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“Uncle Caleb, you’re smiling,” James said with a whisper.
He moved toward his nephew’s side. “Can you keep a secret?”
James nodded.
“I really like your nanny.”
He giggled.
“Do you think she’d like me?” Caleb asked.
James looked at Grace and cupped his mouth near Caleb’s ear. “She likes everyone.”
For his own sake and sanity, he sure hoped so.
Chapter Three
Grace couldn’t deny there was more to Caleb than met the eye. She sat in the library, the glow of the lamp giving her enough light to glance through the cookbook she had in her lap. Rubbing at her temples, she sighed. It was late, and she didn’t know why she didn’t just go to bed.
She was tired, but sleep seemed to be evading her.
The cookies had been a huge success yesterday, and now James wanted to be in the kitchen every single day. She didn’t mind. Thanksgiving was coming up, and she wanted to ask Caleb if she’d be able to plan a feast for his men and well, for them.
She’d tried to call the new chef, but he wanted nothing to do with her. The kitchen was out of bounds while she was there.
“I figured you’d have gone to bed by now,” Caleb said, entering the library.
“Yeah, well, I wanted to ask you something.”
“You can order whatever you like. I won’t have all my men at the table, but you, me, and James can have a small dinner.”
“Oh, how did you know?”
“I know everything, Grace. This is my house.” He poured himself a shot and turned toward her, offering her some.
She shook her head. “I don’t drink.”
“You don’t drink, nor do you party, or fuck random men. What do you do for fun?”
She glared at him. “There are plenty of ways to have fun. You don’t have to be drunk to have a good time.”
“In my experience, the best kind of time always holds a little alcohol.” He swallowed it down in one gulp.
“Is that because it lowers your inhibitions?” she asked.
“Not me. I’m always in control.”
“Must be nice.” She stared down at the book even though she’d lost all interest in reading right now. “Can I take James shopping for groceries?”
“No. Everything will be delivered to you. Just give me a list of what you need and I’ll make sure it comes to you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I won’t negotiate on this.”
At his mention of negotiating, she wondered if he wanted an answer to his ultimatum. She looked down at her book, then back up at him before returning to her book. It was far more fascinating with pretty pictures.
“Grace, just tell me what is on your mind,” he said.
“Nothing.”
“Is this about what I said in the pantry? You’d like to know how far I’d go?” he asked.
“This has nothing…” She pressed her lips together. She wouldn’t be brought down with lying. Taking a deep breath, she returned to her book. This was by far more fascinating.
“I’m curious about your answer,” he said.
“How do you even know what I’m thinking?”
“The blush. Any time I mention sex, you get this red tinge to your cheeks. You’re embarrassed and you try to hide it. It’s cute.”
She frowned at him. “Why are you so different from the man who came and rescued me?”
He tilted his head to the side and looked at her. “Maybe you inspire me.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not an idiot, Caleb. I know you must have millions of women.”
“You know I do.”
She slammed the book closed. “I need to go to bed.”
“Is it so hard to be around me?” he asked.
She spun back to face him. “I’m here against my will. Have you forgotten that?”
“I don’t forget anything, baby. You better believe that.” He winked at her. “I’m used to getting what I want.”
“I don’t have to deal with this.” She stepped to the door.
“I know you want me, Grace. I’m not going to push you. If you think the time you take to make a decision will mean a shorter time in my bed, you’re very much mistaken.” He got to his feet and walked toward her.
She pressed her back against the door, watching him. His hand came out to rest near her head. “The clock on your freedom starts the moment you agree, not a second before. So take as long as you want. I’ve got a lot of spare time.”
“Why won’t you let me go?”
He sighed. “Have you ever wanted something so badly you’re willing to do whatever it takes to claim it?”
She nodded her head. There had been a bike she wanted when she was young and her parents had given her a whole list of jobs to do before they would even consider getting it for her. It didn’t seem like that big of a deal to most, but to her, it had meant the world. Christmas Day, she’d gotten that bike and spent the entire day riding up and down the street, even in the snow. It had taken her a few years to grow out of that bike, but her parents had made sure she had another to replace it.
