His Lullaby Baby

by Airicka Phoenix

  “Hi,” she whispered.

  “Jesus, Addy,” was his gruff response.

  The deep ripple of lust in those two words rolled throughout her entire body in hot, liquid waves. She felt her sex clench in greedy response and her nipples hardened, pushing up against the soft material of her dress.

  He bent forward and a solid wall of masculine heat washed over her, smelling of soap and spicy cologne, and hot, primal male. The combined made her head rush.

  “How am I going to concentrate on giving a speech when you’re dressed like that?”

  A girlish sort of satisfaction tingled in her chest, the sort that made a girl blush and want to giggle. But she bottled it back behind the teeth she closed around her bottom lip.

  “Stop that!” His low growl hissed against the shell of her ear.

  A booming voice from across the room interrupted the wonderful moment. The man that joined them was vaguely familiar. She couldn’t quite place his face, but she knew she’d seen him somewhere. He marched right up and stood next to Toby.

  “Made it!” he declared, tugging on the cuffs of his gray suit. “It’s a madhouse out there. Forget about finding a parking spot.”

  “Did you find the one with your name on it?” Willa demanded.

  The man nodded. “Yeah, but I mean for everyone else.” Green eyes moved away from Willa and found Addy. They widened with interest. “Well, hi there.”

  Addy shifted, uncomfortably aware of the eyes watching her. “Hello.”

  He extended a hand. “Mark.”

  She gave him her hand, if for no other reason than to be polite. “Addy.”

  “No shit!” Mark looked over at Toby, then back. “You don’t look like I remember.”

  Not sure how to take that, she just offered him a small smile and took her hand back.

  He wasn’t bad looking. If anything, he was definitely very good looking with that square jaw and those sharp cheekbones. He reminded her of someone who would have fit in perfectly in a remaking of Grease with his head of thick, wavy black hair and cocky grin. He could have easily been the hottest guy in the room, if he hadn’t been standing next to Toby. But then Toby wasn’t simply hot. He was mesmerizing. He drew the eye without trying, and hers refused to stay away.

  Calla took the stage, looking radiant in her tight, red dress the color of fresh blood. Her blonde mane was a riot of curls down her back and under the lights, she looked like a movie star. Addy was fairly certain every woman in the room felt a hit against their ego. Including herself.

  “Attention!” Calla called into the mic. “Thank you all for coming. Is everyone seated, because we’re about to begin?” She smiled as she waited. “Welcome to our sixth annual Meal Deal fundraising event. It’s been six years since my brother came to our family with the idea of feeding children who, for whatever reason, were unable to pay their meal cards that month. I know I speak for all of us when I say we couldn’t be prouder of him. This event has, not only raised more money than we could have possibly anticipated, but it’s brought us together as a family and that is what Willow Creek is, a family. It is so heartwarming to see all your faces here tonight. Give yourselves a round of applause.”

  She waited as claps rang out through the room.

  “Now, before we begin, here is our man of the hour … my baby brother and the host of this evening, Toby McClain.”

  The applause was deafening as Toby took the stage. The stage lights glinted off his hair and shone in his eyes. He beamed at his sister as he bent his head and kissed her on the cheek. He said something that made her throw her head back and laugh before swatting him lightly on the arm. She motioned him to the mic and left him alone on stage.

  Toby smiled, and every woman there, married or not, sighed.

  “Ah the curse of the younger child,” he began. “No matter how old or how tall I get, I am forever the baby brother.” That earned a few chuckles. “As Calla said, thank you all for coming. This event is a very dear one to me and it really means a great deal to see so many band together for a common goal.

  Growing up, I was fortunate to have everything a kid could want or need. I had the support of a tightly knit community. The respect and friendship of my peers, and I had the love, attention and devotion of a family that pulled together no matter what the odds. They taught me that I was blessed to have the life I did, but not everyone could say the same. I didn’t understand that, until I met Daniel. Daniel isn’t his real name, but he showed me a side of life I never knew existed.

  Daniel’s mother worked four jobs to support him and his three sisters. They never had money and he never had a lunch. He’d brush it off as no big deal. He’d say that he wasn’t hungry or he’d forgotten his lunch or his lunch card at home, but I knew that wasn’t the case. Daniel never ate, because he would give what little food he had to his sisters. He would go all day hungry. But he wasn’t the only one. There were so many kids, kids I saw every day, denied food in the cafeteria, because they had no money on their cards.

  Now, many would say that it’s the parent’s responsibility to feed their own children, but I believe it’s up to us as a town, as a community. I believe it does take a village to raise a child and no child should ever go hungry. That is our duty as a family. Your donations tonight will go towards the meal card program for the entire year so please dig deep and give generously. Thank you.”

  Addy found herself applauding as hard as everyone else. Her palms stung, but she didn’t stop until Calla took the stand once more.

  “Now that you all know why you’re here, let’s start our show!”

  Addy hadn’t heard of any show, but she watched as houselights went even dimmer and a second strobe light illuminated the stage, turning Calla’s skin a milky white.

  “Rules before we begin! You can bid on more than one bachelor or bachelorette, but you only get one to take home, metaphorically speaking, of course.” She grinned at the chuckling crowd. “Each of you has a set of voting pads on your table. Place your donation amount and your choice of companion on the ballot and drop it into the box here.” She pointed at the wooden box next to the stage. “No rushing, pushing or fighting. There is plenty to go around for everyone. The highest bid will get their companion for one romantic dinner for two. For those not bidding, but would still like to make a donation, please drop your ballot into the metal box at the front here. Every little bit helps, so have fun and open your hearts … and your wallets.” Chuckling along with the room, she pulled the mic off the stand and lowered the stand itself off the stage. “Now, for our first bachelor.”

  Addy watched, fascinated as men and women were brought up on stage. Calla announced each one with flourish and each one elicited roars of enthusiasm. It was entertaining watching men and women hurry to the front and drop their bids into the box. A few went for the metal one, but there were a few who went back six or seven times.

  She was just getting into the swing of things when Willa appeared at her side, blue eyes frantic.

  “I need your help!” she called over the thump of bass.

  Addy straightened. “What’s wrong?”

  Willa took her arm and guided her a few feet away from the crowd.

  “One of our bachelorettes has stepped down thanks to the flu and we’re a person short for the auction.”

  Addy frowned. “I don’t understand. What can I do?”

  Willa grimaced. “Well, you’re kind of the only bachelorette we know, so we were kind of hoping—”

  “Oh no, no, no, no!” Addy put her hands up and took a step back. “I am not getting up there.”

  “Please!” Willa implored. “It’s important. There needs to be an even number of men and women. Plus, it’s for a good cause. Please, Addy? I wouldn’t ask if there was another way. Losing Sarah is going to cost us extra donations, which will hurt the cause. I would do it myself if I could.”

  Addy kept shaking her head. “I am not comfortable going up there. I’m sorry.”

  Willa sigh
ed. “It’s all right. We’ll just pull one of the men.”

  Guilt wormed through her. She thought of the children who might not get their meal cards paid and relented.

  “Fine,” she blurted.

  Willa beamed. “Thank you! Come on.”

  She was dragged behind the red curtains draped along the back of the stage and made to stand behind a long line of other bachelorettes waiting to go on stage. On the other side, stood the men. As each name was called, the line shifted higher on the stairs until she was standing on the platform, waiting to be summoned through the curtains.

  “Addy?”

  Not sure why, but she jumped at the sound of her name. She tore her eyes away from the heavy drapes and blinked at the sight of Toby on the other stairs. He too was the last contestant.

  “Toby?” His name came out weak and wobbly.

  He crossed to her. “What are you doing here?”

  She swallowed hard. “Getting sold off?” She licked her lips nervously. “There was a flu and Willa … and I couldn’t … the children…”

  “Hey.” The hand not holding his cane rested lightly on her arm. “Breathe. It’s all right.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not. I feel like throwing up and my legs are shaky and … God, I’m going to fall.”

  “No, you won’t,” he promised gently.

  “I can’t walk in heels,” she croaked. “What if I fall off the stage?”

  His arm snaked around her middle and she found herself cradled against his chest. His warm breath tickled the hollow at her temple. His palm stroked her rigid spine.

  “I’ll be right here,” he promised. “I won’t let you fall.”

  In the distance, she heard Calla calling her name and she flinched. Toby’s arm tightened.

  “You don’t have to go,” he told her softly.

  Inhaling deeply, Addy shook her head and drew back. “I promised.” She smoothed a hand down her dress and squared her shoulders. “Wish me luck.”

  She didn’t wait for him to actually do it. With careful strides, she stepped through the curtains and started down the length of the stage. Her legs wobbled, but she remained firmly upright the whole way to the end. Calla met her gaze and offered her a small smile.

  “Addy, is a Gemini who likes horseback riding, cuddling by the fire and creating magic in the kitchen.”

  A flood of embarrassment washed through her as the cheers rose. A few whistled loudly. Addy stared at Calla, horrified.

  The other woman grinned. “Thank you, Addy.”

  She couldn’t get off the stage fast enough. No sooner had she ducked back into her dark corner when Toby was called up. He strolled down the walkway with a grin on his face and an almost swagger to his steps that was hindered only slightly by his limp and cane. He stopped next to his sister and shot a panty-melting glance over the room, and Addy was sure she heard more than one ovary explode. She wondered how many times he’d done that, stood there and let himself get sold off to a pack of horny women. Even she was tempted to put her bid in, but she doubted her measly hundred bucks would win him, not when there was a horde of women practically mounting on top of each other trying to get to the box and drop their ballots in.

  “One at a time, ladies.” Calla laughed. “The bidding will be open all night.”

  All night? Did that mean she had to stay and watch him get snatched up by another woman? Damn it. She had to see who won her, too. If anyone even bid. The other bachelorettes were gorgeous and prepared. They hadn’t looked like they were two seconds away from passing out on stage. No doubt she’d made a giant fool of herself.

  The very thought made her cringe inwardly.

  “You looked really good up there.” Mark appeared at her elbow.

  Addy flushed. “Thank you. You looked very nice as well.”

  Mark inclined his head. “Yeah, it’s kind of hard to say no to Willa. She’s got those eyes, you know? Saying no kind of feels like kicking a puppy.”

  Addy burst out laughing, because it was true.

  She sobered slightly. “But at least it’s for a good cause, right?”

  “Yeah, true, but still hate standing up there.”

  “Do they do this kind of thing often?”

  Mark shook his head. “No, every year’s something different. Last year was a casino event. The older folk loved that. Year before that was…” he trailed off his eyes narrowing in concentration. “I think they did some turtle race or something. I can’t remember. Calla comes up with these weird ideas that always seem to turn out really well.”

  “Yeah, she’s really in her element.” She glanced at the man next to her. “How long have you and Toby been friends?”

  Mark blew out a breath. “Preschool? Hard to remember. Been ages.”

  She nodded slowly. “That’s nice.”

  Conversation dwindling to an awkward silence, Addy turned her focus back to the stage and the man who refused to be ignored, and found him already watching her. Those tantalizing orbs of crystalline blue burned across the distance. They shone beneath the lights with a crystal clarity that resembled priceless gems. A lock of unruly hair had slipped carelessly across his brow and dangled with an almost taunting recklessness that made her stomach muscles flutter.

  God, he was beautiful and it wasn’t just a shallow outer beauty that masked a monster. It was genuine and pure, and it ran through all of him.

  “Thank you, Toby.” Calla said into the mic.

  He descended the steps and cut a path to where she and Mark stood. His powerfully built body moved with an almost animalistic grace. His gaze never wavered from hers, even when he was stopped in his approach to socialize. Each one was cut short and he was moving again, drawing closer.

  “Every man here can’t seem to be able to take their eyes off you.” His hand circled her waist and he dragged her to him. “I want to kill all of them.”

  Flustered, Addy giggled, a sound she couldn’t ever remember making. “You looked pretty good yourself up there. Women were trampling over each other trying to get their bids in.”

  Toby hummed, his darkened eyes fastened on her mouth in a way that was inexplicably tugging at her nipples, making them ache. “But there is only one woman I plan on taking home tonight.”

  Addy batted her eyes up at him. “Well, hopefully she bid then.”

  His hold on her tightened. His mouth opened. Mark cut in.

  “I’m just going to go get a drink,” he announced. “And maybe a bucket of ice water for the two of you.”

  He left before either of them could say anything.

  Addy chuckled. “I like your friend. He seems very nice.”

  “Mark?” Toby nodded. “He is. One of the best friends I’ve ever had.”

  She licked her lips. “So the friend you were talking about, Daniel, is he—?”

  “Why, Toby McClain.” A beautiful brunette appeared over Toby’s shoulder. “I do believe you owe me a dance.”

  Toby took his sweet time turning to face her and even then, he waited until the very last possible moment to let his gaze break away from Addy’s.

  “Sandra,” he said quietly. “How are you?”

  A smile that could bring a grown man to his knees twisted glossy, naked lips. Lights shone in her emerald eyes and glittered off the silver threads woven cleverly into the plunging neckline of her form fitting gown. The diamonds at her ears and throat sparked like bits of fire. They complimented her slender neck and the alabaster tone of her skin. She was stunning in a way that belonged on the runways of Paris and she had her sights set on Toby.

  “Busy,” she purred. “Been helping Daddy with his shop, which you haven’t visited in ages.” Her lithe body swayed closer and she reached to gently adjust Toby’s tie. Her index finger traced the red strip from collarbone to mid chest with a single red tipped finger. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten me since the other night.”

  Other night? What other night? How long ago? Toby had been with Addy for a little over
four weeks. Other night implied only a few days ago.

  Toby must have sensed Addy’s turmoil. His hold on her tightened when she attempted to draw away. He tucked her more securely into his side, his arm a possessive band around her middle. All the while, he continued to politely listen as Sandra went on about how much she’d missed him. The woman didn’t even notice Addy.

  “Sandra,” Toby cut in at last. “Have you met Addy Nixon? She’s my date this evening.”

  Sandra blinked rapidly and fixed green eyes on Addy. “Date? I thought the bachelors and bachelorettes had to be single to qualify.”

  “Well, I was when I put my name in two months ago,” Toby clarified. “Addy and I are very recent and there was no time to make changes to the program.”

  In no way did that pacify the woman. She blinked from one to the other as though waiting for someone to crack up and tell her it was a joke. When no one did, her pretty mouth thinned. Her tapered chin lifted. She regarded them the way the queen would regard dog poop.

  “I see. Well.” She clasped her hands delicately in front of her. “I see some people I simply must talk to. Excuse me.”

  She left without so much as another glance at either of them. Her gown rippled like waves in sunlight with her hurried strides.

  “It was three months ago.”

  Addy tilted her face up to the man watching her. “I didn’t—”

  “I didn’t even know you existed,” he went on evenly. “It was one night and I have no intention of ever revisiting.”

  It was insane to be jealous of Toby’s past conquests. He was bound to have had plenty and yet somehow assuming he had and actually getting metaphorically smacked in the face by one was two completely different things. She hated that he’d slept with someone that gorgeous. That he’d no doubt whispered all those hot and sexy things to them while he thrust up inside them. It literally had her seething with envy.