38
REECE
“Embers,” the nurse calls out, her gaze already on the four of us, along with everyone else in the waiting room.
Jackson flashes a brilliant smile and takes Aurora’s hand. He gets about two feet away before he turns to me, eyes narrowed. “Are you coming or what?”
My brows furrow. “Ah… What?”
He comes closer and lowers his voice. “How can you care for her without knowing what she needs?”
I peer beyond the nurse and into the hallway leading to the patient rooms. I’m not fond of hospitals or medical clinics. That antiseptic smell and those glaring, stark white walls evoke some of my worst memories.
Whenever Aurora attended appointments or went to the emergency department, she had the other two, and I found reasons to stay behind. Today was different. I had no choice but to accompany her.
“You don’t have to.” Her gentle words are sincere, but disappointment lingers in her gaze.
Not wanting her to think I’m disinterested in this aspect of her life—because that’s far from the truth—I set aside my issues and rise from my seat.
I cradle her head and kiss her temple. “It’s not about you, angel. I promise.”
On our way, I’m not bombarded with the scent of bleach. The air smells faintly of roses, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
This isn’t your average doctor’s office, which helps. Earthy tones adorn the walls, and large, expansive windows fill the space with sunlight. The design reminds me of the fancy spas Aurora frequents, and for once, I’m thankful for their privilege.
The nurse takes Aurora’s vitals while we all eagerly observe. “Girl,” she chuckles. “You have quite the fan club.” She removes the blood pressure cuff. “I can see how you got pregnant. Jeez.”
A nervous giggle escapes Aurora, a blush blooming on her cheeks.
Of course, Jackson has to chime in with a snide remark. “I was here first.”
A shit-eating grin spreads across Ethan’s face. “Still not your kid.”
With her brows raised, the nurse shifts her attention to me and awaits my response. Her expression is free of judgment, and the tension in my shoulders melts.
Coming from a strict conservative upbringing, I never imagined the visit unfolding this way. I expected piercing glares, sneers, whispers, or a cold reception at best—none of which I ever want Aurora to endure. That hasn’t been our experience, leading me to accept the plausibility of this foursome.
I shake my head, a subtle smirk curving my lips. “I’m just the bodyguard.”
Despite my lighthearted tone and the nurse’s amusement, Aurora scowls. “That’s not true.”
I intertwine our fingers, and shoot her a wink.
The doctor enters and doesn’t bat an eye at our band of misfits. “Are we adding another to the birth plan?”
Naturally, it’s Ethan who answers. “He’ll be with her most often, so yes, just in case anything happens and we’re unavailable. Also, is it possible to schedule the delivery?”
He may come across as strictly business and indifferent, but this is how he copes. This is how he shows his devotion—by prioritizing what matters to him, by ensuring Aurora and Jackson are safe and well-cared for.
“It depends on the baby’s development and Aurora’s health,” replies the doctor. “If her blood pressure continues to run high, we might be forced to deliver early. What’s your schedule?”
“We’re home from February second to the twenty-seventh. March is crazy. We have ten away games.”
Jax rakes his fingers through his hair. “When can she and the baby travel?”
He and Ethan share a glance. Good luck to Ethan while on the road. His bestie is going to be an absolute nightmare.
“That also depends. She’ll need recovery time based on the difficulty of the delivery. I wouldn’t recommend taking a newborn on a commercial flight or to an arena. It’s best to avoid crowds or anyone but immediate family for several weeks while the baby builds immunity.”
Ethan places a hand on Jackson’s shoulder and massages the curve of his neck. “It’s an eastern tour. We’ll fly privately and stay in New York. We have Reece for that reason.”
Jackson’s skeptical gaze meets mine, contrasted by Aurora’s pleading stare. For a fleeting moment, a surge of irritation wells in my chest. They’re using me, manipulating me.
As fast as it comes, it goes, and I realize where that defensiveness stems from—the military. Not being valued, being taken advantage of, being thrust into dangerous situations, witnessing the loss of friends, all for the benefit of billionaire politicians who’ll never set foot on a battlefield.
What a ludicrous connection, I chide myself. This is not the same. They rely on me. Aurora depends on me, and if Aurora needs me, I’ll unquestionably be there.
“Coffee?” Aurora asks once we’re parked on the street near the bookstore.
I allowed her to sit up front with me for the first time, a decision I quickly regretted.
During the short drive, my mind was plagued with thoughts of being in an accident, the airbags deploying, and her getting injured.
I glanced at her repeatedly to ensure the seat belt was under her rounded belly properly, not trusting my eyes the last several times.
Because I was focused on her, I almost didn’t catch the car ahead abruptly coming to a stop. I slammed on the brakes, and my arm shot out like a steel bar to protect her, reminding me of my mother when I was a boy.
I take a deep breath to ease the knot in my stomach. “Decaf. Your blood pressure is still high.”
Before exiting the vehicle, I sweep my gaze over our surroundings, then make my way around the SUV to open her door. It’s the day before Thanksgiving, and a fair number of people are strolling the streets of West Hollywood.
She takes my hand, and that familiar jolt of electricity surges through me. I help her down onto the pavement, and with me blocking anyone’s view, she discreetly adjusts her oversized, cable-knit sweater dress.
An expanse of toned thigh is visible between the hem and her knee-high suede boots.Ethan raised a brow at her outfit choice when leaving the doctor’s office, mumbling about having twins next. I can’t blame him there, but she can wear whatever she wants with me. Let some asshole try to touch her.
She tousles her wavy hair, ensuring she’s picture-perfect. “I want a mocha latte. Do they make a decaf latte?”
I intertwine our fingers. “I thought you were hungry?”
We walk hand in hand, like any ordinary couple, except I’m her security, dressed in all black—uniform tactical pants, T-shirt, and my worn baseball cap—and she’s a hot model.
She nudges her shoulder against my bicep. “I am. I want a pastry.”
I lift my brows. “Did you forget about our pizza date?”
“No… I’m just craving a coffee and a muffin.” She gives me a pout, knowing full well she’ll get her way.
One of these days, I’ll refuse her whims—one day.
Instead, I dip my head and say, “You keep pouting, princess, and I’m going to bite that bottom lip.”
She freezes, her wide eyes fixed on me, their innocent facade barely concealing a spark of something else.
“Come on.” I chuckle and tug her hand. “Let’s get you fed before you get cranky.”
As we approach the coffee shop, a pedestrian recognizes her and creeps closer, phone poised. Then, a few others take notice, at least one photographer based on the camera.
When we arrive, they block the sidewalk and entrance, snapping pictures. It’s only a half dozen people, but a few are yelling, and to Aurora, the noise is jarring.
I put my arm out before her and bark, “Step back!”
An employee swings the door open, and the small crowd stumbles over one another to move aside. We hurry in, and he points to a quiet spot in the corner, far from the windows.
On the way to our seat, I don’t miss how he gawks at Aurora’s firm, bouncing ass. Don’t get me wrong, I’m staring too, but I’m allowed—I think.
Ethan is agreeable, and his word is law in this family—until Jackson throws a fit and suggests I’m taking her for myself. Then, Ethan’s heritage reveals itself.
I’m not an idiot. I know she’s not leaving either of them, and I’m convinced they’d tear the world apart to find her if she did.
She slides into the booth, and I follow. I give a dismissive nod to the host, my stony gaze locked on his until he turns and walks away.
With an amused smile, she shifts to face me. “What are you doing?”
“He was leering at you.”
“No,” she says with a giggle. “Why are you sitting with me? You never sit with me.”
I push the table toward the other side to have some damn legroom. “I need to have a clear view of the entrance. Do you want to switch? Besides, isn’t this a date?”
She cocks her head. “Is it? I’m out of practice. Actually, I’ve never taken anyone on a date. You’re my first. Be gentle.” Those tempting lips spread into a devilish grin.
Fuck. How can she arouse me with just her teasing smile?
My voice deepens, and my cock hardens. “I don’t think you like gentle, princess.”
“How would you know what I like?”
“I know everything about you.”
Her gaze falls on my mouth, and a wicked gleam enters her eyes. “That’s not true.”
My body gravitates toward hers until we’re only inches apart. “And what don’t I know?”
She edges in closer, the warmth of her breath ghosting over my skin when she whispers, “How I feel.”
The air is heavy with unspoken desire. Her seductive scent is intoxicating, and my pulse races, slamming against my rib cage.
I entwine my fingers in her thick hair and breathe her into my lungs. “But I do. I’ve felt your laughter and tears, your affection and anger, your kindness and pain.” I brush my lips over hers. “The rest is an added bonus.”