but it would give her something to do. Hopefully, it would also make their next meeting less tense.
She was scrambling eggs to accompany the bacon and toast when Josh appeared in the doorway. Maggie felt her heart race in the presence of his rugged masculinity.
“Maggie, you didn’t have to cook for me,” he said as he entered the kitchen.
“It doesn’t matter. Did you check on Ginny?”
“She’s fallen asleep. Is that normal?”
She glanced at his concerned frown before turning away. “The notes say she takes a short nap every morning.” After setting a full plate on the breakfast table, she crossed to the kitchen counter to get him a cup of coffee.
When she turned, she was surprised to discover Josh standing right behind her. The coffee sloshed over the side of the cup, and she gasped as she set down the mug. He grabbed her hand and turned on the cold water at the sink.
“Don’t move until the burning stops. I’ll get a towel.”
She drew in air as he moved away from her. The man affected her breathing more than a five-mile run. Before she could compose herself, he was back at her side.
“How does it feel now?” he asked, indicating her hand.
“Fine,” she assured him as she pulled away. “The burning’s stopped.” And it had, because the coffee wasn’t that hot. But even if it had scalded her, she couldn’t have remained that close to Josh.
“Sit down and I’ll pour you a cup.”
“I’ve already had two cups. I don’t think—”
“Some juice, then. I’ll pour you some juice.”
He seemed intent on keeping her at the table with him, but she was just as determined to put some distance between them. He wasn’t showing much skin now, but even in his tight jeans and a knit shirt that molded his muscular chest, he was more than she could handle.
“Not, I need to check on Ginny.”
“She’s asleep, Maggie. Sit down.”
Having run out of excuses, she collapsed in the seat across from him. He poured a glass of orange juice and put it down in front of her before taking his own place, coffee cup in hand.
“The breakfast looks great,” he said, smiling.
“Good.”
“It’s a real luxury to have someone else do the cooking. Thanks.”
She kept her gaze on the glass of juice. “Welcome.”
Tense silence filled the small kitchen as he took several bites of bacon and egg. From under downcast lashes, Maggie watched as he lowered his fork to his plate. A quick glance told her he still had a good deal of breakfast to eat.
“Maggie, I’m sorry I embarrassed you. I was afraid you’d left.”
“It’s all right,” she said hurriedly, looking longingly toward the door. “I overreacted.”
“I’m sorry I slept late, too. I don’t usually. I shouldn’t have stayed in bed so long,” he added.
Josh’s voice was calm, comforting, but when he extended his hand across the table toward her, she jumped back.
He sighed. “Maggie, you’re acting like a cat on a hot griddle. Did I frighten you so very much this morning?”
“No, of course not. I’m just not used to—I live alone.” Stupid response. She tried again. “I mean, I don’t usually wrestle with anyone before I—Well, most people don’t wake up like you.”
He grinned. “Sorry, old habit.”
It was time to change the subject. “I made a list of agencies for you to call about a nanny. But I want to alert you that some of them may be very expensive.”
Her warning didn’t seem to bother him. “That was good of you. I suppose I’d better start calling.”
She nodded, breathing a sigh of relief when he stood. Yes, it would be good when Josh lined up someone else to take care of Ginny. Because it was time she returned to her solitary apartment Before it became too difficult to leave.
She rose to clear the table as Josh headed for the living room, only then realizing he hadn’t finished his breakfast. “Josh? Don’t you want any more breakfast?”
“Huh? Oh, I forgot.” He appeared as distracted as she did. Which made her feel better.
“I’ll...I’ll go check on Ginny.” She sped from the kitchen before he could protest.
Josh watched Maggie flee the kitchen as if she were being pursued. Glumly he turned his attention to his breakfast.
He made her uncomfortable.
Hell, she made
him
uncomfortable. He wasn’t sure why. She wasn’t unattractive, if a man liked the quiet type. Her brown hair was lustrous, silky, but it was brown, not blond, his usual choice.
him
uncomfortable. He wasn’t sure why. She wasn’t unattractive, if a man liked the quiet type. Her brown hair was lustrous, silky, but it was brown, not blond, his usual choice.
She didn’t flirt with him. In fact, she avoided his touch whenever she could. Instead of agreeing with him, she argued and tried to tell him what to do. Of course, he needed her to do that when it came to Ginny.
But he didn’t need to want her. She was definitely off limits, because she was a homebody. One who would want her husband home every evening, mowing the grass every weekend. Selling insurance, or doing some other deadly dull job.
Having finished his breakfast, he took the dishes to the sink, rinsed them out and put them in the dishwasher. Then he walked to the living room, his resistance in good shape.
Only to discover Maggie and his daughter cuddling on the sofa, Ginny giving fat chuckles as Maggie teased her chin.
“Having fun, are we?” he asked, unable to resist smiling, too.
“Yes. Why don’t you hold her? She’s in a very good mood.”
Maggie’s suggestion stopped him in his tracks. “No, uh, I’d better not. Where is the list you made? I need to arrange for a nanny right away. We’ve taken advantage of you more than we should have.”
She pointed to a piece of paper on the plank coffee table.
He settled into his favorite leather chair beside the lamp table that held the phone and made his first call.
Half an hour later he hung up in frustration. “I can’t believe it. They charge outrageous fees and won’t work a minute past five o‘clock. No weekends. Eight o’clock is their starting time and they expect you to provide everything.”
He didn’t get much sympathy from Maggie, who was still playing with Ginny. “Child care is always expensive.”
“I don’t mind the expense, but I don’t work an eight-to-five job. And I’m not going to give it up.” He realized he was clenching his teeth and that Maggie was staring at him.
“You’ll have to have someone who lives in.”
“I tried that. The only two I could find insisted a two-bedroom condo wasn’t large enough to accommodate them. They wouldn’t share a room with Ginny.”
“Maybe you could find a small house.”
“I don’t want a small house. I like it here!” he insisted, challenging Maggie with his stare.
Ginny whimpered and buried her face in Maggie’s hair. She immediately turned her attention to the child. Josh didn’t like being ignored, but it gave him time to compose himself. After all, Maggie hadn’t asked him to make changes. The circumstances were demanding it.
“I guess what you really need is a wife,” she said as she soothed the baby, still not looking at him.
“No! A wife expects too much. The only way I could marry would be as a...a business agreement.” He’d spoken from the heart, but considered his words with his mind. “Hey, that’s not a bad idea. A marriage of convenience. I could find someone who needed a place to live and—”
The phone rang.
“Yeah?” Josh listened as one of his commercial clients gave him directions for an emergency trip he needed Josh to take. He completely forgot about the two females on the sofa as he grabbed a pen and made notes. “Right. I’ll have him there.”
He leaped from his chair and headed for the bedroom to grab a jacket and some spare money.
“Where are you going?”
He came to an abrupt halt. “Damn! Maggie, I have to go. I don’t have anyone else to do this job. Both my guys are already on assignment.”
Silently she stared at him, her hazel eyes large.
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