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

Chapter 7

“The perfect man?But… but that’s you,” Sami sputtered.

Noah nodded, his gaze steady and unflinching. “Standing right here in front of you, sweetheart. Mr. Perfect.”

She caught her lip between her teeth in an uncharacteristic display of uncertainty. “I don’t understand. Why are you offering to do this?”

“Would you believe a whim?”

She shook her head. “Not even a little.”

He didn’t bother pursuing that line of defense. No point. Keeping her safe remained most imperative, more important than any other consideration. To do that, he needed to sell her on whatever logical argument she’dbuy.

With luck, he’d gain her agreement to his crazy suggestion. Not that he had any intention of following through with his offer. He simply needed to stall her—without arousing her suspicions—until he found her blackmailer. “Okay. Then, would you believe I don’t want you put at further risk?”

“Sure. Ican accept that excuse. Maybe.” She studied him anxiously. “There’s only one problem. You’ve always been opposed to my plan. Ifind it hard to believe your concern for my safety would outweigh your objections. There has to be another reason.”

He took matters one step further. “Another reason and a condition.”

“Oh!” Her bracelets jangled as she paced in front of him. “I knew it. What’s the reason?”

“I want you.”

Clearly, she hadn’t anticipated him saying that. She stumbled to a halt and stared, wide-eyed. “You—”

“Want to make love to you. Yes.” He lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me that comes as a surprise.”

She swallowed. “Somewhat. And… and the condition?”

So far he’d been able to stick to the truth. He could only hope it would last. “You’ve said you won’t have an ongoing relationship with the father of your child, other than sexual, that is. Ican’t agree to that.”

“You have to!”

“The hell I do. What sort of man would father a child and walk away afterward? Is that the sort of person you’d respect? The sort of man you’d want to get you with child?”

For a split second her gaze softened at his phrasing. It didn’t last long. Her jaw firmed, poking in his direction. “Maybe.”

He couldn’t help laughing, despite the seriousness of the situation. “No, you wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair to you or our baby.” He made a point of stressing the word “our.” She’d forgotten that aspect or pushed it from her mind. He intended to keep it right there in front of her, forcing her to deal with the issue. “If your plans come to fruition, we’ll be parents in less than a year. Both of us. Do you really intend to shut me out of the experience?”

Hope mingled with apprehension. “What are you suggesting?”

“I want us to get to know each other before we go through with this.” Anything to delay her. Still, he chose his arguments carefully, some deep yearning urging him to bind them together with every word he uttered, forcing Sami to mate the two of them in her thoughts and emotions. “I want us to make certain our decision is the right one. Once you’re pregnant, we’ll be committed. Changing our minds won’t be an option. So I suggest we make very sure this isn’t a mistake.”

“You’d like us to get to know each other?” she clarified. “In what way?”

“In the usual way men and women go about establishing a relationship.”

“You expect to date me?”

“Would you rather I said I hoped to sleep with you?”

“If that’s the truth, then yes.”

“I do want to sleep with you.”

Her expression hardened. “I knew it. This is all some elaborate scam to get me into your bed.”

“Getting you into bed was never the hard part.” He waited for the blow to strike before softening it. “I also want to know you as a person.”

“Why?” she whispered. He’d never seen her so vulnerable and it tore him apart.

“You know why. There’s something there, whether you’re willing to admit it or not.”

“Right. Sexual attraction.”

He shook his head. “Don’t lie to yourself. It’s more than that, Sami. Otherwise that kiss would never have happened.”

“Whatever it is, I’m not interested.” He could practically see her throwing up barriers, reinforcing them as hard and fast as possible. “I don’t handle long-term well. In fact, Istink at it.”

He changed tactics. “Even when it’s perfect? You said you were looking for the perfect man to father the perfect child. Why are you resisting?”

“I don’t mean perfect as in perfect.” She scrambled for another excuse. “I’m searching for a man who compliments me, whose strengths balance my weaknesses and vice versa.”

“Exactly. For instance… You might not do long-term well, but I excel at it.” He ached to pull her into his arms. But she looked as wary as Loner when Noah had first stumbled across the half-starved, terrified cub. “I can teach you how. All you have to do is trust me, sweetheart.”

“This is a really bad idea.”

“Is it? Why don’t we put it to the test?”

He crossed to the sitting area and picked up her questionnaire. He waited for her to say something or to take the papers from him. When she didn’t, he pulled out his reading glasses and scanned the pages.

A notation at the top of her list reminded her to ask for the applicants name, age and marital status. Next came her infamous rose versus daisy question. Then there were several dozen more questions, all neatly typed and printed. Finally, in the margin beside the questions, alist of characteristics were scrawled in what could only be Sami’s inimitable handwriting—feminine and appealingly loopy.

Powerful, she’d written, both mentally and physically. Calm. Logical. Patient. Must have common sense. The word “must” had been underlined several times. Kind. Generous. Willing to pitch in at a moment’s notice. Protective. Loves animals. Owning a wolf a plus. His mouth twitched as he read that one. Strong, gentle hands. Looks good in black. Clear, direct eyes. Gray color another plus. Can kiss like a dream. Most of all… must understand the importance of family.

It took a long moment before he could gather his control enough to speak. “This is quite a list.”

“See? Ireally did have some good questions. And you doubted me. Ha!” She smiled in triumph. “That’ll teach you.”

He waited until her bravado had died before gently explaining, “I’m not talking about the questions. Imean the list you made beside the questions.” He slipped off his glasses and tapped the papers with the earpiece. “Is this how you see me?”

Shock darkened Sami’s eyes. Apparently she’d forgotten about the added notations. “The… ah… list?”

He held out the pertinent page. “Would you care to refresh your memory?”

She snatched it from his grasp and hastily read through it. “Oh. Oh, right. This stuff.”

“Stuff?” Thoroughly irritated by her attitude, he tossed his glasses in the general direction of the coffee table. They clattered against the wood, before sliding to the floor.

Her shirt rose and fell, betraying her agitation. “Just me being silly,” she claimed.

He wasn’t about to let her get away with that. “So you didn’t mean any of it?”

“Well maybe the part about the eyes. And the wolf.” She cleared her throat. “Oh, and this little bit here about you looking good in black. Imust admit, you do have a way with that particular color.”

“What about the rest?”

She gave up, surrendering to the inevitable. “What do you want me to say, Noah? That I think you’re wonderful? That I think you exemplify all the qualities I’m hoping to find in the man who will father my child? Okay, fine. Iadmit it. Yes, that’s how I see you. You’re all that and more. In fact, you’re I-Can’t-Believe-It’s-True-Try-Not-To-Drool-When-You-Look-At-Him Mr. Perfect. Satisfied?”

More than satisfied. “Then why are you resisting my suggestion?”

“Because I have a funny feeling you’re after permanent and I don’t do permanent well. Ichange my mind more often than my nail polish.”

“I rarely change mine.”

That cheered her right up. “Precisely my point. We’re opposites.”

“It gives us balance,” he countered.

“Not when I like taking care of people and you enjoy chasing them off.”

“Only the bad ones.” He gave her a little push in the appropriate direction. “Protective, remember? It was one of the characteristics you appreciate.”

“Maybe so, but you’re also logical.” She made it sound like a defect.

“Don’t you think one of us should be?” He indicated the paper she still held. “Honey, it’s all right there in black and white. Logical. Protective. Calm. Common sense. By the way, I’m delighted you think one of us should have some.”

“I’ve decided to scratch out that part.” She snatched up a pen, putting action to words, ripping the paper in the process. “It gets in the way.”

“In that case, I’ll try and keep common sense and logic to a minimum. Would that satisfy you?”

“You’re too overwhelming.”

“Correction. I’m physically and mentally powerful.”

“Right. That part goes, too.” She started to scribble over that, as well, managing to poke a hole through the page. Then she hesitated. “You’re not going to give up on this, are you?”

He shook his head. “No. And I’ll go one better. I’ll tell you what I really think about your plan.”

“Oh, please.” Sarcasm rippled through her voice. “Don’t keep me in suspense.”

“You don’t want the perfect man or the perfect baby.”

“You’re wrong!”

“Stop kidding yourself, honey.” He hit her with his take on the truth. “You’re hoping to create something better, to connect to something larger so you’re not alone anymore. That’s why you want a man who understands the importance of family. Because it’s what you’re missing in your own life. Well, I’m here to tell you that a baby won’t give you that. But a husband and children together just might.”

An intense yearning slipped across her face, almost painful to behold. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

“You’ll never know unless you try.” He held out his hand. “Do we have a deal? First we’ll get to know each other. If it works out, we’ll consider having a baby together.”

“And if it doesn’t?”

“There’s always the clinic.”

“Oh, Noah. I’m not sure about this.”

“I am.” This time he did reach for her, pulling her into his arms. “Let me convince you.”

She moistened her tongue in a way that made him think of hot, sweet kisses. Slow kisses, deep kisses, an endless slide of lips and tongue that drugged the senses and could only lead one place—straight to bed for a night of long, soul-altering passion. If he were smart, he’d walk out the door and out of her life. But he couldn’t bring himself to doit.

Babe had been right when she’d warned him against developing feelings for Sami. They were total opposites. He played night to her day, her personality as sunny and warm and emotional as his was quiet and deliberate and rooted in logic. He provided a rocklike solidity for her fluidity, her enthusiasm flowing over and around him, as bright and refreshing as a mountain stream. And like a rock in that stream, she tumbled him over and over, upsetting his thoughts and plans and decisions, turning him in directions he’d never intended togo.

“I’m going to kiss you now,” he warned.

Her hands scaled his chest before wrapping around his neck. The decimated paper she held fluttered to the floor. “Did I mention you kissed like a dream?”

“I seem to remember reading that somewhere.” He brushed his mouth over hers. “I’ll do my best not to disappoint you.”

The instant their lips sealed, he didn’t worry about disappointing her. All thought left him but one. To possess what she so generously offered. To plunder her mouth with sweet savagery. Pure desire pounded through him and all he could think about was consuming her, bit by luscious bit. Her head tipped back and her mouth parted, giving him full access. He didn’t waste any time, but stroked inward.

It wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough. Ever since she’d first marched past him in her colorful cropped tops, he’d wanted to explore what lay beneath the flirty scrap of silk. He couldn’t resist the temptation any longer, especially not after what he’d seen from his vantage point in the garden.

“Hang on, sweetheart,” he warned.

Sliding his hands along the flat planes of her belly, he swept upward, filling his palms with the soft unfettered weight of her breasts. He groaned into her mouth. Heaven help him, but he’d died and gone to fly with the angels. Or maybe he’d descended into hell, since he couldn’t possess what he so thoroughly explored. More than anything, he wanted to forget all his fine ideals—or what was remained of them—and drop this woman to the floor and make her his in every way possible.

A soft cry slipped from her lips to his and she covered his hands with hers, encouraging his touch. He backed her against the closed door, thrusting his hips into the cradle of hers. He cupped her bottom and lifted. She didn’t need any prompting, but wrapped her legs around his waist, cinching him tight. Taking her mouth in another demanding kiss, he shoved up her shirt, exposing her breasts. They were incredible, round and plump and tipped in the same hot pink as the bougainvillea blossoms tangled in her curls. He shaped her breasts, flicking his thumbs over the hardened peaks. And then he closed his teeth over them. Ever so gently he tugged.

The instant Sami’s cry rose to a shriek, Loner howled in concert.

Noah froze, silently running through his entire vocabulary of curses. Slowly, he released Sami and straightened. Her breath came fast and furious, her desperate gaze locking withhis.

“Does this mean we’re not going to finish what we started?” she panted.

“Not unless we’re willing to let the entire household know what we’re up to.”

“I could live with it, but I doubt you could.” To his everlasting regret, she lowered her shirt. “So where do we go from here?”

“That depends on you.” He fought to recover some semblance of control. “What’s your decision? Do you want to see where this leads?”

She shivered. “I think we both know where this is leading.”

“But there’s time to go slow, isn’t there?” Was he asking her or warning himself? He’d pushed things with that kiss. If he’d pushed any further, all his fine talk about establishing a relationship first would have been moot. “There’s no rush, right?”

For some reason his questions prompted tears. “But I’ve waited so long.”

“Will a little longer make that much of a difference?” He feathered a kiss along her neck as he waited for her response. “I seem to remember you asking me to have a physical before we got down to business.”

Her laugh caught in her throat. “You don’t mind?”

“I’m not thrilled at the idea.” He drew back, athought occurring to him, one that would offer him some peace of mind—at least on one front. “I know. How about a trade-off?”

“What sort of trade-off?” she asked warily, stepping away from thedoor.

“I go for my physical like a good boy and you let me teach you some self-defense maneuvers. After your run-in with Thomas, you could use them.”

Her brows drew together in bewilderment. “Is that necessary? It’s not like I’m at risk or in any sort of danger. Not if I cancel the rest of my interviews.”

“Humor me. How about if I teach you and Daria, Carmela and Widget, as well. We’ll start today. It’ll be fun,” he coaxed. “It’s the perfect addition to the skills you’re already teaching them.”

“Today, huh?”

“Within the hour,” he pressed. Any skills she picked up from him would help protect her from her blackmailer.

“Okay. One more favor, though.”

Uh-oh. “What?”

She nibbled on her lip in a way that warned he wouldn’t like this particular “favor.” “I might have mentioned that I have a birthday coming up?”

“I recall something to that affect.”

“Well, Babe’s throwing this big bash and…” She clasped her hands together. “I’d really, truly appreciate it if you’d escort me.”

That wasn’t so bad. “Sure.”

“You’d have to wear a tux.” She shot him a hesitant look. “I can provide you with one.”

“That’s not necessary.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “My man Friday comes complete with evening wear?”

“Consider me a full-service man Friday.” He sighed. “More full-service than I realized when I first took the job. But that’s my fault, Isuppose.”

She was kind enough to let the remark pass. “There’s one more, teeny-weeny detail.” She held up her thumb and index finger, squeezed close together and waggled them athim.

Hell. “What?”

“You need to leave Loner behind.”

“Not a chance.”

“It’s at the Hyatt Regency in Embarcadero. They won’t allow Loner in. Besides, if he freaks any of the guests, they’re likely to call in animal control. Ihave a sneaking suspicion the authorities will take one look at him and get the impression—the mistaken impression—that he’s a wolf.”

She was more accurate than she knew. Discretion seemed the best choice at this point. “I guess I can leave him behind for one night.”

“Great.” Not giving him time to reconsider, she darted toward the door, throwing a quick grin over her shoulder. “Fair’s fair. Since you’ve agree to all of my demands, I’ll round up everybody so you can give us our first self-defense lesson.”

The minute she left, Noah closed his eyes and slumped against the nearest wall. What the hell had he done? And how the hell did he get out of it? Get out of it? His mouth curved into a humorless smile. He didn’t want out. He wanted in. All the way in. Which created one small problem….

How did he convince Sami to open thedoor?

Sami curledup in her chair behind the desk in the practice interview room and checked Mr. Woof for more rips. There weren’t any since she’d last repaired him, but that didn’t stop her from looking.

She cradled the stuffed animal in her arms, her thoughts turning to Noah. Maybe she was making a mistake about this baby business. Maybe he had a valid point and she was rushing into it without due thought. Even as she considered his comments, abone-deep yearning filledher.

It had been so long since she’d last been part of a family and a silent desperation encircled her like a shroud. Perhaps the desire to have a baby had come to a head when her mother had moved out, leaving her to rattle around the house alone. Or maybe it was because of spring and spring brought back dark memories—memories she wanted to replace with some life-affirming act. Or maybe it had something to do with this particular birthday—ayear she’d dreaded for two solid decades.

Was her desire to have a baby so wrong just because she couldn’t put it in terms Noah would understand? Did it make her arms ache any less? No. Nor did it ease her fears about wedded bliss. Should she give up on her desire to have a baby just because she wasn’t married, or because Noah’s comments had pricked her conscience?

Marriage. A husband. Commitment. Loss.

It was all so confusing. An image of Noah slipped into her mind, an image of him gathering her close and covering her mouth with his kisses. Of Noah carrying her to his bed. Of him holding their baby in his arms. Of the years marching past with Noah at herside.

It tempted her, tempted her terribly. Clutching Mr. Woof closer, Sami bowed her head, helpless tears slipping down her cheeks.

What the hell was she going todo?

Noah waitedat the bottom of the steps and checked his watch. They were running late. Despite Sami’s rather unique, if less-than-fortunate, personality traits, he’d always found her punctual. He had to assume the delay was due to her reluctance to attend her birthday party, which didn’t make a bit of sense. He frowned. Why would Babe insist on throwing such a huge bash with Sami so opposed to theidea?

Unfortunately, he couldn’t say anything, at least not while playing the part of Sami’s secret bodyguard. And especially not when he hadn’t done a damn thing about uncovering the identity of her blackmailer. He hadn’t heard back on the fingerprints, yet. But the background checks he’d run hadn’t turned up any useful information. Worse, he found it more and more difficult to keep his mind on the job instead of on a certain sparkling blonde.

A small noise alerted him to her approach and he turned, watching in undisguised pleasure as Sami drifted down the steps toward the foyer. She wore her curls swept into an unusually formal style, piled on top of her head, though a few stubborn tendrils had already escaped. He couldn’t help wondering how long it would take before the rest came tumblingdown.

His gaze shifted to the chic red evening dress she wore. Except for the fact that it left one shoulder bare, it reminded him of a twenties flapper dress. She’d even found a matching beaded headband and decorated it with a huge peacock feather that bobbed with each bouncing step she took. As a final touch, ared-beaded wrap trailed in her wake. It suited her perfectly.

To his amusement, she’d actually worn high heels and he couldn’t help wondering which would come undone first—her hair or those sexy red suede heels. Noah grinned. Of course, if he had his way it would be her snazzy little dress.

“Wow!” she said, greeting him with a wide smile. “You look incredible in that tux.”

“Like it?”

“And it’s black and everything,” she marveled, joining him at the foot of the steps. “Imagine that.”

“Hey, my shirt’s white.”

“So I noticed.” She slowly circled him. “I can hardly believe it. What happened? Are all your black ones in the laundry?”

“I’ll have you know, Iwore this white shirt just for you,” he claimed with mock indignation. “You seemed so concerned about my lack of color choices that I thought I’d reassure you that I do own something besides black.”

She shook her head in disbelief. “From black to white. Will wonders never cease. I’m not sure I can handle the change.”

“I have every confidence in your ability to deal with such a life-altering experience.” He held out his hand. “Enough about me. You’re gorgeous, sweetheart. Good enough to eat.”

Sami linked her fingers with his and offered a mischievous grin that did odd things to his midsection. “As good as chocolate?”

“Better.”

She wrinkled her nose at him. “Impossible. There’s nothing better than chocolate.”

He simply shot her a speaking look and waited. It didn’t take long. Her mouth formed a pretty red “O” and a blush slipped along her cheekbones. Satisfied she’d taken his meaning without him having said a word, he leaned down and kissed her, athorough joining of their mouths that was long and deep and as satisfying as it was frustrating.

“As soon as I have my exam I’ll prove it’s better than chocolate,” he murmured, sliding his thumb across her lowerlip.

Her eyes acquired a dazed expression that left him secretly amused. The flapper had come unflapped. “I believe you,” she said. “I didn’t think it possible, but I may have to reconsider that position.”

Her peacock feather trailed drunkenly down her back and he carefully adjusted it beneath her headband. “There. Perfect. Are you ready?”

Instantly, her passionate glow dimmed. “Not really. Isuppose it would be bad form to play hooky from my own birthday party?”

“’Fraid so.”

She slanted him a suggestive glance. “I can think of something else we could do instead.”

“So can I.” He regarded her steadily. “But I refuse to play second choice to your birthday party.”

“Actually, you’d be first choice.”

“Thank you. But it’s not going to happen.”

She snapped her fingers and turned back toward the steps, darting up the first couple. “You know, Ithink I forgot my lipstick. Wait right there and I’ll—”

Her comment ended in a shriek as Noah swung her off the steps and into his arms. “Come along, Cinderella. Your ball awaits.”

“But my lipstick,” she protested.

“Don’t bother. I’ll just kiss it off again.”

“In that case…” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Carry on, Prince Charming. Off to our pumpkin carriage.”

Their pumpkin carriage turned out to be the limo Reggie had put at their disposal. His driver, Bill, proved to be every bit as impressively large as Pudge had claimed. He grinned as Noah emerged from the house carrying Sami. Tipping his cap, he opened the limo door. “Good evening, sir. Ma’am.”

“Hi, Bill. How’s it going?”

“Just fine, Ms. Sami. Happy Birthday.”

She scowled. “You don’t need to remind me.”

He nodded sympathetically. “Number twenty-nine is always a tough one.”

That perked her right up. “Yes, it is. And it will be again next year.”

He winked. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The drive to the Hyatt Regency didn’t take long. Sami loved the hotel, no doubt why her mother had chosen it. From the distinctive glass elevators and cascading foliage, to the center fountain and the four-piece orchestra playing classical music, she often came here to sit and talk with a friend over a glass of wine. Under any other circumstances, she’d have been delighted for an excuse to visit. But not today.

“You’re eating off the last of your lipstick,” Noah warned.

“Am I? Sorry. Nerves.”

“I would have thought a party was right up your alley.”

“I guess you don’t know me as well as you thought.”

He’d gone silent again and she shot him a quick glance. Darn it all. Those silences of his annoyed her. They had the uncanny result of making her think. And tonight thinking was the last thing she wanted todo.

“Okay, you do know me well,” shesaid.

“So if it’s not the party, it must be your birthday.”

“Yes.”

He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, drawing her to a halt. “I never thought I’d have to twist your arm to get you to talk. You’ve always been straightforward with me.”

Her temper flared. “Is that a criticism?”

“It’s an observation,” he said evenly. “Something’s wrong. Is it celebrating another birthday?”

“No! Yes. Not really.”

He nodded sagely. “Got it.”

“Darn it, Noah. Birthdays are always hard for me.”

“Why?”

To her dismay, tears pricked her eyes. “I can’t discuss it. Not now. I’ll never be able to get through the evening if I explain.”

“Then we won’t discuss it.” He’d pulled a snowy white handkerchief from his pocket. Tipping up her chin, he dabbed at her eyes. “It’ll work out. You’ll see.”

“Noah…” His name escaped in a breathy whisper. Hungry and yearning and pleading.

He stopped her words with his fingertip. “You look beautiful.” He smiled with such tenderness it eased her heartache. “But then, you always look beautiful.”

“Even in multicolored toenail polish, with my hair going every which way and no makeup?”

“Especially then. Gum-smacking, bracelets clattering, barefoot and cocky, flowers or even feathers stuck in her hair.” His voice deepened, his gray eyes alight with an emotion she didn’t dare name. “That’s the Sami we all know and love.”