That phantom energy still buzzed through me, but I forced my legs to move. They felt heavy, a sign my breathing hadn’t returned to normal. I focused on making sure the inhales and exhales were even and not too rapid.
I climbed the steps slowly, and as I reached the top, a peal of laughter lit the air, followed by thunderous footsteps. “You’ll never catch me!” a child’s voice called from the other side of the door.
The happy innocence had my mouth curving and a little of my anxiety easing. Still, my palms were damp as I lifted a hand to knock.
More shrieks of laughter came, but no sounds of someone coming to the door.
I licked my lips as my heart pounded, then pressed a finger to the doorbell.
“She’s here!” that same young voice yelled.
“I’ll get it,” Lawson’s voice boomed, deep and gravelly.
A second later, the door swung open, and my mouth went dry. Lawson stood in a white T-shirt pulled tight across a muscular chest. He wore dark jeans that hugged his hips and thighs and had nothing on his feet.
Something about his bare toes felt intimate, like a sight I shouldn’t be witnessing.
I forced my gaze back to his face. “Hi.”
He smiled, warm and welcoming. That same kindness oozed out of him. “Welcome to the zoo, Hallie.”
A young boy skidded to a stop next to his dad and looked up at me. His hair and eyes were very similar to Lawson’s, but his wide smile had a big gap. It only made him more adorable.
His lips parted, and his eyes went wide. “Whoa, you’re pretty. Like one of the princesses in Cady’s books.”
A laugh bubbled out of me. “Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever been called a princess.”
Lawson ruffled his son’s hair. “This charmer is Charlie.”
“Hi, Charlie. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Dad, did you get a babe for a nanny?” another voice called from deeper inside the house.
Lawson groaned. “Drew…”
“It’s a compliment,” the boy said, exasperation filling his tone as he rounded the corner.
Drew was lanky and tall for thirteen. His hair had that artful disarray I was sure made him incredibly cool, and his blue eyes shone brightly against his tan complexion.
He shot me a grin. “Total babe.”
Lawson pinched the bridge of his nose. “Please, don’t make Hallie quit before her first day.”
Drew only grinned wider. “Never. I’m into this. I’m Drew. Whatever you need, just let me know.”
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing as I sent Lawson a sidelong look.
He shook his head and clamped a hand on Drew’s shoulder. “I apologize. My son is still learning manners where women are concerned.”
“Don’t let him get in your head,” Drew said, his grin not faltering in the slightest. “I’m a total gentleman.”
I managed to keep my laughter at bay. “That’s good to know.”
“Come in, please. It’s freezing out there,” Lawson said.
I stepped inside, letting the warmth of the space swirl around me.
A small hand grabbed mine, tugging me. “Do you like frogs, or do you think they’re icky?”
