Page 2 of Cowboy Daddies

She was about to turn around when a two-story wooden ranch home came into view. As she got closer, she took in its condition. The long front porch needed a new railing and a coat of paint. She paused. Well, it was very, uh… rustic.

Then again–with a new coat of paint and a good weeding of the flowerbeds–rustic could become charming. With the Pinterest skills she had spent years cultivating, she was perfect for the task.

Besides, who was she to be judgy? At least the people who lived here had a home to call their own. That was more than anyone could say for her. She’d moved out of her parents’ house when she’d graduated from college. With the Haven Agency sending her from family to family, she hadn’t had time to find a place of her own.

If the Haven Nannies placement agency thought she could handle it, she wasn’t about to argue. So what if eight other nannies had come and gone over the past two years. They probably hadn’t seen it as the opportunity it was.

She wasn’t like those other women. She was different. And not just because she had a degree and training as a homeschool nanny. Sure, she knew how to assess and tailor curriculum for students in special circumstances. No, she was different because she’d lived in Wilder for years. She would live there forever if she had her way. Wilder had helped her discover who she really was.

Before she’d moved to Wilder, she’d thought Littles and Daddies were just something you read about in books. It was through those books that she’d recognized herself. In Wilder, she could live the lifestyle she enjoyed. Of course, there was the small matter of actually having a Daddy, but she had faith that would come one day as well.

But there were plenty of other reasons she was the best choice as a nanny to help Rose Kane through her battle with selective mutism. Just because Sage was in dire need of the salary and was the only one who would accept the assignment meant nothing.

Oh my God, what have I done?

Was it too late to turn around? No, that was silly. Sage parked in front of the house, killed the engine, and hopped out. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed down her favorite sundress, the bright yellow one with tiny white daisies, and adjusted the messy bun on top of her head.

Just stay calm, she coached herself. You are cheerful, capable, and completely unafraid. Mr. Grady Kane won’t know what hit him.

The front door opened before she even reached the porch.

Holy hell.

Nothing could have prepared her for the man who walked out of the house. He was a giant, all height and broad shoulders with rippling muscles that proved he was no “gentleman rancher” but spent every day working his ranch. Dark-haired and strong-jawed, he had forest-green eyes that looked straight through her. It was like he’d just walked out of one of her Daddy books.

Her pussy clenched, and something delicious crawled across her bottom at the sight of his faded blue work shirt with the sleeves rolled up to reveal corded forearms. Holy Hannah’s teacups, if she could have designed her own personal Daddy, this guy was it.

It was all she could do not to touch her hair or straighten her blouse. She would not let herself succumb to those nervous tics. He stared at her like she was some living puzzle. Or maybe a bug specimen under a microscope. Had no one notified him she was coming?

Grady’s gaze flicked past her to the beat-up SUV, then back to her face.

“Did your mother drive you here?” he asked, voice deep and rough.

Sage blinked. Um… what? “Was I supposed to bring my mother? I can call her if you like, but I don’t think she’s what you’re looking for.”

He narrowed his eyes. “How old are you?”

Sage’s spine snapped straight at his tone and insinuation. What the heck? She was old enough to do a good job. That was how old she was, and he should already know the answer to that. Haven had sent him all her credentials. Narrowing her eyes, she demanded, “How old are you?”

Great. Way to snap at the new boss. First impressions are everything, they say. If “they” were right, she was doomed. But giants should know that they’re giants and not scowl and throw mean faces at people they didn’t even know.

“Thirty-eight,” he growled.

She forced herself to keep her face blank. “Well, my clients are usually much younger. But I can see you need a lot of work, so in your case, I’ll make an exception.”

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!

Maybe she could play it off. She laughed, as if she’d made a silly joke.

He didn’t laugh.

Nope. He didn’t even smile. Instead, he crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.

All righty then. So, maybe laughing wasn’t his thing. Sage flashed him a bright, cheeky smile. “I’m twenty-six. The perfect age to take care of your Rose. I can’t wait to meet her. My name is Sage. And I’m guessing you’re Grady Kane.”

Walking up the front steps, she extended her hand and held her breath.

He said nothing and didn’t take her hand. He just kept staring at her.