Baby Bodyguard: Book #3 (Baby, Oh Baby! Series (chockful of matchmaking, soul mates, love at first s

Chapter 3

Sami headed down the hallway toward the back of the house, Pudge at her side. Even though she couldn’t hear Noah’s footsteps, she could feel him following her. How odd. Every sense she possessed remained alert to his presence—an odd warmth tracing a path the length of her spine, the suggestion of a delicious, alien scent tickling her nose, aquiver deep in her belly spreading heat throughout herbody.

Who the heck was this man and why had Babe hired him? He didn’t strike Sami as the employee type. He didn’t behave the least deferentially. Nor did he take well to direction. In fact, she’d already discovered he gave orders far better than he took them. And he’d admitted that this was his first assistant’sjob.

It brought her right back to her original question. Why was he here? The instant she found herself alone, she’d track down Babe and get some answers. Then she’d decide whether to enjoy her birthday present or exchange it for another model and brand.

Opening a door off the kitchen, she led the way outside to a small building. It had once been a garage, but when Widget and Pudge had come to live with her, she’d converted the ground floor into general-purpose rooms and the second story into a private apartment for her newfound friends. “Now everybody stay calm, all right?”

“You don’t know what’s going on in there, or you wouldn’t say that,” Pudge warned.

Sami sighed. “Great. Just great.”

“Why don’t I go first?” Noah suggested.

Before she could formulate an argument, he opened the door and led the way into utter bedlam. Immediately, he placed himself between her and the others in the room in a manner similar to when Uncle Reggie had arrived. It was sweetly protective, but annoying. She peeked around him and groaned. Two women were arguing at the top of their lungs in two different languages while children ran around the huge room laughing and screaming. Music blared from a huge boom box and clothes were strewn from one end of the room to the other. Athird woman sat huddled in a corner, looking utterly miserable.

Sami stared, openmouthed. What in the world? “What is going on?” she demanded. Not that anyone listened. “Hey!”

“May I?” Noah asked.

Since her way wasn’t working, she nodded. “Sure. Why not?”

He glanced at his dog and made a quick hand gesture. With a sharp bark, the dog burst into the room, amazingly graceful despite his limp, and swiftly corralled the children off to one side. The din lessened only slightly. Ashrill whistle took care of the rest. Ahush descended. The women turned and stared at Noah and Sami, while the children grouped around the dog, exclaiming in delight.

“You have a problem, ladies?” he asked.

They rushed him en masse, each trying to explain her particular concern. To Sami’s amazement, holding up his hand brought instant silence. Now why hadn’t that ever worked for her? “One at a time, please.”

The oldest of the women, Daria, slapped her hands on her hips, switching from Spanish to English. “The schedule’s gone and we can’t agree on what needs to be done when.”

“Where’s Rosie?” Sami asked. “She should have a copy.”

“Rosie has a doctor’s appointment.” Daria gestured toward the cluster of children. “So we don’t have no one to watch the kids. I’m trying to pick an outfit for Widget, but Carmela say she have to do the makeup and hair.”

Sami winced. Oh, dear. Arainbow of colors covered Widget’s thin face and her hair had been poofed into a teased mass that swamped her features. The poor girl appeared close to tears.

Pudge shook his head in disgust. “See what they did to my sister? How’s she supposed to get a job when she looks like some sorta freak?”

“Widget, why don’t you go in the bathroom and wash up,” Sami suggested. “Since we don’t have anyone to watch the children, we can work on your hair and makeup another time. This might be a better day to put together your résumé. Don’t you think?”

Sheer relief eased the tension in Widget’s expression. “I’d like that,” she murmured.

“I thought you might. Go to the computer room once you’ve cleaned up and you can work on that.”

Daria spoke up again. “Good idea ’cept Leonard is runnin’ an hour late. There’s nobody to help with that crazy computer.”

Sami swung around to face Noah. “Do you know anything about computers and résumés?”

“I gather you don’t?”

“It’s not my strong point, no. And don’t look so superior. Icould learn if I put my mind to it. Ijust haven’t chosen to—”

“Maybe we shouldn’t take that thought any further,” he suggested gently.

She grimaced. “Maybe you’re right. Let’s stick to Widget. Are you able to help her or not?”

“I suspect I can muddle through.”

“Great.” She switched her attention to the women. “Okay, Daria? Why don’t you choose some suitable clothes for Widget. Since she’s not planning to work as an exotic dancer or fortune teller, we want simple and professional. Iknow I’m a fine one to talk, but keep the colors to a minimum.” Next she turned to Carmela. “Since Rosie’s unavailable, would you take care of the children?”

“No problem.”

“Fantastic.” She addressed Noah once again. “That brings us back to you. The computer room is this way.”

“Why don’t you also explain what’s going on,” he suggested.

“Sure.” She saved her explanation until they were out of earshot. “Daria and Carmela are relatives of my housekeeper, Rosie. When I learned they were looking for jobs, Ihired them to help Widget. Well, and Rosie, too, since she’s due to give birth next month.”

“Help Widget do what?”

“Get a job.”

Noah took a minute to work through that one. “You hired two women to help another woman get a job?”

“Exactly.”

“Why not just hire Widget?”

For a smart man, he certainly had trouble following simple logic—at least, her brand of simple logic. “Because Daria and Carmela needed jobs, too.”

“You’ve lost me.”

Sami released her breath in an impatient sigh. “None of them are mainstream enough for most placement services. Daria’s husband died, leaving her with four children to raise. Carmela had her two babies when she wasn’t much more than a child herself and is in the middle of taking adult education classes to earn her high school equivalency diploma.”

“Those are their children running around?”

“Right. Having the children here while they work allows them to earn a living without the added expense of daycare. And since none of them has ever held down a real job…” She trailed off with a shrug.

“I see why they’d be perfect to help Widget,” he muttered. “What sort of names are Widget and Pudge, by the way?”

“The ones they answer to,” she replied evenly. “When they decide to use their given names, we’ll call them by those instead. Do you have a problem with that?”

He took a deep breath and slowly released it. “I’m sorry, Sami. That was rude of me.”

“No harm done, though I’d appreciate it if you’d hold the sarcasm to a minimum, especially around the women. They’re doing the best they can under difficult circumstances, and I don’t want you to accidentally undermine their self-confidence.”

“You’re right. Iapologize again.”

There was no mistaking his sincerity and she forgave him on the spot. He’d been thrown into a peculiar situation and she could afford to excuse the occasional lapse of judgment on his part. Considering the frequency of her own lapses, no doubt he’d return the favor soon enough.

She smiled reassuringly. “Apology accepted.”

“You were saying you hired Carmela and Daria to help Widget get a job?” he prompted.

“Yes. Without training, her prospects are pretty grim. She couldn’t even afford proper clothing for a job interview.”

“Which explains the wardrobe in the other room.”

“Right. Even with the appropriate clothing, there’s still a lot to be done. She doesn’t know what to say or do during an interview. She’s totally intimidated by the mere prospect of applying for a job.”

“So, you’re educating her on those points.”

“Yup.”

“You’re providing clothing and teaching her how to fix her hair and makeup and helping her put together a résumé. Igather that’s not the extent of it?”

“Not quite. Iguess you could call Widget a joint project. I’m training her. Daria’s in charge of wardrobe. Carmela works on her appearance.”

“At the risk of offending you again, you might want to consider giving Carmela lessons, too.”

Sami chuckled. “She did get a little overenthusiastic with her paintbox, didn’t she?”

“Nicely put. Iassume Leonard is in charge of résumés?”

“And giving Widget practice interviews. She’s very shy. So far we haven’t gotten her to speak above a whisper. But I have confidence we’ll make a breakthrough soon.”

“Maybe I can help with that.”

“Really?”

She touched his arm without thinking and the muscles bunched beneath her fingertips, communicating an instant tension. Awareness filled her, an awareness she had no business feeling. Why had her mother hired someone so attractive? Couldn’t she have chosen someone older? Or less well put together? Or better yet, ugly? Ugly would have helped a lot. Maybe. Or it would have right up until he fixed those silver-gray eyes on her and spoken in that smoky-dark voice. Then she’d have tumbled every bit ashard.

Her eyes widened. Tumbled? Hard? Oh, no. No, no, no. Thoughts of that sort could only get her into serious trouble.

She snatched her hand away from his arm and shoved open the door to the computer room. “Well,” she announced brightly. “Here you are. Everything you’ll need to help Widget create a résumé and practice her interview. And look! Here she comes now.”

“Sami?”

He was using that sexy voice on her again. She backed away. “I’ll run along and check on Carmela and Daria and make sure Loner hasn’t eaten any of the kids.” She pasted a grin on her face. “That’s a joke, by the way. Iguess I’ll see you later.”

He inclined his head, amusement cutting furrows of laughter on either side of his mouth. “Right. See you later.”

She lifted a hand. “’Bye.”

“’Bye.”

She couldn’t think of another blessed thing to say. Mustering every remaining ounce of poise, she turned on her heel and walked away. She felt him watch her each step of the way. She didn’t dare look over her shoulder. Otherwise she’d be forced to witness his amusement growing to open laughter. How humiliating.

Sami managed to give him an entire five minutes alone with Widget before curiosity compelled her to peek into the computer room. Widget sat in front of the computer, cautiously pecking at the keys while Noah stood behind her, watching, his glasses perched on the tip of his nose. Every once in a while, she’d glance over her shoulder and smile timidly.

He’d made quite an impact, Sami noted, pleased. But then, he’d made quite an impact on her, as well. Considering she’d been ready and all too willing to father a child with him… Yeah, she’d call that an impact. For the first time since her preteen years, ablush warmed her cheeks.

“Problem?” he called toher.

Of course he’d noticed her spying. “Just wondering if you needed help,” she said breezily.

“I have everything under control.”

“He’s wonderful,” Widget confessed shyly. “He said I could practice on him.”

Sami’s brows jerked upward. “Practice?”

A knowing look gleamed in Noah’s eyes. “Her interview. I’m going to play the part of a prospective employer.”

“Oh.” How did she phrase her next question without giving insult? “Do you know what sort of questions to ask?”

“I think I can manage. After all, Ihad you as an example.”

Cute. “You’re supposed to make it tough on Widget. She needs to be prepared for anything.”

“Got it.”

She stepped into the room. “Really grill her. Force her to stand up for herself so she learns not to be intimidated.”

“I understand.”

“Perhaps I should—”

In one smooth movement, Noah straightened away from the computer and pocketed his glasses. “Excuse me a moment,” he said, offering Widget a smile that brought an attractive glow to her face. He reached Sami in three short steps. Grasping her arm, he ushered her from theroom.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“If you knew me better, you wouldn’t find it necessary to check up on me.”

“But you’ve never done this before,” she protested. “I thought you might need help.”

“Do I look incapable?”

No! “I’ll admit, that’s not the primary word I’d use to describe you.”

“Do I seem confused over the parameters of the task you’ve assigned me?”

She cleared her throat. “No, you don’t look confused.” She shot him a quick glance. “Annoyed, perhaps. But not confused.”

“Can you see me playing the part of a tough employer?”

“As a matter of fact, Ican.”

“Then why would you think I need help?”

He had her with that one. “Because you’re new around here.” She seized on the first excuse she happenedupon.

“I see.”

No he didn’t. She might be slow in some areas, but his ironic tone didn’t escape her attention. She wriggled in his grasp and he instantly released her, folding his arms across his chest. Despite his air of detachment, she suspected emotion smoldered just beneath the surface. She couldn’t remember a time when she’d been this unnerved by someone. Even the toughest individual melted beneath her smile. But Noah was different. Very different.

“Since I haven’t seen your résumé, Iwouldn’t know what you can do and what you can’t.” She warmed to her theme. “It’s only natural that I’d want to check up on you. Make sure you’re not having any trouble.”

“Ms. Fontaine?”

“Make it Sami. No one ever—”

“Ms. Fontaine.”

She swallowed. When had their roles reversed? She could have sworn she was supposed to be the employer. Unfortunately, the icy way he said her name had her snapping to attention like the greenest of employees. “Yes?” By sheer dint of will she managed to swallow the “Yes, sir?” his tone inspired.

“If I tell you I can handle it, will you trust me?”

“Absolutely,” seemed the smartest response.

“I’m going back in the computer room now.”

“You don’t want me to come in again, do you?”

He actually smiled, adelicious curve of broad lips. She stared, fascinated. “Wise decision.” With that, he turned and reentered the computer room, closing the door firmly behindhim.

Sami slumped against the wall. “Oh, dear,” she murmured. “I am in serious trouble.”

“Well? Did shebuy your story?” Babe demanded.

Noah sighed. “She bought it. Not that it’ll do any good.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are too many people with free access to the house.” He folded clothing into his duffel bag, holding the receiver to his ear with a lifted shoulder. “That makes the situation much more difficult to control.”

“Oh. You mean Sami’s work project. Iwouldn’t worry about that. Ican’t believe the women my daughter’s helping would want to harm her.”

“Under the circumstances, I’d rather not rule anyone out.” He hesitated, wishing he were free to mention Sami’s other “work project,” but knowing full well he couldn’t. It wouldn’t be professional. Or ethical. “Babe, let’s contact the authorities. If Sami were some quiet, stay-at-home type, I’d have a chance of protecting her. But she’s—”

She was a shooting star. Ablaze of sunshine. Apallet of vibrant colors. From the mop of gleaming curls spilling into light green eyes, to the infectious amusement that underlined her every word, to the wide, plump mouth he longed to taste, she plucked at him like an energetic whirlwind, turning his logic upsidedown.

What would she do if he gave in to the attraction stirring between them and kissed her? Laugh, no doubt. From what he’d observed she laughed at everything. He could imagine taking the generous fullness of her lips, feeling them part beneath his, sharing the warmth of her breath as amused enjoyment shifted to passion.

His gut tightened. She defied logic, forcing him to acknowledge emotions he’d be better off suppressing. These next few weeks were going to be a problem. Aserious problem.

“You can’t involve anyone else.” Babe’s adamant voice cut through the line. “Are you still there, Noah? You promised to keep this between the two of us. And as much as I hate reminding you, you owe me.”

“Yeah, right.” But he’d never thought she’d call that debt due. “Fine. I’ll give it two weeks, Babe. If we haven’t discovered who sent the note by then, I’m calling the cops. Got it?”

“Fine.” Laughter remarkably similar to Sami’s sounded in his ear. “That’ll give me plenty of time to figure out a new angle.”

Aw, hell. These Fontaine women were going to run him ragged. “What new angle?”

“To keep you doing what I want.”

He sighed. “Not a chance, lady.”

“Oh, Noah. You know I always get my way.”

“Not always,” he reminded.

“You’d be surprised.” A hint of anxiety crept into her voice. “You’re not going to go back on your word, are you? You’ve always put such a premium on honor. That’s how I knew I could trust you.”

“You can still trust me,” he reassured. “I won’t go back on my word. But I don’t like this, Babe. By giving you what you want, I’m forced to lie to Sami. What’s the point in keeping my word, if I have to lie? There’s nothing honorable in that.”

“If you give me a couple of days I can rationalize it for you.”

He laughed in spite of himself. “I don’t doubt that for a minute.”

“Thanks for calling, Noah. Keep me updated, all right?”

“Count on it.”

“And take care of my little girl.”

“She’s not so little,” he felt obligated to mention.

Another bubbly laugh exploded in his ear. “I wondered if you’d notice.” She hesitated, then said, “It won’t work out between you two. Idon’t have to tell you that, do I?”

“What won’t work?” It was a stupid question, afoolish one. One he regretted asking the minute he’d opened his mouth.

“You and Sami. You’re about as opposite as night and day.”

And he could guess which she considered him. She’d nailed him with her description, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing the subject. “As I recall whenever night meets day, it can be quite spectacular.”

“She’ll burn you, Noah,” Babe said softly. “Sami’s not a forever-type woman any more than I am.”

And that said it all. “Maybe I’m not after forever.”

“Sure you are. It’s part of your personality. Trust me. If there’s one thing I know, it’s men.”

He could successfully argue that point, but it would involve more explanations than he cared to offer. He tossed his toiletry kit on top of his clothes. What the hell was he doing discussing Sami like this with her mother? He didn’t intend to have an affair with his client’s daughter—especially since Sami also considered herself his employer. The sooner he took care of business, the sooner he’d have the Fontaine women out of his life. Permanently. Obligations satisfied, case closed, and the last loose end neatly tiedup.

“I’ll call as soon as I have any new information,” he said in his most business-like voice.

“Thank you, Mr. Hawke. Ilook forward to your next report,” she replied just as formally.

He punched the power button and tossed the phone to the bed, glaring at it. He didn’t want to go back to Sami’s. She was pure, unadulterated trouble. She was also far too attractive, had an uncanny ability to upset his equilibrium and didn’t have a logical, practical bone in her delectable body. And if ever given the opportunity, he’d slip that delectable body into the nearest bed and allow her hot, sunny passion to burn him to a crisp.

Sure, he might go down, but at least it would be in glorious flames.