Martin Wesley’s job as a CFO is very stressful. All he seems to do lately is work, with no end in sight. But one morning he answers a knock on his door and comes face to face with a social worker and a sad little girl named Samantha Wesley ... his niece. Martin is her only next of kin, and he has no idea what to do.<br><br>In steps daycare worker Ryan Gentles, who is very understanding and helpful, and Martin is beyond grateful. It doesn't hurt that the man is cute as a button, too.<br><br>With his heart pulled in two directions, Martin has to make a choice: continue to be a pawn in his company's games or find a new purpose by taking care of his niece, quitting his job, and reaching out for a love he never thought possible.

Because of Sam

That evening, I was ten minutes late to the daycare center. When I arrived, Samantha and Ryan were the only two there. It had been a hellish day at work, with fuckups everywhere. Something big was coming down the pipeline, and it had made everyone antsy, especially me, as I should have been informed since I was the goddamn CFO! It was a relief, actually, to be away from the office. A major first for me.


When I walked into the playroom, Samantha looked up at me and gave me a big, goofy grin that turned my heart over and made my horrific day disappear. I sat next to Ryan, who concentrated on his charge as she played with an animal alphabet puzzle.


“Hi, Samantha,” I said and observed as she put the pieces together unerringly. To Ryan, I said, “I’m sorry for being late.”


He smiled. “I understand. It’s fine. I usually stay late with the toddlers whose parents or guardians have demanding jobs or ridiculous schedules. Don’t worry about it.”


Chapter 5