Harlequin Romantic Suspense January 2022--Box Set by Bonnie Vanak

Author:Bonnie Vanak
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 2

“You want to hire me to do what?” Staring at the handsome cowboy, Amelia tried to understand.

“I have a small cattle ranch outside of town,” Ted explained. “Two teenage twin girls who are freshmen in high school. I need someone to cook, clean and help look after my daughters. I can offer room and board, meals and a small salary.” Hat in his hands, he swallowed, painfully earnest and impossibly handsome.

Touched despite herself, Amelia looked past him to her boss. Serenity smiled encouragingly. “I recommended you.”

“But I wouldn’t be able to work here anymore,” Amelia replied, still trying to wrap her mind around the idea.

“And that’s fine.” Still smiling, Serenity placed her hand on Amelia’s shoulder. “It’s been kind of slow anyway.”

That was when Amelia realized Serenity had most likely hired her only out of the goodness of her heart, not because she’d needed the help. But then again, she had run an ad looking for a part-time store clerk.

“I should let you know that I spoke to Rayna,” Ted added. “I asked her to run a background check.”

Amelia’s heart skipped a beat. Luckily, no one knew her real name, date of birth or any personal information necessary to run even a basic background check. “What did she say?” she asked.

“She wouldn’t do it,” he responded. “Said it was unethical to do without your permission. But she did tell me that she considers you a friend.”

Touched, Amelia nodded. “I’d like to think about this,” she told Ted. “Can I give you an answer tomorrow?”

“Of course.” Ted Sanders nodded, holding her gaze. And then he smiled.

Damn. If a man could be called beautiful, Ted Sanders with that smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes came damn close. She sucked in her breath, shaken.

“Serenity has my number,” he said, clearly unaware of his effect on her. “Give me a call once you decide.”

Cramming his hat back onto his head, he turned to go. Halfway to the door, he turned and glanced back at her. “I really do need the help, but only agree if you’re serious. I need someone trustworthy and solid, someone who will stay awhile. Teenagers are a handful, but they’re also easily hurt. My girls are my entire world, and I’ll do anything to keep them safe and happy.”

With that, he left.

The therapist in her felt intrigued. The frightened and lonely woman on the run longed for what he offered—steadiness, stability, a chance to be part of a family, even if only temporarily.

“It might be good for both of you,” Serenity chimed in, as if she read Amelia’s mind.

Amelia heaved a shaky sigh. “Please tell me you’re not trying to get inside my head.”

“What?” Serenity cocked her head. “I thought you didn’t believe in my psychic abilities.”

“I don’t.”

With a sniff, Serenity waved that comment away. “You don’t have to be a mind reader to see how badly you two need each other.”

“You said you never tried to make matches. That sort of seems what you’re doing right now.

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