Stormy Vows - Iris Johansen [30]
“He'll love that,” Brenna said smiling. “He's a real water baby.”
“I noticed that last night when I gave him his bath,” Doris said wryly. “He nearly drowned me!”
Brenna chuckled understandingly. “I've often been tempted to change into a bikini before tackling that particular job,” she admitted.
“Hey! I may just try that,” the nurse said, eyes twinkling. “Provided I survive our dip in the pool this afternoon.” Her gray eyes were kind as she went on gently. “It's always difficult when a mother is separated from her child for the first time. I want you to know that I'm taking the very best care of Randy, and he's adjusting very well.”
There was a suspicious moisture in Brenna's eyes and she blinked rapidly. “I'm sure he's doing a good deal better than I am,” she said huskily. “He's had considerable experience.”
“He's a perfect angel,” Doris said enthusiastically. “I'm going to miss him like crazy when this job is finished.” She cocked a sandy eyebrow quizzically. “You wouldn't need a permanent nanny by any chance?”
Brenna shook her head. “I'm afraid I couldn't afford you. I'm only just getting started. It will be some time before I can think about employing someone with your qualifications.”
The nurse shrugged. “You never can tell,” she said easily. “Keep me in mind, if your ship comes in.”
Brenna nodded. “I'll do that,” she replied lightly. She kissed Randy quickly, and then said reluctantly, “I have to leave now. Someone is waiting for me. I'll try to get back this evening in time for his dinner.”
“Fine,” Doris said cheerfully. “Whenever you have a little extra time, just call, and I'll bring Randy down to the cottage. I'll always advise reception where we are, if we leave the apartment.”
Brenna felt a little pang at the nurse's attitude, as if it were the most common thing in the world for a mother to make an appointment to see her own son. She smothered the illogical feeling at once. It didn't make sense to harbor such envy against Doris. She was a warm, competent person, and evidently got along famously with Randy. She was making the situation as easy as possible under the circumstances.
This didn't prevent Brenna from feeling a trifle dejected as she went to the cafeteria. She joined Monty, who poured her a cup of coffee from the carafe on the table. He watched silently as she absently took a sip, grimaced, and then reached for the cream.
“Something wrong?” he asked with a frown.
Brenna shook her head. “Not really. I'm just suffering withdrawal pains,” she said with forced cheerfulness. “Randy is having himself a ball.”
There was frank relief in Walters' face, as he said heartily, “That's great! Mr. Donovan told me this morning before he left that I was to make sure you weren't worrying about the kid.”
“Mr. Donovan has gone?” Brenna asked slowly, wondering why the news didn't bring the expected relief. After keying herself up in anticipation of an encounter with the man, she felt a real letdown when she realized her efforts had been totally unnecessary.
“He flew to London this morning,” Walters said casually. “There's some special effects genius he wants to recruit for the science fiction picture he's planning for next spring.”
“When will he be back?” Brenna asked, looking down at her coffee, her lashes veiling the interest in her eyes.
Walters shrugged. “Who knows? He has interests all over the world besides Donovan Ltd.” He glanced at his watch hurriedly. “I hate to rush you, Brenna, but you have an appointment with Simon Burke, Donovan's attorney, to sign your contract in fifteen minutes.”
Brenna pushed her cup away, and rose to her feet. “Then let's go,” she said cheerfully.
The rest of the day passed with the flickering acceleration of an old silent movie. After the contract was signed, Monty escorted her to wardrobe, where she was fitted for the outfits she was to wear in the scenes the following day. From there she was whirled to publicity where she gave