by Kira Archer
“Not at all. I’m a pretty decent guy. Just not looking for anything serious.”
“Why do I feel like you’re trying to make a good impression in a job interview?”
Brooks gave her his best aw-shucks-you-caught-me grin. “Well, it’s not a job interview, but I am trying to make a good impression.”
“Really?”
“Really. How am I doing?”
Leah took a sip of her water and shrugged. “The jury’s still out. I’ll let you know.”
That surprised a laugh out of him. “I guess I’ll have to try harder.”
“Or you could be yourself and we’ll go from there.”
Brooks lifted his glass in a small salute. “A novel approach.”
“Sometimes the simplest line of attack is the most efficient.”
“Wouldn’t it have been even more efficient to gather intel on me from Kiersten?”
“You’re assuming I didn’t already do that.”
Another surprise. She was full of them. “And she didn’t tell you to run screaming in the other direction as fast as possible.”
Leah laughed, a throaty, rippling sound that was both infectious and sexy. “No, she didn’t. But even if she had, I can make my own decisions.”
He leaned in a little closer. “Then I guess I should be thankful both for your impeccable decision-making capabilities and for Kiersten not throwing me under the bus.”
Leah shrugged. “Maybe she thought we should get to know each other since I’m Piper’s godmother. The godparents should know each other, I suppose.”
“True.”
“Or, maybe she thought I was a big girl and could handle you,” Leah said. At his raised brow, she grinned. “Or at least handle myself.”
“Is that right?”
Leah stopped and leaned an elbow against the railing. He followed suit, standing much closer than necessary. She didn’t move away.
“I get it. I know what I look like. Sweet little inexperienced Catholic girl. Naive, innocent.” His gaze raked over her and she shrugged. “See, men assume because I’m quiet, dress a little conservatively, and go to church most Sundays that I’m an innocent child who needs to be guided and protected. It’s infuriating, and a little creepy.”
“For the record, the thought never crossed my mind that you were a child.”
She gave him an eye-rolling grin.
“So, what are you then, assuming most men’s assumptions are wrong?”
Her expression was a curious mixture of shy confidence. “A full-grown woman who can take care of herself.”
Brooks grinned. “Point taken. So, oh experienced woman of the world, what do you do for a living? Cole mentioned something about becoming a nun?”
Leah opened her mouth, then grinned, a slight blush staining her cheeks. “No, I am not becoming a nun. I’m a teacher at a private girls’ school run by nuns.”
Brooks burst out laughing. “You’re not even making that up, are you?”
Leah laughed. “Okay, fine. I guess I fit the stereotype a little. Hush.”
“What’s a nice girl like you doing hanging out with a boatful of heathens like us?” he asked, nodding at the people milling about on the boat.
“The ‘heathens’ you’re referring to aren’t exactly the scum of the earth,” she said with a laugh. “Aside from their obscene bank accounts, they all seem pretty nice. Most of them, anyway,” she said, looking him up and down.
He gave her a slow smile with as much smolder as he could lay on and returned her roving gaze. Instead of blushing and backing off, she moved a little closer.
“Besides,” she said, “even nice girls like to have some fun. I’m on a yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean with good friends, celebrating the birth of my goddaughter. Can’t think of any place I’d rather be. It was good of you to host this getaway for them.”
A rush of pride flooded through him, something he didn’t feel very often. He liked that she approved of him. It had been a long time since he’d cared about what anyone thought. He didn’t know what it was about her, but she intrigued him, which scared the hell out of him, truthfully. But that paled in comparison to his desire to get to know her better. Much better.
“She’s my goddaughter and they’re my best friends. It was the least I could do. Besides, I’m always up for a party.”
She smiled at that, though the expression didn’t quite reach her eyes, and then looked out at the view spread before them. They weren’t far from land, so the whitewashed walls and blue roofs of the Greek village they were passing twinkled at them from the shores of the bay. The crystal-clear turquoise waters beneath them beckoned invitingly though a sudden cool breeze blew through, sending a fine shiver through Leah.
Brooks moved behind her, sheltering her with his body, his hands resting beside hers on the railing. “What are you thinking about so hard?” he asked, bending down so he could talk quietly. The scent of her hair washed over him. Honeysuckle and jasmine. He inhaled deeply, imprinting the scent in his mind.
“The future,” she said. Instead of moving away as he’d feared, she leaned back into him. A slight movement, but encouraging, though the future was a subject he tended to avoid as much as possible.
“Why think of the future when the present is so much more stimulating?” He ran a hand up her arm and she turned until she faced him.
“You don’t find the future stimulating?”
“When I have a beautiful woman in my arms right now?” He drew his thumb over her cheek. “Why would I want to think of anything else?”
His heart pounded while he waited for her to push him away, giggle and blush maybe, play hard to get. Or get offended and stomp off in a huff. He didn’t expect her to tilt her face against his hand so he cradled her cheek. The sun highlighted her hair, illuminating shades of red and blonde that reminded him of the fine mahogany table he had in his office. He brushed a strand away from her eyes, pools of brown with subtle flecks of green that had him mesmerized.
What had she done to him? He’d never wanted to kiss a woman so badly in his life. He leaned down, his pulse speeding. She gave him a gentle, encouraging smile, then froze. Her eyes widened, all the color in her face draining, and before he could ask what was wrong she pivoted and leaned far over the rail, her body tensing as she threw up what looked like everything she’d ever eaten.
He grabbed her hair, gathering it at the nape of her neck and holding it with one hand while he held her against him with his other arm, supporting her while she retched. Kiersten was at their side almost immediately with a towel and a bottle of water. He took both from her, ignoring her shocked face.
Leah took the towel gratefully and quickly rinsed out her mouth. Brooks led her over to a chair and ordered one of the passing waiters to bring him a glass of ice water with mint leaves. Kiersten’s eyes widened in question.
“I read somewhere that mint calms the stomach. And the flavor might help get the taste out of her mouth,” he said.
Kiersten looked like she was going to respond, but ended up shaking her head with a small smile. Brooks knew exactly what she was thinking, but ignored everyone other than Leah. Kiersten watched them for a moment and then went back to where Cole held the baby, a speculative gleam in her eye that he’d defuse later.
The waiter returned quickly, and Leah slowly sipped the mint water a few times before sighing deeply.
“Thank you,” she said, not meeting his eyes.
“Was the thought of kissing me that horrible?” he asked, smiling, though part of him really wondered if that had been the case.
Her gaze shot to his. “No, not at all!”
“Motion sickness?” They were on a boat after all.
She sighed again. “More like morning sickness.” She put the glass down, sat up straight, and looked him dead in the eye. “I’m pregnant.”
Chapter Three
Leah watched his expression go from blank to surprised with what she swore was a moment of panic.
Her lips twitched, but she was not going to reward that remark with a laugh. And now that the cat was out of the bag it was probably time to move on and get ready for the christening anyway.
She stood and nodded to him where he still knelt at the side of the chair. “It was nice to meet you.”
“Wait,” he said, standing and catching her hand before she could make it too far away. “Sorry. Bad joke.”
She shook her head. “It’s okay. Just…a little awkward to nearly throw up on a guy you were seconds from kissing.”
Her cheeks heated up, but she tried to ignore it. She blushed at the drop of a hat. Always had. To say it was irritating would be an understatement.
He still held her hand. She glanced down at where he was entwining his fingers with hers and then back up to meet his gaze, her eyes wide in question.
“We were seconds from kissing, weren’t we?” he asked, drawing her closer. “I’m definitely going to need a rain check when you’re feeling better.”
“Oh, I’m fine now. Once I…you know, I actually feel pretty good for a while.”
“Well then,” he said, pulling her against him with a grin. “If you’re feeling better…”
He bent down and she pulled from his grasp, hand clapped over her mouth. She’d just puked over the side of the boat. She was not going to start making out with him now. “That’s not what I meant,” she said with a little laugh.
“Why?”
“Because.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Sure it is. Just not one you like.”
He grinned. “This is true. So give me another one.”
She pressed her lips together to keep her smile in check and put her hand on his chest to push him away. “Now isn’t a good time.”
“Now is always a good time.” He paused, frowning slightly. “Would the father object? I mean, is he—”
“He’s not in the picture.” No matter what he decided he wanted his role to be with the baby, if she could ever get ahold of him, they weren’t in a relationship and she had no plans for them to ever be.
“Well, then…”
“We’ve got to get ready for the christening.” And she had to brush her teeth before she got anywhere near him again.
Brooks checked his watch, then frowned and sighed. “I guess we do. Well then, I’ll meet you in front of your cabin in half an hour so I can escort you to the boats that will take us ashore.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“It would be my pleasure.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it like some medieval knight.
Okay, he was kind of over the top but still…swoon.
“Besides,” he said. “We’re the godparents. We’ll have to stand together at the church. Might as well arrive together.”
She couldn’t argue with that, though she had no idea why he’d still want to spend time in her company now that he knew she was pregnant.
“All right, then. Half an hour.”
He gave her a playful wink that had her stomach flip-flopping. Or maybe it was just another round of morning sickness. Either way, it would probably be best to quickly make her escape.
Not that escape seemed possible.
When she opened her cabin door to head to the boats that would take them ashore, Brooks was there waiting. He sat beside her on the boat and helped her to the shore, and then insisted on escorting her into the small stone chapel on the banks of the tiny Greek island owned by one of Cole’s friends.
The amount of money in the collective bank accounts of the people in that church blew her mind. Part of her envied what Kiersten and Cole would be able to give their child. They’d never have to worry about finding a decent—and affordable—place to live, or good childcare, or any of the necessities of life. Not to mention all the fun stuff like the latest toys and trendy clothes. That kind of security would be amazing.
But there were some downsides to growing up filthy rich. All she had to do was look around the gathering. Granted, the people streaming into the church were better than many of their subset. Cole and Kiersten were good people and they wouldn’t have invited anyone who wasn’t more like them than not. Still, there was more than a fair share of trophy wives dripping in diamonds carrying Tiffany gift bags for the new baby. Because that’s what every baby needed—a literal silver spoon or two to play with. Even the nicer ones in the bunch seemed a bit out of touch with real, everyday life.
Leah felt like a regular Joe in a sea of Gwyneth Paltrows. They might be nice and mean well, but they still thought a hundred dollars for a T-shirt was a steal and didn’t blink an eye at spending a cool grand on a onesie their kid would puke on inside of five minutes. Leah might have to struggle sometimes, but at least her child wouldn’t grow up spoiled and out of touch with reality.
Though…a little of that unrealistic fantasy might be nice. Struggling on her own was bad enough. The thought of being responsible for another human being filled her with terror.
All further musings on the impending doom in her life ceased the moment Kiersten handed her baby Piper. Leah smiled down at her goddaughter. People say all babies are cute. People also know that isn’t remotely true. There are some unfortunate newborns out there. Piper, however, resided firmly in the adorable zone. Especially at that moment, with her flowing christening gown and matching bonnet, her rosy round cheeks sweetly dimpled, cupid’s-bow lips puckered with sleepy phantom sucking.
Leah took a deep breath. Yes. There were many aspects of her impending motherhood that made her want to go into the fetal position herself. But then again, in six months’ time, she’d be holding her own tiny bundle of adorableness. It had its perks.
She looked up at the proud parents, not even caring about the dopey grin on her face. Until her gaze met that of Brooks who, as godfather, stood right beside her.
He watched her, his brow drawn slightly. Like she was a puzzle he couldn’t figure out. She mentally snorted. Get in line, buddy.
…
The after-christening soiree was in full swing under the tent that had been set up on the beach, the twinkling white lights that had been strung all over anything that didn’t move creating an intensely romantic atmosphere. Prime seduction real estate, right there. But the only woman he was even remotely interested in seducing was cradling the guest of honor who had apparently decided it was past her bedtime and had fallen asleep in Leah’s arms. Not that he blamed the little thing. Falling asleep in Leah’s arms, after doing a few other things there, was currently top on his bucket list.
Of course, he still couldn’t quite wrap his head around the thought that she had one of those little creatures growing in her belly. Why he hadn’t shaken her hand and immediately hauled ass away from her the moment she’d told him she was pregnant was a mystery he didn’t want to delve into just then. His interest still burned strong, bad idea or not. Maybe because it was a bad idea. He was obtuse like that. Whatever the reason, he couldn’t get Leah out of his head.
She finally handed the baby back to Kiersten, a curious expression on her face. Like she both longed for and dreaded the idea of someone handing her own baby back to her, which, thankfully, wasn’t something that would be happening anytime soon. They still had time to have a little fun first. And now that her attention wasn’t occupied…
He downed the rest of his champagne, keeping his gaze zeroed in on her until she looked up. He put on his best swagger and headed straight for her. She watched him approach like he was a lion stalking his prey. Or…maybe a giraffe would be more like it. Did giraffes have prey? Either way, with his height, he’d always been more Deadpool than Wolverine in the body department. And if she got that reference, he’d marry her on the spot.
“Dance with me,” he said, holding a hand out to her.
Her eyes widened at the com
mand. “Didn’t your mother ever teach you how to ask nicely?”
He gave her a slow grin. “Of course, but I figured if I asked that would give you room to turn me down, and I don’t want that.”
“You always get what you want?”
“Generally, yes.”
“Sounds like you could use a lesson in patience.”
He pulled her up and into his arms. “Always the teacher, hmm?”
She grimaced a bit. “I try not to be. Can’t seem to help myself.”
He swayed with her to the music. “Don’t stop on my account. I’m finding the whole schoolteacher thing erotic.”
She snorted. “I think you find pretty much everything erotic.”
“If it’s to do with you, absolutely.” He twirled her and she gripped his shoulders. It was all he could do not to haul her against him and show her exactly how erotic he found her. She laughed, despite the obvious effort she was making to keep it together. That quiet, husky sound made him want to really amp her up so he could hear it again. At a louder volume.
He spun her away from him and brought her back, continuing their path along the dance floor.
She glanced around them and then back up at him. “Every woman in here is staring at you. You could have any one of them. Why are you dancing with me?”
He met her gaze. “Because I like you.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “You don’t even know me.”
“I like what I know so far and am trying to get to know you better. If you could stop making that so difficult it would be much appreciated.”
Her lips twitched. “You already know the most important thing about me.”
He lifted his brows. “I do?”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m pregnant.”
“I know.”
“And you’re still here dancing with me.”
He frowned again. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t?”
That seemed to confuse her. “I don’t know. I figured the whole baby thing would scare the hell out of most guys.”
“Why? Is it contagious? Is it going to rub off on me or something?”
The lips twitched into a half grin. “No.”
