When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,52

a fork in her hand, and Leonardo cooking eggs. Plates and utensil were all set on the counter, along with a plate of toast.

“You’re awake. Have a seat next to Bridget. Grab some toast if you like.” Leonardo shot a glance my way and flipped an egg over on the frying pan effortlessly, like he had done it a hundred times.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Bridget giggled and spread strawberry jam on the bread she held. “That’s what Papa calls me.”

“Good morning.” I ran a hand down Bridget’s hair and eased onto the stool next to her.

My gaze extended to Leonardo dressed in a pair of shorts and a plain T-shirt, but he looked beautiful, perfectly put together.

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I didn’t know you were awake. I should be making breakfast.”

“Nonsense.” Leonardo frowned, waving a spatula at me. “You’re not my cook. In fact, I don’t have a cook. Maybe I should hire one.” He winked at Bridget and snorted. “Mona’s job is to take care of Bridget. I don’t expect her to take care of me, but bless her heart, she does.”

“Yup, she does.” Bridget nodded, showing off all her pearly small teeth.

Leonardo poured coffee into a mug and handed it to me. Then he passed me a small tray with sugar, honey, and cream. “Scrambled, sunny side up, or ...”

Too busy watching his muscles flex as he moved effortlessly from the sink to the stove, and about the kitchen, it took me a second to realize he was talking about eggs.

“Over easy, please.” I dumped plenty of sugar and cream into my coffee and stirred.

“I’m not surprised,” he commented and got back to frying.

I stopped the cup halfway to my mouth. “Excuse me?”

“Your coffee. You liked the chocolate-covered popcorn. You like sweet things.”

“I sure do.” I raised my mug to him and took a hot sip. I released a long sigh. “Don’t tell me. You like it black.”

Leonardo planted his hands on the counter, leaning toward me. “I like the taste of coffee. If you add sugar and cream, it takes away the flavor. You might as well eat chocolate. However, sometimes a little sweet is good.” He winked.

Oh, that wink. I paused for a second to compose myself. “You have a point.”

He puffed out his chest a little and gave me a smug grin. His gaze lingered and I wasn’t sure if I should look away. But he broke away first and went back to the stove.

“Papa is going to take me on a helicopter ride. You should come too.” Bridget scooped up eggs with her fork and shoved them in her mouth.

I was thankful for the interruption.

I thought Leonardo would come up with an excuse as to why I shouldn’t go, but he said, “Have you been, Kate?”

“On a helicopter?” I felt queasy at the thought. “No, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. I get motion sickness.”

“You can take something for that. Besides ...” Leonardo handed me a plate of eggs and bacon. “I’ll be driving.” Then he poured oil into the pan and cracked two more eggs.

I took a bite of eggs, processing his words. “What? You’re flying the helicopter? Then I’m definitely not getting in.”

He chuckled as he used the spatula to scramble the yolk. “Don’t worry. I have a license. And Kauai isn’t a busy island so you’re safe with me. I’m a good driver, right, Bridget?”

“Yes. The best,” she gushed through a mouthful of toast.

“The view is spectacular,” Leonardo said. “It’s the best way to get a tour of the island. And the best part, it’ll be free and you’ll get the best view. You’ll regret it if you don’t. It’s a once in a lifetime offer.”

His persistence was adorable, but I wondered why he wanted me to come along. Surely he would rather take that woman ... what was her name? Cassie. Or some other date.

“I don’t know. Can I think about it?” I nibbled on a piece of crispy bacon.

“Of course.” Leonardo sounded disappointed. He took a drink of his coffee and slid his eggs onto a plate.

He came around and instead of sitting next to Bridget, sat next to me. His tension eased around me, his mood livelier. Something had changed in him, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Perhaps I was the one looking at our interaction in a different light. Maybe I had lightened up.

Having never worked as a nanny before, I didn’t know what I could and couldn’t do. I had