Maid for the Single Dad by Susan Meier Page A

to take the children somewhere that required more than casual clothes.
    But that was fine. She could go back to her apartment and get more clothes once she had a handle on what kinds of things she’d be doing. In fact, with the temperature as warm as it had been, she might want to make a run back to her apartment for a bathing suit.
    At eleven-thirty, she scampered downstairs to prepare a box of the macaroni and cheese she’d found. But when she made the turn to get into the kitchen she found Lacy already at the weathered table and Mac standing at the counter slathering peanut butter on bread.
    â€œI was just about to make macaroni.”
    Lacy’s face lit up, but Mac said, “We’re fine.”
    â€œI know you wanted me to spend these first few days getting oriented, but I’m all set now. Ready to handle this job completely. I can make today’s lunch.”
    â€œI’ve got lunch, Ms. Swanson.”
    Finding it curious that he wanted her to call him Mac, yet he had just called her Ms. Swanson, she ambled over to the counter. “Peanut butter sandwiches again?”
    â€œLacy likes peanut butter.”
    â€œI like macaroni too,” Lacy said hopefully.
    â€œI’ll make that tomorrow,” Mac said, dropping another slice of peanut butter bread onto the paper plate and walking it to the table. Lacy frowned and sent Ellie a pleading look.
    Ellie half smiled at Lacy. This was it. One of those tests household employees were forced to use. If she pushed him and he barked, she’d know to back off and never push him again. But if she pushed him and he relented, then she’d know there were things about which he could be reasonable.
    â€œIt really is no trouble for me to make a box of macaroni.”
    Mac said, “We’re fine—” at the same time that Lacy said, “Please.”
    The pleading in Lacy’s voice, sent Ellie into action. Surely he couldn’t resist his daughter? She headed for the stove. “Seriously, Mac. It’s no trouble.”
    Mac pressed his lips together as if to prevent himself from saying something he’d regret. After a few seconds he quietly said, “That’s all Ms. Swanson. You may finish your cleaning or take your break. Whatever is on your schedule now. But Lacy and I don’t require your services.”
    Wide-eyed Lacy immediately glanced down at her sandwich. Ellie swallowed and took a step back. She’d just learned two things. He didn’t relent, but also this was a man who didn’t need to yell to let everybody know he was furious.
    Ellie took another step back and prudently said, “I’ll be upstairs cleaning.”
    â€œThank you.”
    Sucking in another breath, Ellie ran upstairs. It had been foolish to anger him—doubly foolish for him to get angry over something so trite. But she’d had to push tosee how far she could push. Now she knew. Clearly, she’d overstepped her boundaries. And though Mac’s volume had been civil, his tone had told her he wasn’t pleased.
    She wouldn’t care if this were just a matter of her job security. As far as she was concerned she could leave tomorrow. But this wasn’t about her. This was about Liz and Cain. Liz getting referrals and Cain getting his “in” with Carmichael Incorporated. Surely, she couldn’t have blown it over trying to make macaroni?
    Not about to go to her room where she’d pace and chastise herself for being stupid, Ellie headed for the laundry room. She set the washer to begin filling, then retrieved the baskets of dirty clothes from the kids’ rooms. Seeing that she didn’t really have enough for a load, she frowned.
    The obvious thing to do would be go into Mac’s room and get his dirty clothes to round out the loads. She narrowed her eyes, considering that, and realized that she didn’t feel as uncomfortable going into his room today as she had yesterday. All those