Free The Au Pair's Needs by Carole Archer Page B

America. We’re not far from Houston. I wanted to wake you but you seemed so peaceful.”
    Emily smiled as she looked out of the window. Less than 30 minutes later the plane landed on the tarmac and she tentatively got off the plane. The heat was stifling, in direct contrast to the rain and grey skies she’d left behind in London. She felt very nervous as she made her way inside and collected her luggage. She wondered what Daniel would be like. She couldn’t wait to meet his two boys, but she was very apprehensive about starting afresh in a new country.
    As Emily struggled with her luggage, she saw a dark haired man holding a cardboard sign displaying her name. Smiling, she headed towards him. He looked much younger than she’d imagined. Daniel was 37 years old but could easily pass himself off as 10 years younger. As she approached he smiled and held out his hand. Dropping her bags, she shook his hand and smiled. “Emily Pearson. I’m pleased to meet you.”
    Daniel smiled at her. “Daniel Miller. The pleasure is mine. Did you have a good flight?”
    Emily nodded and looked around. “Where are the boys?”
    Picking up her bags, Daniel headed towards the exit. “I’ve left them at my parents’ farm. They love spending time there and it gives me chance to concentrate on my businesses. It’s only a 45-minute drive from here. We’ll go there now and get something to eat. Kyle and Brett can’t wait to meet you, and my parents are looking forward to seeing you too.”
    Emily suddenly felt overwhelmed as she followed him to his car. He put her suitcases in the trunk before opening her door and taking her hand as she climbed in. She smiled. He was a real gentleman and very handsome too, and she couldn’t stop herself looking down at the hand that held hers firmly and imagining it landing hard on her bottom. Emily closed her eyes and tried to shake off the image. She was relieved when he let go of her hand and closed the car door.
    As Daniel drove to his parents’ farm, he answered Emily’s many questions. She cringed when she asked him where his wife was, she hadn’t meant to ask him something so personal but the words were out before she could stop herself. He was quiet for a few seconds before responding.
    “My wife left me two years ago for another man. Kyle was only a few weeks old and Brett was just two years old. She simply told me she didn’t love me anymore, she was leaving and I could keep the children. I haven’t heard from her since, apart from through our lawyers when we divorced. She was always selfish, but I still can’t believe she abandoned her children.”
    Daniel sighed as he once more wondered if she’d still be here if he’d gone with his instincts and taken her across his knee when she threw her frequent temper tantrums. Daniel had always fantasised about spanking a bratty woman, and his wife presented the perfect opportunity for him to do that, but he’d never dared discuss his fantasies with her—or with anyone else—for fear of being ridiculed.
    “Has there been no-one else in your life since she left?” Emily cringed again, ashamed at her own intrusive questions. That was none of her business. She couldn’t believe she was being so nosy, but she found herself very attracted to Daniel and hoped he was single. She felt incredibly guilty when he sighed and shook his head.
    “No, there’s been no-one else. I haven’t been romantically interested in a woman since she left. I don’t have the time or the inclination. The boys were too young to remember her. I devote all my time to keeping them happy. I have six car repair shops in Texas and I work when I can. I’ve decided it’s time I took a more hands-on approach in the business again which is why I’m employing you. It’ll seem strange leaving the boys, I’m so used to being around them, but my parents said it’s time to ease myself back into work.”
    Emily smiled, pleased that his morose mood had lifted. “Your parents