“Would you mind hanging out with Jake after school?”

Royce started pacing.

“Royce?” Katy asked.

“I’m here. Just checking my calendar.”

More like stalling for time.

In the past he would have avoided getting tangled up in Katy’s problems. But that was before he woke up in a hospital room unable to recognise his own son because the kid had grown into a man when Royce wasn’t looking. Though he’d failed Michael, maybe he could help out Jake. It was only one day, after all.

“Yeah, I guess I can to it.”

“You don’t sound too sure. I really shouldn’t have asked. My mum can probably take time off work.”

Clearing his throat, he said, “I’m sure. No big deal.”

But it was a big deal. Anyone who knew him well would have been downright amazed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With two teenage sons, two dogs and three cats, Carrie Weaver often feels she lives in a state called Chaos (not to be confused with Dysfunction Junction, a place she’s visited only once or twice). Her books reflect real life and real love, with all the ups, downs and emotion involved, and in 2006 she was a finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award.

Dear Reader,

I wanted Royce McIntyre’s experience in Temporary Nanny to reflect an injury with which our military troops could relate. My goal was to provide hope during times of trauma.

On the surface, Royce’s life doesn’t resemble that of a soldier. But he triumphs through challenges a wounded soldier might face.

Katy Garner is a single mother struggling to maintain a career and be the best mum possible. Royce is perhaps the last person on earth she’d initially choose to care for her precious ten-year-old son. But soon she realises there’s more to Royce than meets the eye.

I hope you enjoy Royce and Katy’s story!

Yours in reading,

Carrie Weaver

www.carrieweaver.com

Carrie loves to hear from readers through her website or by snail mail at PO Box 6045, Chandler, AZ 85246-6045, USA.

Temporary Nanny

CARRIE WEAVER

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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For my mother, Mary Ellen. Love ya lots, Mum!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I’d like to thank Jack Swanson for graciously providing a glimpse into the life of an expatriate in Russia. Any errors are strictly mine.

PROLOGUE

Russia

IT WAS A WELDER’S worst nightmare: the odor of gas.

Royce started diving for cover a split second before the force of the explosion knocked him flat.

That’s when things began moving in slow motion. Debris rained down on him in waves distorted by the lens of his welding helmet. He grunted as jagged metal tore his flesh. The sound of his coworkers’ shouts was muffled by the ringing in his ears.

Dimitri ran to his side and yelled something in Russian.

Hang on. Or the Russian equivalent.

Royce tried to respond, but merely groaned.

Dimitri grasped his right hand, telling him it was going to be okay. But on some level, Royce understood it would never be okay again.

He tried to grasp Dimitri’s shoulder, but his fingers wouldn’t cooperate. Blinking blood from his eyes, Royce focused. Mangled tissue hung from the wrist where his left hand had once been.

A blessed numbness chased away the pain, but chills racked his body. Then darkness descended.

But not before the irony struck him.

Damn.

His ex-wife had been right. He would die chasing an elusive dream.

CHAPTER ONE

Phoenix, Arizona Six months later

ROYCE FUMBLED with his keys. Things came harder these days, even those he was accustomed to doing with one hand.

“You’re sure you’re up to living alone? You’re welcome to stay in the guesthouse.” His sister, Becca, pushed her honey-blond bangs out of her eyes. Even nearing forty, she reminded him of an exuberant cheerleader.

“Absolutely not. You’ve turned your life upside down for me long enough.” He silenced her protest with a pointed look.

At last, he maneuvered the key into the lock. He turned the knob, opened the door and gestured expansively with his good hand. His only hand. “My palace awaits.”

She strode inside and crossed her arms. “This apartment looks exactly like what it is. A furnished place to hide out and feel sorry for yourself. You need a home. You need my home.”

“Like hell I do. It’s about as restful as Grand Central Station. There are kids and pets and old people all over the place.”

“Those old people are my in-laws and they’re very sweet. My kids can be a pain in the rear, but they’ll grow on you.”

He couldn’t allow her to see how tempting he really found her offer. Wife, mother, businesswoman, caretaker—the last thing she needed was her injured brother taking up space with the rest of her strays.

Touching her arm, he said, “I appreciate the invitation. Really. But I need to do this on my own.”

“So why not get an apartment close to me? Or close to Dad in Florida?”

“Dad’s started a new life with Evelyn. He spent enough time raising us, he deserves this second chance. Anyway, Phoenix was home before I started the expat life. Maybe I can figure some stuff out here. Besides, you know, the old McIntyre stubbornness.”

Becca blew out a breath that ruffled her bangs. Her eyes sparkled with amusement. “I have a passing acquaintance with it. Fortunately, the family curse seems to have passed me by completely.”

“Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. I bet Gabe has a whole ’nother story.”

“Don’t you dare compare notes with my husband. He’s hard enough to handle as it is. It’s going to make me very uneasy with you clear across the country. Won’t you at least let me stay a few days to get you settled?”

“Absolutely not.”

Becca sighed. “Then allow Tess to come visit for a while?”

“No way. The last person I need in the middle of my catastrophe is my ex-wife. I have no intention of wrecking her second marriage.”

Tilting her head, she asked, “You’re not the tiniest bit jealous?”

“No.” The truth was, Royce was a bit relieved that Tess had remarried. Knowing she had finally moved on and found happiness put his guilt on a bearable level.

“I don’t think I could be as easygoing if Gabe ever remarried.”

“Then don’t get divorced in the first place.” He glanced at his watch. “Speaking of which, I bet your husband is eager for you to get home to start your anniversary festivities. Don’t you have a plane to catch?”

Becca touched his cheek with her fingertips. “Royce, I quit being fooled by the tough guy act a long time ago. I know you’re hurting, physically and emotionally. I hate leaving you like this, but I guess I understand wanting to do it by yourself. If you need anything, call. Anytime, day or night.”

Royce cleared his throat. “You bet. Now get back to your own life.”

Becca kissed him on the cheek. “Goodbye, Royce.”

Then she turned and walked out the door.

Royce dropped to the couch, fighting emotion.

The silence echoed louder than the explosion.

Jake tried to appear innocent. He looked his mom straight in the eye, though it took all his courage. He didn’t want Sally to get in trouble. And he didn’t want his mom to worry.

“You be good for Sally today, okay?” She handed him his favorite Diamondbacks baseball cap.

“I’ll be very good.” There. It wasn’t really a lie. He’d just left out the Sally part. She’d called the night before while his mom was in the shower. He’d listened to the voice mail, then deleted it.

“Be sure to ask her to help with your math homework because I might be late.”

Jake nodded. A nod wasn’t a lie, either.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you to school?”

“No. You can drop me off at the bus stop, though.”

“You bet.” She had that same sad expression when his dad didn’t show up to take Jake for the weekend. Like she blamed herself for all the sucky stuff that happened.

He flung his arms around her neck and hugged her hard. Before she could hang on to him and get all mushy, he pushed away and ran to get his backpack. “Let’s go.”

“Sure, honey. Let’s go.”

ROYCE CRANKED OPEN an eye and glanced at the clock. The numerals told him it was four o’clock, even if he hadn’t already suspected the fact. And the infernal tapping had been going on for at least fifteen minutes.

He should get a broomstick and bang on the ceiling so his upstairs neighbor would get a clue. But he doubted it would work. The noise had started promptly at three forty-five yesterday, too.

Cocking his head, Royce decided it wasn’t tap dancing. It sounded almost like Morse code.

Damn. If he didn’t know better, he’d think his pain medication was making him hallucinate again. But he’d quit taking the meds months ago.

Royce listened intently while he removed a bowl from the kitchen cupboard. Then a spoon from the drawer. He poured cereal and milk.

Voila! Dinner.

And who said the one-handed guy couldn’t be self-sufficient? Certainly not his physical therapist, Gus, who led him to believe he’d be as good as new with a space- age prosthesis and a crapload of physical and occupational therapy.

The series of taps intruded on his thoughts.

One-handed man.

“One-handed man,” he murmured, looking heavenward. Was it possible?

“Bring…what? Treats?”

Now he was really losing it. He was imagining an upstairs neighbor tapping out a take-out order in Morse code. And addressing it to the man with one hand.

Last time he’d checked, Royce had been the only one-handed man in the apartment building. Possibly even for miles.

What other explanation could account for the mystery message? There was that cute redhead he’d seen on the elevator. More likely, it was the kid she’d had with her. The boy who looked enough like her to be her son.

More taps.

Definitely bring treats.

Royce booted up his laptop and did an Internet search to refresh his memory of Morse code. When the taps started again, he noted their order, then translated.

“One-handed man. Bring Rice Krispies Treats to 472.”

Royce was in apartment 372. But he wasn’t interested in playing games with the kid. Was he?

Royce thought back to all the afternoons he and Becca had spent home alone while his dad worked. They’d had each other, but it still had gotten old quickly. Wouldn’t it have been nice to have someone new break up the monotony?

Absolutely.

Then another thought occurred to him and he was slightly ashamed. But chatting up the kid could lead to meeting his mother.

More tapping. Another request for Rice Krispies Treats.

It kind of tickled Royce’s sense of the ridiculous. And the redhead was cute.

He grabbed a pencil and paper and figured out the Morse code for what he wanted to say. Then he got the broom from the closet.

Grasping the bristles, he tapped on the ceiling.

Four- seven- two, you want treats?

When the tapping started a few moments later, Royce grinned.

“Rice Krispies Treats.”

As the tapping continued, he scribbled down the pattern. It translated to, Homemade.

He chuckled. “Picky, aren’t you?”

But he had to admit, the idea of humoring the kid appealed to him—harmless entertainment to distract both of them.

Royce checked his kitchen cupboards, just to make sure marshmallows hadn’t magically appeared. They hadn’t. By the time he walked to the corner store and back, he wondered why he’d decided to do this. After the first batch tanked because the bowl kept scooting and he couldn’t stir fast enough, he was ready to admit defeat. But dammit, he’d do it no matter what. It was, after all, a simple chore.

And finally, four hours later, he stood outside apartment number 472. He knocked and waited, balancing the covered plate on his left forearm.

He knocked again.

No sound of movement, no strains of a television program. He was too late.

Royce set the paper plate outside the door, trying to ignore his disappointment. It was only a silly game to pass the time.

CHAPTER TWO

KATY BREATHED a sigh of relief as she unlocked the apartment door. It had been one intense Wednesday.

“Hi, Mom.” Jake glanced up from his handheld video game.

“Hi, honey. I missed Sally again?”

“Uh-huh. She left five minutes ago.”

“I don’t like you being here alone, but I guess five minutes won’t hurt.” She set her purse and keys on the table next to the door and went to give Jake a kiss on the top of his head. “Still, I should probably call her.”

“Sally said it was important for her mom to go for dial—um, to get her blood filtered.”

“Well, her mother’s dialysis is important. But it’s important for you to stay safe, too.”

“Aw, nothing’s going to happen in five minutes.”

“You’re probably right. But I want to make sure it’s not going to turn into more than that.” Between school and her ill mother, Sally had too much on her plate. But Katy’s first concern had to be Jake. “I’ll call her later.”

“She’s got class tonight. You don’t want to get her in trouble at school.”

“I forgot she had class. I’ll call her tomorrow from work.”

Katy went to the kitchen and retrieved water from the fridge. The chill of the bottle was welcome against her palm. It was only March, but in Phoenix the weather was already warm enough for sundresses.

Jake came into the kitchen, grabbed water of his own and sat on a stool at the breakfast bar.

“How’d the math test go?” she asked.

“I got an A.”

“Good job.” She gave him a high five. “You’re on a roll.”

“You want one of these Rice Krispies Treats, Mom?” Jake peeled the plastic wrap from a paper plate she hadn’t noticed.

“Did Sally make these?” She bit into one, enjoying the sweet, sticky goodness.

Jake bit into one, too. “Uh-huh,” was his muffled reply.

THE REDHEAD barely glanced at Royce when they passed in the parking lot. Though she’d seemed distracted, he’d hoped for some spark of recognition.

Shrugging philosophically, he settled the grocery sack more securely on his hip and headed toward his apartment. Once inside, he went through the now-familiar process of making Rice Krispies Treats.

Royce swore under his breath as the mixing bowl scooted across the counter. He half suspected his upstairs neighbor was on his physical therapist’s payroll.

The first batch of snacks had been made only after he’d sat on the floor and braced the bowl between his shoes while he combined the marshmallow mixture with puffed rice.

But there was something almost barbaric about cooking that way. Now, he kept the bowl braced between his stomach and left arm so it wouldn’t slide all over the counter.

Damn.

His injured arm was still sensitive to pressure. He wiped his face against his shoulder. Who knew a fairly simple task could be such a workout? A year ago, he probably would have laughed at the idea. But now he was seeing things a whole lot differently.

It took at least four times longer than it should have, but finally, he had the treats cut and on a plate. He’d left the first plate two days ago. A coded rave review had come through yesterday. And this morning, a short request for more.

Glancing at his watch, he waited for the afternoon transmission. Three forty-five came and went. No message. What did that mean?

He heard footsteps upstairs.

Royce got out the broomstick and tapped on the ceiling. “U there?”

No answer.

He tapped again and still nothing.

Maybe he’d only heard one set of footsteps instead of two and the boy was home alone. And this wouldn’t be the first time he had been left on his own. What if the kid was hurt or something?

A man of action, Royce grabbed the plate of snacks and headed out the door.

Katy grated cheese for enchiladas with her phone wedged between her chin and shoulder as she talked. “Yes, Mom, I’m concerned, too. I’ll talk to Sally about it and make sure she only leaves five minutes before you pick up Jake when I’m out of town. But she’s worked for me for three years. I trust her.”

A knock sounded at the door.

“I’ll get it,” Jake hollered.

Katy dropped the cheese, the grater and nearly the phone. She managed to get the speaker covered before she called, “No you don’t, Jake.”

“Aw, Mom, that’s a silly rule.”

Katy said, “Mom, I’ll have to call you back.” She clicked her phone shut and hurried to the door.

“It’s probably just someone selling magazines.” Jake crossed his arms over his chest, a gesture so reminiscent of Katy’s late father she had to smile. “I can tell ’em to get lost as well as you can.”

Ruffling his hair, she said, “I bet you can. But it’s best if I do.”

She opened the door and saw a strange man standing there. A strange, good-looking man holding a plate of Rice Krispies Treats.

“May I help you?”

The man grinned. “These are for you. From 372 to 472.”

“Um, thank you.”

“I’m the one-handed guy.” He held up his left arm and she saw air where there should have been a hand.

“Yes, I…can see that.” Katy felt as if she’d been dropped in the middle of a Twilight Zone episode.

“I made these especially for you guys. Just like before.”

“Before?”

“Ask and you shall receive.” He eyed her expectantly as if she should invite him in.

“I think there’s some mistake. Maybe you have the wrong apartment.”

He glanced at the number on the door. “Nope. You’re 472, I’m 372. Someone’s been sending coded messages to me.”

Oh, great. Katy bet he wore a tinfoil hat to keep the aliens from interfering with his brain waves, too. Although he looked pretty normal. Other than his injured arm.

“Like I said, I’m sure you’re mistaken.” Except something about the treats was familiar….

“Just take them. The kid likes them.” He extended the plate.

“No, thank you.” She started to close the door.

The man planted his size-twelve shoe in the gap.

Recalling a recent burglary nearby, Katy’s protective instincts went into overdrive. Especially when she realized this man fit the thief’s description.

“Mom—”

She blocked Jake as he moved into view. Making a split-second decision, she brought the heel of her shoe down on the man’s instep.

He grunted in pain, cursed and withdrew his foot.

She slammed the door and flicked the dead bolt. Leaning back, she closed her eyes, relieved when she heard the sound of retreating footsteps.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, honey, but I should call the police.”

“No, don’t!” Jake’s face was pale, his eyes wide with fear.

“It’s all right, the police will find the man and make sure he’s not sick or something. And if he’s a bad man, they’ll take him to jail.”

“He’s not a bad man! He’s my friend.”

An awful feeling started in the pit of Katy’s stomach. Then she recalled the plate of Rice Krispies Treats they’d had yesterday.

“Jake Garner, is there something you should tell me?”

“He’s our neighbor, Mom, so he’s not really a stranger and it’s okay that I asked him for Rice Krispies Treats.”

“You what? When?”

“The past couple of days while you’ve been at work. I got kinda lonely after school. I saw him in the elevator last week and thought it was pretty cool that he only had one hand. I’d been watching Frankenstein and figured maybe he could be somebody’s experiment someday and—”

“Get to the point, Jake.” How many times had she said that to her son? It seemed like thousands. He had such a vivid imagination.

“I figured maybe he was lonely, too,’ cause nobody looks at him once they notice his hand. They kinda pretend he’s not there. And I saw him getting mail one day for apartment 372. He was reading his mail, so he didn’t see me.”

“So he is our downstairs neighbor.”

“Yeah. One day I was bored and there were some weird shadows on the wall that made me think of monsters and stuff, so I started tapping out a code on the kitchen floor with a hammer. You know, so somebody would know if the shadows got me.”

“Sally would know, wouldn’t she? Didn’t she object to you pounding on the floor with a hammer?”

“I wasn’t pounding, I was tapping.”

“Jake,” she warned. “What did Sally say?”

“Um, she didn’t say anything.” Jake looked at the ceiling, the floor and everywhere in between.

She gently grasped his chin. “Out with it.”

And the whole story came pouring out. Sally’d had a scheduling conflict this week with her mother’s dialysis and Jake had been afraid she might get fired. So he’d decided to soldier on and stay home alone until Katy or her mother got there.

KATY COULD HAVE SMACKED her forehead. Why hadn’t she seen through his ploy? Because she’d been too preoccupied making a living. And in total denial that her child-care provisions were contingent on everything going as planned.

She grasped Jake’s hand and rose. “You are so grounded. But right now, we have an apology to make.”

Royce set the bottle of vodka on the table, along with a glass. His foot throbbed, his left hand itched and his pride screamed for oblivion. Foregoing the glass, he removed the cap and drank straight from the bottle. His throat burned. If he closed his eyes for a moment, the sharp taste of vodka would almost convince him he was back in Russia and none of this had happened. Convince him he was whole again.

But if he kept them closed, he’d start to see the horror and fear on the redhead’s face.

A tear trickled down his face. Becca had been right. He didn’t have any business living alone and pretending he could lead a normal life. Who’d he been fooling, trying to act as if the explosion hadn’t been a big deal? It was the elephant in the corner and the redhead had seen it with searing clarity.

He pushed away the bottle, cradling his head in his hand. No amount of alcohol was going to fix the mess his life had become.

There was a knock at his door, but he ignored it.

Another knock, more insistent this time.

Then a female voice. “Um, Mister, if you’re in there I owe you a huge apology. I didn’t realize you and my son had struck up a…friendship. Not that I approve of Jake having friendships with adults I don’t know, but, well, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. Hope I didn’t hurt your foot.”

“My mom didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, either. She was just surprised is all.” The boy’s voice cut cleanly through the door, straight into Royce’s soul. The kid seemed to understand that Royce’s heart hurt much more than his bruised foot.

Almost against his will, Royce stood and walked over to the door.

Another knock. The boy’s voice again. “Mister, we’re not gonna leave till we know you’re okay.”

Slowly, Royce opened the door.

CHAPTER THREE

KATY CONCENTRATED on the man’s deep- brown eyes, where pain and a hint of anger lurked. It kept her from staring at his arm.

“I’m Katy Garner and this is my son, Jake. I’m very sorry for, um, stomping on your foot and being…rude.”

His eyes narrowed, as if he had another word for her behavior. But he didn’t say it. Instead, he crossed his arms and leaned on the doorjamb.

“Royce McIntyre. Apology accepted.”

Katy hesitated. What now? He’d accepted her apology. But what about the pain she’d caused? Could she really erase it with an apology?”

“Thanks for the Rice Krispies Treats,” Jake said. “They were really good.”

“No problem.”

Jake grinned his big, toothy grin. “You’re the first adult who’s ever gotten my message.”

The man shrugged. “Simple Morse code.”

“Yeah, but nobody else seems to get it.”

Katy interrupted their mutual appreciation. “I guess I overreacted when you shoved your foot in the door. There’ve been some break-ins in the area lately. I’m still a little uncomfortable with the way you met my son. Jake isn’t normally allowed to talk to strangers.”

“Hey, he’s the one who initiated contact. And how could I know for sure he was a kid?”

“Ask?”

He opened his mouth, then shut it. Shrugging, there was a hint of humor in his eyes. “I guess there’s that. I’m not very up on approaching kids, which should come as a great relief to you. Now that you mention it, I see your point about caution.” His eyes narrowed. “And yet you allow him to be home alone?”

Katy swallowed hard at the thought of Jake being alone and all the things that could have happened. They’d been fortunate that Royce McIntyre, on second inspection, seemed fairly decent.

Blinking back her frustration, Katy longed for the good old days when situations like this hadn’t been a problem. The days when her friend, Karen, had lived across the hall and could pinch-hit during emergencies. But Karen had moved in with her boyfriend across town, leaving a void not easily filled, both as a friend and a backup system.

“We had a communication problem with the sitter and he was alone part of the afternoon this week. I assure you it won’t happen again. Thank you for, um, entertaining him.”

“Turns out I needed to be entertained, too.” He pushed away from the jamb and extended his right hand. “Thanks, Jake. You really had me going.”

Jake shook his hand, his eyes as big as silver dollars when they traveled to his left arm. “Were you hurt in the war?”

The man stiffened. “No. A mining accident.”

“Jake, that’s not a nice thing to ask.” Katy’s face warmed. As if the man needed to be reminded of what had to be a traumatic event. From the looks of the tender, pink skin at his wrist, it had been recent trauma. “I’m sorry if he put you on the spot. And I’m sorry I wasn’t…more welcoming.”

“He has an honest curiosity. Nothing wrong with that. It’s better than being ignored…or worse.”

Like being stomped on and having the door slammed in his face.

There had to be a way to make this better. To somehow undo the hurt she’d caused. Katy shifted, uncomfortable with the solution that came to mind. “Do you like cheese enchiladas?”

He hesitated.

“It’s not a trick question. A simple yes or no will do.”

His lips twitched. “Yeah, I do.”

“Good. I’m making a batch and there’s way too much for just two people. I can bring down a…”

The wariness was back in his eyes. As if he thought she was too uncomfortable with his injury to sit across a dinner table from him. How could she tell the man it had nothing to do with him?

“It’s okay. I’m good.” He started to close the door.

Katy took a deep breath. She had to get past this. If not for her own sake, then for Jake’s. She didn’t want him to grow up being afraid of every shadow. Cautious yes, afraid no.

She stuck her foot in the gap. “Please come to dinner tonight?”

“It’s okay. Really.”

“No, it’s not okay.” She managed a small smile. “Please allow me to do this. We’ll eat in, say, forty-five minutes?”

“Goodbye.” He nudged her shoe out of the opening with his toe and quietly closed the door.

Was that a yes or a no? She’d assume yes.

“Good. We’ll see you in forty-five minutes,” she called through the closed door.

ROYCE PAUSED OUTSIDE the Garners’ place, a bottle of wine cradled on his left arm.

What in the hell was he doing here?

He was tempted to return to his apartment. Nobody had to ever know he’d been here.

But what would he do? Eat another bowl of cold cereal? Then maybe leave another voice mail for Michael? The thought left him feeling so hollow, he knocked on the door before he could change his mind.

The door opened almost instantly.

“Hi, Royce. C’mon in.” Jake’s hair was plastered damply against his head.

A pang of regret made Royce hesitate. Michael had adopted a similar hairstyle at about the same age. And now his son was a grown man, forging a career in stock-car racing, too busy to return calls from his old man. Or too alienated.

Royce was acutely aware of the passage of time. Funny, but when he’d worked out of the country, he’d sometimes felt as if the rest of the world went on hold until he got back. Children shouldn’t grow, parents shouldn’t age, ex-wives shouldn’t remarry.

Royce suppressed the thought as he followed Jake inside.

Katy hurried into the room, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

“Right on time.” There was relief in her voice, but her smile was strained.

He handed her the bottle of wine. “I, um, figured it might be okay with enchiladas. But if you don’t drink, that’s okay, I won’t be offended.”

“This looks perfect. I’ll get wineglasses and you can pour, if that’s okay?”

Royce almost broke out into a cold sweat until he remembered the bottle had a twist- off top. By bracing the bottle between his left arm and chest, he could manage. A corkscrew might have required more dexterity than he could currently claim.

Jake watched, his dark eyes solemn. Finally, he asked, “Does it hurt?”

Royce cleared his throat. He wasn’t sure how graphic he should be. “Yeah, sometimes. But the weird part is that my left hand itches like crazy. I go to scratch it and realize it’s not there anymore.”

Jake wrinkled his nose.

Royce glanced at Katy, checking her reaction. No obvious signs of disgust. She seemed to be absorbed in cooking. Her gaze met his, then slid away.

“Did they let you keep it?” the boy asked.

“Keep what?” He turned his attention to Jake. “My hand? Nope. It was blown to smithereens.” So much for not getting too graphic. But the kid had asked.

Jake seemed to digest that information. “Oh.”

“Jake, would you please set the table?” Katy handed him three colorful stoneware plates. “Silverware for everyone, then a soda for you. Special occasion.”

The kid’s whoop of excitement made Royce smile. “It takes so little to make them happy at that age.”

“He won’t be so excited when I remind him he’s grounded for his part in this escapade. He disobeyed the rules.”

“I’m sorry I got him in trouble.”

“He’s usually a good boy, but there are moments when he’s a handful. Do you have kids?” She held up a hand. “No, don’t answer that. Jake’s grilled you enough already.”

Royce smiled. “I don’t mind. I have a grown son, Michael. We’re not close, but I thought I’d reconnect with him while I’m stateside.”

“Stateside?”

“Yeah, I was working in Russia when the accident happened. People tend to assume it was something cloak-and-dagger with the Russian Mafia. Truth is, I was welding and there was a propane leak. Sparks from a welder don’t mix well with combustibles.”

She made a face. “How horrible.”

“It wasn’t fun. I thought I was dead, so waking up in a German hospital was a real bonus.”

“And probably every day after that.”

“Not quite…but it’s getting better. Jake’s been a welcome distraction.”

She hesitated. “Why did you answer him? I mean, it’s a little unusual for a grown man to play spy with a boy.”

“Hey, you don’t think I’m some sort of weirdo, do you?”

“No, not at all,” she quickly assured him. Almost too quickly.

“In case you have any lingering doubts, I have both Russian and U.S. government clearance for my work abroad. I bet I’m the safest guy on the block, maybe even the state.”

“That’s good to know.” She wiped down the kitchen counter. “Does your son live in Phoenix?”

“Michael’s based out of Charlotte. He’s busy becoming the next phenomenon of the racing world.”

“Wait, you said your name is McIntyre? Is your son the Michael McIntyre?”

“Yes. You’ve heard of him?” Though his voice rang with pride, Royce knew he couldn’t take credit for Michael’s accomplishments. Tess deserved that.

“Who hasn’t? But I’m a Ryan Pearce fan myself. I grew up around cars. My dad was a ringman at car shows and I followed in his footsteps. I help keep track of the bids and bidders and I occasionally do the calling when the auctioneer needs a break.”

“I imagine that takes a special talent.”

“Talking really, really fast.” Laughter transformed her face and made her eyes crinkle at the corners. Combined with her upturned nose, she looked a bit like a mischievous elf. “Seriously, I love what I do, both as ringman and backup auctioneer. It requires a working knowledge of classic cars and the ability to read people, work a crowd, anticipate eventualities. I’ve heard some people refer to it as a gift.”

“I bet.”

“The only drawback is the long hours leading up to an auction and the occasional out-of-town event. At first, there weren’t many of those. But since we’ve expanded, I’m spending one, maybe two weekends a month on the road. That makes child-care arrangements tricky. And I hate being away from Jake.”

Royce opened his mouth to urge her to make the most of her time with her son, to move heaven and earth to be with him every moment she could. Otherwise, she’d wake up and Jake would be grown and gone. But he didn’t usually give unsolicited advice.

“I guess that makes life complex,” he said instead.

She nodded. “I have a part-time nanny who coordinates with my mom. I’m lucky I was able to work something out between the two of them. Otherwise it would cost me an arm and a leg.”

“No doubt.” He’d never really thought about child care. But he bet Tess sure had. More and more, he realized how much he owed her. And thought she had more to show for her life than all his adventures in foreign lands. She’d raised a terrific son, while Royce had let go of everything that mattered.

“Are you okay?” Katy asked.

“Yes, fine.” He smiled, trying to chase away his regrets.

Katy got pot holders from a drawer and removed the enchiladas from the oven.

Inhaling, Royce said, “Man, I haven’t smelled anything that good in a long time.”

Katy grinned. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“In a platonic way.”

“Too bad. The other way’s a lot more fun.” Flirtations had always been a handy distraction in the past.

But Katy didn’t seem to think so, he could tell. Her posture was wary.

“Sorry, I was out of line.” Royce hurried to reassure her. “I’ve forgotten what it’s like outside the ex-pat world.”

Her stance relaxed. “I can always use another friend. Romance is out of the question.”

Royce opened his mouth to ask her why, then shut it. It was none of his business. And it was time he faced his problems instead of trying to lose himself in the closest woman who smelled nice.

“Dinner’s ready. Would you mind getting the salad out of the fridge, Royce?”

“Sure.” He liked that she treated him like anyone else. It made it easier to pretend he was like anyone else. Removing a green salad from the refrigerator, he placed it on the table next to the pan of enchiladas. There were already steaming bowls of Mexican- style rice and refried beans out.

“Jake, dinner’s ready,” she called. Turning to Royce, she said, “We’re pretty informal. Serve yourself and have a seat.”

Jake walked into the kitchen, then stood, waiting patiently. Either Mexican food wasn’t the kid’s favorite or Katy had done a good job teaching him manners.

Royce’s stomach growled as he loaded his plate. “You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this. There isn’t much good Mexican food in Russia.”

“You’ve been to Russia? What’s it like? Is it freezing all the time? Are there really babushkas?” Jake paused to take a breath.

Katy frowned as they sat at the homey table. “Whoa, Jake, give the man a chance to sit down. One question at a time.”

Royce’s brain ached from the effort of crafting answers that would satisfy the boy. “Yes, I lived in Russia for several years. It’s pretty darn cold all over, but particularly in Siberia. And there are babushkas. In the larger cities, the less fortunate ones beg.”

“Beg for what?”

“Money, food, whatever they can get.”

“Wow.” Jake’s eyes were wide as he processed the information. “I want to go there someday.”

“The people are warm and practical. They’ve lived through some rough times, but they keep plugging along.”

“I’d miss my mom if I went that far away. Did you miss your mom?”

Royce cleared his throat. “No, my mom died when I was about your age.”

“I’m sorry,” Katy murmured.

“Who raised you?” Jake asked.

“Jake—”

“It’s okay,” Royce said. “My dad raised me and my younger sister. I missed my mom a lot at first, but after a while I got used to it.”

“I bet your dad played catch with you. Do you like sports?” Jake asked.

“Sure. Basketball, soccer, hockey…”

“Baseball?”

“Of course. Who doesn’t?”

“It’s fun. But I get picked last for the teams at school.”

“That sucks.” Royce was trying hard to relate. Most things had come easily to him as a kid, baseball being no different.

“Yeah, it does suck. I’m picked last because I throw like a girl and don’t know how to bat.”

Katy patted his hand. “I’ll play catch with you tomorrow. We can work on that throwing.”

Jake wrinkled his nose. “You throw like a girl, too.” He turned to Royce. “Will you teach me?”

“Sorry, kid, I don’t play catch these days.” He raised his left arm. “Kind of hard one-handed.”

“It only takes one hand.”

“I’m sorry.” Royce shifted in his chair. A few Rice Krispies Treats were one thing, regular outings another. There was no way he wanted the kid depending on him like that. “I’m just not the guy for the job.”

Never had been, never would be.

CHAPTER FOUR

ROYCE RESOLUTELY IGNORED the tapping on his ceiling. It had been over a week since he’d had dinner with Katy and Jake; he had no intention of becoming Jake’s substitute daddy.

Not that Katy had given any indication she would endorse such a plan. On the contrary, he’d gotten the impression she’d been nearly as uncomfortable as he. And whenever they met up in the elevator, conversation had been polite, nothing more.

More tapping.

R-O-Y-C-E.

Not gonna bite. The kid was wasting his time.

R-O-Y-C-E.

Surely Katy wasn’t encouraging Jake? Maybe she didn’t know. How could she not know? Unless she wasn’t home. What in the heck was the kid doing home at two o’clock on a school day?

There was a thud from upstairs.

Royce stood, grabbing the broom from beside the couch. He refused to think about why he still had it handy.

He tapped out a quick message.

U O-K?

Nothing. No footsteps, no thumps or bumps. And certainly no responding code.

He waited a few moments and tried again. When he didn’t get a response, he dropped the broom and headed out the door.

Jake opened the door to apartment 472 almost before Royce was done knocking. His smile was wide. “Took you long enough.”

“What the hell?”

Jake shrugged. “You wouldn’t answer and I’m not supposed to leave the apartment alone.”

That’s when Royce noticed the baseball glove and ball. “Uh-uh. No way, Jake. I already told you. Besides, aren’t you grounded?”

The boy stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him, using a key dangling from a lanyard to lock it. “Not anymore. Come on, let’s go.”

“You’re not listening. I’m not your baseball buddy. Now that I know you’re safe, I’m heading home.”

Jake stopped and eyed him. “I guess I’ll go by myself then. That’ll make my mom mad and I’ll probably get grounded again.” He sighed heavily. “But a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do.”

Royce could remember many activities he’d missed because his dad was at work. “Look, I was a kid once, too. I can understand you wanting to get out and play while the weather’s great. But—”

“I bet you got to play baseball when you were a kid. And didn’t have to stay in the stinking apartment every day.”

“Most of the time, as long as I behaved myself. It’s different these days.”

“No stranger’s gonna steal me. I’ll kick him hard in the privates if he even tries. You don’t have to worry about me. See ya later.”

Oh, great, now he’d have the specter of Jake being kidnapped by a pedophile hanging over his head.

“Why don’t you wait till your mom gets home? She’ll be here soon, won’t she?”

Jake shrugged. “Yeah. Pretty soon. You know, she won’t mind if I’m with you, ’cause you got all that government spy clearance and stuff.”

“Not spy clearance. Just a background check.”

“See ya.”

The boy trudged toward the elevator.

Royce wondered why he was allowing a ten-year-old boy to best him. Sighing, he realized it didn’t matter. He couldn’t stand the thought of something happening because he didn’t want to get involved. What if it had been Michael?

He trotted to catch up with Jake. “Just today. That’s it. You left your mom a note, didn’t you?”

“Sure.”

KATY GLANCED at her watch as she answered her cell. She really didn’t need the interruption from her mother now. If she kept her nose to the grindstone, she just might finish work in time to pick up Jake from school.

“Hi, Mom, I’m right in the middle of something, can I call you back?”

“I’m so sorry, honey. Jake emptied his backpack at my house last week and apparently a notice slipped under the couch. I know they probably sent a second flyer home, but I just wanted to be sure you knew about his early release.”

The world around her seemed to come to a screeching halt.

“Today?”

“Yes, the teachers had some special workshop to attend.”

Katy swallowed hard. “What time does school get out?”

“It let out at one o’clock.”

“That was nearly two hours ago!”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. I—I’m sure Jake took the bus home and is watching TV.”

“Mom, I’ve got to call home.”

“Okay.”

Katy hit the speed dial button. The phone rang and rang, then finally went into voice mail.

She left a message telling Jake she’d be right there, just in case he’d been in the bathroom or totally engrossed in a video game. Then she grabbed her purse and keys and headed for the door, explaining to her boss on the way.

When Katy entered the apartment, she sighed in relief at the sight of Jake’s backpack. He was home. She’d been frantic for nothing.

“Jake?” she called. No answer. And the TV was off. Not the norm when her son was home.

She glanced in his bedroom. It looked the same as when he’d left this morning—the bed slightly rumpled but basically tidy. The bathroom door stood open.

Panic threatened to return.

Where could he be?

What if someone had come to the door and Jake had let him in? He could be halfway to Mexico by now. Or worse.

“Calm down,” she murmured. There was probably some reasonable explanation. No need to jump to conclusions. Jake was probably at a friend’s house and had forgotten to call. It had happened once before. Fortunately, Brandon’s mother had called that time to let her know Jake was there.

Katy removed her PalmPilot from her purse and ran through her address book. She called Brandon’s house—no Jake. Now that she thought about it, Katy couldn’t recall her son playing with Brandon recently.

Where could Jake be?

Her gaze lit on the bottle of wine, two- thirds gone, leftover from the dinner with Royce.

She grabbed her purse and headed out the door, taking the stairs because they were quicker. She was nearly out of breath when she reached Royce’s door.

Katy pounded on the door a little harder than necessary. But he didn’t answer. Her hand shook as she knocked one last time.

Should she call the police? Have them issue an Amber Alert?

Katy blinked away tears of frustration.

Royce cursed under his breath as he chased the ball. “Sorry, kid, I don’t catch so well one-handed.”

“That’s okay, I don’t throw so good one- handed.”

Royce picked up the ball and laughed. The sun was warm on his back and he recalled just how good it felt to be outdoors and playing. “I don’t think of it that way. You’re getting better, though.”

“Yeah, so are you.” Mischief lurked in Jake’s eyes.

Royce tossed the ball to him and it bounced off the tip of his glove.

“Got to get under it.”

“It was too high.”

“Then move. Your feet aren’t stuck to the ground.” Royce demonstrated getting under the ball. Unfortunately, it bounced off his bare hand and he had to chase it again.

“It didn’t help you.”

“Yeah, well I’m the exception. Try it.” He tossed the ball high.

Jake scampered back a few feet. He smiled as the ball fell into the pocket of his glove. “Cool. You got a trick like that for throwing?”

“Just keep focused on where you want it to go and follow through. Like this.”

“Jake Allan Garner.” The frosty words came from behind Royce.

Jake’s eyes widened. He stammered, “Um, Mom, you weren’t supposed to be home yet.”

Royce turned to see Katy standing a few yards away, hands on hips, her eyes flashing.

“Why didn’t you tell me there was early release today? Do you know how worried I’ve been?”

Jake opened his mouth, but Katy kept going. “I’ve called your friends, stopped by the school. I was about to call the police and have them issue an Amber Alert.”

Royce stepped forward. “Didn’t you get Jake’s note?”

“There was no note.” She enunciated clearly.

He turned. “Jake, you said you left a note.”

The boy kicked a clod of dirt with his shoe. “I, um, forgot.”

“It seems to me you deliberately disobeyed me. And pretty much orchestrated this whole thing. You knew I’d have Sally come stay with you for early release, didn’t you?”

Jake studied his shoes. “I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do know. I’m beginning to think the notice got shoved under Grandma’s couch on purpose. There’s usually a second notice. I’m assuming that one got lost, too?”

The boy’s face flushed. Royce had a pretty good idea Katy had hit the nail on the head.

“Hey, kid, it’s not good going behind your mother’s back.” Royce turned to Katy. “I’m sorry, I should have known better.”

She hesitated. “It’s not your fault. He lied to you and will be punished.” Crossing her arms, she turned to Jake. “You owe Royce an apology. Now.”

“Sorry, Royce. I just wanted so bad for you to teach me.” The longing in Jake’s voice wounded him.

And reminded him of his son’s pleas at about the same age. He’d always told himself Michael didn’t need him that much. Maybe he’d been wrong.

But Jake presumably had a father. And Royce wasn’t a good candidate to fill in even if the boy never saw his dad.

THE NEXT EVENING, Katy toyed with a hotel- issue pen while she phoned her mother. She’d landed in Chicago a few hours ago, but the ache of leaving Jake for several days was still fresh. Shaking her head, she was grateful her auction house only staged about ten out-of-town auctions each year. If she’d been with one of the larger houses, it might have been more.

Katy was about to hang up when her mother finally answered.

“Hi, Mom, how’s it going?”

“Fine, dear. How was your flight?”

“Fine.” No, it wasn’t fine. But she wasn’t about to admit it.

Come to think of it, her mother seemed a bit hesitant.

“Mom, are you sure everything’s okay?”

“We can talk about it when you get home. It’s about your arrangements with Sally. Nothing serious.”

“Your tone says it is serious. Please tell me.”

“I don’t like to distract you from your work.”

“Anything to do with Jake comes first. Tell me.”

Her mother sighed. “Sally wasn’t there today.”

“When you picked up Jake? I know. She told me she was going to leave a little early.”

“Sally never showed up.”

Katy rubbed her temples. “Not at all?”

“No, but a strange man was there. Your neighbor, Royce?”

“Why was he there?”

“Apparently he and Jake have some sort of code….”

“Yes. Royce lives below us. They exchange Morse code messages through the floorboards.”

“Are you sure that’s wise, dear? I have to admit I’m a little surprised. You’ve always been very cautious where Jake is concerned.”

“It’s not like I planned it, Mom. And Royce seems to be a good man. Jake likes him.”

“He’s…a little rough around the edges.”

“Why? Because he’s missing a hand?”

Her mother made a noise of censure. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Look, Mom, Royce has government clearance, which includes an extensive background check. And I trust him.” She was surprised to realize it was true.

“Well, I won’t tell you how to raise your own child.”

Since when?

Katy pushed away the disloyal thought. “I know you only want what’s best for Jake.”

“I just wish I’d been able to keep the house after your father died. There would have been plenty of room for you and Jake to move in.”

Katy smiled at her mother’s familiar refrain. “It probably wouldn’t have been good in the long run. Besides, your condo is perfect for you.”

“But I don’t like Jake being alone like that. Who knows what might have happened before I got there.”

The muscles on Katy’s neck tightened. She could feel a headache starting along with the realization that some changes needed to be made. “There’s not much I can do a thousand miles away. I’ll handle it when I get home. Sally’s all set to watch him after school tomorrow, isn’t she?”

“That’s just it. Her mother has a doctor’s appointment. Jake will be all by himself unless I take time off work to pick him up. I’m almost out of vacation time at the boutique.”

Katy had rarely felt so helpless. It made her wonder, not for the first time, if she was being the kind of mother Jake deserved. But she simply couldn’t see herself anywhere but in the world of car auctions.

“I don’t want you to do that. You’ve already done so much for us.” Katy hated owing anyone a favor, but the decision to spread the debt outside the family was especially difficult. “Maybe I can make other arrangements for the afternoon. Let me make a few phone calls and call you back.”

“Other arrangements? I can take the time off without pay. No need to—”

“Yes, there is a need.” She tried to infuse her voice with certainty. “I’ll call you back. Bye, Mom.”

ROYCE GROANED when the phone rang. He hoped it wasn’t Becca doing her long- distance mother hen thing again.

“Hello.” It came out sounding more irritable than he anticipated.

There was a hesitation, then, “It’s Katy, your upstairs neighbor. If this is a bad time, I can call later.”

“No, it’s fine. What can I do for you?”

“I’m in Chicago. Thank you for hanging out with Jake today. Apparently there was another babysitter miscommunication.”

“No problem. The kid said he was hearing weird noises, so I went upstairs to check it out.”

“We were lucky you were there. I owe you…about a year’s supply of dinners.”

Royce didn’t like the anxiety in her voice. And he didn’t like the fact that she seemed to think she owed him for such a little thing.

She hesitated. “I need to ask a favor.”

“What kind of favor?”

“Would you mind, um, hanging out with Jake tomorrow after school? It’s only for a couple hours and I’d be happy to pay you….”

Royce started pacing.

“Royce?”

“I’m here. Just checking my calendar.”

More like stalling for time.

In the past, he would have avoided getting tangled up in Katy’s problems. But that was before he woke up in a hospital room unable to recognize his own son because the kid had grown into a man when Royce wasn’t looking. Though he’d failed Michael, maybe he could help Jake. It was only one day, after all.

“Um, yeah, I guess I can do it.”

“You don’t sound too sure. I really shouldn’t have asked. It’s no big deal, my mom can probably take time off work.”

Clearing his throat, he said. “I’m sure. No big deal.”

But it was a big deal. Anyone who knew him well would have been downright amazed.

CHAPTER FIVE

ROYCE CHECKED the peephole before opening the door. “Mrs. Donovan, come in.”

“I’m here for Jake.”

“He’ll be ready in a minute.” He gestured awkwardly for her to enter, aware he was playing host in an apartment she probably knew as well as he did.

“Jake, it’s your grandma. Get your bag,” he called.

“Do I have to? I can stay here with you.”

“Not for the weekend, buddy.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said so.” Wasn’t that an appro priately parental way to dodge tough ques tions? “Now scoot.”

“My bag’s not packed yet.”

“Why not?”

“You didn’t tell me to.”

Royce sighed. “You’re ten years old, I shouldn’t have to tell you.”

Audrey Donovan stepped forward. “Jake, you know better.”

“Hi, Grandma. I’ll, um, go pack my bag.”

The woman crossed her arms over her chest and eyed Royce as if he were an escapee from the penitentiary. “How long has my daughter known you?”

“About a month.”

“She says you have some sort of government clearance.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I take it they check for felony convictions?”

“Among other things.”

“I don’t like Katy leaving Jake with someone inexperienced in child care. Do you know CPR?”

Did he know CPR? “Working in remote locations, I’ve even had to use it once or twice.”

Royce didn’t add that he’d flunked the baby Heimlich maneuver when Michael had been a toddler. He would never forget the panic in the baby’s eyes as he’d struggled to breath. How helpless Royce had felt.

And how he’d done possibly the worst thing—smacked Michael on the back hard enough to make the piece of hot dog fly out of his mouth. It could have just as easily lodged farther in his airway. After that, Royce had done everything in his power not to be left alone with Michael until way after he’d outgrown the choking stage.

Audrey’s eyes narrowed, as if she could read his thoughts. She continued to question his capabilities until Jake came out with his duffel bag.

“I’m ready.” His voice was glum.

“Why the long face?” Audrey asked.

“No reason. I just wanted to stay here with Royce. We played video games. You’d think he’d be really bad at it ’cause he only has one hand, but he’s pretty good. And he was going to play catch with me.”

“Time to go, Jake. You can see Royce… another time. I’ll lock up, you can go ahead and leave.”

Which he did, feeling as if he’d been dismissed in more ways than one.

On Monday, Katy replaced the phone on the cradle and started to pace. What in the world was she going to do? Sally had called her at work and quit without notice.

She’d hurried home to be there when Jake arrived. Then, she’d called the nanny agency and been placed on a waiting list. Apparently several high-tech firms had opened offices in the valley, their new employees creating a shortage of private nannies, especially those willing to work part-time. The story was the same at the second and third agencies she called.

Katy started to panic. She would have called her friend Karen, but knew she was on vacation in Cancun.

Flipping open her laptop, Katy started to check listings for nanny services.

She heard the door open and Jake ran in the apartment. “Mom, you’re home.”

Glancing at her watch, she tried to smile. “Hi, honey, I…got off work early. How was your—”

“Look who I found downstairs.”

Royce entered. His hair was windblown, his face tanned. It was good to see him looking so fit and healthy.

“Jake insisted I come upstairs with him. For a snack. I figured I’d make sure Sally showed up.”

“Thank you. That was very kind.”

“No problem.”

“I heard you on the phone with Grandma last night. About Sally taking so much time off.”

“That’s something I need to talk to you about, honey. Later.”

Jake had grown attached to Sally and Katy didn’t want to break the bad news with someone else here.

“I know Sally needs to be with her mom a lot.” Jake’s expression was earnest. “So I figured out a way she can do that.”

“Sally called a while ago. She had to quit to take care of her mom.” She held out her hand to him, determined to gloss over the very real challenges they faced. And the fact that Jake was losing another adult he’d come to count on. “I know it’s going to be hard, but we’ll get somebody new you like just as much as Sally.”

“We don’t need nobody new. We’ve got Royce.”

“Royce is a welder, not a babysitter.”

“He said he can’t be a welder anymore, ’cause it takes two hands.”

Katy couldn’t allow Jake to put Royce on the spot any more than he already had. The man had been very patient. “It’s out of the question, Jake. End of discussion. Now take your backpack to your room and start your homework.”

“But—”

“Now.”

“Yes, Mom.” Jake slung his backpack over his shoulder and trudged to his room.

“Wow, you’ve got that threatening voice down pat. I was ready to salute.”

“I’ve probably been too easy on him. Mostly because I understand that he’s looking for a father figure. His dad’s really dropped out of his life the past couple years. But I can’t let him continue to put you on the spot. You’ve been great. Absolutely great.”

Royce shifted. “So when will the new nanny start?”

“Good question. The agencies are having problems finding enough qualified people because of the high-tech boom. I’ll figure something out, though.”

I always do.

But this time, she had the feeling her luck had run out.

ROYCE STARED at the TV, but wasn’t paying attention. He kept thinking about Katy and the flash of panic in her eyes when she’d talked about finding a new nanny. He remembered how she’d said it was extra hard finding someone qualified who would work part-time and weekends.

So why was he concerned? It wasn’t his problem. Yet he couldn’t help but feel a bit protective of Jake and Katy. He’d never gotten actively involved in his neighbors’ business before, and that had been the beauty of being an expat. Royce could be as involved as he chose, because he knew he’d be moving on soon.

Royce resisted an idea begging to be explored. “No way. Not me.”

If not him, then who? He’d learned that sentiment in one of his high school classes. Funny that it’d stuck with him all these years. Funnier still that he’d been able to ignore it. Until now.

Katy had said Jake was looking for a father figure. Royce had failed his own son, but maybe, just maybe, he could step in and make a difference for Jake, if only in the short term.

Royce grabbed his keys, locked the door and took the stairs to Katy’s place. He knocked immediately, afraid he might change his mind. His idea was totally out of the norm for him, but somehow right.

Katy opened the door and motioned him inside. She was talking on the phone.

“Yes, I understand,” she said. “There’s no way you can find a replacement on such short notice. I’ll be there Thursday evening as planned. But I’m going to need some comp time to spend with my son.”

Her shoulders sagged as she clicked shut her phone. “Hi, Royce.”

“Hi. Still no luck finding a nanny?”

“No. I’ve called everyone I can think of. I tried to get out of the show this weekend, but no luck. That’s the problem working for a small house. I do several different jobs and can’t be replaced on a moment’s notice. We tend to have more auctions in the spring because the weather’s good.”

“Job security.” He smiled to lighten her mood.

“That’s one thing, I guess. Normally my mom could step in and take Jake for the weekend, but she’s working mandatory overtime because of a big sale at the store.”

“I might have a solution for you.”

“Really? Have a seat.” Katy gestured toward the couch and he complied. She sat in an easy chair.

Royce plunged in before he could have second thoughts. Or thirds. “Actually, it was Jake’s idea. I’m not working right now and I can easily arrange my physical therapy around Jake’s school schedule.”

“I didn’t think you’d seriously be interested.”

“Only on a temporary basis, until you find another nanny. One who’s qualified and all that.”

Her shoulders straightened. “I’d pay you, of course.”

He grinned. “Of course. I have to admit, I could use the cash until I get my disability claim worked out. My investments are long- term and I can’t access my funds right now. But that’s not the reason I suggested the plan. Jake’s a great kid. I’d like to do it.”

“It might just work. You’re right here in the building. Jake likes you. I…trust you.”

Royce loved seeing hope spark in her eyes. He felt good that he’d been the one to help put it there.

Katy placed her hand on his arm. His left arm, just below the elbow. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked.

Royce was mesmerized by the sight of her hand so close to his injury. He realized it was the first time anyone outside the medical profession had touched his damaged arm. It was a shock to find out how much he missed that contact.

“Positive.” He’d never felt so sure of something in his life. And that scared him.

CHAPTER SIX

WHEN THE PHONE RANG on Friday, Royce checked the caller ID display, half expecting it to read “unknown caller,” the digital trick employed by some telemarketers.

Instead, it read “Garner, Katy.”

“Hi, Katy. What’s up?”

“I was just calling to see how it went yesterday.”

“Fine. No problem. Jake’s an easy kid to be around. As a matter of fact, he insisted on loading the dishwasher.”

“Most of the time he’s very good.”

He thought he detected a smile in her voice.

“Most of the time? Now you’ve got me worried. Does he grow fangs during the full moon?”

Her chuckle was warm and made him smile.

She said, “I have the feeling this might be the honeymoon period.”

“Honeymoon?”

“As in, he’s on his best behavior because he doesn’t want to scare you off.”

“Hey, it takes a lot to scare me. I’m not totally unaccustomed to ten-year-old boys.”

“Not much recent experience, though, huh?”

“It’s coming back to me. Piece of cake.”

If Saturday afternoon went just as well, he would be home free. Jake’s grandmother would take him for the two nights and Royce would watch him during Audrey’s Saturday shift at work. And Katy would be home Sunday. Not a bad arrangement as long as it was temporary.

“Good. I’ll stop by with your pay Sunday night if I don’t get in too late.”

“Sounds good.” Not only to have some much-needed cash, but to see Katy, too.

“HOW ABOUT WE PLAY some video games?” Jake asked, controller already in hand. “Since Grandma can’t get here till seven.”

“Just for a few minutes. We still need to clean up our mess in the kitchen.” He’d shown Jake how to make his own Rice Krispies Treats.

Both Friday and Saturday afternoons had gone surprisingly quickly. Royce idly wondered why he could spend time with Jake and enjoy himself, but hadn’t been able to do the same with his own son without getting restless.

Royce suspected the answer was complex. As long as he thought of being responsible for Jake as a job, he didn’t get that panicky, hemmed-in feeling he’d gotten during Michael’s early years. He’d loved seeing the boy, but Royce’s mind had quickly strayed to the next job, next adventure.

But it looked as if there might not be any new adventures for him.

Royce pushed away the thought. It would be too easy to lose hope completely. Picking up the second game controller, he proceeded to give Jake a run for his money.

“Royce?”

“Huh?”

“D’ya ever get scared?”

If only the kid knew. It was hard to remember a time when he hadn’t been scared. But he would guess it had been roughly seven months ago. “Yeah, sometimes.”

“My mom gets scared. She tries not to show it, though.”

“Like scared of spiders? Noises in the dark?”

“Nah. Like if people come to the door and she’s not expecting them. Or weird things, birthday parties.”

Royce chuckled as he maneuvered the joystick. “Okay, I have to admit, clowns kind of freak me out. Maybe I’ve seen too many bad horror flicks.”

“Clowns make great bad guys. But it’s not the clowns…. I’ve never been to a birthday party.”

“Oh, come on. Not even one?”

Jake shook his head, his hand pausing on the controller. “Nope. I didn’t used to get invited to them much. But now, I have a couple of friends. When I bring home an invitation, Mom gets this really weird look and makes an excuse why I can’t go.”

“Maybe it’s just a coincidence.”

“I don’t think so.” The boy’s expression was so glum it made Royce hurt for him.

“Sometimes adults have reasons no one else understands.”

“It’s not fair.”

“No, it isn’t.” He refrained from pointing out that a lot of things in life weren’t fair. Such as having his hand blown to bits and losing everything.

“I got an invitation to my friend Chris’s birthday party. He’s gonna be eleven.” Jake’s expression brightened. “I bet you could talk my mom into letting me go. She likes you.”

Even though it was an obvious snow job, Royce was flattered by the idea that Katy had a soft spot for him.

“You think?”

“Sure. You got a government clearance. And with only one hand, it’s not like you could choke her or nothing.”

Ah. His injury apparently made him non-threatening to women and children. Something he might consider using to his advantage in dating, if it didn’t make him seem so damn pathetic.

“I guess you’ve got a point there.”

“And you make her smile.”

“I do?”

“Uh-huh. Will you talk to her about Chris’s party?”

“It’s not my place to butt in, kid.” The whole situation smacked of getting involved. And the last thing he wanted was to get entangled in Jake’s life on more than a short-term basis.

“You’re my friend. And my mom’s. I’d help you if you needed it.”

The boy’s logic was so straightforward and, well, noble, Royce found himself nodding in agreement. “Okay. But only if the subject comes up.”

“What if it doesn’t?”

“Then we’ll know it wasn’t meant to be.”

KATY WAS RELIEVED when she saw the light shining beneath Royce’s door. Good. She didn’t want to wake him, but for some reason it seemed important that she pay him tonight.

Maybe the urgency came from the knowledge that he needed the money.

Who was she fooling? Katy simply wanted to talk to Royce, one adult to another. She’d been able to relax with Royce and found him easy to be around. Not her general experience with members of the opposite sex. Maybe that’s why she’d married Eddie. They’d known each other since kindergarten, so she’d never had a hard time talking to him. Until they were married with Jake on the way and couldn’t seem to stop fighting.

Katy knocked and heard rustling inside.

The door opened and Jake stood there, his shirt rumpled and his hair standing on end.

“I’m sorry, did I wake you? I saw your light on and thought it would be okay….”

“It’s fine. I fell asleep on the couch.” He rotated his shoulder. “Not a good idea.”

“No, I guess not.”

He stepped aside. “Come in.”

“Just for a minute.” Suddenly, she felt awkward about being on his doorstep.

“Have a seat.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Oh, wait. You probably need to get right back to Jake.”

She perched on the easy chair. “He’s still at my mom’s house. Since I’m so late, she offered to keep him tonight and take him to school tomorrow.” Handing him the envelope, she said, “Here’s your payment.”

“Great, thanks.” Royce tossed the envelope on an end table and sat on the couch.

“This arrangement seems to be working out. Jake is thrilled. You’re all he talked about on the phone. How do you feel about it?”

Royce grinned, setting her at ease. “Better than I even anticipated. We had a good time.”

“That’s great. I was afraid you might have had enough. Kids can be wearing when you’re not used to being around them twenty-four hours a day.”

“They’re definitely that. To be honest with you, Jake’s a welcome distraction. I’ve had too much of my own company since I’ve been back in Phoenix.” He leaned back. “Funny, when I was recovering at my sister’s house, all the activity drove me nuts. I just wanted peace and quiet. But now that I have it, I’m a little lost.”

“I know what you mean. My apartment seems really empty without Jake there. If my ex-husband insisted on his visitation rights, I’d probably be lost.”

“He’s not in the picture?”

“Not really. Eddie rarely asks to see him. Just often enough to confuse Jake. And my dad died when Jake was a baby. It’s mostly just me and my mom.”

“You’ve done a great job with him.”

His words meant more to her than he could ever know. She cleared her throat. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

“It’s the truth. I wasn’t around much to notice what a terrific job my ex did until Michael was a grown man. Now I see how hard you work and I can appreciate Tess more.”

“You, um, still have feelings for your ex?”

“Not the romantic kind. I admire her, admire what she’s done with her life. And owe her big-time for pretty much raising our son.”

“It takes a secure man to admit that. I don’t know if Eddie will ever understand all he’s missing. Maybe after the new baby is born… His girlfriend’s pregnant.”

“How’s Jake taking it?”

“Better than I thought. Telling him was one of the hardest things to do. I owed it to Jake to be tactful and nonjudgmental when all I wanted was to say, ‘Your daddy doesn’t give a damn about you, but he’s bringing another child into the world, anyway.’”

Royce shifted, glancing around the room.

Katy’s face warmed. “I’m sorry, Royce. I’ve made you uncomfortable when all I wanted to do was thank you for being so great with Jake.”

“No need to apologize. I’m just a little sensitive about the whole absentee dad issue.” His posture remained stiff. “Though I’m paying for it now.”

“How?”

“My son doesn’t return my calls. My fault for not being the kind of involved father I should have been. It still stings, though.”

“I’m sorry. I wouldn’t wish that kind of hurt on anybody. At least you’re trying now. Maybe he’ll come around.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“Well, you have a new fan, anyway. My mom’s decided you might be okay. You won her over by teaching Jake to cook.”

“Just Rice Krispies Treats.”

“Still, she was impressed.”

“So that’s why she quit glaring daggers at me. I still get the feeling she’d rather Sally was back.”

“Not necessarily Sally. But another female would probably make her more comfortable.”

“She doesn’t see the importance of Jake having a guy for a role model?”

“She probably hasn’t given it much thought. Though she knows my spending time with my dad was important. He taught me the value of hard work, showed me what was what under the hood of a car and encouraged me to be involved in the auction business.”

“It is kind of an unusual occupation for a woman.”

“It’s been a man’s world for so long. But there are more and more women involved in the actual auction itself. My dream is to be a bona fide auctioneer. There’s something so exciting about being up there with all those people hanging on my every word, with things moving so fast most people can’t keep up. It’s such a rush.”

“I wouldn’t have you pegged as somebody who likes to be in front of an audience.”

“That’s just it. When I’m calling it’s like I’m a whole different person. I’m good at the preauction administrative duties, but it’s participating in the auction that I love most.”

“No college?”

Katy shrugged. “A two-year degree. After that, all I wanted to do was join my dad and learn the business. When he died five years ago, I was glad I had that time working side by side with him. He was a gifted man.”

“Sounds like it.”

“How about you? Did you always want to be a welder?”

“No, I fell into it by chance. I was in community college and took a welding class as an elective, just to see what it was like. After that, I was hooked. There’s something so organic about the process. It requires a special mind-set, a gift. And I have that gift.” He frowned, scrubbing his hand across his face. “Had that gift.”

For the first time, Katy clearly understood all he’d lost in the accident. Not only his hand and ability to do a lot of tasks, but also his identity.

Sadness washed over her as she searched for words of encouragement. There were none. So she simply reached out and squeezed his hand.

The silence grew awkward.

“Well, I better get going.”

Royce cleared his throat. “Thanks for the pay.”

Katy strove to get back on safe ground. “I’ll need you to work the same days next week, if that’s okay?”

“Sure.”

She made her way to the door, then stopped. “Jake said there was something you wanted to discuss with me?”

He frowned. “No. I wonder where he got—” Snapping his fingers he said, “I know what he’s talking about. He wanted me to put in a good word so you’d let him go to his friend’s birthday party.”

Katy swallowed hard, unable to meet his gaze. “We don’t do outside birthday parties.”

“Is it a religious thing? I know there are faiths that don’t celebrate birthdays.”

“No.” Though maybe she should have thought of joining one. It would have been easier than dodging an issue most people wouldn’t understand, even though many had phobias of their own. Some people were terrified of flying, some hated heights. Katy got nauseous at the very thought of children’s birthday parties. Though her reasons were logical in an illogical way, she was still embarrassed. And it wasn’t as though she was going to share that part of her history with just anyone.

“We just don’t.”

“Okaay.”

Glancing at her watch, she said, “Well, I’ve got to go.”

Katy left, throwing “See you later” over her shoulder. Her hands were still shaking when she reached her apartment.

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