Page 6 of Mateo & Nicole
Nikki snorted. “I haven’t heard of that rule.”
Incredulity flickered in his eyes. “You’d want to subject your child to a building full of men who don’t have any reason to hold their tongues or behaviors?”
She released her suitcase handle and placed a hand on her hip. “If you think Mateo would put up with the sordid behavior you’re referencing, you’re working for the wrong man.”
The cowboy’s head pulled back in surprise. She thought for a second that a smile tugged at his lips, but when she looked closer, she found that she was mistaken. He shook his head. “Even if that was the only issue, the room you’ve been assigned is too small. Children need space.”
Tugging Paxton to the front of her and placing her hands on his shoulders, she stood her ground. “Better to be in a cramped room than on the street.”
Finally, she saw some hesitation in his stance. Whoever this man was, he’d been hired to oversee the wranglers. Well, she wasn’t a wrangler. She was the cook, and until Mateo told her to get lost, she’d be sticking around. She lowered her voice, uncaring that Paxton was witness to all of this. “Please. Just let us by so we can settle in.”
“Mateo isn’t going to like it,” he mumbled, his expression softening as he took Paxton in one more time.
“You don’t have to tell him right away. I’m sure he’s too busy to have to deal with any of this. And Paxton knows how to keep himself busy.” Geez! Now she was pleading with the guy—the very same one she’d not moments ago told herself wasn’t in charge.
He scrubbed at his jaw and glanced toward the main house. It was too far away for them to see details of anyone coming or going. If Mateo was out on the porch, he’d have to strain his focus in order to notice something was amiss.
Finally, the cowboy gave her a curt nod. “I won’t tell him, but you’re going to have to deal with him when he finds out. The rest of the wranglers won’t be showing up until tomorrow, so make sure your boy doesn’t get underfoot when they arrive.”
She glanced around at those who had been coming and going from the building, and in answer to her curious stare, the cowboy said, “These guys are just getting furniture and other necessities moved in.”
Nikki nodded, relief pooling in her stomach. As long as Paxton stayed out of sight for the next couple of days, she knew she’d be able to keep him here. She couldn’t see Mateo sending them away after they’d settled in. He wasn’t heartless.
Smiling at the cowboy, she held out her hand. “Thank you…”
He took her hand in his, engulfing it almost entirely. “Daniel.” He jutted his chin in a direction off to the side. “My fiancée lives in a cabin on that side of the property. I’m there often for dinner, so I’ll be just a door down from you.”
“And when you’re not?”
His first genuine smile transformed his face into something that could make a woman’s heart melt, and that familiar stirring of longing filled her chest. Not for Daniel—but to have someone in her life that could make her feel whole again. “I grew up about ten minutes from here. I live on a ranch with my brothers and sister.” He thumbed over his shoulder. “I’ll show you to your room.” His focus skittered over Paxton again and that concern returned to his gaze, but he didn’t say anything more.
Daniel had been right. The room was barely big enough to put a twin air mattress on the floor next to the existing bed. They’d be cramped but safe and warm. She would take this over homelessness any day.
There wasn’t much to unpack. Paxton pulled a few toys from a backpack she’d brought in for him, and he played on the bed.
“I’m going to check around this place and see if I can find a notebook to plan the menu, okay, kiddo?”
He nodded, not looking up.
“You need to stay here. I don’t want you wandering around.”
At that, he did meet her eyes. “Because I’m not supposed to be here.” It wasn’t really a question.
Her heart lurched and guilt plagued her. He’d have more freedom after they settled in. “It’s just for now,” she assured him. “Just until we get our feet on firm ground.”
Paxton nodded, turning back to his toys. Nikki moved out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
She found her way into the kitchen and smiled. It wasn’t large, but it didn’t have to be. From what she understood, there was a larger space for meals. This was just where the wranglers could snack or get a quick bite. She couldn’t wait to get a tour of the space where she’d be working.
Nikki pulled open a couple cabinets and drawers, but did not find a notebook where she could begin her planning. She’d have to request that Mateo get her one.
“There’s the star of the show.”
She jumped, bumping her head against a cupboard door as she turned at the familiar voice.
Mateo leaned against the doorway like it was the most natural thing in the world. He grinned at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Why was he looking at her like that? And why did it make the skittery feelings in her stomach get worse?
Nikki swallowed thickly, beating down the blush that threatened to flood her face and offered a nonchalant smile at him. “I’m hardly the star.”
