The Boss's Baby Arrangement. Catherine Mann

visa. Here I am.” That was the heart of the story. No lies, but nothing to sink his teeth into. Maureen was always much more comfortable asking people how they felt and what they needed than sharing her own details, especially after her divorce.

      “And now it’s time to go home.” He tipped his head to the side. “You don’t seem pleased about that. I imagine your family has missed you.”

      “They weren’t pleased with me for splitting with my ex. They accused me of choosing my job over my marriage.”

      “Your husband wasn’t interested in coming with you?”

      “No, he wasn’t. I didn’t ask, actually. We’d already split by then, but my parents didn’t know.” She shook her head. “But I don’t want to talk about that. Nothing more boring than raking over the coals of a very cold divorce.” The need to change the subject ached in her very bones.

      “Whatever you wish.”

      Time to shift back to Xander. To something of the present. “What brought you out here?”

      “I need your help.”

      “Is there an animal loose?”

      He held a hand to his chest, acting as if he’d been wounded by her insinuation. “I think you just insulted my manhood. I may not be my brother, but I can handle a stray critter.”

      Damn, he was too handsome and charming for his own good—or her sanity.

      She considered his words for a moment before pressing further. “Snakes?”

      “Sure.” He nodded.

      “Birds?”

      “A net and gentle finesse?”

      “A key deer?”

      “I could chase it with the four-wheeler.”

      The image of Xander loaded up in a four-wheeler corralling key deer sent her giggling. She’d never seen this fun side of him before and she couldn’t help but be enchanted by the flirtatious game. After all, it was safe, not likely to lead anywhere. “Gators?”

      “Stay away from the gators.”

      She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Quite frankly, I would rather handle the gator than wrestle the numbers and executives you deal with.” She shuddered. “And living in an office? No, thank you.”

      “But you’ll stay in the boat when it comes to the alligators from now on.”

      “Of course.” She winked playfully at him, enjoying the lighthearted, no-pressure moment. “What did you want to ask me?”

      “How’s your work visa extension progressing?”

      Ugh. Now that was a sobering turn to the conversation. This wasn’t new information. The question confused her. “Not well.”

      “I can help you.”

      “You’ll put in a good word for me?”

      “I already did that and clearly that’s not enough.”

      “Then what are you proposing?”

      “That’s just it. I’m proposing.”

      His words thundered in her brain, a reality she couldn’t quite locate yet.

      Proposing?

       Four

      The words hung heavy in the air between them. She blinked at him. Not a good sign.

      Her head bobbed side to side, as if she was replaying his words. He watched as her practiced hands put the now-clean bird in a cage, the greenish hues of the feathers more vibrant, the orange neck glowing again. Astonishment pulled at her lips while the bird perched and gave its little grunting honk of joy. Maureen, however, stayed silent.