Deep in the Heart

Deep in the Heart Read Free Page B

Book: Deep in the Heart Read Free
Author: Staci Stallings
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on solid footing, she had to admit it was a good idea, even if her breathing was no longer working properly.
    “ You got it?” he asked, eyeing her seriously.
    “ Yeah.” She forced a knot of a smile on her face and started walking. The pavement would’ve been burning hot had it not been shaded by the millions of leaves above them. Just then a breeze swept through the branches and right over them. “Ah.” The sigh of relief was automatic.
    “ So, you’re an early childhood education major?” he asked as they made their way back up the road. It didn’t take long to understand what he meant about that last quarter of a hill. If it was any steeper than this part, she was in trouble.
    “ Yeah. I graduated in December. This is the first permanent thing I found.”
    “ Well, we’re glad to have you. I’m sure Pete and Izzy will keep you on your toes.”
    The question of how familiar he seemed in referring to the children traced through her, but before she could voice that thought, he looked at her, and that scattered her thoughts like the pieces of a shattering window.
    “ So, are you up for the 24-hour thing? Most people hear that and go running for the exits.”
    She shrugged, and it took a solid breath to beat the sadness in her chest down. “I like the idea of having a roof over my head. It’s worth a little work to have that.”
    He nodded, head down, concentrating on walking. When she looked over at him, she fought not to notice how rugged and tanned his face was. In fact, with that face and that body, he looked like he belonged nowhere else other than out in nature, taming some wild beast. His whiskers were more than a five o’clock shadow. They were a dark emphasis to the sheer masculinity of the rest of him. With a glance he caught her looking at him and smiled. Lines of amusement appeared on either side of his face. “What?”
    “ Oh. Nothing.” She ripped her gaze away from him. “I just hope I don’t do anything to mess this up.”
    When he looked at her again, the smile that was already beginning to get to her was a soft and encouraging. “I think you’ll be just fine.”
     

Chapter 2
     
    “ Schedules are to be followed not questioned,” Inez said with no small amount of seriousness. “I will have Patty Ann put a full schedule for the children’s next week on the desk in your room.”
    “ Umm, Patty Ann?” Maggie asked, wanting not to miss even the smallest detail.
    “ Mrs. Ayer’s personal secretary. She handles all of Mrs. Ayer’s personal affairs including children issues.”
    Children issues? They sounded like line items on a checklist.
    “ For tonight’s purposes, baths are at 7:30 sharp. Bedtime is eight. It would be best if you stayed in your room or at least in the children’s wing during your time here. I do not recommend going anywhere else other than down these stairs to the kitchen or the entryway stairs to the outside if need be. The last nanny was fired for being where she wasn’t supposed to be.”
    Fear pounced on her, but she yanked it back. “Oh, that shouldn’t be a problem.”
    “ Good. Well, unless there are any questions, it’s time for me to start dinner.”
    The United States Navy couldn’t have sounded any more regimented.
    “ I think I’ll be fine.”
    Like a drill sergeant Inez turned on her heel and started down the stairs that led right into the kitchen. With a sigh of exasperated relief, Maggie turned the other direction. “Welcome to the life of the rich and famous.” She went into the playroom. Peter was now sitting quietly on the floor, playing with the blocks. Isabella was lying on the little couch sucking her thumb. Big brown eyes stared at Maggie, wary but hopeful.
    “ Ah, sweetie-girl, are you tired?” Maggie walked over and picked her up, soft pink ruffled dress and all. “What do you say we sit here in the chair and read a book? How would that be?” She carried the child to the wooden rocking chair and sat down.
    Reaching to

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