His New Nanny. Carla Cassidy

buzzed and clicked from the swamp and occasionally a ripple sounded from the water as some creature entered or exited the murky depths.

      He stood close enough to her that she could smell him, a hint of minty soap and a spicy cologne. “Erica was wild and crazy and many men found her fascinating. But I find your calm composure intriguing. I find your gentleness with my daughter charming.”

      Once again the air seemed to be too insubstantial to fill her lungs. Was he trying to charm her? To manipulate her so she’d be on his side in the mess that had become his life?

      He took several steps away from her and stared up at the moon that hung low and plump in the sky. “Johnny used to talk about you a lot in college, his little sister who seemed to have her life more together than he ever hoped to have.”

      She smiled, her heart swelling as she thought of her brother. “Johnny can’t seem to find his place in life.”

      “And you’ve found yours?” His green eyes glittered in the moonlight.

      “I thought I had.” He waited, as if expecting her to go on, but she couldn’t tell him what had thrown her off track, what tragic event had reshaped her life. She wasn’t ready to talk about that. “Life has a way of throwing curveballs that sometimes make you change your path.”

      He laughed without humor. “Tell me about it.”

      “What made you and your friends choose a college in Missouri to attend?” she asked, wanting a change in the subject.