Barbara McMahon - The Nanny and the Boss's Twins

“I don’t want to take a nap,” Juan said, racing after her. Pablo lagged behind a little, looking over his shoulder at his father in appeal.

“I’ll come up with you,” Luis said. Pablo clearly needed some extra encouragement in the strange setting.

Juan was already racing up the stairs when Luis and Pablo caught up with Stacey.

“These stairs are so wide. The extravagance of space is not what I’m used to in New York,” she said, admiring the staircase.

“This was built in the 1920s when lavish styles were the rage. It’s a solid house.”

“Lovely.” She didn’t say anything else. Or try to flirt or make mention of his grandmother’s room assignments. Her serenity fascinated him. So far he’d never seen her flustered.

The third floor held several bedrooms and a large playroom. Memories crowded in as he surveyed the old toys and games and books. The chairs were way too small for him now, but once upon a time they’d been perfect.

“What fun we’ll have here if it rains,” Stacey said to the boys as she wandered to the shelves and looked at the books. Most were in Spanish, but there were a few English versions. Board games were neatly boxed. There were blocks, and puzzles, and trucks and dolls. It was perfect for children of various ages.

“Their room will be next door,” Luis said. He felt awkward. She should be staying near the children. His grandmother knew that. He didn’t want to give Stacey any false impressions or ideas. She was a temporary nanny for his children, nothing more. If she read anything into Abuela Marie’s room assignment, he’d have to set her straight.

“Fabulous. If they wake up early, they can play quietly until it’s time for breakfast,” she said, following him into the bedroom that held twin beds.

The boys came in, curious to see their bedroom. Juan bounced on the bed, then flopped down.

“I think we should wash our face and hands and lie down while I read you a story,” Stacey said as one of the maids brought up their suitcases.

“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Luis said, anxious to escape before he started thinking along the lines of his grandmother. It was interesting to see Stacey’s interaction with Juan and Pablo. He was used to Hannah, loving yet a bit staid. Stacey made everything seem like an adventure.

Luis went down to the second floor and to his room. His things had already been unpacked and put away. Eyeing the bed, he considered lying down himself, but knew he’d be asleep in no time. He wanted to stay awake to adjust to European time as quickly as possible. Going to the windows, he looked out on the gardens. They were lovely, in full bloom. He opened the window, stepping out onto the porch that wrapped around the villa. The fragrance that filled the air also brought many memories.

How many summers had he spent here? A dozen at least. His father had led a busy life, and hadn’t wanted young children along, complicating things. His sister had enjoyed the summers. He had too, once he’d reconciled himself to staying. As a teenager, though, he’d rebelled more than once.

Turning, he started back into his room when his eye caught the open French doors next to his. That was the room where Stacey would be sleeping. He frowned. Maybe he should suggest a different room for her.

For the first time since Melissa’s death he considered what it would be like to marry again. He’d never meet anyone like Melissa. But it would be better if he could share the raising of his children with someone who would love them as much as he did. Maybe even have another child or two. He thought he’d like a little girl. One with blonde curls and a sunny smile.

He took one last look at the garden and went back into the bedroom. The fatigue from the flight was rattling his mind. He had work to do, not fantasies to dream.

Stacey settled the boys down on one bed and brought out one of her books from her tote. She lay down beside them and opened the big picture book to read. They were all crowded together with scarcely any room to move, but the boys didn’t complain, eager to hear the story. By the time she reached the end, both of them were sound asleep.

She covered them with a light blanket and quietly left the room, leaving the door ajar so she could hear them. She didn’t want them upset or scared when they woke in a strange place.

Entering the playroom, she walked around, studying it thoughtfully. This was where Luis had spent his summers. Had he missed his parents or been so thoroughly indulged by his grandparents he hadn’t had a chance to miss them? He’d mentioned a sister. Stacey supposed she would also be attending the birthday gathering. Would their parents?

She went to the window to look at the sea. She couldn’t wait to get out there. She hoped the boys loved it as much as she did. What a great way to spend the vacation. Idly she reviewed her meeting with Luis’s grandmother. She wondered if she’d misread her room assignment. She smiled at the memory of the look on Luiss’ face. He’d looked horrified.

She almost giggled. She wasn’t really looking for a husband—she loved her work. What else could she do that combined her love for travel with her enjoyment of children? She’d never dreamed as a girl in West Virginia that she’d get to travel the world and stay in premier vacation locations. Vacation Nannies had only been in business five years, but she’d seen so much of the world that she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Well, maybe a home and family one day. But not this summer.

Checking on the boys, she was reassured they’d sleep for some time. Enough time, she hoped, for her to take a quick shower and maybe find some more coffee.

Descending the stairs to the second floor, she looked both ways. Which way to the rose room? Several doors were open, several closed. She walked down the hall to her right, looking into the rooms. A gold room, a blue room. This one had wallpaper of tiny little flowers with yellow and green the predominant colors. There was an old-fashioned bath with a huge claw-foot tub, wide sink and opened windows, letting in the sun and sea air.

The doors to the other side were closed. She tapped lightly on one, waited and when she heard no response opened the door. This was as lovely as the others, but more a taupe color than rose.

She tapped on the next door and a second later Luis opened it. He’d removed his jacket and tie and loosened the color of his shirt. She stared at him for a moment, taken aback by the casualness. He’d been all business since she’d met him. She liked the slightly disheveled look. It made him all the more appealing.

Forget it, she admonished herself. She’d never have thought that if not for the grandmother’s room assignment. He was just one in a long line of high-powered employers she’d work for over the next few weeks and likely never see again.

“I guess the next room is mine,” she said.

“No one showed you?” He frowned. “My grandmother’s usually known for her hospitality.”

“Well, I was up with the boys, who are fast asleep now. I thought a quick shower and change of clothes would be in order. When they waken, we’ll go to the beach. What time are the meals? Do they eat upstairs in the playroom?”

“Lunch is at noon. Dinner’s at seven. And the boys will probably eat with everyone else. I always did. Once the entire family gathers, it’s unlikely we’ll have one table that’ll hold everyone. But we’ll all still eat together. As long as the weather is nice, we’ll use the terrace.”

“I’ll make sure they’re ready for each meal.”

“Stacey.” Luis paused a moment.

“Yes?”

“Don’t read anything into the room arrangement.”

She almost wanted to challenge him on what he could possibly mean. But that would be silly—they both knew what he was talking about.