Lucky 7 Bad Boys Contemporary Romance Boxed Set

by Pineiro, Charity

  "Cole?"

  He sought her eyes. "Yeah, babe?"

  "They're not going away."

  Cole nodded numbly. "Okay. What do we do now?"

  "Eat," Rini answered.

  He cleared his throat. "Right. I'll be right there." Splashing his face with water in the bathroom, he took a good look in the mirror. "Hey, Dad." He squeezed his eyes shut and groaned. Nope. He definitely was not ready for this.

  When he joined Rini in the kitchen, she was helping herself to a second plate of eggs.

  "Should you be eating?"

  "I have a feeling I'll be needing all the energy I can get. Besides, this could take days."

  He looked at her nervously. "Have you called Alexa?"

  "Yeah." She bit her lip. "Brad says she's on her way to San Diego for a business meeting."

  His fork clattered to the plate. "Get her back! Quick!"

  Rini shook her head. "He said her cell phone was turned off. She's practicing her pitch. I left a message in San Diego, but by the time she makes the three-hour drive, gets the message and turns around, it could be all over."

  "Aw, hell."

  She looked up. "You can do it, Cole. You went to class."

  "Me?" He surged forward. "I went one time! My God, Rini! I don't know the first thing!" He fell back into his chair, running a hand over his forehead. "What if I screw up?"

  She raised a brow at him, then wrapped her arms around her stomach as another contraction took hold. "Comfort and encouragement," she rasped. "That's all you need to think about."

  He was on his knees at her side in a second, anxiously searching for something useful to do to help her. He couldn't even hold her hand because she was busy using it to rub her belly. He drilled his fingers through the sides of his hair. "Relax, take a deep breath, and think about waves."

  "I think it's a little early for that, Cole. I still have to pack."

  "What?" He looked at her uncomprehendingly. "Oh." He grinned sheepishly. "I was talking to myself, not you."

  She let her breath out in a laugh. "Jerk."

  He pained her teasing smack on the shoulder and caught her hand in his. "Do me a favor?"

  She nodded, her face glowing with the quiet excitement of what was happening.

  "Pack your damn bag so we can get to the hospital? I'd just as soon not have to deliver this baby myself."

  With his help she stood, then reached up and gave him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. "As soon as I take a shower."

  He groaned.

  After pacing for what seemed like hours, Cole at last hefted the small overnight bag Rini had thrown together before getting in the shower. "Finally! Is this everything?"

  "Got the car seat?"

  "Yep."

  "Blanket and an outfit for him?"

  "From the dresser like you said." Putting a hand on the small of her back, he firmly guided her toward the front door. Even after a warm shower, she looked drawn and pale, with lines of discomfort etched around her mouth. "Come on, let's go. The contractions are practically knocking you over now." He was about to have a nervous breakdown trying to get her to the car. Every time they got close, she'd remember something else. He had visions of having the baby on the corner of Colorado and Fair Oaks.

  She gasped loudly.

  He dropped the bag and grabbed her. "What? Are you okay?"

  "My legs!"

  "What about them? Do they hurt?"

  "I forgot to shave my legs!"

  He dropped his forehead to hers in relief, desperately fighting back the aggravation. "The baby won't care, and I promise not to look." He retrieved the bag from the floor. "We're going now."

  She clutched his arm, the pain in her face evident. "But I—

  "Now, Rini. We're leaving now."

  She stopped walking for a minute, closing her eyes and breathing through the contraction, leaning into him. "I guess I can't put it off any longer. But I'm scared, Cole. So scared."

  He swallowed hard and put his arms around her. "I know, honey. I'm here for you. I'll take care of you and the baby, you can count on that." He lifted her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way to the truck, then hurried around to the driver's side before remembering. "Jeez, the pillows."

  * * *

  It was a nightmare seeing Rini work so hard. It definitely put a whole new perspective on those hours of pleasure they had enjoyed nine months earlier. It was a wonder women ever wanted to have sex.

  Cole sat on the hospital bed with Rini in his lap, just as they'd learned in childbirth class, coaxing her to relax her back against him between the steadily mounting waves of contractions. The bandanna he'd tied around his forehead to catch the stinging drops of perspiration before they hit his eyes was soaked.

  Suddenly, she demanded, "Dammit, Cole, how could you do this to me?" She went limp in his arms, grabbing a short time to rest. "Why the hell didn't you use protection?" Her tone was sharp and accusatory.

  Stunned, he saw the two delivery nurses glance covertly at each other in amusement. One of them checked her watch, while the other hurried out of the room. "I—" He cleared his throat, unable to think of an appropriate response. Hell of a time to bring up this topic. "I…"

  "Oh, now, there's a brilliant comeback." Rini's voice, dripping with sarcasm, tightened along with her stomach muscles. "Well, I hope it was worth it, sweet cakes. Seducing an innocent— Aaahhh!" She moaned as the next contraction hit.

  What the blazes was with her, anyway?

  Suddenly he remembered the instructor's words. When she starts swearing and calling you names…

  He nearly drooped with relief. "Almost done, honey. Just hang in there for a few more minutes." He kissed the top of her head and counted slowly as she struggled to relax through the peak.

  "You hang in there if you want to," she gasped. "I want a frikkin' C-section."

  The door swung open and Dr. Morris stepped smartly over to the bed. "What's this nonsense about a C-section?" She checked the array of monitors, then stood with her arms crossed and a stern smile on her face. "You're doing great. This'll be over in no time."

  "Easy for you to say," Rini grumbled, collapsing back against Cole's chest.

  The back of her hospital gown was damp with sweat, as were her face and neck. The fragrance of her shampoo mingled with the sweet tangy scent of hard physical work. He held her close, supporting her as she caught her breath, and gradually realized that her horrific contractions had slowed considerably. It had been several moments since her body had clenched in pain.

  "Oh, man," she said unnaturally loudly. "Oh, my God, I have to push!"

  Dr. Morris had positioned her stool at the end of the bed, and now started issuing orders fast and furious, first to the nurses and then to Rini. "Okay, Rini, slide down here. That's right. Next contraction, go ahead and push."

  They hadn't done this in the class Cole had attended, so after he hopped off the bed, the nurse showed him how to help Rini hold her position with a hand on her shoulder and one under her knee as she strained to push the baby out, then support her back in between. After a few times he felt fairly competent, but his strength was flagging miserably. He couldn't even begin to imagine how Rini felt.

  "Cole! Let's see the top of your head."

  He glanced up from his weary concentration when Dr. Morris addressed him. He wondered why she wanted to see the top of his head, but was too exhausted to ask. He bowed down.

  "Yep, so far he looks just like you."

  Cole blinked, then met Rini's wide-eyed gaze. They both burst out laughing at the same time. "Oh, Lord." She giggled and winced at the same time. "Don't make me laugh! Oh, my— Oh, God!"

  She doubled over in a tremendous effort Cole could feel his face drain of blood just watching his wife's intense mask of concentration. When would this torture cease? A muscle under his right eye ticked and he literally had to bite his tongue to keep from yelling at the doctor to just do something to end her agony.

  Rini's body melte
d back over his arm as she panted in huge breaths. He grabbed a cool cloth and lovingly sponged her face. When he tried to whisper some word of encouragement, his voice tripped over a lump in his throat, cracking the word into bits. Swallowing heavily, he kissed her temple.

  "Baby's crowning," called Dr. Morris. "Hold back, Rini. Wait… Wait… Wait… Okay, push."

  Cole filled with panic when Rini shouted like a longshoreman lifting a bale, her body trembling with exertion. He glanced desperately at the two nurses, inwardly cursing their calm, rational demeanor. Couldn't they see she was dying?

  "Rini!" he choked out when she collapsed onto her back, her head limp, her eyes closed. Shaking her gently, he opened his mouth to yell for help, when suddenly the air was pierced by a small hiccupping cry. Her eyes opened, and she smiled up at him, then, all the former exhaustion in her face turning to radiant happiness.

  "It's a boy." Dr. Morris' voice cut through the haze in his brain. "But then, you knew that. Cole?"

  He tore his gaze from Rini's and looked toward the doctor. In her hands she held his son, red-faced and wailing, a perfect bundle of wiggling life. Cole's eyes filled and he looked at Rini. Gathering her in his arms, he rocked her as the tears he was unable to stop trickled down his cheeks. "You did it, sweetheart," he whispered hoarsely.

  At that moment, he knew he would do anything in the world for this woman—his beautiful wife, who had just given him the most precious gift of a lifetime. He vowed right then and there to try his damnedest to put his mistrust behind him and learn to give her what she wanted—what she deserved. His unconditional love. He looked into her fire eyes and tenderly kissed her.

  "Thank you," he whispered, and gathered her close.

  * * *

  Rini smiled and accepted another kiss from Cole. Poor man. He looked like he'd been through the wars. She reached up and smoothed a trail of moisture from his cheek before he turned to Dr. Morris. A tear? Surely not. His bandanna must have overflowed.

  "Cole? Would you like to cut the cord?"

  She watched her husband nod happily and move into the hub of activity at the end of the table. His eyes scarcely left their tiny son as the doctor and nurses swabbed, clamped, wiped, and swaddled. Rini lay back on the pillows, tired but content.

  Their son. Hers and Cole's.

  When they placed the baby in Cole's arms, the look on his face was worth every bit of the pain she'd just gone through. He murmured soothing words to the crying infant, caressing his plump, rosy cheek. The little one quieted and turned his face to Cole's, grasping his daddy's finger and pulling it to his mouth.

  Rini's heart melted at the sight. Father and son had bonded instantly, the love between them evident to everyone in the room. She let out a little sigh, banishing the involuntary wish that, just once, Cole might look at her with such utter devotion.

  He brought the baby to her, carefully unwrapping his blanket and laying him skin to skin at her breast. She scarcely dared to hold him for fear of squeezing the little mite. But when he nuzzled her breast, seeking the nipple, she hugged him close and lost her heart completely. She looked up at Cole, who stood watching, a funny smile on his face.

  He pushed a stray lock of hair from her temple, his fingers lingering on her cheek. "I'm so proud of you. You were wonderful."

  She felt warm all over and basked in his praise. "I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks." She giggled then, giddy with happiness. "Sorry I swore at you."

  Grinning, he dropped down beside her, stroking the baby's head as he nursed. "I probably deserved it." Cole's gaze softened to mush as it glided over her cradling the baby to her breast. "But I have to tell you, seeing you like this—I may never want to use protection again."

  * * *

  After being moved to her room, Rini lay back in bed, watching Cole hold the baby in a rocking chair the nurse had brought in. There was a knock, and Alexa appeared in the doorway.

  "Rini! I can't believe this!" Her sister rushed into the room and hugged her madly. "The one day I was gone! How could you?" She laughed, and cried, and hugged her some more. "Are you okay? Where is he, the little darling?"

  Alexa glanced around the room expectantly and caught sight of Cole. "Oh. Cole." Instantly, she sobered and straightened, folding her arms over the jacket of her designer suit. "Thank you for taking care of Rini."

  He gave a tight smile. "She's my wife, Alexa. It's my job to take care of her. Hi Brad, Kenny," he said, rising as the two walked in.

  "Hey, man, congratulations!" Brad came over and slapped him on the arm that cradled the baby. "Let's see the little guy. Aw, if he isn't the cutest. Rini, you outdid yourself!" He leaned over the bed and planted a smack on her cheek.

  "Thanks, Brad. He is kind of cute, isn't he?" Rini couldn't believe that less than twelve hours ago he'd been snug inside her body. It was pretty amazing. "Al, aren't you going to look at him?"

  Alexa squeezed her arm. "Of course I am." She got up and glanced hesitatingly at Cole. Rubbing her hands down her skirt, she approached.

  Cole's eyes remained neutral while Alexa reached one finger up and moved the blanket away from the baby's cheek. Something flitted across her face, something that could have been sadness, but she schooled her features quickly.

  "He's so beautiful," Alexa murmured softly.

  Rini could feel her face begin to crumble when Cole carefully lifted him, offering the baby to Alexa. At Alexa's surprise, he nodded. "Go ahead, if you like."

  Her sister held the baby with the gentle awe of a woman who longed for a child of her own with all her heart. "Oh, Rini, he's perfect."

  Cole walked over and stood next to the bed. For a moment his fingers danced lightly on Rini's shoulder, then he slipped his arm around her, pulling her close. She sighed, feeling at once warm and secure, surrounded as she was by her family—all the people who loved her. She leaned her head against Cole's side. Well, most of them loved her.

  But it was a start.

  Alexa cooed at the baby, stroking his tiny nose and chin, then gave him a kiss on the forehead. She looked up then, her eyes shiny, a tremulous smile on her lips. "He looks just like you, Cole." Swallowing heavily, she gingerly passed him back to his father.

  Rini watched the emotions pass over Alexa's face, ending with a single tear, which her sister quickly dashed away. "I'm an aunt!" Laughing, she plopped onto the bed and hugged Rini again.

  "What's his name?" Kenny asked, peering into the face of his new cousin. Alexa and Brad looked expectantly at Rini.

  "Gosh, I don't know." Her eyes met Cole's. "We haven't really talked about it yet. What do you think?"

  Seating himself on the bed, he let her take the baby from him. "I've got a good friend named Roman. Always liked that name."

  Rini considered. Roman was nice. She could live with that.

  "What name would you choose?" he asked her

  "Me?" Cole's question knocked her off balance. "Well," she ventured hesitantly, "I've been thinking maybe I'd like to call him Chance."

  She looked down at the baby in her arms and smiled. He was her big chance. Her chance to make her life into something really good, after all the heartache she'd gone through. Through him, she'd gotten a second chance with Cole, with school, and ultimately, with herself.

  Cole adjusted the blanket around the baby. "I like that even better. Chance it is."

  Her jaw dropped. "Really? Just like that?"

  "Sure, why not? It fits. Chance Lonetree. Sounds good."

  Kenny nodded seriously. "Major cool name."

  * * *

  Chance did nothing but eat and sleep. Well, and poop. Chuckling, Cole changed his fourth diaper that afternoon. He loved it. He loved everything that brought him in contact with his baby boy.

  Rini was napping, exhausted after a week of feeding Chance every two hours. How she would be able to start back to class on Monday, Cole had no idea.

  He shook his head, smiling wryly at Chance as he slipped his romper back on. "You've got one very stubb
orn mama, little one. She's determined to get this nursing degree." Lifting him in the air, he winked and kissed his nose. "Guess you'll just have to put up with your old man feeding you when she has classes."

  Chance let out a belch, and Cole laughed out loud. "Yeah, I know. If I had the choice of sucking from those beautiful, round—" He stopped abruptly, clearing his throat. "Well, anyway. I'll enjoy feeding you."

  It had been pure torture watching Rini breastfeed. Her already perfect breasts had become even fuller and her nipples were dark and inviting. His mouth watered every time she shyly pulled aside her top, conscious of his gaze, but thankfully unaware of his ravenous hunger.

  At first he'd tried not to watch, but seldom succeeded. So he'd gone out and bought a gorgeous antique rocker for her, positioning it in front of the fireplace across from his easy chair, where he had a perfect view.

  He'd gotten into the habit of bringing her a warm, damp cloth after Chance had finished, then taking the contented baby to burp, and then to his crib while she got herself together. If he didn't leave the room, he was sure he'd slip up and ask if she needed help, bringing all their sexual electricity crackling to the surface again. Bad idea.

  The doctor had told them no sex for six weeks after the delivery. But of course, that advice was academic. Rini obviously didn't ever plan on letting it happen, even after the six weeks were up.

  Cole had already come to crave her presence in so many other ways—for her sunny smile first thing in the morning, her loving glances when she thought he wasn't looking, their long talks in front of the fireplace. He told himself to be strong, to fight his physical need for her. Opening himself like that would surely be begging for a heartache. For until she took that final step herself, with no pressure from him, Cole couldn't be sure she was committed to staying with him. So he kept his emotions locked down tight.

  She now appeared in the bedroom doorway wearing his flannel robe all a-kilter, her face flushed and hair mussed as though she'd just come from beneath him. The sight of her sleepy smile hit him right below the belt.