out. You should you know that up front. I need a break—desperately.”
“And helping me out...isn’t exactly the break you’re looking for.”
“Not exactly,” she agreed. The baby nestled closer against her neck, and she patted his back gently. He was so tiny and so desperately in need of love, and she looked over at the infant, her heart melting in spite of her. “He’s very sweet, though.”
It was this sort of scenario that had drawn her to Social Services—parents in need of support, children in need of love. But there was always deeper heartbreak underneath, and that was what made this career so draining. She couldn’t fix it all. She couldn’t fix much actually. Everything she did for the good ended up hurting whoever was on the other side. There was never an easy right or wrong decision.
Mike smiled hesitantly. “I don’t know how to take care of him, and that scares me a whole lot. I’m better with perps and bad guys than I am with babies.”
“I can see that,” she said wryly.
“I can pay you for your time,” Mike added. “Basically, I’ll need to get some sort of child care arranged, but in the meantime, I’m looking for someone to take care of Benjie while I’m at work, and to teach me everything I need to know.”
It should be simple—a few baby care lessons and a little baby minding for a couple of weeks. Maybe it would help her get out of her head so she could decide about what to do with the rest of her life. Was she sticking with Social Services, or was she quitting for good?
“I’m not a long-term solution,” Paige cautioned.
Mike met her gaze, those gray eyes locking on to hers so powerfully that her breath caught. “I’m not looking for long term. I’m just looking for some help right now while I get my balance. What do you say?”
* * *
CHIEF SIMPSON HAD recommended Paige Stedler because he claimed she was the best. And looking at her with the baby nestled next to her chin, her undecided blue eyes meeting his, Mike had to wonder if this was a good idea.
When the chief mentioned a Social Services agent on leave, Mike had figured she’d be older, and maybe a little less attractive. Instead, he was faced with a petite blonde, her hair loose and wavy around her face. Her blue eyes were expressive, and he could read all the concerns flitting through the clear gaze that regarded him.
Paige broke eye contact and looked down at the baby again, adjusting him so that he lay in the crook of her arm. He looked snug and cozy in her arms—and she seemed so confident holding him. Mike had been scared that he’d drop the baby, or hurt him somehow. Benjie was just so small, with thin little arms and legs he was afraid he’d snap if he held him wrong.
“Here’s what I can do,” she said finally. “You have me for three weeks, so make sure you line up some alternative child care for after that. In that time, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about baby care and help you get comfortable. While you’re at work, I’ll take over, but when you’re home I expect you to be hands-on.”
“Okay,” he agreed.
“My stress leave is up in three weeks, so I’ll either be going back to work or tendering my resignation there,” she added.
“You’re thinking of quitting?” Mike asked in surprise, then he softened his tone. “Sorry, I just thought—”
“I have decisions of my own to make, is my point,” she said. “But maybe helping you with Benjie will get my feet wet again so that I can be sure of my choice.”
Mike saw Paige’s gaze flicker toward the chief, whose eyebrows were raised. Color rose in her cheeks. Obviously, this was news all around. But it shouldn’t matter to Mike. She was offering him three weeks of help, and he was grateful.
“Thanks,” he said. “I appreciate you being willing to give me a hand. All things considered.”
“You’re welcome.” Paige looked back in control again, her confidence in place. She was so petite, but she intimidated him a little. Maybe it was that he needed her help so much. He was more comfortable in the role of rescuer than...this.
“Take the day off,” the chief said, turning to Mike. “You can start fresh after you’re settled in.”
“Thanks, sir,” Mike replied. He looked down at Paige, feeling better already. Until he figured this out, he’d have some support from someone who knew what she was doing when it came to infants.
“If you’re willing to start now, we can head back to my place,” he said.
“Sounds good.” For the first time, she smiled, and he was struck by how it transformed her face. She went from pretty to stunning, and he turned his attention to the car seat instead. He was glad she was willing to give him a hand, but he’d have to stop noticing just how attractive she was if they were going to make this work.
He wasn’t sticking around Eagle’s Rest for long, anyway. This was a demotion, and everyone knew it. If he’d had a better relationship with the chief in Denver, Mike might have been able to pursue getting on to the SWAT team there, but things had gotten complicated between him and Chief Vernon. To say the least. If Mike stuck around Denver any longer, Chief Vernon would find some reason to write him up again, and his career as a cop might be over completely. Accepting this position in Eagle’s Rest was the smartest move under the circumstances.
SWAT was where Mike belonged, and he knew it. Not only was he built for the job—two hundred and fifty pounds of solid muscle—but he was also in peak physical shape and an excellent shot. But he was hungry for this position on more than a testosterone level. This was personal for him...atonement for past mistakes. He hadn’t always been this capable.
“Let’s get him back into the car seat,” Paige said, and for the next couple of minutes they got Benjie settled into the seat and buckled in. Paige tucked the blanket around him, and then stood back for Mike to pick it up.
“Thanks for the introduction, Chief,” Mike said, shaking the older man’s hand. “I’ll be back bright and early tomorrow morning.”
“Good luck.” Chief Simpson reached out and shook Paige’s hand. “To both of you.”
Mike and Paige headed out the door of his office and out into the bull pen. Paige glanced up at Mike, and he gave her a small smile. She was pretty, and she had a confidence about her that set his own frayed nerves at ease. They didn’t say anything else as they wound their way around desks and headed out of the station and into the chilly, autumn air.
“Let’s get him buckled into your car,” Paige said. “I’ll follow you back to your place.”
“Right. Sure.”
He’d gotten the car seat into his vehicle before, and it didn’t take him too long to get the car seat clicked into place now.
“I do appreciate this,” Mike said as he closed the door gently.
The wind ruffled Paige’s hair and she hunched her shoulders. “It’s no problem.”
“All the same...”
She smiled again. “Don’t thank
