A Princess Under The Mistletoe

Sara almost spilled her cup of water even though there was plenty of light.

“You don’t have to run off to your room every night. You’re welcome to use the other rooms in the house. You can watch television,” Gavin said.

“That’s okay, thank you. I’ve been reading in the evenings. I have headphones and I also often listen to music,” she said, wishing she didn’t feel so aware of him.

“I guess you’re ready for some peace by the time the kids are in bed,” he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “I wasn’t sure you would last. It’s not exactly a plum position for a woman like you.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Don’t get me wrong. You’re good with the kids, but this just doesn’t seem like your regular line of work.”

“I needed a change,” she said. “As you saw from my résumé, I apprenticed as a nanny for Princess Bridget’s children. I may not be as experienced as some, but I like to think I make up for what I lack in compassion and determination.”

“I wasn’t criticizing you,” he said. “You’re just prettier than I expected.”

Sara blinked. His compliment caught her off guard. She’d received compliments from many people before, but they’d all known of her position, and frankly she’d never been sure if there’d been a hidden agenda or not. Struggling with a combination of self-consciousness and pleasure, she cleared her throat. “Thank you very much.”

“Besides, you and I both know the kids are at a tough age. Between Adelaide and her teething and Sam’s situation...”

“I think Sam is tolerating me now,” she said, feeling a twitch of humor when she thought about how he sighed when she engaged him with silly games. “Adelaide likes to be fed on time and soothed when she’s hurting. I honestly hadn’t even considered leaving.” Actually, she didn’t know if she had that choice. She’d agreed to work in anonymity in exchange for her and her sister’s safety.

“That’s good to hear. However, you haven’t had a day off and you’re due. I may be able to arrange backup care during the week later on, but it would help if you would pick a weekend day.”

“Okay,” she said, feeling a sliver of relief. Perhaps it would help her perspective and clear her mind to have a day away. She was also determined to visit her sister who had not responded to her calls or text messages recently. “Saturday.”

He nodded. “That will work. If you need anything, let me know.”

“I will,” she said, the intensity in his eyes tugging at something inside her. “Good night, then,” she said, and she and quickly strode to her room. Her heart was pounding too quickly. She felt flushed. Sara swore under her breath. She couldn’t wait for Saturday.

* * *

Anticipating a surprise visit with her sister, Sara drove into town and parked on the street. She bought some fresh fruit and carried it up the steps to Tabitha’s apartment. Spotting the wreath on her sister’s door, she felt a rush of approval as she knocked. At least Tabitha was giving a nod to the holidays. Sara waited. And waited.

She knocked on the door again and Tabitha finally answered the door, wearing a gown she’d clearly donned in a haphazard fashion. Her eyes were droopy from a late sleep-in. “Hi,” Tabitha said in a fake cheery voice.

“Hi,” Sara returned. “I’ve called you, but didn’t hear back. I brought you fruit. I like your wreath.”

Tabitha gave a half smile. “It’s the least I can do. I’m trying to muster a little seasonal joy. It wouldn’t be good to snarl at the guests at the restaurant just because this is another Christmas I’ll be spending trapped. Thank you for the fruit,” she said, taking the fruit. “This is a tricky time...”

A handsome man appeared behind her. “Want to introduce me?” he asked.

“Of course,” Tabitha said. “My sis—” She broke off. “My good friend, Sara. This is Christoph.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Christoph said. “I’ll take a shower while you two visit.”

The man who resembled Adonis disappeared down the hall with a towel draped around his waist. Sara gaped at Tabitha. “What on earth are you doing with him?”

“Having a little fun,” she said. “He’s amazing in bed. Why should I deprive myself? He doesn’t know my real name.”

“How do you know that?” Sara demanded.

“He thinks I’m just a highly educated hostess,” Tabitha said. “Oh, wait. That’s what I really am at the moment.”

“Do you wish you were back in Sergenia?” Sara asked. “Worrying about being kidnapped?”

“I didn’t worry all that much,” Tabitha said. She sighed. “Oh, give me a break, Sasha—Sara, you’ve got to admit this arrangement is entirely too constraining.”

“We’re fortunate the Devereaux family agreed to allow us to stay here,” she reminded Tabitha.

“You’ve always been the one to deny your needs. I can’t do that, and you really shouldn’t. It’s not good for you.”

Sara stared at her younger sister. “There’s a difference between delaying gratification and denying needs.”

Tabitha shrugged her shoulders. “Sounds the same to me. Am I supposed to sit in a dark corner here until someone says it’s safe to come out?” Tabitha shook her head. “I’m young. I want to live.”

“Well, just be careful,” Sara said. “Things can happen...during sex.”

Tabitha laughed but squeezed Sara’s arm. “How would you know?” she asked. She immediately became contrite. “I’m sorry. It must be hard being the family saint. You’ve made it easy for me to be the sinner.”

Sara drew Tabitha into her arms, tightly embracing her younger sister. “I worry about you. I don’t want you to suffer.”

Tabitha’s gaze softened. “I’m not in pain when Christoph is around. He’s Greek. He makes me feel happy. He makes me forget my troubles.”

Sara still felt uneasy about Tabitha’s lover. “If you say so,” she said. “I just want you to be safe, careful and happy.”

“In our situation, one out of three isn’t so bad,” Tabitha said.

Sara took a deep breath. “Look after yourself. I’ll call you. Try to respond,” she said.

Tabitha smiled. “I’ll do my best. Are you sure you don’t want a cup of tea?”

Sara shook her head. “I think I heard the water in the shower turn off. Time for me to go. Call me,” she said, kissing her sister on the cheek before she walked out of the apartment.

Sara wandered around downtown, glancing into shop windows even though she was distracted. She stopped by the gelato shop, ordered her favorite hazelnut gelato and headed for the beach. It was early December and although it was too chilly for swimming, she wanted to make the most of her day. Spooning the delicious dessert into her mouth, she stared at the beautiful azure ocean and felt completely lost.

She was full of worry over her brother, who had been missing for months, and her sister, who appeared determined to compensate for the constraints of the past several months. Sara sighed and her mind wandered to Gavin, Sam and Adelaide. A little trip to the beach would mean so much to all of them.

Spooning the last bit of gelato into her mouth, Sara stood and brushed the sand off her backside. So much for escaping Gavin and his brood. It appeared that her own family situation was crazier than his.

* * *

Gavin alternated between encouraging Sam to eat his lunch and spooning mushy green peas into Adelaide’s mouth. She banged the extra spoon he’d given her on the tray of the high chair. The sound of metal repeatedly striking plastic reminded him of a bad visit to the dentist.

Sam appeared to be having a glum day. “Hey, bud,” he said to his son. “Eat a few more bites of your sandwich.”

Gavin gave Adelaide another bite and she spit the green matter back at him, chortling in delight and banging the tray. “Hey. Give your poor dad a break.”

At that moment, Gavin heard the front door open and footsteps. He glanced up to find Sara in the doorway and felt a shot of relief. “You’re back early,” he said.

He felt her gaze wander over him. She bit her lip as if to contain her amusement. “I’m delighted to know I’m not the only one on whom she likes to shower her food.”

“I bet you look better in green than I do,” he said, somehow feeling much lighter. He wiped Adelaide’s face. She screeched at him in return. “Hope your morning was better than ours.”

“Not bad,” she said. “I ate gelato and sat on the beach for a little while.”

“Gelato,” Gavin echoed.

“The beach,” Sam said, jealousy oozing from his tone.

Sara glanced at both of them. “There’s nothing preventing us from taking a little trip to the beach,” she said. “We don’t even have to swim. We just need to slather on some sunscreen, throw on a hat and roll up our pants if we dare to have the chilly water on our toes.”

Sam scrambled up on his knees in his chair and stared hopefully in Gavin’s face. “Can we go, Daddy? Can we?”

Gavin had so rarely seen Sam exhibit this much enthusiasm during the past few months. There was only one answer he could give his son.

Chapter Three

Sam zoomed along the sandy beach. When the water was calm, he stepped into it up to his ankles.

“I can’t believe he’s tolerating the chilly water so well,” Sara said.

“You forget that he spent the past several years playing in the snows of North Dakota,” Gavin said.

Adelaide wiggled inside the baby carrier strapped to Gavin’s chest and kicked her chubby little legs. She was almost too big for it, but they’d left in a rush and since she was putting everything in her mouth, he suspected there was no way he’d be able to keep her from ingesting sand, shells and rocks.

“Adelaide really wants free, doesn’t she?” Sara said, smiling as her hair blew in the breeze.

“Yeah. I’m just not prepared to dig sand out of her mouth,” he said. “Trust me. It would be a real mood killer.”

Sara nodded and closed her eyes as she lifted her head. “The ocean makes everything better.”

“Unless it involves a tsunami or hurricane,” he said.

“Feeling a little cynical?” she asked.

Yeah, he thought, but didn’t say it aloud. Instead he took a deep breath of the salt-scented air and then another. He felt his insides stretch open a bit. Gavin had felt tight and stiff for a long time. He’d had to stay tight in order to hold everything together. Everything had been so sad. His kids had lost their mother. His wife had lost her life. He had no right to breathe easy. He had no right to even a moment of happiness. Taking another breath, he almost felt a little sore at the expansion of his lungs.

“Maybe we should step into the water like Sam,” she encouraged. “Maybe it will make us feel better.”

“You make it sound like a baptism,” he said.

“Maybe it is,” she said. She took off her shoes and barely stepped into the water. She let out a little squeal and glanced over her shoulder. “Give me a minute to get used to it.”

Gavin watched her take a few more steps into the water. She was an odd combination of characteristics. Pretty in a quiet way, she looked young for her years. At the same time, he saw glimpses of an old soul in her eyes. Gavin smirked at himself. Old soul. Was he getting poetic about the nanny?

Shaking off his dour attitude, he ditched his shoes and walked toward Sam and Sara. He stepped into the water and felt the initial shock of the chill. He waited for the magic. No dramatic wave rushed through him. He just felt a little lighter.

“It’s strange, but it feels good, doesn’t it?” Sara said more than asked.

“I guess,” he said. “Sam, you’re not getting drenched, are you?”

“No,” Sam said, but he kept wandering farther into the water.

“Don’t go any farther,” Gavin called. “You might step into a hole. I don’t want you going in over your head.”

“Okay,” Sam said, walking in circles and staring at his feet.

“He loves it,” Sara said. “I’d like to bring him down here more often, but I’m not sure I could watch both of them at the same time.”

Gavin nodded. “I’ll try to make more time for it. It definitely takes two adults with these kids. So when did you fall in love with the ocean?”

“I grew up in a landlocked region, but we often took vacations on the shore. It was one of the few times we could count on being with our parents. Although there was always a nanny or two along.”

“Sounds like you didn’t spend much time with your parents when you were growing up,” he said, curious about her background.

“I didn’t,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. “My father’s business required a lot of social engagements, so my parents traveled more than they stayed home.”

“Hmm,” he said. “What about sports games and programs at school? Did they show up for those events?”

She shrugged. “Occasionally. We were always cared for, but we were also raised to be independent. But enough about—” She broke off. “Sam!”

Panic rushed through him. Gavin glanced in the direction of his son. He’d barely taken his eyes off him, but Sam was now up to his shoulders in the water. Gavin ran toward his son with Sara rushing beside him. He grabbed one of Sam’s arms and pulled him closer to shore.

“I told you not to go any farther into the ocean,” Gavin scolded, his heart hammering.

“I wanted to be in the waves,” Sam said. “I didn’t get my face wet.”

“One more step and you could have,” Gavin said.

Sam hung his head. “I’m sorry.”

Sara squeezed Sam’s shoulder. “Of course you are. And I’m sure you’ll be more careful next time. You don’t want to frighten your father and me. The ocean can be tricky even for experienced swimmers. Have you had swimming lessons?”

Sam shook his head.

Sara met Gavin’s gaze. “Perhaps we can add that to the schedule.”

Gavin nodded. “Good idea. I should have thought of it before now.”

“You’ve had a lot on your mind. But even after your swimming lessons, you always need to have a buddy,” she said firmly. She then gave both Gavin and Sam a once-over.

He couldn’t resist returning the favor. Her rolled-up jeans were plastered to her body and the shirt under her jacket had gotten a big splash, making it transparent. He would have to be blind not to notice the little lacy bra she wore and the way her nipples pressed against the light covering. The sight grabbed at his gut and lower. He felt an odd rumble of awareness and want. It had been a long time since he’d allowed himself to get aroused, and he wasn’t going to start today, he told himself. He tore his gaze from her body, but an unwelcome restlessness still rippled through him and his mouth watered with the forbidden idea of tasting her, starting with her lips and working all the way down the rest of her body.

“We weren’t prepared for a full-out swim today, but it looks like we got one anyway,” she said with a wry laugh.

“Can’t disagree. Next time we’ll be better prepared,” he said, but he couldn’t help wondering how he was going to rein in his imagination if Sara was wearing a bathing suit instead of being fully clothed.

* * *

Sara gave Adelaide a bath and put the baby in her crib with a few toys while Gavin helped Sam with his shower. Afterward, she managed a quick shower, too. Piling her damp hair on her head, Sara picked up Adelaide and headed for the kitchen.

Gavin was heating soup and grilling sandwiches. “I’m not that good in the kitchen, but I make a mean grilled cheese.”

“Ah, American comfort food,” she said, nodding.

“How did you know?” he asked.

“I once had an American nanny,” she said. “I also learned about peanut butter and jelly from her, although European peanut butter doesn’t compare to the American version.”

“Tell me about it,” Gavin said. “I should have stocked up before we came to Chantaine.”

“So true. Shall I help? I can stir the soup,” she said, thinking how attractive he looked standing next to the stove with his ruffled hair and broad shoulders. He wasn’t nearly as refined as the men with whom she usually spent time, although heaven knew she hadn’t had much time to spend with anyone. She’d been dedicated to piano perfection from such an early age. Her parents and royal advisors had told her the country would always be proud of her abilities and performances.

So much for that. She and her siblings had been tossed aside like rubbish. Sara wondered if she should have tried for a career in engineering. Much more practical, she supposed.

Thoughts about her country made her feel troubled and itchy inside. She wiggled her fingers. Music had always provided her with solace. “I haven’t noticed music around the house. I have music stored on my cell phone, but no speakers.”

“Speakers,” he echoed as if it were a foreign concept.

“You have children,” she said, unable to edit herself. “Children need music.”

He blinked. “I hadn’t thought about it. I’ll get some speakers,” he said as he reached for his phone. “I’ll write a message to myself.”

Sara’s heart softened. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so adamant. “Perhaps, I could play something on the piano in the meantime. I may be a little rusty, though,” she warned him.

Gavin glanced at her and nodded. “Yeah. That would be great.”

Sara went to the den and ran her fingers over the keys, then she began to play an upbeat elementary piece by Bach—Minuet in G. She played until the end and found Sam standing beside the piano staring at her. Up to this point, she’d been so busy when both children had been in the house that she hadn’t played for Sam. “A little Beethoven? How about “Ode to Joy”? Much better with a full orchestra, but I’ll do my best,” she said as she started playing the piece.

Aware of several blunders, she soldiered through and took a deep breath.

She turned and found Sam and Gavin, who was holding Adelaide, staring at her in amazement. “I thought you said you’d taken a few lessons.”

“I did,” she said. “Was it that bad?”

Gavin shook his head and chuckled. “Bad was not a word that came to mind. Are you sure you’re not a professional?”

Sara shrugged. “In the arts, the word professional is relative. I’m far from the best.” She smiled. “You enjoyed it?”

“I did,” Gavin said. Adelaide kicked in approval. “Adelaide did. What about you, Sam?”

Sam stared at Sara as if she’d suddenly gained magical powers. Or a third head. He glanced at the piano, then at her. Then he nodded.

“Time for dinner?” Sara asked, wanting to divert attention away from herself.

Gavin nodded and grinned, oozing a masculine charm that made her feel a strange tingle inside. “I didn’t burn the sandwiches.”

Sara fed Adelaide carrots while she, Gavin and Sam munched on their sandwiches, soup and chips. It was a meal mostly devoid of nutrition, but satisfying. Adelaide spit out a spoonful of carrots, but it only hit the tray.

“Yes, Your Highness, we are done,” Sara said and put the carrots aside. “We must all learn from our mistakes, and strained peas are the worst,” she said to Gavin.

He shot her a look of commiseration.

Sara squeezed Adelaide’s sweet cheeks and the baby smiled. “She’s clearly not underfed,” Sara said, then met Gavin’s gaze. “You’re a good father.”

Gavin took a swift breath. “That’s debatable.”

“Not by me,” she said. She wiped off Adelaide’s face. “Would you like to give your princess a bottle and put her to bed tonight? Sam and I can read.”

“Good idea,” Gavin said. “Thank you for coming home early.”

Sara took Sam to the den and read the same book three times. Sam kept eyeing the piano, but Sara thought she should keep the house quiet since it was bedtime. She read the same book again and Gavin came to collect his son.

“Ready for bed, big guy?” he asked.

Sam jumped up from the sofa and leaped into Gavin’s arms. Sara sighed as Gavin carried his son to bed.

Sara usually went to bed when the children did, but this time she put in her earbuds and listened to music while she rested on the sofa. Moments later, Gavin appeared, sitting beside her.

She inhaled his clean, masculine scent and decided it was a bit intoxicating. “Hi,” she said, pulling out her earbuds. “Did Sam settle down?”

“He settles down much more easily since you donated your sound machine,” he said.

“I’m glad it helped him,” she said, thinking of how she missed the waves, but she wouldn’t tell Gavin that.

“We swiped it from you,” he said. “I keep intending to get you a replacement.”

“No problem,” she said, and she waved her hand. “Wearing out your children is the best insomnia relief ever.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good thing,” he said.

“A good night of sleep is always a wonderful thing,” she said, unable to count the number of sleepless nights she’d suffered during the past year.

“I guess so,” he said and looked toward her. “As I said the other day, I really wasn’t sure you would last more than a day or two. You just seemed so young.”

“I’m small, but mighty,” she joked.

“I’m starting to think that may be true. You’ve been full of surprises, though. Some secrets in your background. You put on a happy face, but I’ve seen a few moments of sadness in your eyes.”

Nerves jangled in her stomach. She didn’t know she’d given so much away. She thought she’d put on a good front. “You’re very observant,” she said. “I think most of us have experienced sadness by my age. I try not to dwell on it.”

“Was it the loss of your parents?” he asked.

“That was painful, but there has been an avalanche of other issues and events that have been life-changing for my sister and brother since that time. Our future became uncertain,” she said, her heart squeezing with the pain of worry over her sister and brother. She just wanted them to be safe, and if at all possible, happy.

Gavin squeezed her shoulder. “I wish you could see your eyes. They look stormy and a little afraid. You know you’re safe here, don’t you?”

Sara took a deep breath. He’d nailed her emotions, making her feel uncomfortably vulnerable. At the same time, his hand on her shoulder was so comforting and the expression on his face was an exquisite combination of kindness and male strength. It would be so easy to give in to that. Too easy.

The moment stretched between them, and Sara knew she should turn away. But Gavin was compelling and she’d been strong a long time. He lowered his head toward hers and pressed his mouth against hers. His lips felt warm and sensual. Sara felt a wicked forbidden heat rush through her. His hands slid up to cup her jaw and the touch exuded both comfort and seduction. She’d never experienced that combination before and she couldn’t help wanting more. Leaning toward him, she opened her mouth and he deepened the kiss. A ripple of awareness hummed through her.

“Daddy?”

Sam’s little-boy voice broke the spell and Sara pulled back, appalled by her susceptibility to Gavin. She needed to get herself straight. She needed to get herself under control. She stood because she couldn’t figure what else to do.

“Hey, big guy, what’s up?” Gavin asked as if he had just been doing lawn work instead of shaking her up from the inside out.

“Can I have some water?” he asked.

“Sure,” Gavin said and rose.

“I’ll get it,” Sara said. “I’d like some water, too. I’m ready to go to bed.”

“Sara,” Gavin began.

“No. Really,” she insisted. She darted for the kitchen and poured water for Sam and herself. She returned to the den and offered the cup to Sam. “Here you go, sweetie. Good night to both of you,” she said without meeting Gavin’s gaze. And then she rushed to her room and closed the door.

Taking several deep breaths, she stood in the room and covered her face. What was wrong with her? During the past ten years, Sara had never put her needs before her duties. Never. She couldn’t mess things up for her siblings now. Chantaine had offered them a safe place. She couldn’t jeopardize that for her sister or brother even if her brother was nowhere to be found, and her sister was doing God knew what with God knew who.

She made a quick trip to the bathroom, splashed water on her face and brushed her teeth, then returned to her bedroom where she changed into her nightgown. Climbing into bed, she forced her eyes closed and told her brain to shut down. Easier said than done. Why was she so drawn to Gavin? He was just a single dad doing the best he could. What about him affected her down to her very core?