Addison stood straight and gazed at the ashen old man. She had called him an intrusion more times than she could remember, but he hadn’t interfered with her evening, he had added to it. His delight in his dessert, his pride when it came to his daughter, and now his acceptance of what he believed was his place was as enchanting as much as it was sobering.

Running her fingers through her hair, Addison bent over so she could whisper her words. “You’re quite welcome, Mr. Shep—”

“Please call me Robert. After all, we’ve eaten ice cream together, and I’m not one to eat around.”

If it hadn’t been for the sleeping nurse, Addison would have laughed out loud, but clamping her hand over her mouth, she smothered all but one little gurgle from escaping. Shaking her head at the mischievous look in the man’s eyes, she said, “All right. I’ll call you Robert, but in turn, I have a favor to ask.”

Robert’s smile faded as he rested his head on his pillow. “Anything, lass. This is your house, and I’ll abide by your rules.”

Casting a quick look at the snoozing nurse, Addison returned her attention to Robert. “Next time, take the lift.”

Addison mirrored Robert’s grin as she watched his eyes flutter closed, and after waiting for a little while to make sure he was asleep, she turned to the nurse and tapped her on the shoulder.

Awakening with a jolt, the woman’s eyes became the size of saucers when she saw Addison Kane towering over her, but before she could speak, Addison pointed to the door and walked from the room.

Seconds later, bleary-eyed and puffy-faced, the nurse appeared in the hallway. “Mrs. Kane—”

“Don’t say a word,” Addison said, looking down her nose at the woman. “Just get your things and get out of my house.”

“But—”

“Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear,” Addison said, moving close enough to invade the woman’s personal space. “You’re to gather your things and get out of my house or tomorrow morning when I talk to your supervisor, and I assure you I will talk to your supervisor, you won’t just find yourself unemployed. You’ll find yourself unemployable. Now...does that unmuddy the waters?”

***