A Very Merry Nanny (Very Merry #2)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

EMMA

A s I approach the trail’s end, I notice it opens to a gravel road. In front of me stands a two-story log cabin with a hunter-green metal roof, surrounded by trees—an oasis in the middle of nowhere Texas.

I feel at peace.

After a few steps forward, I freeze when my eyes land on Hudson. My lips part as I take him in like expensive champagne, savoring every moment. This man is trouble, and I hate how I magnetize toward him.

“What are you doing?” I hear.

“Shit,” I breathe, nearly jumping out of my skin as Lucas emerges from behind a tree. He's the most annoying Jolly brother.

His dark, messy hair curls upward at the tips. “You should take a picture. It'll last longer,” he says.

“Excuse me?” I give him an incredulous look, realizing I don't know how long he’s been watching me.

“You were eyefucking my brother.”

Busted.

“Pfft.”

All six-foot-two of him stalks toward me, his head held high. If Jake has the personality of a golden retriever, then Hudson and Lucas are the rottweilers of the family.

His voice drops. “Don't worry, your dirty little secret is safe with me.”

“You can tell him if you’d like.” I raise my brows, unbothered by him. Men like Lucas are a dime a dozen.

“Oh, I love it when you're feisty. Let's call your bluff,” he playfully threatens, his cocky smirk never leaving his perfect lips. Lucas puts his fingers in his mouth and lets out a high-pitched whistle. Hudson immediately turns and glances our way, scowling.

Lucas gently wraps his large hand around my wrist, pulling me toward the clearing.

“Is this what it's like to have a younger, annoying sibling?”

Lucas waves and grins like the Cheshire cat, displaying his perfect teeth. I play along, pretending to be unbothered, but I struggle to keep the facade up as Hudson lifts his black T-shirt to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Muscles cascade down his stomach, and dark hair trails into his jeans. I gulp hard as naughty thoughts fill my mind. Kittens and bubbles, Emma.

Lucas cups his hands around his mouth. “Emma was eyefucking you!”

“You're an asshole,” I whisper under my breath.

“Sure am.” He chuckles, casting a sideways glance at me.

Hudson shakes his head and resumes his work, slamming the ax into the wood, clearly annoyed.

I lean into Lucas and whisper, “I heard Southern boys have the best manners. You wouldn’t want to disappoint your mother, would you?”

“I like you, Emma.” Lucas releases my wrist and turns to face me fully. “I think I can help you.”

“Do I look like a damsel in distress? Because I'm not,” I snap back.

Hudson continues chopping. Each swing rings out sharply through the woods, and I can't seem to tear my gaze away from him as he works. When he releases a deep grunt, my body instinctively responds. Fuck, I need to get a grip.

Lucas narrows his eyes, noticing. “I see the way you two look at each other. And everyone knows what happened on the porch last night.”

“ Nothing happened,” I assert.

He licks his lips. “But you wanted it to.”

I can't deny that. To do so would be a lie.

Everything faded away when we were close. No one else mattered. It was just us—before Jake ruined it all.

“I was by the fire. A handful of us watched the two of you. Why didn't you just do it? You're Emma fucking Manchester.”

“That means nothing,” I explain.

“I've researched you because I knew you'd be back eventually, so I wanted to be prepared. I know you date a different man every month and haven’t settled down since you broke up with that jerk nearly two years ago. You're a hopeless romantic who would be perfect for my brother.”

My heart races. “You don’t know me, Lucas.”

“I know enough, and I can see right through your facade. The two of you are meant for each other. Why play it safe?”

I stare at him. “He's unavailable.”

“Bullshit,” he snaps. “No one has tried. He pushes them away, and they give up every single time.”

I hesitate to trust what he says. I have no reason not to trust him; I know he has his brother’s best interest at heart. Claire told me how close they are.

“Hudson won't make this easy for you.”

His words make me laugh. “No kidding. But I can't resist a good challenge.”

“So you're in?” he asks.

“I never sign a contract without reading the fine print,” I reply, aware there's more to this deal. “What do I have to do?”

Lucas shoves his hands into his pockets. “Oh, right. You just have to play along with my advances.”

I laugh sarcastically. “He's smarter than that.”

“He is, but it will work. Guaranteed.” Lucas exudes confidence. “Before you agree, let me clarify—you’re not my type. I don't want you to think I'm hitting on you. I'm not.”

“I don't know whether to be flattered or offended,” I tell him. “What do you get out of this?”

He smiles. “I get to see my brother happy again.”

I glance back at Hudson, unsure if this is a foolish idea. “I’ll think about it.”

Lucas wraps his strong arms around me, pulling me into a hug that envelops me completely.

“Hug me back,” he mutters.

I squeeze him, inhaling his cologne. There's nothing between us—no spark, no attraction.

We pull apart, and his green eyes travel down my face. Like his brothers, Lucas is tall and handsome.

“So, what’s your story? Why are you single?” I ask.

“Because I have standards,” he replies. “Looks like phase one has begun.”

“I didn’t agree to this.”

“You don’t have to. Your actions speak louder than words. I’ll see you later.” He walks toward Hudson. “I gotta brag about getting your number.”

“I didn't give you my number.” I shake my head.

“Oh right.” He pulls out his phone and hands it to me. “Program it in, please.”

I take his phone and text myself. “And what if this backfires?”

“It won't,” he says, taking back his phone and sliding it into his pocket. “I know Hudson better than anyone, and he’s never looked at anyone like he looks at you. That’s a promise, Emma. If I hadn’t seen it myself, I wouldn’t believe it either.” His sincerity makes my heart race.

“It's a deal then. Oh, and when this works, I might need one tiny favor from you.”

I lift an eyebrow. “Ah, there it is. I knew there was more to this.”

“I need you to be my date to a wedding.”

I place my hands on my hips. “Who are you trying to make jealous?”

“I have a point to prove.” He stares off into the distance, his expression turning serious.

I realize we have more in common than I thought. “I know what that's like. I'm sorry.”

He shakes his head. “Don't be. Everything works out the way it should. Anyway, I hope you're ready to have fun,” he says with a grin. “This is going to be an unforgettable holiday season.”

Lucas crosses the street and approaches Hudson. They chat, but based on Hudson's body language, it’s clear he couldn't care less. I wish I could hear their conversation.

On the way back to Jake's, I text my besties in our group chat, sharing every detail of my whirlwind arrival.

Harper

This is how it starts.

Emma

Am I making a mistake?

Billie

Time will tell.

Harper

So Hudson’s your Mr. November?

The thought makes me snicker.

Emma

No way.

Harper

Maybe he’s your Mr. Forever.

Harper sends a GIF of Michael Jackson eating popcorn.

Harper

I’m here for the entertainment.

Billie

Me too!

Emma

I'll keep you updated.

When I walk into Jake's house, I find my sister on the couch with Tinsel sprawled across her belly. They're watching TV together.

“Hey! You just missed Lucas,” Claire says. “He was looking for you. I told him you were on the trail.”

So, he expected to find me. Sneaky bastard.

“Ah, yes. He found me. He's very...” I trail off, unsure of how I truly feel about him yet.

She laughs. “He's great.”

“I have so many questions. It feels like a different world here.” I sit at the end of the couch, resting my head against the cushion while staring at the high ceilings. Tinsel purrs contentedly.

“I spoke to Dad earlier and told him you'd be staying here for the holidays.”

“I only agreed to stay through December first.”

“Of course, but I know you'll change your mind. Anyway, he wants to spend Christmas with us,” she says, scratching Tinsel's chin.

My relationship with our father has been rocky over the years. He’s all business, and professionalism runs through his veins. Claire was the golden child who followed in his footsteps, while I never showed the same interest. I’ve come to terms with being the Manchester disappointment.

Since moving from New York to Texas, Claire has worked hard to improve her relationship with him. I haven’t made an effort, nor has he.

I love my father, but he's strict and opinionated, particularly about my career choices.

I take a deep breath. “I'm really sorry, but I can't commit to that right now. I don't know if I'm ready.”

“Can you at least think about it?”

I glance at her. “I promise I will.