Protecting the Heiress - Book 1 (Royal Elite Bodyguards) (Paperback)

He slid a glance at Mayzie, who was still slapping her hands on my cheeks.  
“I’m here. Let me help. Me. The manny." 

"Do you know you wrinkle your nose every time you say the word manny?" 
He scrubbed a knuckle over the edge of his nose. It was cute. “I prefer child minder or child care provider.”

I grinned. “I think manny is cute.”

What? No. No. Not cute manny.

God, how long had it been since I’d had that tingly feeling? Though that question was neither here nor there because I was not $hagging the new manny. Because that is not something that I did. I played it safe for obvious reasons, because if I didn't, the world would turn to shit. 

"How do you even know what to do with kids? I feel like I’m fumbling around in the dark with a blindfold on and someone is blasting death metal all the time."
 
"I told you, I have a niece. I used to watch her a lot. They moved to Sweden, but they used to live on the big island, and I'd see her every week. I also have eight nephews scattered around the world." 

Watching him talk about his niece, I could see his face soften. His hard edges were gone. He was still strikingly beautiful. But less like the lethal edge of a sword and more like insanely hot role model. I wasn't sure which I preferred. 
"I just—" I took a deep breath to get my emotions under control. "I don't know what to do." 

He indicated the seat at the island. " You sit there, and I'll pull some stuff out of the fridge. Were you able to go shopping yet?" 

I shook my head. "I’ve been ordering food every day, which makes me just feel gross." 

"Hey, it's a way to get things done. Don't feel bad about actually finding a way through the chaos." 

"Yeah, I want to do it right with Mayzie. Every perfect mom in a magazine says do it right, but I’m overwhelmed if I’m being honest. I never planned on having a kid on my own, you know? And my plate was pretty full already, so it's just been a little much." 

"No problem. You sit. Make a list of the things that you need. Or at least know that you need, or think that you need, or have always wanted." 

"Yeah? Then what?" 

He pulled vegetables out of the fridge. Spinach and broccoli, and then the white sweet potatoes that I had. I didn't like the orange ones when I made fries. It just looked weird. 

"Do you have any apples? Or applesauce?" 

"Yes, I have applesauce. Or at least there's some in the pantry. I didn’t know if she was old enough for it or not." 

"Yeah, I think she is. But when in doubt, Google it." 

He typed something quickly into his phone and then he nodded. "Yes, she can have applesauce." And then he searched in the freezer and found some peas. 
"You make your list. I'll make her something she'll eat." 

"Something she'll eat?" 

He shrugged. "I certainly hope so. Or you and I will be eating this concoction for dinner." 

My stomach grumbled. "Oh my God. I should feed you, right? I should totally feed you." 

He shook his head and held up his hand. "You, sit. I can feed myself, and you look like you need someone to do something for you for once. So, it'll be simple, but I can manage."  

"Seriously, where did you come from?" 

He grinned. "The Islands, by way of London." 

"That sounds like a fascinating story." 

He shrugged. "Not really. List." 

"Um, I don't even know what to write down." 

"Just say it out loud, make the note, and then you and I will figure out how we're going to get it done." 

"I swear you're like a buff Mary Poppins." 

He paused as he grabbed the chopping board from the cupboard. "So, you think I'm buff?" 

"Now I also think you’re cocky."