A Nanny for the Cowboy. Roxann Delaney
Desperately Seeking A Sitter
Who knew hiring a nanny could get so complicated? Rancher Luke Walker has been caring for his two-year-old son single-handedly ever since his wife walked out, and he sure could use some help. But when he thought to find a nanny, he didn’t have someone like gorgeous Hayley Brooks in mind. And he certainly didn’t expect her to move into the ranch house!
Hayley is working toward being a physician assistant and needs to save money for her classes—and to save on rent by boarding with her employer. She’s delighted that little Brayden warms to her quickly, but is wary of her growing feelings for Luke. It’s a struggle keeping things professional…. Falling in love with her boss was not part of the job description!
“Is there anything else I need to bring?” Hayley asked as Luke walked with her to the door. “Besides the usual employment information, that is.”
“Not that I can think of.”
Reaching for the doorknob, she studied him. He did look more at ease than he had when she’d arrived.
She opened the door and stepped outside, glad the interview was over and that they’d agreed on the details. “I’ll see you and Brayden in the morning, then,” she said, turning back to look at him. “And thank you.”
“My pleasure,” he said.
For the first time, she saw his smile. It nearly blew her away. Without the frown and rigid exterior or the distracted and desperate actions, he was gorgeous. And she was going to be working for him.
Not good. Not good at all.
Dear Reader,
Being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs a person can undertake. Parenting requires on-the-job training as a caregiver, doctor, teacher, spiritual adviser, friend and mortal enemy (according to an angry child). The nights are late and the mornings are early. A good day can turn bad in an instant. A bad day can turn good with a hug or a simple smile. There are tears and giggles, joy and heartache. Parenting is often made easier with two parents, but that isn’t always the way life happens.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 13.6 million single parents in the United States, responsible for raising 21.2 million children or roughly 26% of children under 21. Those numbers don’t include only single moms. Single-father homes have grown almost 60% in the past ten years.
Child care for children of single-parent families can be difficult to find, but Luke Walker’s sister has sent him a young woman to be the nanny for his small son. One look at the woman has him convinced that she’s not the person for them. But like parenting, love can happen with a hug or a simple smile.
Welcome back to Desperation, Oklahoma, where hearts meet at the most unexpected times.
Best wishes and happy reading!
Roxann
A Nanny for the Cowboy
Roxann Delaney
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roxann Delaney doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t reading or writing, and she always loved that touch of
romance in both. A native Kansan, she’s lived on a farm, in a small town and has returned to live in the city where she was born. Her four daughters and grandchildren keep her busy when she isn’t writing or designing websites. The 1999 Maggie Award winner is excited to be a part of the
Harlequin American Romance line and loves to hear from readers. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her website, www.roxanndelaney.com.
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Love and hugs.
Contents
Chapter One
Luke Walker peeled back the edge of the curtain to get a glimpse of the woman getting out of her car in his driveway. “Not on your life, lady,” he muttered.
Ignoring the tug on the leg of his jeans, he watched what should have been a prospective employee walk up the path leading to the house. But walk was the wrong thing to call the seductive advance. Panthers on the prowl were less graceful.
The wind caught the young woman’s long, straight dark hair, blowing it over one shoulder, and she reached up to brush it back with her fingers. Luke saw very little of any of it, focused instead on her long legs in the trim, short skirt she wore.
He must’ve been crazy to let his sister talk him into interviewing the woman. He’d always thought his sister had more sense than to send him someone who looked remotely like a Miss America contestant. But if he really thought about it, Erin had done some far from smart things in her life.
The doorbell rang, dragging a moan from deep within his chest. How would he manage to send this woman away without hurting her feelings? Erin would skin him alive if she learned he hadn’t hired the vixen waiting at the door. And if he hurt the woman’s feelings in the process, he’d never hear the end of it. Even worse, if he didn’t hire her, who would he find to—
“Up! Wannup!”