10. Chapter Ten
Chapter Ten
IZZY
I pulled the car to a stop in the pick-up lane at the elementary school and put it in park. It would be at least another five minutes before they let out, so I glanced down at my phone, hesitating if I should tell my sister Angie anything or not. Would she tell me she told me so?
She was the one who said maybe Logan acted like an ass around me because he was into me. But if that were true, why did being attracted to me make him so annoyed? I didn't get it. Because he was friends with my brother?
I needed to talk to someone about it, though. At Jay's wedding back in March, I almost thought Logan was flirting with me at the bar. Until his demeanor changed and I talked myself out of it.
I sighed and switched over to my texts with Nicole instead. I needed someone to tell me I was being ridiculous, reading into things that weren't there. Nicole was the most levelheaded person I knew—well, besides my sister—but with this situation, I didn't need Angie adding things in my head.
Me: I'm getting weird vibes from Logan.
Nicole: Who?
Me: Maggie's ex. The dad I'm nannying for now.
Nicole: Oh. Weird like how?
Me: One minute I think he's checking me out and then the next he looks pissed off.
Nicole: Wait. I thought you said he found you annoying.
Me: Well yeah. But now I'm getting the other vibes.
Me: Just tell me I'm reading into things.
Nicole. Do you want him to be checking you out?
Nicole: Because if that's the case, maybe try a little subtle flirting and see if he responds. Then you'll know.
I sighed. Well, she wasn't going to be helpful. Somehow, the idea of the growly grumpy dad flirting was laughable.
The cars in front of me began moving as their children were loaded up and I pulled forward. Once Alice and Nikki climbed in the back seat and were buckled, I exited the school parking lot, my conversation with Nicole put on the back burner.
“Guess what?” I hoped they were as excited as I expected them to be about what I had to tell them.
“What?” They both responded in unison.
“Your mom got you both signed up for soccer.”
“Really?” Nikki beamed, looking between me in the rearview to Alice sitting next to her.
“Yup. And your first practice is today.” I still couldn't believe Maggie was able to pull it off. But she said she knew one of the coaches, so it made it easier to get them signed up and placed on a team quickly.
“That's so cool.” Alice smiled, but just as quickly, her lips turned down in a frown. “But we don't have uniforms or anything.”
“That's okay. Right now it's only practice. You can wear regular clothes.”
“Okay.” Her smile was back. “You're going to take us?”
I nodded. “Yup. We need to run home and get you both changed, and then head to the field.”
They both beamed excitedly, and luckily it took us record time to change, grab a snack, and get to the field. It helped that they were motivated, and I didn’t have to give instructions more than once. Not that they weren’t good listeners, but like most five-year-olds, they needed constant reminders. Neither of them hesitated to run out and join the group of other kids their age once we got there, but Alice needed time to warm up to the idea of running after the ball. Nikki, on the other hand, didn’t bat an eye and took off after it immediately.
I found a spot among the parents and waved to a few of the moms I recognized. Both girls were doing well, considering it was their first practice. Having practiced with them in the backyard after school this week, I could tell they would both pick up the sport easily. They thought it was cool that I played in high school. Honestly, I preferred softball over soccer, even though I played both. Wonder if either of them would be interested in that?
A woman in a blouse and dress slacks stepped over to where I stood. “Are you the Murray's new nanny?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I'm Izzy.”
“I'm Susan. Rowan's mom.” She pointed out her child.
We fell into easy small talk until the roar of a diesel engine had us both glancing toward the parking lot to see the fire truck pulling in. Did Logan go anywhere while on shift without that big thing?
Susan smiled, watching as the men jumped out and started making their way toward us. “I love that they all show up for them.”
“Huh?” I turned back toward her and tilted my head.
“Like a few weeks ago at the fun run, they all came to cheer the girls on, not just Logan. I thought it was the sweetest thing. It's like they have a bunch of uncles.”
I glanced back at the guys just as my brother waved. I sent him a wave back and then shifted my gaze to Logan. The tight, heather gray T-shirt clung to his broad shoulders and muscular chest. I didn't want to have an opinion, but I caught myself a few times wondering what it would be like to have those muscular arms wrapped around me.
His lips were in their normal firm line. At least he wasn't scowling. Before the guys made it all the way to us, a woman called out Logan's name and jogged over to him.
I was sure I made some kind of sound of disbelief when he smiled brightly at her. I get growly papa bear, but obviously, other women get friendly, flirty Logan. Which was fine. Why did I even care? I was tasked with watching his kids. I needed to stop imagining anything else.
The rest of the guys made it to us as Logan stayed a few feet behind, talking to the woman. I could make out a bit of their conversation involving fire safety week and promises to chat more about it over coffee. God, I hated that I felt jealous. I was being so ridiculous.
“They’re pretty decent.” My brother commented as we watched the kids run after the ball. “Kind of reminds me how you were. Never hesitated to go after the ball.”
I nodded. “Yeah.” I glanced down the line at Zack and Adam as Logan stepped up at the end. “New guy didn't come?”
“Seth?”
Right, that was his name. “Yeah.”
“No.” He shook his head. “He keeps to himself. Hasn't really taken to the group yet. I think we're a bit much for him.” Nikki took her turn kicking the ball toward the goal and Jay tipped his head in that direction. “Logan was really happy you were able to do this.” He chuckled. “He should have asked you about nannying months ago, like I suggested.”
“What?”
“When they were having so many issues with the older lady being unreliable, I suggested he ask you. I think he felt bad firing her.”
Zack made a noise, almost like a scoff, before he started coughing. “Sorry. I think a bug flew in my mouth or something.”
Gross. Bugs in general didn't freak me out as long as they weren't on my skin or in my hair. And definitely not in my mouth.
Jay raised a brow at him. “You're acting strange, dude.”
“More than my normal?” Zack smirked.
My brother sighed and crossed his arms over his chest, focusing back on the field. I tried to keep my gaze from roaming to Logan, but when I thought I caught him looking my way, I glanced back down the line.
And damn, I wished I hadn't. His lips lifted into a smile as he stared back at me, and my pulse took off into a sprint. If I thought his growliness was sexy, it held nothing to the smile that graced his face.
Or maybe I just enjoyed that it was directed at me this time. .
LOGAN
Watching my girls play soccer was the highlight of my week. The smiles they both wore as they chased the ball, the excitement they had the whole time, was nothing short of perfect. And it was all thanks to Izzy. Having someone who was willing and able to take them to practices and even games on weekends was huge.
Both girls barreled into me.
“Daddy, you came.” Alice looked up.
“Did you see us?” Nikki added.
I smiled down at them. “I sure did. You guys did great.”
The piercing tones of a call sounded from the truck, the muted alarms from the station a few blocks away following them a second later. Jay had already turned and was heading to the parking lot.
I squeezed both of my girls one last time. “Gotta go. See you at home.” I gave Izzy a clipped nod and mouthed thank you before turning and jogging toward the truck.
Ten minutes later, when I pulled the rig up to a run down building engulfed in flames, I was praying it wasn't the fucking arsonist again. It had been almost two weeks since the last fire, but none of us were hopeful that meant he’d stopped.
Chief Thompson, Owen, and Seth were already on the scene. If both the chief and Owen were there, that meant they had the same concern. We grabbed our gear and piled out in front of the building. It used to be a small BBQ joint, but closed down over a year ago.
“Murray, Ricktor,” the Chief boomed, “primary search. Mitchell and Stoer, take the new guy and get us a supply line going.”
I nodded at Adam and we finished putting on our gear. I secured my mask in place and tipped my head toward the building, indicating Adam to take the lead. Having a slightly smaller build allowed him to squeeze easily in and out of tight spaces if needed. Luckily, the building was unoccupied, and we were able to get the fire out pretty quickly. The Chief didn't need to tell us he was calling this one in. We all saw the signs—forced entry at the back, multiple points of origin, inconsistent burn patterns. It was obvious. This was arson.
But before we could even get the scene cleaned up and secured, the tones for another call sounded. This one was a car accident involving multiple vehicles.
“Mckinley,” the chief addressed Owen. “You go. I'll wait here for the agents.”
Owen hesitated. None of us wanted to leave our chief here. What if the arsonist liked to hang around and watch his work?
Jay swirled his finger in the air, silently telling us to get in the truck. We had to trust the chief. And that MVC needed our quick response.
As we were pulling away, Owen and Seth following in one of the utility trucks, an unmarked cop car pulled up. Dylan got out, and I could feel everyone in the truck sharing my relief.
* * *
It had been almost four hours since we left soccer practice, and to say I was exhausted was an understatement. My quick shower at the station probably did very little to scrub away the smell of the fire from earlier. Some calls made it harder to wash the day away before heading home, and I knew I’d still need another one before climbing into my bed tonight.
Walking into the house and hearing my girls laughing upstairs had me smiling and relaxing for the first time since I left them earlier at the field.
I set my stuff down and climbed the stairs two at a time, excited to see them before they went to bed. As I made it to the top, a vision in long blonde curls stepped from the room and collided into my chest with a squeal.
My hands shot out and gripped her shoulders. I swallowed thickly as she bent her head back to look up at me. Her eyes were wide, and her lips glistened as her mouth fell open. Her breasts pressed into my stomach, and the smell of strawberries engulfed me. Her skin felt so soft under my touch.
I couldn't stop myself from running my hands down her bare arms, eliciting a shiver from her as I did. A smirk pulled at my lips.
But then I blinked and stepped back. What the fuck was I doing? It didn't matter that she liked my touch as much as I liked touching her.
Nothing was happening between us. Period.
“Sorry,” I gritted out. “Just coming up to say goodnight.”
She nodded. “Yeah.” The word came out breathy before she cleared her throat and continued. “I’ll head out. Unless you need something else.”
Oh. I needed something, for sure. But it wasn’t anything I could actually have.
“I’m good.” Desire to touch her again still coursed through my body as I forced words through my lips. “Thanks, Izzy.”
She nodded and brushed past me. I stood frozen, not able to tear my gaze away quite yet. I wasn't sure what was worse, the crop top from yesterday or the one-piece tank top and tiny shorts thing she was wearing today.
I waited until she gathered her stuff and I heard the door click shut behind her before giving myself another moment to erase all things Izzy Mitchell from my mind and heading into the girls’ room to say goodnight. They were both worn out and asleep by the time I left the room less than ten minutes later.
Tomorrow was my day off, and then the girls would be with Maggie for five days. I was almost grateful for another break from Izzy. Really I should’ve been fucking relieved, but I had to admit it was nice having her around. Even if my dick liked it a little bit too much.