J U S T O N E DA R E
A Kingston Family
Dirty Dare Story
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Carly Phillips
Copyright © Karen Drogin, CP Publishing 2022
Kobo Edition
Cover Photo: Wander Aguiar
Cover Design: Maria @steamydesigns
www.carlyphillips.com
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by
any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting
brief quotes used in reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents
either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any
resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely
coincidental.
JUST ONE DARE
A one night stand with no names exchanged.
Six years later, she comes face to face with her baby’s father again.
Aurora Michaels isn’t the same girl she was that spring night. No longer
homeless and living in the back room of a diner where she worked, she’s
now a member of the wealthy Kingston family. She has her daughter, a
career and has adjusted to her new normal.
Billionaire Nick Dare is a man who takes charge. He runs the hotel arm of
the family empire and his life revolves around business and travel. A quick
stop at his brother’s movie premier has him doing a double take.
The woman who haunts his dreams is there. He’s been given a second
chance and is determined to make the most of it.
When he learns about their daughter, Nick becomes a man on a mission.
Aurora and their child are his. Even if he has to knock down Aurora’s
emotional walls to prove it.
Chapter One
S
TANDING IN FRONT
of the bathroom mirror, Aurora Kingston put the
finishing touches on her lipstick and stepped back to look at her handiwork.
She barely recognized the woman staring back at her. Six years ago, she’d
been pregnant and homeless, with no idea what the next day would bring.
Now she was wearing a sleeveless, cream-colored, satin gown with a
strapless neckline, draped corset bodice, and an actual train, sent over by
the designer, himself. A limousine waited outside to take her to Lincoln
Center for a movie premiere. Aurora had curled her hair in long waves and
applied makeup, doing her best to look as glamorous as possible for her
evening with famous stars the average person would never meet.
This was her life and there were moments, like now, when she still had
to pinch herself to be sure she wasn’t dreaming.
“Mommy, look! I’m going with you to the party tonight!” Her five-yearold daughter Leah stomped into the room wearing a pink, sparkly princess
gown from her dress-up box, with matching shoes that were too big for her
little feet and a handbag dangling from her arm. “Makeup please!” Leah
closed her eyes and puckered her lips, making her I’m ready face.
Aurora laughed. Her daughter was such a little diva, she thought, as she
picked up the tube of gloss and swiped it over Leah’s tiny pursed lips. “All
set. You look beautiful!”
“I know!” Leah said with confidence that never ceased to amaze her.
“So do you, Mommy.”
“Thank you, honey.” Smiling, Aurora reached out and tugged on Leah’s
long blonde hair that was still damp from her bath. It curled around her
adorable face.
Aurora saw her own features in her daughter’s smaller ones but she also
caught glimpses of Leah’s father in her child, at least, in the unique indigo
color of his eyes.
It had been a sizzling Florida summer. Nick had been visiting a friend
who lived in Miami Beach. It had been the same day Aurora had turned
eighteen and aged out of foster care. She’d had nowhere to go except the
diner where she worked and had been lucky the owners had allowed her to
stay in the back room.
While serving tables that afternoon, she’d met Nick-they’d exchanged
first names only–and they had spent one night together. It had been
incredible…and enough to result in her getting pregnant. But at the time?
The hours she’d spent with Nick on the beach and later in his hotel room
had been an unexpected, and pleasurable, escape from the painful reality of
her life.
As usual, when she thought of her daughter’s father, a pang of regret hit
her hard. Without Nick’s last name, she’d had no way to find him once
she’d discovered she was pregnant. Although Leah would never know her
daddy, Aurora consoled herself with the fact that her daughter had uncles
who would stand in as father figures and male role models.
Men she’d never have met, if her oldest half-brother, Linc, hadn’t
managed to uncover her existence after their father, the bastard, had passed
away. When going through his father’s things, Linc had discovered checks
that Kenneth Kingston had sent as payment to keep Aurora out of his life
and in foster care.
Linc had then traveled to Florida, where Aurora had grown up,
welcomed her into the family, and remained in town long enough to get to
know her. And he’d allowed her the time to decide if she wanted to move to
New York and be part of their clan.
Leah slid her hand into Aurora’s. “Let’s go to the ball!” she cried out in
a high-pitched voice, pulling Aurora out of her musings about the past, and
things she couldn’t change.
“Honey, you know Samantha is babysitting tonight.”
The girl was a high-school senior who lived in the neighborhood and
occasionally watched Leah so Aurora could get work done.
“I know,” Leah said with a dramatic sigh. She released Aurora’s hand,
stepped out of the bathroom and began to spin around the bedroom. “But
I’d rather meet my handsome prince tonight. Are you going to meet your
handsome prince at the ball, Mommy?” Ever since they’d watched
Cinderella, Leah had been obsessed with the idea of finding her prince.
She kept spinning, saving Aurora from having to answer. There hadn’t
been any princes in her life—handsome or otherwise—since the night she’d
gotten pregnant.
Aurora watched as Leah pretended to dance across the ballroom floor.
Samantha was going to have a rough time getting Leah to sleep unless she
put on a quiet movie to chill her out first. She twirled around, nearly
missing the dresser as she spun.
“Stop before you get dizzy or trip!” Aurora said, too late.
Thanks to her play shoes, Leah’s feet got tangled and she ended in a
heap on the floor, giggling.
Aurora sighed. “Come on. Up you go.” She helped her daughter stand.
“Time to go downstairs and wait for your sitter.”
“I like Samantha. Do you think she’d play Barbies with me? I want to
show her Malibu Barbie and Ken. He promised to take Barbie to the ball
tonight, too!”
A grin pulled at Aurora’s lips. “I’m sure she’ll play whatever you want
before bed but remember, you promised to be good for her.” Aurora
grabbed her purse from the bed where she’d left it and led Leah downstairs
just as the doorbell rang.
“Samantha!” Leah barreled the rest of the way down the stairs. Thank
goodness she’d left her dress-up shoes on the floor in the bedroom.
“Remember, don’t open the door until I get there!” Aurora called out.
Leah had a bad habit of forgetting the ‘Don’t open the door without a
grown-up present’ rule.
Aurora reached the door where Leah was hopping in excitement but she
hadn’t unlocked it or let Samantha inside. “Thank you for listening. Now
what do we do?” Aurora asked.
“Who is it?” Leah yelled loudly.
“It’s Samantha!” the babysitter said back.
Smiling, Aurora nodded at her daughter. “Go ahead.”
Leah reached up, turned the lock and opened the front door. “Samantha!
Let’s play!” she said before the girl could even step inside.
The pretty teen laughed and edged her way into the house.
Aurora glanced at Leah. “Let me go over everything with Samantha
before I leave. Go change into your pajamas and Samantha will be right in.”
“Okay, Mommy.”
“First, give me kiss good night.” Ignoring her gown, Aurora bent down
and basked in the warmth and sweetness of Leah’s arms around her neck.
“Night, sweetheart.”
“Good night, Mommy.” Leah turned and ran for her room.
Samantha stood waiting. “You look pretty, Ms. Kingston.”
“Thank you. It should be a fun night. I’m guessing I’ll be home around
one, like we discussed.”
“No problem. I drove my mom’s car.” The neighborhood with freestanding houses was well lit and safe. Samantha only lived about four
houses down but Aurora still felt better if she had her SUV or got picked up
instead of walking home after dark. Aurora couldn’t leave a sleeping Leah
to drive Samantha home herself.
“Great.” Aurora went over Leah’s bedtime routine and schedule, what
she could and couldn’t eat—no matter what she claimed—and confirmed
that Samantha had Aurora’s cell phone number.
She walked out the front door and waited until she heard the lock turn
behind her, before heading down the steps and towards the limousine
waiting to take her from Long Island to Manhattan.
She’d been a Kingston for the last five years, but she’d never get used to
the perks that came with being wealthy and part of a famous family.
As the limo took her into the city, she couldn’t help thinking of the
family she’d known nothing about for most of her life.
Linc was the CEO of Kingston Enterprises, a real-estate company worth
millions. Linc was married to Jordan, his best friend and the woman who’d
accompanied him to meet Aurora for the first time. The premiere she was
attending starred famous actress Sasha Keaton, her sister-in-law, and worldrenowned actor, Harrison Dare. The film had been acquired by K-Talent
Productions, a company owned by Sasha, Harrison, and Xander, Sasha’s
husband and Aurora’s half-brother.
It should be an incredible premiere. There was already Oscar buzz
surrounding the film and the performances.
Adding to the fairy dust that had been sprinkled over Aurora’s life, the
film’s producer, Cassidy Kingston, was married to Aurora’s brother, Dash,
the lead singer of the world-famous rock band, The Original Kings.
Rounding out her family was another real estate mogul, Beck Daniels,
Linc’s former nemesis, who was now married to Aurora’s half-sister, Chloe.
All in all, Aurora had four half siblings. And their mother, Melly, had
stepped in to act as a surrogate mom to Aurora and grandmother to Leah.
Not only had she gone from poverty to immense wealth, but she’d also
gone from being totally alone to suddenly being a part of a family filled
with warm, kindhearted people. And that was what really mattered. Aurora
wouldn’t have cared if the Kingstons had been dirt poor. The love and
security they’d given her was priceless.
The limousine pulled up to the red carpet and the driver opened her
door. She stepped out and as promised, Xander was waiting to walk her in
at the drop-off point.
“You look beautiful,” he said, leaning in and pressing a kiss to her
cheek.
She looked at her screenwriter brother in his tuxedo and black-framed
eyeglasses, and grinned. “You look pretty hot yourself. Eyes bothering you?
Headache?” she asked, worried whenever he had his glasses on.
During a stint in the Marines, his unit had been hit by an IED. He’d
suffered a head injury, leading to issues that had resulted in his medical
discharge. He only wore his glasses when he worked late or was suffering
from dizziness or headaches.
“I’m fine. I was up late writing, that’s all.”
She studied him, taking in his coloring and expression and decided he
was telling the truth. “How’s Sasha?” she asked.
“Excited. Gorgeous.” He lit up at the subject of his wife. “I hope this
movie is the one that earns her an Oscar.”
“You’re so cute.” She grinned. “Thanks for meeting me.” She didn’t
have to walk the red carpet, but her brothers knew of her insecurities, and
took good care of her.
She entered the room, doing her best not to let her jaw drop or show her
overwhelming awe at seeing so many famous and beautiful people
surrounding her. This was the pre-screening and they’d be ushered into the
theater area soon.
“I see Dash and Cassidy,” Aurora said to Xander. “Go find your wife.”
She patted his arm and sent him on his way. “Dash, Cassidy!” she called,
catching their attention before they could get lost in the crowd.
They turned and she walked over, joining them. Cassidy was nine
months pregnant, due any day now, and glowing despite her large belly.
“Who’s watching the princess?” Cassidy asked.
Aurora slid her hair over one shoulder. “I have a babysitter who lives in
the neighborhood. If Leah doesn’t wear her out and she’s willing to come
back next time I need her, I consider it a win.” She was still reeling from
watching her daughter’s antics as she got ready.
Dash laughed. “Maybe she’ll play guitar for her all night?”
“Funny,” she muttered, at his reference to the guitar he’d bought Leah
last year for Christmas. Aurora had given him hell.
Especially after Leah started waking her up at five every morning when
she played. Badly. The child did not take after her talented uncle when it
came to music—at least, not yet. She was young and there was time but
until she was older, Aurora had no intention of spending money on lessons.
She needed Leah to have a burning desire to learn before that point. Right
now, she was just a little girl who tended to jump from one thing to another.
She decided to change the subject. “I cannot wait to see the film!”
Cassidy’s cheeks turned red, no doubt because it was her first solo turn
at producing. “I’m so nervous,” she said. “I’m not sure if the twisting in my
stomach is the baby or anxiety!” She rubbed her lower back and Aurora
glanced at her with concern.
“Babe, you’ve got this. They’re already talking Oscar and Golden
Globe nominations. I’m so proud of you.” Dash hugged her to his side.
Watching them, Aurora felt a twinge of envy at the wonderful
relationships her siblings had found. Though she was beyond happy for
each of them, Aurora couldn’t seem to get past the struggle her life had
been before Linc had found her. And now, her focus had to be on Leah. Any
man interested in her would find out she and Leah were a package deal.
Leah would always come first with her. And she was determined to shower
her girl with all the love and security Aurora had never had growing up.
“Don’t remind me,” Cassidy said of the potential awards, still holding
on to her belly in a way that did not make Aurora comfortable.
“Are you feeling okay?” Aurora asked.
“I am.” Cassidy blew out a breath and seemed to shake off whatever
she’d been feeling. “I’m just tired. We made the rounds when we arrived.”
“That’s why we found a place to hide out in for a little while,” Dash
added, glancing around the corner where they stood.
Aurora nodded. “I remember how tough it was at the end of my
pregnancy. You should get off your feet and rest.”
“She’s right,” Dash said, his growing concern also obvious by the tight
expression on his face.
Cassidy sighed. “Soon.” She looked around the room and her gaze
settled on an area near the bar. “Looks like Harrison’s family is as close as
yours.”
Aurora had met Harrison Dare when Sasha, Xander and Cassidy were
just starting to put their production company together. Dash and Xander had
houses in East Hampton and Aurora, who’d been staying with Melly, had
come to visit often. With Sasha and Cassidy’s help, she’d managed to set up
a nonprofit organization very close to her heart—one that helped girls and
boys who aged out of foster care start their new lives on the right foot.
Harrison, who she recognized in the group, was a true movie star. He
was irresistible, with his thick black hair, and sexy smile that was just short
of perfect, courtesy of one side tooth that overlapped another, but which
only added to his appeal. Right now, he was surrounded by men she didn’t
know. One had his back to her, and the others were obviously related, given
their similar features.
“The Dirty Dares.” Aurora grinned at the name Harrison had used to
describe his family. It was also on their Dirty Dare vodka brand.
“Yes. Their vodka is world famous and extremely good. I wish I could
have a drink before I have to sit through an hour and a half of waiting for
everyone to watch the first movie I produced,” Cassidy said with a cute
whine.
“The doctor said you can have a small glass of white wine,” Dash said,
in a don’t push your luck, tone of voice.
Aurora was about to pull her gaze away from the huddle of handsome
men when the one whose face she hadn’t been able to see turned her way.
Familiarity hit her in the gut.
But there was no possible way it was him. She’d been thinking about
Leah’s father earlier and he’d been on her mind. That was the only reason
she thought Nick was standing across the room from her now.
Of course, the rationale didn’t stop her stomach from spasming or her
palms from sweating. Then he looked at her head on, those eyes she’d been
musing on earlier, meeting hers.
“Oh, my God.” Her voice shook and dizziness assaulted her.
Cassidy glanced over.
“What’s wrong?” Dash immediately clasped Aurora’s elbow and pulled
her toward him, protective as usual.
She shook her head. “Nothing… I… There’s someone who looks
familiar but…” It couldn’t be him. What were the odds?
But he’d already left the other men and had started towards her. Aurora
panicked. She needed…time to think, to breathe, to accept who he was and
what finding him here meant.
“I…I need the ladies’ room!” Aurora jerked her arm out of Dash’s grip
and bolted for the double doors that led to a hallway where the bathrooms
were located.
“Aurora?” Chloe called out her name as Aurora passed her sister by, not
stopping to talk. But she felt her sister’s presence as Chloe followed her to
the ladies’ room.
Aurora didn’t care as long as she had a few minutes to process one very
important fact. Nick, her daughter’s father, was here. And her entire life
was about to change. Again.
*
*
*
NICK DARE STOOD with his brothers, killing time until they were let into the
theater to see Harrison’s latest movie. He did his best to keep his attention
on the conversation around him but it was hard. Yesterday he’d been in
L.A., overseeing an issue in one of their California Meridian hotels.
Tonight, he was in Manhattan, trying to keep his eyes open.
He and his siblings wore tuxedos, all except Zach, who insisted on
marching to his own beat, which, in this case, meant he was dressed in dark
jeans, a hooded leather jacket, and scuffed, black motorcycle boots. Ever
the rebel. The only person missing was his twin sister, Jade, for reasons
everyone understood. She suffered from migraines and wasn’t feeling well,
though Nick sensed the reason she’d skipped tonight went deeper than that.
He’d have to talk to her about it tomorrow.
“I thought you were bringing a date?” Asher, his oldest sibling, said,
interrupting Nick’s thoughts. “One of the women you know in the city.” He
took a sip of his vodka as he waited for an answer.
At the question, Nick rethought his decision not to drink tonight, but
he’d figured the alcohol wouldn’t help his jet lag.
“Umm, no. Last woman I was with used up her three dates,” Nick said.
Harrison groaned. “You really are an asshole.”
Nick shook his head, disagreeing. “If I let a relationship go on, knowing
it doesn’t have a chance, then I’d be the asshole who led the woman on.”
He shrugged. “In three dates, I pretty well know if something’s going to
work out or not. Seems fair to me.”
Zach burst out laughing. “Are you still using that rule?”
“It’s a solid one.” As far as Nick was concerned, a woman’s true
personality wasn’t difficult to discern. Especially when money was
involved. Women who were after him for the Dare name or fortune usually
showed their true colors quickly.
He ignored his brothers’ comments and turned to look around. Thanks
to Harrison’s talent and fame, Nick was used to premieres, after parties and
mixing with celebrities around the room.
His gaze landed on Dash Kingston, lead singer of The Original Kings,
and one of Nick’s favorite rock bands. They’d met earlier when Harrison
had introduced Dash’s very pregnant wife as the producer of tonight’s film.
Beside him stood a blonde woman with a knockout body in a gorgeous
fitted gown.
A surge of awareness rippled through him. But it wasn’t one of simple
attraction, though he was definitely drawn to her. It was something more.
He continued to stare until, as if sensing the weight of his gaze, she turned
her head.
Her eyes widened and he realized he’d been right. What he’d felt was a
renewed connection with the only woman with whom he’d experienced
something real. He might have been young then but he’d known.
He was halfway across the room before he registered that he’d moved.
Though people blocked his way, he managed to catch sight of her rushing
out the double doors. So, he followed.
He reached the hallway just as she disappeared into the Ladies’ Room.
He had no doubt she’d recognized him but he didn’t understand why she’d
run. They’d had one amazing night together. Why would that freak her out
now?
Determined to get an answer, he propped himself against the wall
outside the bathroom door and settled in to wait. Aurora–no last names
needed–had gotten away from him once before.
He wasn’t about to let it happen again.
*
AURORA SAT
IN
*
*
a chair in the outer room of the restroom, attempting to pull
herself together.
“Breathe,” Chloe said, putting a hand on Aurora’s back.
“Trying.” Aurora’s mind was spinning. Nick was here! She thought
she’d never see him again.
Shortly after their time together, she’d found herself pregnant and alone.
Then Braden and Willow Prescott, whom she’d met at the free clinic where
she’d gone for prenatal care in Florida, had given her a place to stay. And
not long after that, Linc had shown up and told Aurora she was a Kingston.
And though she’d no longer been alone, through it all, she’d been a single
mother. It was the way she’d identified herself, then and now. And she
hadn’t expected that to change.
But now Leah’s father had surfaced, and questions filtered through her
brain. Would Nick want to be part of his daughter’s life? Would he fight for
custody? Was that possible? She didn’t know him at all—not really. There
was one thing she was certain of, though—things were going to change. At
the thought, she began hyperventilating again.
“Okay enough.” Chloe got down on her knees. “You need to tell me
what’s going on, because I’m starting to panic.”
“I… Okay. I just…”
“Let’s start with why you ran out of the ballroom.” Now that she had
Aurora’s attention, Chloe’s voice gentled.
Aurora nodded and pulled in a longer breath. “I saw someone from my
past.”
Chloe placed a hand on Aurora’s knee, steadying herself. “Who?”
Tears filled Aurora’s eyes, but she refused to let them fall. “Leah’s
father,” she whispered.
“Holy shit! No wonder you’re in here hyperventilating!” Chloe pushed
herself up. “Sorry, I have to stand. This position is killing my knees.” Then
she looked at Aurora and sighed. “Do you want to tell me how you met
him?”
Aurora had never discussed that night with her family. It hadn’t seemed
to matter. After all, she couldn’t track Nick down no matter how much
money she now had.
“It was my birthday. I had aged out of foster care that day and I’d gone
to work at the diner, as usual. I’d already made arrangements with the
owners—they’d agreed to let me sleep in the back room, thank God,” she
said, recalling her past. “I waited on a table of guys. One of them—his
name was Nick—asked me out that night. Normally, I’d have said no but it
was my birthday and I figured I deserved something good that day…” she
trailed off, remembering.
She’d been attracted to Nick from the moment she saw him. The other
guys around the table had been cocky, prep-school types. Most had blonde
hair and sticks up their asses. They’d whistled and winked at her but they
had just been showing off for their friends.
Nick had been different. Kinder. Confident in an innate way. He didn’t
have to prove himself or act superior. He’d just been a hot, sexy guy who’d
known what he wanted. She couldn’t believe he’d chosen her.
Chloe waited patiently for her to continue.
Aurora drew a deep breath. “We had dinner, walked on the beach and
talked, a lot. We ended up back in his room and…you know the rest. But he
used protection.” She waved her hands in the air, as frustrated now as she
had been then. “It was just one of those freak things.”
She’d never regret having Leah. She adored her child. Leah was her life.
But at the time, her fear had been overwhelming.
“Nick and I never exchanged last names. We both knew he was in town
for a short time visiting a friend, and that he’d go back to his life. And I had
to figure out mine.”
“But now he’s out there?” Chloe asked.
“He was standing with the so-called Dirty Dare brothers.”
Chloe narrowed her gaze. “You said Nick.” She pulled her phone from
her purse. “Don’t worry. I’m just asking Sasha if there’s a Nick Dare.” Her
fingers tapped on the screen.
Aurora blinked. “He looked like Harrison,” she whispered.
A few seconds later, Chloe’s phone beeped and she glanced down. “And
we have a winner. Nick Dare is your baby daddy.”
Aurora nodded slowly. A Dare. A cousin to Dr. Braden Prescott and his
wife, Willow, who had helped her when she was pregnant.
Well, that was a coincidence, but it was one she could handle. Nick
being here, now, would be harder.
“I have to face him. He needs to know about Leah.” Her insides
trembled at the thought.
Chloe sighed. “He does. But why don’t you start with just seeing him
again, then go from there. Can you do that?”
“I have no choice.” Drawing a deep breath for courage, Aurora rose to
her feet. Though she was mortified that she’d run away like a coward, she’d
needed time to get over the shock.
It was time to face her past.
“I’m ready,” she said to Chloe.
Her sister pulled her into a hug—something that even after five years,
she was still getting used to, after a lifetime deprived of affection.
She hugged Chloe back. “Thank you.”
“Don’t be silly. That’s what family is for.” Chloe shot her a look and
Aurora nodded.
Chloe stepped towards the bathroom door and walked outside, and
Aurora followed behind. But she didn’t have to go far.
Just as she stepped out into the hallway, she came face to face with
Nick.
Chapter Two
A
RMS FOLDED ACROSS
his chest, Nick waited, leaning against the wall in the
small hallway. His patience was wearing thin and he was this close to
barging into the Ladies’ Room when the woman who’d followed Aurora
inside stepped out, with Aurora right behind her.
He pushed himself up and blocked her escape. Up close, her porcelain
skin looked pale and those blue eyes seemed a little too large in her face.
But she was still gorgeous. She’d grown up, filled out in all the best ways,
and looking at her knocked him on his ass.
“Nick.”
His name, coming from those glossed lips, did something to him. “So,
you remember me.”
She swallowed hard and glanced at her friend. “I’m okay, Chloe. You
can go find Beck. I’ll look for you after Nick and I talk.”
Chloe, an attractive blonde—though not as pretty as Aurora, at least in
Nick’s eyes—gave him a long, assessing look. “Okay. But you know your
brothers are all here if you need them,” she said, her gaze never leaving
Nick’s. Clearly that comment had been for his benefit. A warning, not to
hurt Aurora.
Wait a minute. Brothers? Aurora had told him she was an only child.
Chloe strode off, leaving them alone.
“So…this is a shock.” Her hands twisted around her small purse,
showing her nervousness.
“I came back to the diner to see you.” He believed in getting right to the
point.
After she’d left his room all those years ago, he’d tried to convince
himself that what they’d shared was nothing more than one special night.
But he couldn’t let her go. He’d been drawn to her in a way he couldn’t
explain. So, he’d shown up at the diner where they’d met a couple of hours
later, only to have another server inform him that it was her day off. He’d
left with a weight in his gut, knowing he was getting on a plane at six a.m.
the next morning, and it was likely he’d never see her again.
“I know,” she said softly. “I thought it was best if we didn’t get any
further involved.” She glanced away, obviously finding it hard to meet his
gaze.
As realization dawned, his gut began to churn. “You were there and
didn’t want to see me.”
She tipped her head, acknowledging the truth. “It was only supposed to
be one night, and my life was more complicated than I let on.”
He groaned, understanding her reasoning even if he hated the truth.
“Then tell me now.” He wanted to understand what had cost them all these
years.
She drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We do need to talk, Nick,
but the movie is going to start soon and I can’t miss it. A lot of my family
members are involved in the production.”
“So is my brother,” he said. “Which brings me to another question. You
told me you had no family.” Had she lied and if so, why? And had she lied
about anything else?
“I didn’t. At least, not until Linc Kingston came to find me. Look, it’s a
very long story and I will tell you. Just not now.”
Patience wasn’t his strong suit, but he had to agree with her, especially
once the lights began flashing, indicating they were to head into the theater.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell. “Give me your
number,” he said, handing it to her. No way would he rely on her calling
him.
She accepted the phone and input her number.
He took it back and immediately hit send, causing a ring to sound from
her purse.
“You don’t trust me?” she asked, her eyes open wide.
He couldn’t control the smirk that crossed his lips. “Just not taking any
chances of losing you again.” He winked at her and walked off, leaving her
to think about the possibilities of their reunion.
He’d be doing the same. No way would he be able to pay attention to
whatever was happening on the big screen in front of him. Even if his
brother’s ugly mug was front and center.
*
*
*
AURORA WALKED INTO the theater and strode toward the front row, where her
family would be seated. But instead of everyone settling in to watch the
movie, the Kingstons were in a group, talking excitedly.
“Chloe? What’s going on?” Aurora asked, joining them.
“Cassidy’s water broke! She went into labor and Dash rushed her to the
hospital.” Her eyes were dancing with excitement.
“What is everyone going to do? How can they choose whether to stay or
go to the hospital?” Aurora asked.
“Nobody’s leaving this theater,” Linc said, obviously having heard her
question. “I promised Dash we’d stay for Sasha. And Cassidy produced the
movie. We owe it to her to watch. Besides, she’ll be in labor for a while. We
can go to the hospital afterwards.”
“The King has spoken,” Aurora said, laughing. Linc was the nominal
head of the family and they all recognized it. Once Kenneth Kingston was
gone—and from what Aurora understood, even before—everyone had
deferred to Linc. And she did, too. She owed him, she loved him, and she
appreciated his wisdom.
He shook his head at her and chuckled before turning back to Jordan.
“Are you okay?” Chloe asked Aurora quietly.
She nodded. “But I would like to talk.”
“You got it. I’m going to the hospital after the movie ends. I assume you
need to get home for the babysitter?” Chloe asked. Unlike Aurora, Chloe
and Beck had a live-in nanny, so if they needed to stay out later, they could.
“Yes. But I’ll go see Cass, Dash and the baby, tomorrow.”
Despite the upheaval of seeing Nick and the anticipation of the new
baby, Aurora managed to enjoy the movie. She was so proud of her family
members’ accomplishment, and told them. They departed immediately after
the film, even Sasha, the star, rushing to the hospital. Family first, was the
Kingston motto, and it had settled in Aurora’s heart the moment she’d
learned she was a part of this wonderful group of people.
Still, Aurora couldn’t wait to get home, wanting nothing more than to
see her little girl’s face and listen to her soft breaths as she slept. At least
she’d bought herself some time to think before she had to deal with Nick.
He’d call her when he was ready to talk and they could set a time to meet.
And before then, she’d be able to get Chloe’s advice.
Once she walked into the house, she paid Samantha, then watched her
get into her car safely and pull out of the driveway. Blowing out a breath,
Aurora locked the door, set the alarm, and walked upstairs. She peeked into
Leah’s room and saw her little girl’s body asleep in her bed. Without letting
herself overthink or panic—yet—Aurora went to her own room to undress,
wash up, and put on a comfortable t-shirt.
Needing to be close to her daughter, Aurora walked back to Leah’s
room, then placed her phone on the nightstand and slid into the double bed
beside her daughter. The scent of Leah’s familiar shampoo gave Aurora a
sense of security she desperately needed tonight. Seeing Nick had brought
forth a host of emotions she wasn’t sure how to handle—everything from
remembering the wonder of their night together, to fearing what the
disruption of having a father in Leah’s life would mean, to panic about
custody issues and who knew what else. Aurora wrapped an arm around her
daughter and eventually drifted to sleep.
A short time later—she wasn’t sure just how long—the jarring sound of
her phone ringing roused her and she grabbed it before Leah awoke. Not
that she had to worry. Her daughter could sleep through a hurricane.
She slid out of bed, answering as she walked into the hall. “Hello?”
“It’s a boy!” Chloe exclaimed. “Ask me his name.”
Aurora laughed. “What’s his name?”
“Freddie Kingston. They named him after Freddie Mercury.”
Rolling her eyes, Aurora smiled. “Of course our brother, the rock star,
named his kid after his idol. How’s Cass?”
“Doing well. I think they’ll send her home late tomorrow. So if you
can’t make it to the hospital, you can visit once they’re settled,” Chloe said.
“I’ll call in the morning and see what they’d prefer. Thanks for letting
me know. And if you’re still there, send my love.” Aurora would text both
Dash and Cassidy after she hung up. She’d spare them the phone call
tonight, knowing how exhausted Cass had to be.
“Will do. Are you okay?” Chloe asked, obviously referring to her
having seen Nick tonight.
Aurora sighed. “I am. Don’t worry. We’ll talk tomorrow,” she assured
her sister, not wanting to worry her.
“Okay. Love you. Night.” Chloe disconnected the call.
Aurora pushed thoughts of Nick aside, texted the new parents and
walked back into the room to catch some more sleep. Tomorrow would
come soon enough and with it, Nick Dare.
*
*
*
NICK ATTENDED THE after-party for the film, and was surprised to find none of
the Kingstons there, until Harrison told him Cassidy Kingston had gone into
labor. That explained why they’d all disappeared, Aurora included.
“Hey, man. What’s going on? You’ve seemed off all night,” Harrison
said, ever the observant actor.
Despite his fame, Harrison was as down-to-earth as they came. He’d
had to be, in order to survive in their big family where everyone was treated
equally and open to the same amount of ribbing, no matter their occupation
or status. Looking out for one another always came first.
Nick took a sip of tequila, having given in to the need for a drink. No,
he wasn’t imbibing in the family vodka. He wanted something harsher.
“Do you remember when I went to visit a friend in Miami Beach after
my sophomore year of college?” Nick asked his sibling.
His brother leaned against the high-top table, a puzzled look on his face.
“Vaguely.”
“I met a girl there.” Then he went on to explain his night with Aurora,
their ‘no last name’ agreement, his falling for her and going back the next
morning, only to have to leave the state before catching up with her again.
“I never thought I’d see her again but she was here tonight. And you won’t
believe who she is.”
Harrison raised his brows. “You gonna tell me?”
“Aurora Kingston.”
He blinked, his surprise etched all over his face. “You’re kidding?”
“No.” Nick wouldn’t make up such a close connection to his family.
“Did you talk to her tonight?”
He groaned. “I tried. She panicked and ran, but we managed to have a
brief talk. I got her phone number, so I won’t lose her again.”
“Hmm. Mr. Three Dates and it’s over? What’s your plan with this girl?
And before you answer, you’d better think long and hard because she’s
Xander’s sister and Sasha’s sister-in-law. My partners, if your brain hasn’t
kicked into gear yet,” Harrison reminded him.
Nick rolled his eyes. “I’m not an idiot. I wouldn’t go after her if my
intentions weren’t…” Fuck. What were his intentions?
This was a woman he’d met six years ago. He’d barely known her then
but he’d wanted to understand more about what made her tick and why
they’d clicked. And after one look at her tonight, he still did.
“Don’t worry, okay?”
Harrison studied him, his eyes narrowing. “You said the summer after
your sophomore year. That was what? Six years ago?”
Nick nodded. “Why?”
His brother shook his head. “No reason. So, what are your plans, as far
as seeing her?”
Nick finished his drink and placed the glass on the table. “I was going to
call and set up a date. But the more I think about her reaction to me tonight,
the more I realize I can’t give her the chance to refuse. I think I’m going to
find her address and simply show up at her house. That way, she’ll have to
talk to me.” He leaned closer to his brother. “Any chance you can get me
her address from your partners?”
Downing the last of his drink, Harrison shook his head. “What makes
you think they’ll share their sister’s address with me?”
“Because you can be the most persuasive human in the world when you
want to be.” Nick waited in silence, giving his brother time to think about it.
With Harrison, Nick had found it was better to wait him out than annoy him
to death.
“Fine. But you owe me.” He pulled out his phone just as his agent
strode over.
“Can I have a word?” the man asked.
Harrison nodded. “I’ll call Xander as soon as we’re done,” he said to
Nick. “You know, sometimes when you revisit the past, you uncover
surprises you don’t expect.”
“Is that another warning, big brother?”
Harrison shook his head. “Just stating a fact. I’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks.” He slapped Harrison on the back.
Knowing his brother would come through, Nick left the party and
headed to the Meridian hotel—the place he called home when in New York.
Hotel living wasn’t for everyone but Nick didn’t mind. Having room and
maid service fit his current bachelor lifestyle and since he traveled so much
for work, the situation suited him.
Once in his room, he stripped out of the monkey suit he’d been wearing
and crashed in bed. Unfortunately, sleep wouldn’t come. Not while he
waited for Harrison to call with the address that, he had a hunch, would
change his life.
*
*
*
“MOMMY. MOMMY. MOMMY. Mommy!”
Aurora woke up to find Leah leaning over her, shaking her shoulders.
“Sorry, honey. I fell asleep late.” She pushed herself up and sat back
against the headboard, waiting for her mind to clear.
“You slept in my bed!” Leah clapped her hands and her words brought
back last night’s shock. Aurora had seen Nick and now she needed to
prepare herself for what came next—dealing with Leah’s father.
She knew nothing about Nick. Did he have a wife? A girlfriend?
Someone she’d have to share her daughter with? Nausea filled her, but she
pushed it away. She wasn’t a homeless teen anymore, with no money or
support. She was an adult with an equally powerful family behind her. And
she was far from penniless—she even had a trust fund in her name, thanks
to her siblings all agreeing that she deserved to inherit as much as they did
from her father’s passing. She possessed more confidence than she had
years ago, and was as protective as a mama bear when it came to her
daughter.
She turned her focus back to Leah who sat waiting for her to reply. “I
did sleep in your bed. I wanted cuddles.” Aurora tickled Leah until her
giggles and shrieks echoed around the room, and only stopped so Leah
could catch her breath. “Now why did you wake me?”
Leah pressed her hands on either side of Aurora’s cheeks. “I want
pancakes!” she yelled.
“Indoor voice.” Aurora smiled. “I could go for pancakes too.” Why let
nausea get the best of her when she could eat her troubles away, at least
temporarily? “Let me go to my room and I’ll be down in a few minutes.
You go to your bathroom and go potty, then brush your teeth, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy. Can I have chocolate chips in my pancakes?” Leah
batted her lashes like a pro, causing Aurora to laugh.
“Good try. You had ice cream with Stephanie last night. That was your
treat.” The babysitter had filled Aurora in on their fun-filled night.
“Fine,” Leah said with a huff. “Then can I stir the mix?”
Aurora ruffled her hair. “Yeah. You can.”
A little while later, dressed in a pair of oversized sweatpants she’d
stolen from Dash, rolled down at the waist, and a top she hadn’t realized
had shrunk in the wash, she made her way downstairs. If Leah hadn’t
already been calling “Mommy,” Aurora would have changed shirts but her
munchkin was hungry, and that always took precedence…unless she
wanted to hear, I’m starving, over and over again.
Aurora set all the ingredients on the counter. Leah was mixing the
batter, doing her best to slop the mix over the sides, or at least that was the
way it looked. Aurora resigned herself to a good, long cleaning of the
counters.
“That looks finished. Come wash your hands.”
Leah bounced over to the sink and stood on the stool that let her reach
the faucet more easily. Once her hands were washed and dried, Aurora
grabbed her mug, and poured herself a cup of coffee. A little caffeine
always helped her get the day started.
As Aurora went to take a sip of her coffee, Leah asked, “Did you meet
the prince last night, Mommy?”
At the question, Aurora all but spat the liquid out of her mouth. Before
she could answer—not that she had a reply, because what could she call
Nick—the doorbell rang.
“I’ve got it!” Leah yelled and disappeared through the kitchen entryway.
“Leah, do not open that door!” Aurora yelled, just as the beep beep from
the unset alarm signaled her daughter had done just that. The beeps were
meant to let Aurora know if anyone entered or exited the house without her
knowledge.
She ran, skidding to a halt at the open door where Leah stood facing
Nick. “Hi, Mister. You’re a stranger. I’m not allowed to talk to you,” she
said, then shut the door in his face.
*
*
*
NICK STARED AT the shut door in shock. A little girl had answered. He pulled
out his phone and checked the text from Harrison again, comparing the
number on the house to the address on the screen. It matched.
He was still confused as shit when the door opened again, only this time
Aurora stood in the entrance. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was
tousled. After-sex hair, as if a man’s fingers had spent hours messing up the
long strands. Nick’s stomach churned at the possibility that there might be a
guy inside—a father to that adorable girl, and maybe even a husband to
Aurora.
“Nick, what are you doing here?” she asked, her voice strained.
“I asked Harrison to get your address from Xander.”
She closed her eyes and shook her head but didn’t say a word. The little
girl had disappeared.
“I thought we could talk,” he told her.
She narrowed her gaze, her hand still on the door. “You said you’d call.”
“I couldn’t wait. And to be honest, I didn’t trust you not to blow me off.
Not after the way you ran from me last night.” He decided to go for
honesty, because she looked ready to follow her daughter’s lead and slam
the door in his face. “I didn’t want to lose touch with you again.”
“Mommy, you said you’d make pancakes!” The voice who’d called him
a stranger shouted, this time much louder.
“Come in,” Aurora said, obviously resigned.
What the hell? Was it that bad to see him again?
He followed her inside and she closed and locked the door behind him.
“Leah has a bad habit of answering the door without me being there. I’m
trying to break it, but she’s strong-willed.”
“Like her mother?” He really wanted to know about the little girl’s
father but couldn’t figure out how to ask.
Aurora stared at him, a wealth of emotion in her eyes. He had no idea
what was going on.
Footsteps stomped towards them and the child stopped next to Aurora,
tugging on her too-large sweatpants. Men’s sweatpants, Nick thought, and
his stomach cramped even harder.
Her top, however, was another story. It was short and tight, allowing a
strip of skin to show above the drawstring of the pants.
“Mommy, pancakes please!”
Nick got his first real look at her daughter. Blonde hair like Aurora’s, a
little curlier and more out of control, framed her tiny face. Her features
were delicate and she was adorable. And her eyes—
His breath left him in a rush as he took in those indigo orbs so common
in every branch of the Dare family. “How…how old is she?” he managed to
ask.
Aurora had gone pale. “She’s five,” she whispered.
Nick didn’t need to do the math. No wonder Harrison had asked him
how long it had been since that summer in Miami Beach. His brother
worked with the Kingstons. No doubt he’d met Aurora and her daughter.
But without the knowledge that she’d been with Nick, the color of the little
girl’s eyes could be chalked up to coincidence. Until Nick’s reveal last
night.
“Why’d you let the stranger inside, Mommy? Didn’t you tell me about
stranger danger?” Leah asked.
Nick bit the inside of his cheek. The kid was a spitfire.
“He’s not a stranger, honey. Mommy knows him from when I used to
live in Florida.” Aurora held his gaze as she spoke, until he felt the child
staring at him and he dropped his eyes to look at her.
“What’s your name?” she asked him.
“I’m Nick. What’s yours?” He was surprised he could speak,
considering how dry his mouth had become.
“I’m Leah. Do you want pancakes? Mommy, please, you promised and
the batter’s ready.”
He glanced over and Aurora gave him a little nod.
“I’d love to have pancakes,” Nick said to his daughter.
His daughter. Holy shit. He’d spent plenty of time regretting the ‘no
last name agreement’ he and Aurora had made that night. They’d thought it
was fun, even smart at the time. But he’d never wanted to kick his own ass
more than he did at this moment.
He followed them through the house—a gorgeous, decorated, home that
was obviously lived in. What appeared to be a box with little girl dresses
hanging from the sides sat in one corner of the family room, and a plastic
karaoke set-up with a large plastic microphone in the other. Nick searched
for signs that a man lived there—not that he knew what he was looking for
—and came up empty.
Once in the kitchen, a mess greeted him. Pancake batter was dripping
over the bowl with a spoon in it and the other ingredients sat on the counter.
He felt like he’d walked into the Twilight Zone.
“Have a seat and I’ll get you some coffee,” Aurora said, then went
about taking a mug from a cabinet and pouring him a cup.
In silence, she took out a frying pan and he spaced out as she poured the
batter into it. While the pancakes sizzled, Aurora expertly cleaned the
counter, juggled flipping the pancakes, and grabbed dishes for their meal.
“Do you have kids, mister?” Leah pulled a chair closer to him and sat
down, leaning into his personal space.
She was so damned cute with her outgoing personality and spunk. “I…”
“Leah, let’s not be nosey. Nick is an old friend. He and I have a lot of
catching up to do later,” Aurora said.
And if that wasn’t an understatement, Nick didn’t know what was.
“Do you like butter or syrup on your pancakes? That’s not nosey, right
Mommy?”
He laughed and answered before Aurora could reply. “Syrup. How
about you?”
“Me too. I like chocolate chips in mine but Mommy said no, cuz I had
ice cream with Samantha last night.” She put her hands under her chin and
let out an exaggerated sigh of disappointment.
His lips twitched and he met Aurora’s amused gaze. God, what he’d
missed out on. He couldn’t be angry at anyone but fate but damn, it hurt.
Just as Aurora placed three plates with pancakes on the table for them,
the doorbell rang.
She immediately put a hand on Leah’s shoulder. “Do not move. I’ve got
the door. I’ll be right back.”
She strode out of the room and his gaze followed the movement of her
hips, her sweet ass in those sweats, and the strip of skin that teased him.
He heard two beeps, then the low hum of conversation. Soon after,
Aurora strode back into the kitchen, a man about Nick’s age behind her.
“Hi, Mr. Wheeler. Where’s Mimi?” Leah asked, her fork in a pancake as
she tried to lift it all at once.
The man glanced her way. “Mimi is with her mom. I saw a strange car
in the driveaway and came by to check on you two.”
Nick narrowed his gaze. Was this a boyfriend?
“We’re fine,” Aurora said. “But thanks anyway.”
“Who’s this?” The man in the Polo short-sleeved shirt had turned his
gaze on Nick. “I assume it’s your Porsche out front?”
Nick rose to his feet. This guy was an ass—he didn’t owe the man
answers. “Who are you?” he asked in return, stepping closer to Aurora.
Posturing? Yes. Necessary? Also, yes.
She glanced between the two men, twisting her hands together, her
anxiety about the entire situation obvious.
Shit. Nick didn’t want to make anything harder for her. He still
wondered if the guy with the lean body and preppy look, his brown hair
falling over his forehead, was her boyfriend but she wasn’t acting like that
was the kind of relationship she had with this guy.
“Nick Dare,” he said, breaking the ice. For her sake, he extended his
hand to the other man. “I’m an old friend of Aurora’s.”
“Mark Wheeler.” He shook Nick’s hand.
And Nick made sure to squeeze. Hard. Because he hated this Mark guy
on sight. Hated how his gaze lingered on Aurora’s exposed belly. Hated
how he assessed Nick and all but ignored the little girl flopping her pancake
on the plate.
“Here.” Nick sat down and cut up Leah’s breakfast. “Do you like your
syrup all over it or on the side?” Where had that question come from, Nick
wondered.
He wasn’t used to dealing with kids and knew nothing about them. But
he wanted Leah to be happy, he thought, as more foreign emotions flooded
his body.
“All over, Mr. Nick,” she said, picking up the plastic bottle and handing
it to him.
Nick did his job, saturating the pancakes as Aurora’s voice interrupted
thoughts.
“Mark lives next door,” she said. “He has a daughter Leah’s age.”
Fucking swell.
“Mark, Nick and I were just catching up. Can we talk another time?”
Aurora asked.
“I suppose.” The man looked from Aurora to Nick, clearly not happy as
she escorted him to the front door.
From what Nick could deduce, Mark had a hard-on for Aurora and the
feeling wasn’t returned. In fact, Nick wasn’t sure she was even aware of the
poor sap’s feelings.
Well, if the neighbor thought he had a chance with Aurora, that notion
would end now. He’d make sure of it.
Chapter Three
A
URORA LET
MARK out, refusing to engage in conversation with him about
Nick. Their daughters were friends, which was their main connection. And
they were next-door neighbors, nothing more. As an ex-cop turned security
guard, Mark tended to look out for her and Leah—and she appreciated it.
But she had to admit, his behavior today had been odd. Over the top.
With Mark gone, she returned to the kitchen to find Leah eating her
pancake, which brought Aurora back to the moment Nick had ended the
men’s pissing contest in favor of sitting down and cutting up Leah’s
pancake so she could eat breakfast. He’d even asked her how she liked her
syrup poured. Aurora’s entire body had heated at the sight of him giving her
daughter his full attention.
Their daughter—something she was sure he’d already realized.
She stepped into the room to find Leah engaging Nick in conversation.
“My birthday party is soon!”
“When is her birthday?” He glanced at Aurora, obviously confused and
she understood why. They’d met over the summer. She’d had Leah nine
months later.
“April twelfth!” Leah said.
“We had a painting party planned indoors but Leah came down with a
fever and a cold and then croup. She was sick for a week so we had to
postpone. Only the place we’d planned to have it was booked every
weekend for the next month,” Aurora explained.
“So Mommy said if we waited till almost summer, we could have it
outside and Ariel could come!” Leah said, barely catching her breath. “Now
I want Cinderella because Mommy and I watched the movie and now she’s
my favorite princess. But we already promised Ariel she could come and
Mommy said we don’t want to hurt her feelings.” Leah’s explanation
involved hand gestures and a lot of rambling.
The twitch of Nick’s lips as he tried not to laugh was nothing short of
adorable. She’d thought he’d been hot last night in his tuxedo. But the guy
sitting in her kitchen, wearing dark jeans and navy tee-shirt, was sex on a
stick. Muscles she hadn’t known he possessed bulged in his arms, and the
razor stubble on his jaw took her breath away.
“When is the party?” he asked.
“It’s in two weeks on Saturday.”
“I also want to invite the prince but Mommy said he’s busy.” Leah put
her fork down and looked over, giving Aurora a view of her sticky face and
hands. She was about to suggest they wash her up when Leah’s eyes lit up.
“Mommy, can Mr. Nick come to my birthday?”
“Yeah, Mommy. Can Mr. Nick come to her birthday?” Nick parroted,
similar eyes to her daughter’s sparking with laughter.
“We’ll talk,” she said to both troublemakers.
It took another hour for Aurora to get Leah washed up—which included
a bath because her hair had been sticky too—and dressed. Then she’d called
Melly and asked her to take Leah for the day, so Aurora and Nick could
talk.
“Bye, Mr. Nick!” Leah called out as Melly, looking stunned and
confused, led the little girl out the door.
Aurora had told the woman who was the closest thing to a mother she’d
ever had, that she’d explain…soon. Then she’d called Cassidy and Dash
and promised to visit the new parents tomorrow.
All the while, Nick sat in the family room, television on, waiting. At the
thought of being alone with him, nerves pulsed inside her. And knowing
she’d have to explain how she’d grown up made things even worse.
She finally joined him, walking into her favorite room. The overlarge
sofa enabled her to relax after a long day, something she cherished. She
didn’t have much time to herself these days, and that was also something
Nick needed to know.
“Welcome to the madness that’s my life,” she said pointedly.
He had to understand that life with a child was messy, busy and chaotic.
It wasn’t all sunshine and fun. Hi, Mr. Nick, come to my party, Mr. Nick.
He pushed himself to a standing position and gestured for her to come
over. “Aurora, you look ready to break. Sit down.”
She started for the chair beside the sofa but he lowered himself back
down and patted the cushion next to him.
She paused.
“Come on. We need to talk and sitting across from each other like
strangers isn’t going to make it easier.” He treated her to a panty-melting
grin, but that wasn’t what she wanted from him now. Even if that smile
affected her like no man’s ever had, before or since.
She settled on the ultra-suede cushion and bent one leg so she could
face him. Their gazes met and held.
“She’s mine,” he said.
There was no need to ask—he obviously knew. “She is. I had no way of
finding you and—”
He held up a hand. “Stop. We both know there’s no fault here.”
“But you came back and I hid.” Which ultimately deprived him of being
involved in every stage of his daughter’s life so far.
“It’s not like you knew you were pregnant and hid it.” He reached out
and took her hand. “Tell me. What could have been so bad that you
wouldn’t see me again after the night we shared?”
She rubbed her free hand against the soft sweats, seeking comfort. “I
don’t know where to begin. My life is—and was—complicated. But I’ll
start with the things that affect you.”
He wrapped his fingers around hers. “I’m listening.”
Nodding, she blew out a long breath. “The day we met…”
“Your birthday.”
She met his gaze and smiled. “You remembered.”
His soft gaze met hers. “I remember everything.”
A lump rose in her throat. “That day, I’d aged out of foster care. I know
now that there’s extended foster care and independent living resources if
you meet certain requirements but my case worker rarely showed up. At the
time, I had no idea I had options. The family I lived with was only too
happy to see me go and the feeling was mutual.”
“Jesus, Aurora. I had no idea,” he said, his tone low.
She’d taken one look at the table of guys who’d obviously had money
and knew there was no way she could admit her circumstances to Nick.
“I didn’t want you to know. The people who owned the diner said I
could stay in the back room. It was tiny and hot but I had a roof over my
head and they allowed me to take my meals there. As far as I was
concerned, I was lucky.”
His thumb rubbed back and forth over the top of her hand, encouraging
her to go on.
She swallowed hard. “When you asked me out, it was a bright spot
during a really shitty time. We were great together and we connected. But I
could tell you were smart, that you came from a good family, and you had
money. I had nothing and was embarrassed by that fact. So I decided to
make the most of our night together, because I knew it had to be a one-time
thing.”
A few seconds of silence slipped by as he seemed to process her story.
“And then you realized you were pregnant.” He set his jaw, his tension and
frustration obvious.
She nodded. “It was scary but I was determined to make it work. I
finished high school with morning sickness. I graduated and began working
full-time at the diner. And I found a free clinic where I met a doctor who
was kind.”
If it hadn’t been for that doctor, there would have been no way that her
family could have found her.
“Go on,” Nick said.
“The doctor had a girlfriend and she offered me a place to stay and a
real job, working on the books. That meant I was getting a real paycheck,
instead of getting paid under the table, the way I had been at the diner. So
by the time Linc Kingston came looking for his half-sister, there was a
paper trail for him to find.”
“Fuck.” Nick ran his free hand through his hair, never letting go of her
with the other. “How did I miss the fact that you were so alone?”
“I got good at hiding what I didn’t want other people to know. But Nick,
the doctor who helped me out was Braden Prescott.”
His eyes opened wide. “My cousin?”
She nodded.
Their family story was incredible. One of Nick’s uncles, Paul Dare, had
been the sperm donor for his best friends, the Prescotts, who couldn’t have
children. The family was sports royalty, all but Braden, the doctor.
“Small world, huh?” she asked.
“Even smaller, me finding you again.” His eyes gleamed with an
emotion she couldn’t name.
Was he really that happy to have found her? How did he feel about
discovering he was a father? He’d had no time to think about, let alone
process, the news. Nor did she know what he intended to do.
She slid her hand from his. “It is. And we have to figure out how to
handle things for Leah. That’s what matters. That’s who is important in all
this.”
“I agree.” He leaned in close. “And you need to be aware, I want her to
know I’m her father. I want to be part of her life.”
She rose to her feet, nerves kicking in. “How?”
“What?”
“How do you want to be part of her life? In what way? Where do you
live? What state? Because we’re here. My family is here and that’s where
Leah is staying.” She felt herself fraying at the edges as the possibilities
spun out in her mind. “What about your life? Do you have a wife? A
girlfriend? Are you going to want some kind of custody?” she asked, her
voice rising.
Panic filled her as all the possibilities spiraled in her mind. No matter
what he wanted, all she could think about was that she could lose her
daughter.
“Whoa.” Nick rose and came up beside her, wrapping an arm around
her shoulders.
He smelled delicious, like musk and man, and despite everything, her
body reacted to his scent, his nearness. But she couldn’t focus on their
chemistry. She had to concentrate on her daughter and the life she’d built
for her child and herself.
He turned her to face him. “I have no intention of trying to take Leah
away from you. And there’s no wife, no girlfriend, no one but me… And
you… And Leah, to worry about.”
She forced in deep breaths, telling herself to calm down. He wasn’t the
enemy. He was just an unexpected new presence in her life.
“Better?” he asked, staring into her eyes.
“Yes.” She still didn’t know where he lived but she believed him when
he said he wasn’t going to take her daughter in any kind of custody fight.
And that knowledge allowed her to relax a little. She’d spent the better part
of her life alone, relying on no one but herself.
“Good.”
“We can’t just spring the news that you’re her father on her.”
He drew in a deep breath. “She can’t keep calling me Mr. Nick, either.”
He laughed and the tension between them eased.
“Come to her birthday party, spend some time with her and we’ll get
there, okay?”
He nodded. “Okay. But I’d like to see her sooner than that.”
He released his hold on her and she stepped back, needing space from
his heady scent and the effect his nearness had on her body.
She swallowed hard. “What if you take that time to process the shock?
Make sure you want to be in her life before you come barreling in, only to
disappoint her if you disappear on her after the novelty has worn off?”
He visibly clenched his jaw but then nodded. “I understand. You need
time to adjust, too. But I need you to know she’s not a novelty to me.”
“Were you always so astute?” She managed a shaky smile. “Maybe I do
but I also need to know Leah can count on you. Be sure,” she said, aware of
the pleading note in her voice.
“I am. But I’ll take the time.”
She was grateful he’d given in.
“I’m going to get going. I think today has been stressful enough for us
both.”
“You can say that again.” She nodded in relief. “Umm, where are you
living now?” she asked again.
He braced his hand on the doorknob. “I travel from hotel to hotel
around the country, wherever the business needs me. Right now, I don’t
really have a home base.” He shrugged. “But the rest of the family is in
New York. Even Harrison moved there from L.A., so I’m here more often
than not.”
“Living out of a hotel room,” she said. A person couldn’t get more
transient than that.
How did he expect to have consistency with Leah, if he had a job that
had him constantly traveling, and didn’t have a real home? She wasn’t sure
how she felt about that, him drifting in and out of Leah’s life. After the
childhood she’d had, Aurora craved stability and was determined to make
sure her child had it.
“And where are you staying?” she asked.
“The Meridian Hotel in the city,” he said, walking towards the door.
He turned to face her again and without warning, slipped one hand
around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Every hard inch of his body
pressed into her softer flesh.
“Wh..what are you doing?” she asked, her voice husky.
His deep blue eyes bore into hers. “What I should have done the
moment I saw you again.”
She parted her lips to speak, but before she could utter a word, he
captured her mouth with his. He didn’t linger, but he damn sure made his
point, stroking her tongue with his. Then, too soon, he lifted his head.
“It’s good to see you again, Aurora.” And before she could say
anything, he’d straightened and let himself out.
The sound of the door closing left her staring after him in shock. Her
fingers touched the lips he’d kissed, while awareness rippled through her
body. Her emotions had been all over the place in a quick span of time. One
minute she’d been worried about him taking her daughter away from her,
and the next, she’d been in Nick’s embrace. Her nipples were hard and
panties damp.
God, the man was potent. But she couldn’t do this—not again. If Nick
was going to be back in her life, it had to be about Leah. Not them. She
wouldn’t stand in the way of him getting to know his daughter. But her
ability to truly trust someone had been shattered a long time ago.
*
NICK
WAS A
*
*
father. He was also in shock. He’d managed to hold himself
together at Aurora’s, but barely. After all, it wasn’t every day he discovered
he had a child he knew nothing about. He’d gone through the motions in a
fog, cutting a pancake like a dad and absorbing the fact that the sassy, little
chatterbox was his.
Once he and Aurora were alone, he’d focused on her. It was easier to
concentrate on the woman who still affected him on a sexual and emotional
level, than to think about the bombshell she’d just dropped on him. He’d
need time to process that. But when Aurora had panicked over his
intentions regarding Leah, he realized she was in full on freak-out mode,
too.
Knowing the best thing he could do would be to talk to someone whose
opinion he respected, he drove from Aurora’s townhouse to the Manhattan
high rise, where his sister Jade lived. He texted her, so she knew to expect
him. And when he arrived, Spencer, the doorman, let him up.
He rapped his knuckles on the door and his sister answered, greeting
him with a hug. “Hey! I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Hey, yourself.” He stepped back and took her in. Her eyes were glassy
and her cheeks flushed—she obviously was still battling a migraine.
“Are you feeling better? It’s not like you to skip one of Harrison’s
premieres.”
“It’s slowly going away.” She shrugged. “I’m used to it but it sucks.
Everyone says Harrison was phenomenal.”
“He and Sasha had amazing chemistry,” Nick said.
Jade closed the door behind him and he followed her into the family
room. The television was on and her favorite blanket was thrown on the
couch.
Picking up the remote, she hit ‘mute’ on one of the Housewives shows
and curled back up on the couch.
He took the other side of the sofa and got comfortable, too. Though he
had news, he was worried about her. “Are you sure this is just a headache?”
he asked.
“As opposed to…what?”
“Oh, maybe it’s because last night was the date you were supposed to
marry Theo Matthews?” Until Zach had seen the guy getting too cozy with
another woman in a bar.
There’d been no mistaking their interaction for anything other than what
it was. Theo Matthews, hockey goalie, had been cheating on Jade. Zach had
taken photos in case Jade hadn’t wanted to believe it. Considering he was
the second fiancé to fuck her over—the first having been in it for the Dare
money—Nick wouldn’t have blamed her for not wanting to face the truth.
Jade had given both men the boot, but her heart had been shredded in the
process.
She frowned. “I’m over the asshole.”
“But that doesn’t mean you aren’t aware of the date. Nobody would
fault you for wanting to be alone last night, instead of in a crowd of
people.” He’d offered to come over but Jade had insisted he go to
Harrison’s premiere.
“Can we change the subject? I heard you ran into some woman you met
in Miami? Let’s talk about that.” She raised her eyebrows and stared him
down.
He held up both hands in defeat. “Fine. But if you want to talk, you
know where to find me.”
Her expression softened. “I do and I love you for caring. I’m okay,
really. So, what’s going on with you?”
He blew out a breath. “I did run into Aurora last night. And I showed up
at her place this morning.”
He kept replaying the moment Leah had opened the door, and that little
face, with his eyes, had greeted him. A lump rose in his throat. “I’m a
father.”
“Wait, what? Say that again.” She sat upright and stared at him in
disbelief.
“Pretty sure you heard me the first time.”
She blinked hard. “Shit, Nicky.” Only his twin ever called him that.
“Did she keep your kid from you?”
He shook his head. “No. Nothing like that. Aurora and I didn’t
exchange last names. It was one night and she had no way of finding me
once she realized she was pregnant.”
Jade’s hand covered her open mouth. “Oh God. That poor woman.”
He rose and began to pace the room. “Actually, she was a girl, just
eighteen when we met. And it gets worse. She was practically homeless at
the time. And I had no idea. Thank God she got a few lucky breaks or who
knows what would have happened to her and my kid.” His chest hurt at the
thought of Aurora living in the back of that diner, in a too warm room, with
little money.
“What are you going to do about your…son? Daughter?”
He turned to his sister and grinned. “Daughter. Her name is Leah and
she’s a spitfire. Not to mention the cutest kid ever.”
“Nick, umm, what makes you certain she’s yours? That this isn’t some
elaborate scam for money?” Jade winced as she asked the question.
And he couldn’t blame her for asking it. “For one thing, she has our eye
color. And remember those lucky breaks I mentioned she’d gotten?”
Jade nodded.
“One of them was going to Braden Prescott’s clinic when she was
pregnant. Apparently, his now-wife, Willow, took Aurora under her wing
and gave her a place to live while she sorted out her life. They also got her a
job, which created a paper trail, and enabled the family she didn’t know she
had, to find her.” He paused, letting his story sink in.
When he was sure Jade was with him, he hit her with the craziest part of
Aurora’s life. “And…she’s a Kingston. She doesn’t need my money. She’s
also not the type of woman to scam anyone,” he snapped, then shook his
head. “Sorry. I just know the kid is mine, okay?”
“Okay. You know I had to ask but I get it now.” And his sister smiled
wide. “I can’t wait to meet her. Got a picture?”
He ground his palms into his own eyes. “Dammit! I didn’t even think
about taking one. Hang on.” Pulling out his phone, he texted Aurora his
request. A few seconds later, a photo showed up on his screen and he
grinned.
“Here.” He handed Jade the picture he intended to make his background
photo. Leah, with her curly blonde hair in pigtails and a huge smile on her
face, cuddled with a stuffed bear.
“Oh my God, she’s adorable! I want to squeeze those cheeks! So what
are your plans? When can I meet her? I need to buy her things!” His sister
reached for her laptop, her excitement allowing him to relax now that she
wasn’t questioning his child’s paternity.
“Jade, hang on.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Leah doesn’t know I’m her father yet.” He ran a hand through his hair
in frustration. “I showed up at the door, and of course, Aurora introduced
me as an old friend. She didn’t deny who Leah was to me, but she did ask
that we take it slow. Right now, Leah calls me Mr. Nick.” He laughed,
remembering the first time she’d said it.
“But she’ll let you see your daughter, right?” His sister sounded
worried, defensive on his behalf.
“Yes. Leah invited me to her birthday party and Aurora agreed. She said
we’d take it from there. I don’t want to traumatize her,” he told his sister.
But he had the sense that not much would send his daughter into a
tailspin. She seemed to be an all-around happy kid, which he owed to
Aurora’s good parenting. If she wanted to take it slow, he’d trust her
judgment. But if anyone had been traumatized by Nick’s sudden presence in
their lives, he knew it was Aurora.
“Traumatize who? Aurora or Leah?” Jade asked, causing him to let out
a laugh.
“Twinning,” he muttered. Despite not being identical—in fact, in looks,
they were polar opposites—they often thought the same way. “Aurora’s
more unsettled by all of this than I think Leah will be.”
“Speaking of Aurora, what is it you want from her? Just access to your
daughter?” Jade rose from her seat. “Can I get you anything to drink? I’m
going to get some soda. I need caffeine—it’ll help my head.”
He nodded. “Sure. I’ll have a Coke.” He followed her into the kitchen,
hoping he could avoid her first question since he was still trying to figure
out the answer.
Jade stopped at the refrigerator and took out two cans of soda, handing
one to him. “A glass? Ice?”
He shook his head. “I’m fine, thanks.” He popped the top and took a
long sip.
“You didn’t answer me. What do you want from Aurora? What made
you show up on her doorstep the morning after running into her? It’s not
like you knew you had a kid before you knocked on her door, right?” His
twin raised an eyebrow, calling him on his bullshit. And letting him in on
the fact that she’d already drawn her own conclusions.
“Since you’ve already decided what my intentions are, why don’t you
tell me?” He took another sip of his drink, letting the bubbles go down his
throat.
She smiled at the chance to give her opinion. “What I think, is that you
like her. Mr. Three Dates and I’m Out wants to throw his rulebook out the
window.” Jade nudged him with her elbow and grinned wider. “You think
she’s gorgeous, you want to kiss her, you want to do her,” she sang in the
tune from Miss Congeniality. Yeah, so he’d watched the movie with Jade
during one of her migraines.
“Quiet, wise ass,” he muttered to his sister. “Yes, I want to get to know
Aurora now and see what could happen between us. And yes, I wanted that
before I knew we could be…a family.” He almost choked on the word. And
for good reason.
After all, he had four siblings. His biological mother, who’d had mental
issues, had run off when he and Jade had been only two years old. He didn’t
like to think about what she’d done next. His father had then married the
nanny and Serenity had raised Nick and his siblings as if they were her
own. He even called her mom as she was the only mother he’d ever known.
She’d also had four kids with his father, triplets from fertility treatments,
and an oops baby afterwards. After being surrounded by so many kids for
most of his life, he’d craved solitude and the idea of settling down, getting
married, and having children of his own had never really occurred to Nick.
Jade was silent, obviously contemplating everything he’d told her. She
let out a long breath. “Aurora has been through so much. I’m glad she
ended up with a good family who has her back. But that doesn’t mean she
doesn’t have issues from growing up in foster care and being abandoned by
the people who were supposed to take care of her.”
“What are you saying?” he asked.
“Just that you’re used to women falling at your feet. I don’t see that
happening with Aurora.”
He raised an eyebrow, wondering if he ought to be insulted.
Before he could decide, his sister continued. “I’m also saying, the Dare
charm might not be the answer to getting what you want, in this case. You
shouldn’t have any problem building a relationship with your daughter but
maybe, you should temper your expectations with her mother.”
He dipped his head and put his can on the counter. This wasn’t the
advice he wanted to hear.
She placed a hand on his shoulder. “On the positive side, being a Dare
has its benefits. We’re a persistent bunch. And you, more than the rest of us,
know how to get what you want.” She rose and pressed her lips to his
cheek. “You got this, little bro.”
He rolled his eyes at the familiar sentiment. “Just because you were
born ten minutes before me, that doesn’t make me your little brother.”
She laughed. “Do you want to hang out for a while? We can talk some
more…or not. Whatever you want.”
He nodded, grateful for the support. “Maybe you can help me figure out
what to pick up as a birthday gift for a little girl who doesn’t even know I’m
her father.”
They threw their soda cans into the recycling bin and returned to the
family room to watch some television. And for Nick, it was the chance to
do some soul searching as well.
*
*
*
AURORA SAT ON the closed toilet seat, watching as her daughter played in the
tub.
“Mommy, would you read me Cinderella for my bedtime story?” Leah
asked, letting Aurora soap up her hair with shampoo.
That choice would mean more questions about the prince, Aurora
thought wryly. “Sure, honey.”
“Who’s Mr. Nick?” Leah asked, playing with the cup Aurora normally
used to rinse the soap from Leah’s hair.
Nick. Aurora had been expecting Leah to have questions about the man
who’d had breakfast with them. She was actually surprised it had taken this
long.
“I told you this morning. He’s someone I knew when I lived in Florida.
Tip your head back so I can rinse the shampoo.”
Leah tipped her neck and head and scrunched her eyes closed. “I like
Mr. Nick.”
“That’s good, because you’re going to be seeing him more often,”
Aurora murmured. And someday soon, she was going to have to tell her
daughter that Nick was her father.
Aurora filled the cup and poured the water over Leah’s soapy hair,
careful to keep one hand on her forehead, blocking the soap from getting in
her eyes. Aurora repeated the action a couple of times before adding
conditioner to the ends of Leah’s hair, then rinsed that out, too. “Okay,
you’re good. Head up, eyes open.”
Leah blinked hard a few times and rubbed her eyes. “Is Mr. Nick
coming to my birthday party?” she asked, not deterred from the subject on
her mind.
“We’ll see.” Although Nick told her he’d be there, she didn’t know him
well enough to set her daughter up for disappointment in case he didn’t
show up.
Aurora pulled the plug, letting the bathtub drain, then rose to her feet
and picked up the towel, holding it up. “Careful getting out.” She helped
Leah with one hand and then wrapped her up in the big towel.
“Brr. It’s cold!”
“Mommy’s got you.” Aurora rubbed the towel over Leah’s arms and
legs and wrung out her hair with another towel.
“Mommy, Grandma Melly asked me what I wanted for my birthday!”
Aurora smiled at the mention of the grandmother Aurora never thought
her child would have. “Oh yeah? What did you tell her?”
“I want a pony!”
Aurora briefly closed her eyes and prayed for the strength to raise this
child. “No pony.”
Aurora would have to make sure Melly knew that. With the money the
Kingston family had, a pony just might seem like a reasonable request.
“Come on, honey. I forgot your pajamas. Let’s go into your room and
get dressed. I’ll get the hair dryer ready.”
As Leah ran out, Aurora’s thoughts turned to Melly Kingston. What an
amazing woman she’d turned out to be. When Aurora had first arrived in
New York with Linc, pregnant and feeling very alone, Melly had given her
a place to stay. She’d treated Aurora like a daughter and had become Leah’s
grandmother. Not once had she treated them badly because Aurora was her
deceased husband’s illegitimate child.
Aurora had gone from rags to riches, much like the Cinderella story
Leah so loved. But her life hadn’t been anything like a fairytale. It had left
her emotionally battered and scarred. Her real mother, Tiffany Michaels,
had gotten pregnant accidentally. Like mother, like daughter, Aurora
thought, shaking her head. The difference was, Tiffany had hated being a
parent and had turned over custody of her child to her mother, Aurora’s
grandmother, when Aurora was five. One year later, her grandma suddenly
passed away and Aurora had been sent to foster care.
Once Linc found her, she’d discovered there was more to her story, and
it was even worse than anything she’d ever conjured up in her imagination.
She hated to think about her early life—the abandonment, the neglect—
because it only served to remind her of how unwanted she’d actually been.
By both parents.
Shaking, as she always did whenever she thought about what her socalled parents had done to her, she pushed them out of her mind. She forced
herself to remember that her new siblings and their mother were different.
They’d welcomed her. Accepted her. They weren’t anything like Kenneth
Kingston or Tiffany Michaels. And that was why Aurora had legally
changed her last name to Kingston. She was part of a family now. Blowing
out a deep breath, she willed the shaking to stop just in time for Leah’s
return.
Dressed in her pajamas, Leah walked into the bathroom and dropped
her damp towels on the floor. All Aurora had to do was look at her
daughter, and love welled up inside her. She’d do anything for her little girl,
to make sure she had the most amazing life possible. She’d always know
she was loved—something Aurora herself had so desperately needed.
Just because she now had money, Aurora had no intention of spoiling
Leah. She’d teach her values and help her understand the need to give back.
“If I can’t have a pony, I want a puppy!” Leah exclaimed.
Aurora sighed and bit back a grin because there was no way she could
handle adding a dog to the chaos that was their lives. Still, she knew she
was kidding herself if she thought Leah wouldn’t be over-indulged by her
aunts, uncles, and now her father.
Oh, God. Nick. He really was a part of her life now. She alternated
between thinking she could handle it…then she’d break out in a full-blown
panic attack.
She picked up the towels and hung them on the hooks behind the door.
“Nothing that’s alive for your birthday present. We don’t have time for a
puppy right now. You’re in kindergarten and Mommy’s busy with her
charity.”
“Fine,” Leah said with an exaggerated sigh and drop of her shoulders.
“Come on. Let’s dry your hair so we can read Cinderella.” Aurora
picked up the hair dryer she’d plugged in.
“The part about the prince!”
By the time she finished with Leah’s hair, then tucked her in, read her
the requested part of the story, where Cinderella slips her foot into the glass
slipper and lives happily ever after with the prince, gave her two sips of
water because Leah was so thirsty, and she finally fell asleep, Aurora flung
herself onto her bed, exhausted.
She must have dozed off because the ringing of her phone startled her
awake and she reached over to see Nick was Facetiming her.
Drawing a deep breath, she sat up and took the call.
Chapter Four
A
FTER
NICK
LEFT
his sister’s, he drove to the hotel where he was staying.
The Meridian NYC was a part of the group of hotels he and his siblings had
bought from Robert Dare, an ostracized family member. They’d saved the
business from bankruptcy and added to their holdings. Nick was responsible
for checking out the hotels, travelling often, and putting out fires where
necessary, while Jade was based in New York, where she took on the role of
lead Event Coordinator. She oversaw events and budgeting for all the
hotels, but she was hands on at the Meridian NYC.
Nick headed to a suite he co-opted for his visit and settled onto the bed,
pulling out his phone. He didn’t know what time Leah went to bed but he’d
give calling both his girls a shot. His stomach twisted in unfamiliar knots at
the thought. Neither of them was his girl. Leah wouldn’t be his until she
knew she could call him ‘daddy’. And Aurora? Hell if he knew what she
was to him. But he needed to find out.
Calling her was a start and Facetime would let him see them both.
When Aurora answered, it was obvious she’d been asleep. Her hair fell
across one cheek, and the other showed a sleep line on her fair skin. Though
he felt bad for waking her, he couldn’t deny the intimacy inherent in seeing
her with her guard down, almost as if they’d woken up together in bed. His
dick hardened at the thought, something he’d have to take care of on his
own. Though he’d use his own hand, it would be Aurora he envisioned
gripping his cock and the sudden desire to reach through the screen and
touch her was almost overwhelming.
“Nick?” She shifted positions and sat up, resting her back against the
headboard and pillows.
“Hi.” He cleared his throat. “Is this a bad time?”
She shook her head, pushing several long strands away from her face.
“No. It’s okay. I dozed off after Leah’s long bath and bedtime routine.”
“Tell me more.” He wanted to hear everything about his daughter.
Aurora laughed, the melodic sound not helping the desire for her
already pulsing inside him. “She’s something else.” Her eyes lit up as she
described Leah’s antics and he found himself laughing along with her.
Aurora grinned at him and their gazes locked and held. His breath
caught and his heart pounded hard in his chest. Something passed between
them, reminding him of the day he’d first laid eyes on her. It had been an
indefinable connection—something he couldn’t put a name to—but he’d
never felt it with anyone else. It had been a deep yearning that pulsed
between them.
“Are you coming to Leah’s party? It’s in just over two weeks.” She
broke the silence first. “I know she put you on the spot and you might have
plans.”
He raised his eyebrows. Did she really think he’d miss it? “Even if I had
something on my calendar, I’d reschedule. Don’t worry. I’ll be there. Which
reminds me… what can I get her for a gift?” He didn’t know anything about
five-year-old girls and though he could ask his mother… Shit. He hadn’t
told his father and Serenity they had a grandchild yet.
He needed to call them before the family text chain handled it for him.
If they’d heard already, they’d have called him by now.
“Well, Leah told her grandmother that she wants a pony.” Aurora’s
eyeroll told him what she thought about that idea. “When I said no, she
requested a puppy. I nixed that idea immediately, too.” She tucked a strand
of hair behind her ear and swiped her tongue over her lips.
Nick did his best not to groan, wishing it was him tasting that sensual
mouth.
“I told her we were too busy to deal with any living being at the
moment.” Aurora’s lips quirked in a smile. “As for you, anything from a toy
store in her age bracket will work.”
“I want it to be something special.” He didn’t know when Aurora would
agree to tell Leah about his place in her life but in the meantime, he
intended to make an impression.
“Hmm. Well, she wants an outdoor playhouse. There are quite a few
brands and some can run a lot of money. But you don’t need to spend a
fortune. They make adorable plastic ones. She just wants a place to play
with her friends in the backyard. She’d be thrilled if you picked out one of
those.”
“I can do that,” he said, his excitement palpable, now that he had
something concrete in mind. “Okay, so we’ve talked about Leah. What
about us?”
Her eyes opened wide. “What about us?” she asked in a husky voice.
“I want to take you out on a date.” The words hung between them,
along with all the years that had passed.
“Nick, I don’t know…”
“I want to learn more about Leah. Her favorite foods, maybe see some
baby pictures. All the things I missed.” Yeah, he wasn’t above using his
daughter to get what he wanted when the truth was, he needed to know.
“And I want to learn the same things about you.” A hole had settled in his
chest and only Aurora and knowledge about his little girl could fill it.
“You make it impossible to say no to you,” she said, that mouth he
wanted to kiss pursed in thought.
He grinned. “That’s the point. I’m going to come up with something we
can do that will let us talk and do something fun. And don’t worry. I’ll give
you plenty of time to get a babysitter.”
“You’re trouble, Nick Dare.”
He winked at her pretty face. “I’ve only just begun to turn on the
charm.”
Although his sister warned him it wouldn’t work on Aurora, Nick knew
of no other way to reach her other than to be himself. “Get some rest and
we’ll talk tomorrow.”
She opened her mouth to reply but he waved and hit end before she
could come up with an argument. He was ahead and intended to stay there.
He called his father and asked if he and Serenity could come into the
city for lunch tomorrow. He had something important to tell them.
*
THE
NEXT MORNING,
*
*
Aurora took Leah next door to play with Mimi. Mark
opened the door and smiled at the sight of her. Wearing a pair of khaki
shorts and his typical collared short-sleeved shirt, hair combed and slicked
back, he looked like he’d been waiting for her to arrive.
“Well, if it isn’t my two favorite ladies,” he said, stepping back so they
could come inside.
Aurora wasn’t comfortable. Until yesterday, Mark had been a good
neighbor who’d always come across like a platonic friend. A single dad,
they often helped each other out with babysitting, play dates, and the like.
His sudden interest felt awkward for her.
“I’m sorry but my sister is coming over. I need to get home. What time
should I pick up Leah?” she asked.
He frowned, disappointment evident on his face. “I was hoping we
could share lunch.”
“I’m sorry. I’m in a rush.” She bent down to talk to Leah. “Are you
excited to play with Mimi?”
Leah nodded. “I have my Barbies!” She held up the case she’d stuffed
her dolls and their clothes into.
“Okay, I’ll see you in a few hours.” Aurora kissed her cheek and rose to
her feet.
Mark stepped aside. “Mimi is in her room. You can go find her.”
Leah ran inside and Aurora took a step back. “Thanks, Mark. I’ll text
you when I’m on my way back to get her.”
Before he could attempt to coax her inside, she turned and walked back
home.
Chloe arrived a few minutes later and they drove to a local restaurant
for lunch. A little while later, they were sitting at a window seat, drinking
mimosas and waiting for their lunches.
“Okay, girl, spill it,” Chloe said. “I’ve waited long enough for you to
bring up the subject of Nick Dare on your own. I already know he’s Leah’s
father. What I don’t know is the whole story. Even Mom doesn’t know
everything.” Chloe pointed to her glass. “So drink up and explain.”
Aurora took a long sip and filled Chloe in on yesterday’s events. “All he
had to do was take one look at her and he knew,” Aurora said. When she’d
realized he’d figured out that Leah was his, her heart had nearly stopped.
“What happens now?” Chloe asked as the waiter placed their meals on
the table.
“He wants to go out on a date. To get to know me again.” Oh, she knew
he’d used wanting details about his daughter as an excuse to get her to
agree. The man was smooth and wasn’t above using her daughter against
her.
“Are you going to go?” Chloe picked up the ketchup, then poured some
on her plate so she could dip her French fries.
“We are…”
Chloe narrowed her gaze. “But? I can hear the hesitation in your voice.”
Ignoring her hamburger, which meant she had to be upset about
something, she glanced at her sister. “Do you have any idea how long it’s
been since I went out on a date?” Her stomach twisted at the thought.
Chloe picked up a fry and dipped it into the ketchup. “Umm…I guess I
hadn’t given it any thought. I know you’ve been busy with Leah and your
charity but—”
“Nick,” Aurora said, interrupting Chloe. “That night with Nick was the
last time I had sex,” she blurted out.
She had been out on a date—once—since Nick. She and the guy had
gone back to his place and made out, but when he realized she had a kid—
courtesy of a babysitter’s phone call with a question—he couldn’t get rid of
Aurora fast enough.
And her first time? That had been with some guy from high school in
the backseat of his car. She hadn’t even been one hundred percent sure he’d
gotten all the way inside her before he came. Eew. Why was she thinking
about that now?
Chloe dropped her French fry back on the plate. “Oh jeez.”
“Right. And now I’m supposed to go out with the father of my child,
who has made it pretty damned clear he’s interested in me.” Aurora sighed.
“I’ve been on my own my entire life. It was hard enough to let you guys in.
How in the world can I trust Nick?” She finished off her mimosa and let out
a long breath. “Did I mention he doesn’t even have a home? Forget a house,
but not even an apartment. He travels from city to city and stays in family
hotels.”
Chloe winced. “That’s hard.” She signaled for the server and the woman
walked over. “Can I help you?” she asked.
“Two more mimosas, please.” Chloe asked.
“Of course.” The server walked away.
“Another drink will help,” Chloe said, glancing at Aurora. “Now you’re
going to listen to me. I understand your fear. Remember how Beck and I
met? Dumped bride, remember? But sometimes the scariest things turn out
to be the best things that ever happen to you. We can agree that it’ll be good
for Leah to have her dad in her life, right?”
“Yes? But what do we know about Nick? The man is basically a
transient. Realistically, how can he be in her life in a way she can count on?
And he’s a chick magnet.” A hot, sexy man she wanted to climb like a tree.
But that wouldn’t be happening because she and Nick needed to co-parent
and she had a plan for her life that did not include a man.
She needed stability and could now provide it for herself and her
daughter. She was an independent woman and didn’t need anyone coming
in and out of their lives at a whim. Aurora knew she had an unhealthy fear
of abandonment, but eighteen years of anxiety couldn’t be undone
overnight.
“Sounds to me like you’re making excuses. Get to know him better, and
then decide if you want him in your life as anything more than Leah’s
father. And for heaven’s sake, clean out the cobwebs!”
“Eew!” Aurora cried out, then lowered her voice. “Eew. My batteryoperated boyfriend works just fine,” she said quietly. “And he stays in his
drawer where he belongs nor does he come with a list of demands. He’s
very reliable.”
Chloe raised her eyebrow. “He doesn’t hold you at night, either. I’m just
saying, try to be more openminded. And eat. Your burger is getting cold.”
“Fine.” Aurora picked up her food and took a bite, slowly chewing,
savoring the taste.
She thought about Chloe and the point she’d been trying to make. Yes,
Aurora missed the feeling of having a man’s arms around her, the scent of
masculine cologne—Nick’s in particular. She also liked the appraising way
he looked at her, those gorgeous eyes darkening when he thought she
wasn’t paying attention. She felt the same quickening when she glanced at
him.
But it was one thing to have sex with a man she could blow off the next
day, and another to get involved with the father of her child. What if things
between her and Nick didn’t work out? Leah would be the one to suffer.
And Aurora couldn’t that that happen.
She had to admit that she was looking out for herself, too. She’d been
hurt enough as a child. Neglected, unwanted, ignored and thrown out on the
street as soon as she’d come of age. If she let him in, Nick would be in her
life forever. But she could’t deny him access to his child.
She took a deep breath, decision made. She’d go out with him, and tell
him all about his daughter, and anything else he wanted to know.
But she’d be sure to keep her distance.
That way, nobody would get hurt.
*
*
*
AFTER DROPPING LEAH off at school on Monday, Aurora’s next stop was the
boutique baby store in town. After all, she couldn’t walk into Dash and
Cassidy’s place empty-handed. She was sure baby Freddie wouldn’t want
for anything, so she picked out a few of her favorite items, things she’d
often used when Leah had been born.
By that point, Aurora’s fortunes had changed. She’d been living with
Melly and the woman had overwhelmed Aurora with the amount of baby
things she’d bought. Six weeks before, Aurora had been terrified she
wouldn’t be able to afford diapers and baby clothes. But that had all
changed when Linc found her. Melly had put a nursery together in her
home, giving Aurora her own wing with Leah. Aurora’s eyes filled at the
wonderful memories and the gratitude that was always with her. She would
never forget where she came from, nor would she ever take the life she had
now for granted.
She drove the hour and a half to East Hampton and pulled into the
driveaway of Dash’s house. Leaving all the gift bags in the car, she strode
up the front walk.
No sooner had she rung the bell, than Dash flung open the door. “I’m a
father!”
She laughed at his greeting. “Yes, you are. More importantly, how’s the
new mom and baby?” she asked, stepping past him and walking inside.
“They’re both perfect,” he said in a soft voice she rarely heard from her
rock star brother.
“Congratulations,” she murmured and pulled him into a hug.
He stepped back, a huge grin still on his face. She was so glad he’d
gotten a second chance with Cassidy.
“Cass is in the nursery, rocking the baby. You can go on in,” he said.
“I came bearing gifts, so you can unload the car.” She patted him on the
cheek, handed him her keys, and rushed to the nursery. She’d already seen
the room. She’d been there as they worked on getting it ready.
She stepped into the doorway. The new mom sat in a gliding rocking
chair, humming as she held her baby in her arms and patted him on the
back.
Aurora tapped lightly to let Cassidy know she was there. “There’s
nothing better in the world, is there?”
Cassidy glanced up and gave her a tired smile. “I didn’t know I had so
much love in me.”
Nodding in total understanding, Aurora walked into the room decorated
in soft, neutral pastels.
“Want to hold him?” Cassidy asked.
“You know I do. Let me wash up.” Aurora stepped into the attached
bathroom, soaped up her hands, rinsed and dried off. Then she returned and
gently scooped the tiny baby from his mom’s arms.
Aurora moved the blanket that bundled Freddie so she could get a better
look at his tiny face. “Oh, he’s so sweet.” Leaning down, she kissed his
forehead, inhaling his baby scent.
Cassidy rose to her feet, wincing as she moved.
Aurora remembered the pain well, too. “If you want to go shower, take
a nap, hang with Dash, or just eat something, I can stay for a couple of
hours. I don’t mind giving you a break.”
Cassidy sighed. “I’d love a shower. Dash was going to take over for me,
but knowing you’re here…”
“I get it. There’s a steep learning curve and no manual.” She glanced at
Freddie and smiled. “I’ll just sit in the chair and enjoy him.”
“You can put him in the bassinet in our bedroom if you get tired. Thank
you,” Cassidy said. She walked to the door and turned. “I may be
overwhelmed with all things baby, but I heard you have news—Nick Dare
was the one who had you running away at the premiere?”
“I didn’t run…not exactly. I was in shock. I’m sure Chloe filled you in,
right?” Aurora asked.
Cassidy nodded. “The major points.”
“Nick is Leah’s father?” Dash asked, joining them. “Do I need to kick
some Dare ass?”
Aurora straightened her shoulders. “No!” Obviously, Chloe hadn’t told
them everything. “I didn’t know his last name when we… It wasn’t his
fault. I had no way of finding him once I realized I was pregnant.” She drew
a deep breath. “And now you know everything.”
“Except whether or not he’s going to step up.” Dash reached for his son.
Aurora handed the infant over and smiled at her big, bad, rock star
brother holding the tiny baby. Then she met his gaze and turned serious.
“Nick and I are handling things. There’s no need for you to get involved.”
“If you need back up, you call me,” Dash ordered.
As much as Aurora wanted to argue with his tone, she knew it came
from a good place—one of caring. “I can handle him. But thank you
anyway.” She kissed his cheek. “Now give me back that baby so I can
cuddle him. You go spend some time with your wife.”
Dash nodded. “Let me change him and he’s all yours.”
And that told her all she needed to know about how hands-on this daddy
rock star would be.
*
THE
REST OF
*
*
the week hadn’t been as much fun as the baby visit had been.
Aurora wondered if she’d survive long enough to host Leah’s party. Her
daughter was so excited, it was hard for Aurora to get anything done. Every
night, Leah bounced around as if she’d eaten a plateful of pure sugar and
putting her to bed each night wasn’t easy.
Thanks to kindergarten and it being Mark’s day for pick up, Aurora was
able to go to the office. Her charity, Future Fast Track, FFT for short,
provided housing for kids like herself who had nowhere to go. Even now,
Linc was looking into finding a building and she was trying to figure out
how they could manage it.
But her charity provided a lot more than just a place to stay. It also
offered skills training, education and support, with the goal of helping these
kids become self-sufficient adults. The charity also aided them in making
connections, to help them in avenues of employment or education.
Since she couldn’t help every foster child in the country, she’d started in
Nassau County where she’d lived. The main requirement to qualify was that
the young person had to have remained in the foster care system until
his/her eighteenth birthday. Then Aurora and her partners—Sasha, Cassidy
and the assistant she’d hired, Billie Coale, once a foster child herself—
worked to get them help.
Today had been a good day and Aurora arrived home, planning to grab a
snack before she picked up Leah from Mark’s.
But instead of being able to grab a few minutes of peace and something
to eat, Aurora came home to chaos. An unfamiliar landscape truck was
parked out front and she walked around back to see what was going on.
Three men were constructing a white wooden playhouse with a pink door—
an impressive looking full-size playhouse that had to have cost a fortune.
She shook her head and glanced around, immediately catching sight of
Nick. Wearing a pair of jeans, a gray t-shirt with muscles bulging from the
sleeves, his face covered with scruff, and sunglasses over his eyes, he
looked scrumptious and very, very kissable.
He also had an overly satisfied expression on his face that wiped out her
desire and replaced the feeling with fury.
“She’s going to love it, right?” He gestured to the house in progress. “It
has a fake kitchen with a sink, stovetop, and utensils. There’s a doorbell that
rings. And the sign with her name on it will be ready by the time of her
party.”
The sound of hammers echoed throughout the yard. Her neighbors
probably wanted to throttle her. Oh God. Had Leah seen this from next
door? “Are you kidding me?” she asked him, now riled up enough to let
him have it. Had he even heard what she’d told him?
“Excuse me.” A man Aurora hadn’t noticed, walked over to Nick. “I’m
the electrician. The guys said to speak to you about porch lights?” The guy
pointed to the playhouse, which had mini light fixtures on either side of the
front door.
A squeak escaped Aurora’s throat and Nick had the good grace to wince
before facing the man. “Tom is the contractor,” Nick said. “He’s the guy in
the baseball hat. He’ll work with you on whatever you need.”
“Thanks.” The man strode across the lawn to find Tom.
Aurora glared at Nick. “Inside, now.” Without waiting, she spun and
walked around front so she could let herself in.
He followed and once she’d turned off the alarm, she put her purse
down on the couch in the family room. She’d tried counting to ten and
back, but it didn’t make a dent in her fury.
Doing her best to remain calm, she turned to face him, finding him way
too close. It was difficult to really let into him when all she wanted to do
was grab him and kiss him senseless.
“Nick, I said to buy her a plastic playhouse, not an actual house that
needed construction!”
He nodded. “I get that. I do. But every little girl would love a place like
that to play in.”
She opened her mouth to argue but he held up a hand and she let him
continue.
“Soon enough, Leah is going to find out I’m her father. I’d like her to
know I didn’t just bring any old present but something special.” He looked
at her with pleading eyes.
She sighed, understanding his need to make up for lost time but this
wasn’t the way to go about it. “You’ve seen Leah. She’s an easygoing kid.
She already likes you, Mr. Nick.” She couldn’t help the grin lifting her lips.
He laughed. “You’re right. I’m just nervous I’m going to screw things
up, so I figured a grand gesture would hide my flaws.”
Dammit. Just when she’d worked up a healthy, well-deserved dose of
anger, he’d had to open himself up and let his vulnerability show. She
sighed. “You don’t need a grand gesture, and you definitely don’t need to
buy her love. She’s going to be thrilled just to have a father.”
That was definitely true. Kindergarten had been fairly easy on Aurora.
Mark helped her out now and then, and there were other children at school
with different kind of families. There’d been one or two awkward events
where she’d had to ask one of her brothers to step in—the daddy/daughter
picnic for one—but overall, she’d managed.
“You’re saying I went overboard. But since the playhouse is already
up…” Nick said in a tone that all but begged her to let the house stay.
“Yes, Nick. You went overboard.” She burst out laughing, mainly to
keep from crying.
Just as she’d thought, Nick Dare was going to be impossible to control.
*
NICK
HAD FIGURED
*
*
giving Leah a real playhouse might be risky. But hell,
he’d had to pay through the nose to have it delivered and installed in a
ridiculously short period of time. Still, it was worth it. It wasn’t every day
he got to make a first impression on his daughter.
Or his daughter’s mother.
The sight of Aurora, in her black slacks that narrowed to sexy high
heels and a beige camisole that outlined her full breasts, hit him harder than
he’d have believed. He’d fallen for the young girl in jeans and a tee-shirt,
and was equally attracted to the woman in the designer clothes.
He stepped closer, the heat of her body calling to him. “I can’t believe
we have a daughter.”
Her eyes grew damp. “I know. I’d have told you if I’d known how to
find you.”
He nodded. He wasn’t angry at her. “I wish I’d been there for you
through it all.”
She managed a smile. “Well, you’re here now, so I guess we’ll have to
make the most of it.”
Reaching out, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and she shivered
at his touch. “Does that mean the playhouse stays?” he asked.
Her light laughter caused warmth to settle in his chest.
“Yes, the playhouse can stay.”
“I appreciate it. And I’ll make sure I come to the party early to help you
out.” Leah might not know Nick was her father yet, but he was, and it was
time for him to step up.
Her surprised gaze met his. “That’s sweet, but I hired a company to
bring tables and chairs. They’ll take care of setting up. But I’m sure I’ll be
able to put you to good use.”
Unfortunately, he was going to be leaving tomorrow for a pre-planned
trip to L.A. to surprise the manager there who had been dropping the ball
lately, so he wouldn’t be around to offer that much help. He wasn’t sure
how to tell Aurora about his plans but he figured she’d understand he
needed to work. And he intended to be at her place early, the day of the
party.
“How many people are you having that you need that kind of set-up?”
he asked.
She laughed and he loved the sound. “Are you forgetting how big my
family is?”
“Right. Crazily enough, mine’s even bigger.”
Those words hung between them in a way he hadn’t planned.
“Nick, I’m sorry. I’m sure you want them here, but we need to go slow.
For Leah’s sake.”
“I get it.” He nodded, agreeing with her as much as he hated the fact
that it would be another year before his family could celebrate his
daughter’s birthday.
“Thank you.” Her gaze met his.
They stood within kissing distance, her head tipped towards him, and
the urge to close the gap and fasten his lips over hers was strong. One
wrong move could tip the scales. He could bring her closer or scare her
away.
While an internal war waged inside his mind, his body knew what it
wanted. Instinct had always served him well, so he slid his hand behind her
neck, pulled her close and sealed his mouth over hers. Her lips were soft
and parted immediately, allowing him to slip his tongue inside. Pleasure and
desire mixed, consuming him, and confirming this woman belonged with
him. And now, he just had to prove it to her.
He rubbed his tongue against hers and a low moan escaped her throat.
The sound went straight to his cock, but doing anything about that would be
acting too soon. If he took advantage of their desire now, she’d have plenty
of second thoughts later.
“Mommy! Is that playhouse for me!”
Aurora jumped out of his arms just as Leah came bounding in through
the front door.
“Hey, honey! What are you doing here? I thought you were with Mimi.”
Her cheeks flushed, Aurora took another step away from Nick.
“She saw all the commotion outside and insisted on coming home to
find out what was going on.” Mark, the douche neighbor, walked in behind
Leah. A little girl with long brown hair, who Nick assumed was his
daughter, skipped in beside him.
“Mr. Nick!” Leah yelled.
“I think asking her to use her inside voice is pointless at the moment,”
Aurora said to Nick, her eyes lighting up at the sight of their daughter.
Nick grinned at the bouncing ball of energy. “Hi, Leah.”
“Is the house mine, Mommy?” She stared up at Aurora with hopeful
eyes.
Aurora looked to Nick and nodded. “It’s a birthday gift from Nick,
honey. What do you say?”
“Thank you!” she yelled.
Aurora rolled her eyes. “Okay, now that the surprise is over, how about
you lower your voice, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy. Can me and Mimi go play in it?” she asked much more
quietly.
Nick shook his head, visions of her getting hurt on the pieces of wood
and scattered nails flashing through his mind. “You need to wait until the
men finish putting it together. Right now, it’s not safe to play in.”
Nick felt Mark’s heavy stare. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he
stood and glared back.
“Girls, why don’t you go play in Leah’s room?” Aurora suggested,
obviously not missing the tension in the room.
The two kids ran out, leaving the three adults alone.
“That’s some gift,” Mark said, glancing between Aurora and Nick.
Nick narrowed his gaze, assessing the man. Aurora had said Mark was
nothing but a neighbor but his jealousy was obvious. Nick set his jaw,
determined not to piss off Aurora by getting into it with the other man.
“Yes, it is.” Though ‘It’s a present for my daughter, asshole,’ was what
Nick really wanted to say.
“Especially from an old friend,” Mark said.
Nick narrowed his gaze. “Your point?” He wanted nothing more than to
inform this neighbor that he was Leah’s father but it was Aurora’s decision
who to tell and when.
Aurora stepped forward, putting herself between the two men
“Whatever this male bullshit is…” She gestured between them. “Let’s not
do it with the girls in the other room.”
God, her take-charge attitude turned him on, but Nick couldn’t help
being glad that her anger wasn’t aimed his way.
She stepped back and glanced at Mark. “I don’t think Nick’s gift is
anyone’s business but his.”
The other man’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I just meant…”
He shook his head. “Never mind.”
“Thank you for picking up Leah and keeping her at your house this
afternoon,” she said, her voice taking on a sweeter tone that had Nick
grinding his teeth. “Mimi is welcome to stay for dinner.”
Mark shook his head. “I promised her we’d go out for pizza. I’ll go grab
her and we’ll get going.” He stalked off in the direction the girls had gone.
Knowing when to shut his mouth, Nick remained silent until Mark and
his daughter had left and Aurora had shut the door behind them.
Since it was quiet, he assumed Leah was still in her room and used the
time to corner Aurora. “I didn’t mean for things to get awkward.”
She sighed. “I’ve never seen Mark act like that before.”
“Has he ever had male competition before?”
She sucked in an audible breath. “That’s not…not what you are…or
what he is,” she said, wringing her hands and obviously flustered.
“Oh, I beg to differ.” The man wanted Aurora and he lived next door.
And that made what Nick was about to tell her even harder. But he knew
better than to push her. Early days, he reminded himself.
She shook her head. “It’s too quiet. I should check on Leah,” she said,
changing the subject.
“One second. I need to tell you something first.”
She raised her brows. “What is it?”
He shoved his hands into his front pockets. “I’m going to be away for a
few days on business, but I’ll be back in plenty of time to help you get
ready for Leah’s party.”
Upon hearing the news, she froze, her body stiff before shaking off
whatever was bothering her. “Oh. Okay. Good to know.” She stepped back.
“Like I said, I need to check on Leah. Can I let you out so I can lock up
first?”
“Yeah, sure.” He was uneasy as she led him to the door. Before she
could grab the handle, he turned to her. “Aurora, I am coming back.”
“So you said.”
“But you don’t believe me?” Her sudden stiff demeanor told him his
leaving had hit a nerve. He knew she’d had a tough life but obviously he
needed to learn more so he could understand her triggers better.
She stepped away from his touch and he felt the loss. She was nothing
like the woman who’d just melted in his arms.
“I believe you,” she said. “And I understand that you have to work. All I
ask is that you don’t make promises to Leah that you can’t keep.”
If he hadn’t had a good idea of how deep her distrust ran, he’d have
been insulted. “I wouldn’t do that.” But her history had obviously taught her
differently.
If he was going to reach her, he needed to find out more about her past.
Was it foster care that had made her so wary or something more? He needed
to get her to confide in him, to trust him. And once she did, he hoped he’d
manage to break down the walls she kept so high.
She stepped aside and opened the door. “Have a safe trip.”
He brushed his knuckles over her cheek, ignoring the sheen coating her
eyes. Oh yeah, he’d brought up some deep-seated issues. “I’ll be calling.
Facetiming and texting you, too.”
She treated him to a brittle smile. “I’ll let Leah know.”
“It’s not all about Leah,” he said in a serious tone. “Have a good week.
You’ll be hearing from me.” Knowing she needed space, he opened the
door and forced himself to walk out.
Chapter Five
N
ICK’S FEW DAYS
away had turned into almost two weeks. The time had
dragged by, and though Aurora hated to admit it, she’d missed him. With
the time difference, as well as the long meetings he’d been in, and dinners
he’d had to attend, it had been hard for them to touch base very often, or
have any kind of meaningful conversation when they did. Aurora took it as
a sign—this was how things would be if she ever tried to have a real
relationship with him.
As for Leah, Nick called during dinner so he could talk to her every day.
Although he made the effort for Leah, Aurora felt like an afterthought. She
ought to be used to feeling that way—she’d endured enough broken
promises in her life. And really, all that mattered was that he be there for his
daughter. Every little girl deserved for her parents to care. Aurora might
have been young, but she vividly remembered her mother dropping her off
at her grandmother’s house—for good. Her mother had promised to visit,
but she never had.
When Aurora’s grandmother died and her mother never reappeared,
she’d put aside any fantasies she’d held of ever seeing her mother again.
Every foster parent had assured her she’d have a place to stay, but too often
that hadn’t been the case. Either the kids already living in the house hadn’t
wanted her there and picked fights so the frustrated parents gave up and
asked to have Aurora re-homed, or she was sent away for some other
bullshit reason.
Aurora’s daughter deserved more than someone who’d be in and out of
her life, calling himself daddy. Though phone calls were a poor substitute
for Nick’s presence, at least he’d kept his promises to their daughter. As for
Aurora, it was better she saw now how things with Nick would be, before
she’d let her heart get involved. Leah’s party was in a few days and she
hoped Nick showed up as promised.
On the Thursday before the party, Aurora walked into FFT’s office and
found Billie at her desk, pouring over spreadsheets.
“Good morning!” Aurora stopped and dropped her bag onto a nearby
chair. “How goes it?” she asked the pretty girl with pink hair and black
framed glasses.
Billie slid her chair back and smiled. “Pretty good! You know how we
discussed the fact that so many of the kids we’re able to get jobs end up
being fired due to lack of experience or whatever other situation they’re
dealing with?”
Aurora nodded, lowering herself into the other chair. “It’s definitely
been an issue.”
“Well, as you suggested, I did some research. There’s a charity in Texas
who had the same issues. So they decided to open a café—one that hired
kids who were still in the system, allowing them to train ahead of time.”
“I remember seeing something about that café on a news show.” Aurora
leaned forward in her seat. “Tell me more about it.”
Billie glanced at the computer and scrolled down the screen. “La La
Land Café has an eight-week internship where the kids learn life skills.
They’re mentored, so they have someone to support them, and they’re
taught customer service, as well as other on-the-job training. The only issue
is that not everyone wants to work in the service industry.” Billie glanced at
Aurora. “So they created an outreach program to encourage other
businesses to do the same thing. This gives the kids a better chance of
succeeding in the real world.” Billie’s light blue eyes gleamed with
excitement.
Aurora mulled over the explanation and how it could apply to what FFT
already had in place. “You’re suggesting we set up something similar, find
businesses where skills can be learned before the kids get into the world
after foster care.”
Billie pointed a pen at her and grinned. “Bingo.”
“So we’d have to reach out to schools in order to find applicable kids.”
Billie nodded. “That’s what I’ve been doing. Creating a list of schools,
contacts, and businesses in each area.”
“That’s great. Brilliant idea, Billie!” Aurora had been so lucky that
Billie had answered her employment ad two years ago. The young woman
was currently twenty-two years old, and had a smart, go-getter personality.
She was a huge asset to FFT, and Aurora knew it. “I’ll run it by the board
and see if there are any employers we currently work with, who might want
to participate.”
Billie beamed at Aurora’s acceptance of her idea. Her board consisted
of herself, Sasha, Cassidy and a couple of benefactors her brother Linc had
vouched for when Aurora had created her charity.
Leaving Billie to her research, Aurora went into her office and made
some business calls. Several hours passed and she was getting ready to
leave so she could stop home before she picked up Leah, when Facetime
rang on her phone.
She glanced at the corresponding screen on her laptop, shocked to see
Nick’s name. She immediately accepted the call and his face appeared.
“Hey, gorgeous.”
Her body warmed at the name. “Hi, yourself.” She’d intended to be cool
to him and treat him as casually as he’d treated her but one glance at his
handsome, clean-shaven face and she knew there was more going on than
she’d realized.
He looked tired. The whites of his eyes were bloodshot and the crinkle
lines around them were more pronounced. Despite feeling forgotten earlier,
she couldn’t help but worry about him now. It made it hard to keep an
emotional distance when she wanted to reach through the screen and rub the
frown lines away.
“Where are you?” he asked. “I don’t recognize the background.
She glanced behind her desk at the large water color she’d chosen for
the wall. “In my office at Future Fast Track. It’s the charity I run.” They
hadn’t talked much about the parts of her day-to-day life that didn’t involve
Leah.
“Tell me about your work there,” he urged.
She shook her head, knowing now wasn’t the time. “Nick, you look
exhausted. Is everything okay out there?”
He groaned. “I’m having some staffing issues. I had to fire the manager
and I’ve been working around the clock to put things in order. I’m still not
sure whether I want to hire from within the company or bring in someone
from the outside.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” she murmured.
He shrugged and ran his hand through his thick hair. “I’m much more
interested in your life than the shit going on here. I already know Leah’s
doing well. I talk to her every night. Tell me about the work you do with
your charity.”
Since that was an easy question and something she was passionate
about, she dove into the answer, explaining the reason she’d created FFT,
what its purpose was and Billie’s new angle. Nick asked questions, she
answered them, and before she knew it, she’d been talking for almost half
an hour about her job. She trailed off, suddenly embarrassed.
“Wow. That was a lot. I’m sorry. I’m sure you simply asked to be polite.
I tend to get carried away when it comes to this subject,” she said, feeling
the heat in her cheeks.
His gaze bore into hers. “I think you’re pretty damned amazing, giving
back the way you do.”
His admiration made her feel good. “It’s so rare for someone like me to
ever be in this position, going from rags to riches. I need to give back.”
He nodded in understanding. “You told me Linc came to Florida. How
did he find out about you?”
She stilled. She couldn’t believe how much she’d already confided in
him, but something about the distance between them made it easier for her
to open up. But talking about this? It was beyond humiliating, something
she’d hidden in her mind. She wasn’t sure she could admit it out loud.
He leaned forward, as if to see her better, and she focused her gaze on
his lips, which only served to remind her the man knew how to kiss. God,
she was so conflicted about him. Not about their attraction but about her
ability to trust anyone after what had been done to her.
“Aurora, come on. Talk to me.”
She closed her eyes and sighed. “Okay.”
*
*
*
NICK HAD HAD it with this extended trip. How the shit going on in this hotel
had gone unreported was beyond him. He’d thought he’d simply fly in to
fire the manager, expecting the assistant manager to step up and take over,
or at least buy him time to hire someone more qualified. Only it turned out
the lack of good leadership at the managerial level had trickled down to all
aspects of the hotel. He’d spent hours meeting with employees in all of the
departments and he was exhausted.
Although he’d made time to speak to Leah every night while she had
dinner, he knew in his gut he’d been neglecting speaking to Aurora alone.
He’d wanted to call her each night but his family business kept him busy.
Dirty Dare Vodka, though Asher’s baby, was something each sibling looked
after. Investors needed wining and dining and since Nick was in town,
Asher had asked him to handle it.
He had a free hour now and he’d called her, hoping they could catch up.
He hadn’t expected things to turn so personal. Maybe some distance was
what they’d needed for her to feel comfortable enough to talk to him. And if
that meant he’d make headway with the emotional walls she’d erected, he’d
take it.
He’d been sitting in a chair in his hotel room, but moved to the bed to
get more comfortable, propped his iPad on his lap and settled in to listen.
Looking gorgeous for work, her long blonde hair hung over one
shoulder in a long braid and she had a full face of makeup, though he liked
her just as much, if not more, without any. Hell, he just plain liked her,
though he suspected the feelings floating inside him were already
something more than that.
“How did Linc find out about me?” She repeated his question and he
remained silent, not wanting to say anything that might make her clam up.
“When Kenneth Kingston…I can’t bring myself to call him my father, died
of a heart attack, Linc was the one who’d looked after his estate. I guess the
man was old school, at least in his dealings with my mother.” Her mouth
twisted at the word. “Linc found eighteen years’ worth of canceled checks
written to Tiffany Michaels.”
“Your mother,” Nick said, because it was obvious.
Aurora nodded. “Linc hired a private investigator, who tracked her
down.” She shifted in her seat and drew a deep breath. “My whole life, I
thought she was dead.” She looked Nick straight in the face. “Why else
wouldn’t she have come for me after my grandmother died?”
Nick’s chest squeezed tight. The pain in her voice, and her expression,
gutted him. He was furious at himself for asking her about this when he
couldn’t comfort her in person. He needed to hold her in his arms and
soothe her pain, not have a screen and the entire country between them.
“I’m sorry, baby.”
She closed her eyes and damned if a tear didn’t leak from one eye. She
grabbed a tissue from the side of her desk and dabbed at it, her cheeks
flushed with what he sensed was embarrassment. Dammit.
“Do you want to stop talking about this?” he asked in a gruff voice. “I
never should have pushed you.”
She shook her head. “I’d rather get it over with.”
He nodded but his jaw was clenched so hard, he thought for sure he’d
crack his teeth. “I’m here.”
He forced out the words, feeling inadequate. But he’d started this
conversation and her pain was worse than his.
She sniffed and twirled her braid around her hand. “I guess it’s obvious
at this point. My mother accepted monthly child support checks, cashed
them, and used them to live her best life.”
Nick ran a hand over his face. “She admitted this?”
Aurora nodded. “She didn’t want to be saddled with a child. Apparently,
Kenneth wanted her to get an abortion. But she refused because she knew
he’d pay her to keep silent. He didn’t want his wife finding out about me.”
He blew out a harsh breath. “What about after your grandmother died?
I’m sure the state tried to contact one of them?”
Her eyes filled again and she dabbed at the corners with the already
damp tissue. “My mother didn’t want me. She refused to take me and
signed off on all parental rights. And I guess part of the financial agreement
between Kenneth and my mother was that he not be named on the birth
certificate. So, to all appearances, I had no parents, so I went into foster
care.”
“Fuck.”
“The story gets uglier, so buckle up,” she muttered.
God, he was an asshole. “I’m listening,” he said in as comforting a
voice as possible.
Aurora drew a deep breath before speaking. “A year or so before he
died, Kenneth paid my mother a visit, informing her he wouldn’t pay her
another dime after I turned eighteen. God knows why he even cared at this
point. I mean he’d already been shelling out money for so long and he could
afford to do it forever.”
Nick waited for her to gather her thoughts and continue.
Eventually, she shrugged her shoulders. “When Kenneth found my
mother, he discovered she hadn’t been raising me at all. So I’m sure that
made him feel even more justified in cutting off her funds immediately.
After all, why wait for my birthday?”
His jaw hurt from how hard he’d been clenching it. “I assume your
mother didn’t take that well?”
“No.” Aurora picked up a pen and began rolling it between her palms,
as if to calm herself down.
Once again, his need to touch and comfort her was almost
overwhelming but there was nothing he could do.
“According to Linc, Kenneth had been suffering from early dementia
and had begun making erratic, secret deals, things Linc couldn’t understand
when he discovered them after Kenneth’s death. So maybe deciding to visit
my mother had just been one of those impulses. Or maybe he just wanted to
exert some control over her. But he failed. My mother threatened to tell his
wife about me.”
Nick’s stomach churned even more. “Something tells me your mother
wasn’t his only mistress. Tiffany would be opening a huge can of worms for
your father if she told his wife.”
Aurora nodded, curling her hands around that pen. Nick knew
something bad was coming. “I was seventeen when Kenneth went to see
her,” she said softly.
He closed his eyes as the threads of the story came together. “You were
still in the system.” Anger like he’d never felt before filled his veins. That
mother fucking son of a bitch had left his daughter in foster care.
Nick didn’t care if it was just one year more. Anyone with a shred of
humanity would have rescued their child and given her a home.
“Neither of my parents wanted me.” Her soft voice carved a hole in his
chest. “Do you have any idea what it would have meant to me if he’d taken
me home when he found out my mother wasn’t raising me? I’d still have
been angry he hadn’t wanted me all those years before, but at least I’d have
known someone cared enough to pull me out of that awful foster care
system.”
Nick wanted to throw his iPad across the room, do something that
would make him feel less impotent. But this wasn’t about him.
“Aurora?”
She refocused her wet gaze on his.
“Thank you for telling me.”
She nodded. “I wanted you to know why I’m so adamant about Leah
being raised by parents who not only love her, but who she can count on.”
A smile pulled at his mouth. Leave it to her to make this about their
daughter. But he also understood why. Shifting the focus allowed Aurora to
think about something other than the pain of being unwanted and unloved.
It also let her keep those walls high. She couldn’t bring herself to trust him
because she feared he’d hurt or abandon her the way the two people who
were supposed to protect her had done. And he still didn’t know what foster
care had actually been like for her. Something told him he wouldn’t enjoy
that story any better than he’d liked this one.
She cleared her throat. “So that’s how Linc found me,” she said, as if
she could end the story and move on, emotional barriers in place.
Nick knew better. Armed with knowledge, he knew what he was up
against. “Baby, I need you to hear me.”
She met his gaze. Though she looked more vulnerable than he’d ever
seen her, she was even more beautiful to him.
“You’re strong and brave and you’ve had to rely on yourself for far too
long.” Linc may have swooped in and made her life better, but inside she
was still that unwanted little girl. “It’s going to take a while for you to
realize it, but I’m in your life for good.”
A genuine smile lit her face. “I know you’re going to be a good father
and I believe you when you say Leah can count on you. I know you’ll do
your best.”
Once again, she was making it all about Leah. And he got it. She
figured he’d do his best, which in her mind wasn’t good enough, because
she was talking to him through a tablet screen. He wasn’t there, in New
York, with the woman and child he wanted to make his family. Sure, there
were parents who traveled for work, but those people had been in their
child’s life from the beginning. Aurora’s life experience had skewed her
view of just about every aspect of life.
Nick needed to wrap things up in California or pull in someone else to
handle the hiring.
He wanted to be home with his girls.
*
AURORA’S
TALK WITH
*
*
Nick had left her shaken and feeling as though she’d
opened a vein and bled out in front of him. But she didn’t have time to
dwell on it. She had to focus on Leah. And before she knew it, Saturday had
arrived and Nick was at her door, showing up an hour before Leah’s party.
She’d welcomed him and he’d brushed a kiss on her cheek, his touch
leaving her tingling. Then she led him to the cluttered kitchen, where party
favors sat in a basket on the counter, and bowls of food filled the table.
After catching her breath, she turned to face him. In his jeans and
collared Polo shirt, he looked mouth-wateringly sexy. He was still clean
shaven and she couldn’t decide if she preferred this look or a little less tidy,
with the scruff she’d imagined scraping her skin as he kissed his way down
her stomach… Her sex pulsed and she shivered, realizing just where her
thoughts had gone.
Shit! How could she let her mind wander like that? Obviously shredding
her soul hadn’t stopped her from wanting him.
“Are you okay? You’re flushed.” Nick reached out and brushed his hand
over her warm cheek.
“Fine.” She mentally shook herself. Her goal was to co-parent, not ogle
him. “I’m fine.”
He eyed her warily then nodded. “Good. Okay then, why don’t you put
me to work.”
“There’s really not much to do. You can help me bring out the chips and
M&M’s bowls, and put them on the tables outside, to start with.” She
pointed to the purple and turquoise snack bowls—their color matching the
Ariel-themed party.
“Where’s Leah?” Nick asked.
“I left her watching The Little Mermaid. I’m trying to stall putting on
her dress until right before the party. She’s been begging to use her
playhouse for the last two weeks but I wanted to save it for today. I’m lucky
she’s mesmerized by the movie or I wouldn’t have been able to get ready
this morning.”
She’d have been lying if she said she hadn’t had Nick in mind when
picking out the tight olive green, glossy leggings she wore, with a matching
sleeveless tank that flared at the waist with cutouts on one shoulder. The
casual outfit was perfect for an outdoor party and if she was cool, she had a
matching jacket.
But Nick’s arrival had caught her by surprise, and she was dressed only
in the tank top and leggings. He looked so hot, her body had reacted and she
felt her nipples harden with need. She turned away and got busy sorting the
food, hoping he wouldn’t notice.
He strode up behind her and she felt his warmth at her back. “What are
you serving from the food truck out front?” he asked, his breath warm in
her ear.
She shivered at his nearness. “Pizza and pasta for the kids. A couple of
other choices for the adults. The kids are pretty young, so most of the
parents will be staying.”
He brushed her hair off her neck and his lips lingered on her skin. Her
body, already prickling with awareness, lit up even more and despite her
best efforts, a low moan of pleasure escaped her throat.
“Nick, this isn’t a good idea.” But she couldn’t bring herself to move
away. He smelled so good. A musky scent teased her senses and tempted
her to turn around and bury her face in his neck, breathing it in deep.
“Relax,” he said in a gruff voice. “I just want to be close to you.”
Dammit. How could that come out so sweet when her entire body was
on fire?
“How did your family take the news about me?” he asked. “Am I going
to be dealing with barely-veiled brotherly threats all day?” His hands slid
onto her hips.
“Probably.” She let out a laugh. “But Dash and Cassidy are home with
their newborn.”
“No worries. I came prepared to ease their concerns.” He reached
around her and picked an M&M from a bowl.
The act caused him to lean against her and the hard length of his
erection settled against her back. She swallowed hard. “How did your
family take the news about Leah?” she asked.
“I told Jade, my twin, in person. And the others heard pretty quickly
through the family grapevine. Everyone can’t wait to meet her.” He lifted
his hand. “Open your mouth.”
She obeyed, which pissed her off, and he popped the small chocolate
candy onto her tongue. She moved it around and began to chew. “God, I
love these,” she said as the chocolate melted in her mouth.
“I know. I bought you a packet from a small store on the beach,
remember?”
A lump settled in her throat. “I do.” It had been after they’d had dinner
and before they’d gone back to his hotel. “We took off our shoes and
walked along the water’s edge as I ate them.”
He’d held her hand and she’d asked him questions about college.
Knowing she’d never be able to experience it for herself, she’d been curious
about what life was like without burdens and worries. She’d known, even
then, that they had no future.
“Mommy! Can I put my party dress on yet?” Leah came bounding into
the kitchen at her usual speed and volume. She stopped at the sight of him.
“Mr. Nick!”
“I think the mister has to go,” he said, chuckling into Aurora’s ear.
Aurora grinned at that. She drew a deep breath and turned to her
daughter. “I’ll come help you get dressed, and Nick can carry the bowls
outside. And Leah, you can just call him Nick. Mr. Nick isn’t necessary.”
She met his gaze and saw the longing in his expression. He wanted to
tell Leah who he was to her. Aurora knew it and understood.
Maybe after the party today. She touched his hand. “Soon, okay? I
promise.”
He nodded, his expression softening before he turned to their daughter.
“Hi, Leah. Are you excited for your big day?”
Her eyes lit up. “I’m so excited!” she shouted.
“Let’s go get you dressed. Nick, the door leads right out to the
backyard. Can you put one of each bowl on every table? Thanks!” Taking
Leah’s hand, Aurora walked to her room where she’d kept the dress to
protect it from grabby hands.
As she walked with her daughter, she allowed herself to relax a little,
grateful for some breathing room away from all that was Nick.
*
AURORA
HAD INTRODUCED
*
*
Nick to her family before taking off to greet the
girls who were arriving with their parents. Even though Nick had joked
about her brothers giving him shit, he knew what to expect, and was
prepared. After all, if some guy had knocked up Jade and showed up six
years later—even if he hadn’t known of the baby’s existence—Nick would
be pissed.
He spent the day being grilled by sibling after sibling; Xander, the
former Marine and current bestselling author and screenwriter, Chloe, the
other sister in the Kingston family, and most politely, by Melly Kingston,
Aurora’s surrogate mother. Chloe and her husband, Beck, had a two-yearold daughter, Whitney, who clung to her father’s legs, while Jordan and
Linc’s son, Jasper, who was almost six, had joined the kids. Leah seemed to
look up to her cousin and followed him around, causing Nick to grin.
Meanwhile, he patiently answered their questions, all of them leading
up to what his intentions were when it came to both Leah and Aurora. He’d
told them his relationship with Aurora was between them, but as for Leah?
Well, he planned to be in his daughter’s life. They all seemed satisfied with
his answers but he knew they were watching him. He could feel their gazes
on the back of his neck.
As he met Aurora’s family, Nick kept an eye on his daughter, watching
her run around with her friends and enjoy the playhouse he’d had built. The
structure took up a massive amount of space and something about making
his mark on the place Aurora and his daughter lived pleased him.
Though Nick wanted to catch Aurora and talk, she was busy making the
rounds between the parents she obviously knew, checking on the kids, and
making sure there was enough food and drink. That didn’t stop Mark from
sniffing after her all day, though, pissing Nick off and keeping him on edge.
Especially since he had the distinct feeling Aurora was avoiding him.
He had no doubt their short time together before Leah walked into the
kitchen had thrown her. Hell, he’d known they still had chemistry, but even
he’d been shocked at the way he felt when he was with her. The sensation
was unlike anything he’d ever felt before, with any of the other women in
his life. And after the emotional reveal of her past, he couldn’t blame her if
she was shoring up her defenses.
He’d let her try. But he intended, slowly but surely, to break down each
one.
Leah, wearing a purple and teal princess dress, ran towards him and
before she could rush by, Nick snagged her under her arms and swung her
up so she sat in his arms. “Having fun, princess?”
She smiled wide. “Today is the best! I love my house.”
“I’m glad. What did you eat for lunch?” he asked.
“Pizza!”
“Did you save room for cake?”
She nodded. “Hi, Uncle Linc!” Leah cried out, waving excitedly.
“Hey, pretty girl.” Aurora’s brother reached out and tugged on her long
curls.
Linc was the only one who hadn’t yet confronted Nick, and he knew the
oldest brother would be the most difficult. After all, he’d been the one to
find his sister in the first place. It would make sense that he would be the
most protective of them all.
“Leah, do you want to go back to your friends so Uncle Linc and I can
talk?” Nick asked.
Linc raised an eyebrow. Obviously, he hadn’t expected Nick to man up
and deal with him directly.
“Okay, but will you be here when Ariel comes?” she asked.
Nick laughed. Little did Leah know that Nick had planned for Ariel to
have a ‘plus one’. “I wouldn’t miss it.” He set her down on her feet, and she
raced off again.
Nick turned to Linc. “Let’s have it,” he said, ready for this final
inquisition to be over with.
“She’s a great kid,” Linc said, arms folded across his chest.
Nick nodded. “I agree. I can’t wait to get to know her better.”
Linc, obviously the master of long silences, studied him. “My sister’s
done a great job raising her alone,” he said at last.
His wife, Jordan, a pretty woman with long, dark hair walked over in
time to hear his comment. “Really, Linc?” She grabbed his arm and
snuggled into his side. “You’re going to try and intimidate the man who
couldn’t possibly have known about Leah?”
Nick grinned. He liked Jordan already.
“Not the point,” Linc said through gritted teeth. “He’s got a reputation,
just like his brothers. And from what I’ve heard Harrison say, this one’s
motto is three dates and he’s out.”
Fucking swell. Harrison couldn’t have realized joking about Nick’s
dating history would come back to haunt Nick one day.
“I’ll tell you the same thing I told my brothers, and the women I’ve
asked out. I think it’s better to be honest, up front, than drag something out
when I know it won’t work. That said…you’re talking about my past.” He
glanced at Aurora, who was smiling at something Leah had said. “She’s my
future.”
He hadn’t planned on admitting that to anyone in her family but he had
a feeling that if he didn’t stake his claim, Linc would make his life damned
hard. And Nick already had his hands full dealing with Aurora’s
insecurities. He didn’t need her big brother interfering.
Linc eyed him warily but nodded, as if he accepted the pronouncement.
Not that his disapproval would stop Nick at all, but his pursuit would be
easier if Linc didn’t interfere. “Goes without saying, you hurt them, you
answer to me.”
Jordan grinned and rolled her eyes, patting her husband’s shoulder.
“If I hurt them, I’ll slit my own wrists,” Nick muttered.
“I like you,” Jordan said.
Nick grinned. “Gotta say, I like you, too.”
“That’s enough.” Linc pulled his wife tighter against him.
Still smiling, Nick glanced across the lawn in time to see Aurora at the
gated edge of the property, talking to a Disney princess. “I take it that’s
Ariel and Prince What’s His Name?” Nick asked.
“Prince Eric,” Jordan laughed. “You need to learn your princesses,
daddy.”
She might be amused but Nick took his role seriously. “Damn, I have a
lot to learn.”
“I thought Aurora said she’d only arranged for Ariel to come today.”
Jordan tipped her head to the side, watching the couple enter the yard.
Nick shrugged. “I might have asked Harrison to talk to Cassidy and find
out which company Aurora called. Leah’s got a thing for princes, too.”
“It’s Ariel and Prince Eric!” As if on cue, Leah shrieked and ran across
the lawn, a group of girls following behind her.
“Interesting.” Linc assessed Nick some more. Then, without warning,
he slapped him on the back, and taking Jordan’s hand, he walked away.
Nick started across the lawn, wanting to catch up with Aurora. He only
hoped she had a weakness for princes too.
Chapter Six
T
HE DAY HAD
been a success, Aurora thought. Prince Eric and Ariel had
joined everyone to sing happy birthday to Leah, who’d made a wish and
blown out the candles. Although Aurora had no time to talk to Nick, she
had thanked him for his contribution to the party. Of course, he’d made sure
his newfound daughter had her prince. It seemed they were going to have to
have a talk about not spoiling Leah, but Aurora still smiled at the thoughtful
gesture.
After what seemed like hours, but in reality, had only been another sixty
minutes, the cake had been eaten, the Disney characters had gone home,
and all the guests had departed—all except Mark and Nick. Aurora hadn’t
expected Nick to leave, and Mark normally helped her clean up after a
party. But given Nick’s presence, she was surprised he’d stayed.
She did her best to ignore the twisting in her stomach about having to
deal with both men. Then, they all cleaned up in silence, dumping the plates
and utensils into a big green garbage bag. The party company that had
delivered the tables and chairs would be picking them up tomorrow, and she
didn’t have to be home for their arrival.
Leah and Mimi were inside watching Bubble Guppies on television, and
Aurora wouldn’t have been surprised if Leah had already passed out and
was fast asleep.
“You did a great job with the party,” Nick said, coming up beside her.
Did he have to smell so good? She couldn’t very well not breathe
around him, but inhaling his potent scent aroused so many feelings, it was
hard for her to sort through them all.
“Not a bad effort for someone who never had a birthday party of her
own, huh?” She’d tried to change the subject, but slipped and let her
vulnerability escape. Again.
Nick put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed tight.
“You know I’m here, too, right?” Mark asked, joining them from
outside, a tied garbage bag in his hand.
Nick opened his mouth to speak but Aurora put a hand up. “Nick, please
take the garbage and toss it into the pail in the garage. Mark, let’s go talk.”
She led her neighbor to the hallway where they could speak without
being overhead. “Mark, what is going on?”
“I should be asking you that very question.” A hurt look crossed his
face.
She sighed, knowing she had to nip whatever this was in the bud. “Nick
is Leah’s father,” she said softly. “She doesn’t know yet.” Aurora didn’t feel
as if she owed him any more details.
“Wow.” He blinked, obviously stunned. “That explains a lot. So, he’s
here to get to know his daughter?”
She briefly closed her eyes, then opened them again. God spare her
from dense but well-meaning men. “Nick and I have history and unfinished
business.” She wasn’t sure if the latter was true but it was kinder than
telling Mark she wasn’t interested in him.
“I thought if I gave you time, you’d come around. We’re good
together,” he said, stepping closer.
She moved back. “As friends. I’m sorry, Mark.”
“Are you and he…?” He trailed off and Aurora straightened her
shoulders.
“That’s none of your business.” She folded her arms across her chest,
suddenly uncomfortable. “You should take Mimi home. It’s been a long
day.”
He nodded and after another lingering look, he walked towards the
family room. A few minutes later, he’d collected his daughter and her gift
bag. Aurora let them out, leaning against the door once he was gone.
Once she’d regained her composure, she checked on Leah, who had
indeed fallen asleep on the sofa while the television played in the
background.
“Well, that was awkward and unexpected,” she said as she reentered the
kitchen and noticed the counters were clean. Nick had done a good job
finishing up while she’d been dealing with Mark.
Nick leaned against the granite counter and studied her. “Are you
seriously telling me you had no idea he has a thing for you?”
She wasn’t even tempted to tell him off for asking, or informing him her
private life was none of his business. That unfinished business she’d
mentioned to Mark was alive and well.
She understood Nick’s disbelief about Mark because she felt the same
way. “I kid you not…” She shook her head. “Until you showed up in our
lives, he was my friendly next-door neighbor and we had kids in common.
But according to Mark, he was giving me time to come around.”
Nick narrowed his gaze. “Could that have happened?” he asked,
stalking closer.
This was her easy out. Tell him yes, a voice in her head insisted. If she
was interested in someone else, he’d have to back off and turn his focus to
his daughter.
“Aurora?” She’d moved and he’d backed her against the refrigerator,
invading her personal space. “Are you at all into your neighbor?” he asked
in a dark voice, that heaven help her, turned her on.
“No. But that doesn’t mean you and I can get involved.” No matter how
much her body wanted him.
He raised an eyebrow as if to contradict her but she had the perfect
excuse to back up her statement. “There’s a little girl in the other room who
can’t have her parents screwing around and messing up any chance at coparenting in peace.” Her heart slammed rapidly against her chest, her words
belying what she really wanted.
“No matter what happens between us, Leah is my priority, just as much
as she is yours.”
He spoke with such conviction, she believed him. “Then you agree we
should keep our relationship platonic.”
She was proud that she was able to suggest such a thing when her body
throbbed with need for this man. But she didn’t want to rely on him, only to
be disappointed in the end. She was still finding it difficult to believe that
the Kingstons had welcomed her so easily into the family, and that the tight
bonds of love between them were now hers, too.
Nick reached out, sliding his fingers through her hair. “We have a
second chance, Aurora, and I don’t intend to squander it. That is, unless you
tell me you don’t want me to kiss you,” he said, his forehead touching hers.
“Then I’ll back off.”
Arrogant, frustrating man. He’d probably seen her hard nipples beneath
her snug shirt and noticed her body trembling with desire.
“I’m not looking for a relationship,” she said. She closed her eyes. Why
hadn’t she just told him to back off, that she didn’t want him to kiss her?
She swiped her tongue over her dry lips and he groaned, low and deep.
Her eyes flew open and his deep blue gaze locked on hers. “Say it and
we’ll be nothing more than those platonic co-parents you mentioned.”
Though she knew he was too cocky, and his confidence in getting past
her emotional walls should be another reason for her to be careful… “I
can’t,” she whispered, as his lips came down on hers.
She’d been wanting this all day. Every time she caught sight of him
across the lawn, saw him with Leah, noticed him watching her… She
wanted him. But things were just so damned complicated between them and
she was too afraid to let him in.
But that didn’t stop her from reacting to his kiss. And when his tongue
swept over her lips, she opened and it didn’t seem that complex at all. She
tasted a hint of chocolate and knew he’d been eating candy. She wanted to
eat him.
So she did what her body craved, pushed all thoughts out of her mind,
and let herself feel. She wrapped her arms around his neck, keeping him
close, inhaling his scent. Need washed over her and she rubbed her body
against his, letting arousal settle inside her.
He nipped at her lower lip, then licked with his tongue and she couldn’t
get enough. Not because it had been so long since she’d been kissed like
this, but because Nick had been the last one to devour her, and now she
knew—nothing about the way they’d reacted to each other had been a fluke.
And that made her life so much more frightening.
As if he was in tune to her feelings, he slowed down and backed off,
ending the kiss but not moving away.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “Not when my family is here.”
She knew he wasn’t referring to his siblings and her stomach flipped.
Family. It was something she’d never had and desperately wanted to give
her daughter. But did she dare? She had no doubt Nick would be in Leah’s
life. Whether or not he stayed or remained part of hers was another story.
His phone rang in his pocket at the same time Leah walked into the
room, barefoot, her hair wild and tangled. “Mommy, can we open presents
now?”
Nick held up a finger and stepped out of the way to take the call.
Aurora had deliberately chosen not to have Leah open the gifts at the
party for a number of reasons. She didn’t want to make the day all about
things, or make any of Leah’s guests feel bad if their parents weren’t as
well-off.
“It’s really not a good time,” Nick said to whoever he was talking to.
“I’m not joking. I’ll call you later and we’ll discuss it.” He disconnected the
call, a frustrated look on his handsome face.
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
He nodded. “We can talk about it later.”
Nerves took up residence in her belly but she nodded.
“We’re going to open presents! Are you going to stay?” Leah asked.
Nick bent down to her level. “Do you want me to?”
Leah nodded, her enthusiasm so real, because that was all children knew
how to do—be open and honest and true. And that made what Aurora was
about to do so much easier.
“Then I’ll stick around,” he said.
“Yay!”
Aurora smiled and Nick rose to his feet. “Leah, your first present is a
big one and it’s something Nick and I want to tell you about together.”
“What is it? What is it?” Leah jumped up and down, causing both
Aurora and Nick to laugh.
She glanced at him.
Obviously surprised, she saw the question in his eyes and she nodded,
slipping her hand in his and squeezing it for support.
She looked from Leah to her child’s father. “Let’s go into the family
room so we can sit and talk.”
*
*
*
NICK’S HEART POUNDED hard in his chest as they settled onto the sofa, side by
side. The presents from the party were a distraction across the room but
Leah didn’t seem to notice, as her gaze darted from her mom to Nick. She
obviously sensed something huge was about to happen. He pushed the
business call he’d taken a few minutes ago out of his mind. He’d deal with
the California hotel issues later. Nothing was more important than this
moment.
“So, remember when you had Muffins with Mom Day and Donuts with
Dad at school?” Aurora asked. She glanced at Nick. “I let the principal have
it for doing things that weren’t inclusive, but that’s for another time,” she
said with a laugh. “There was nothing wrong with Bagel Breakfast and
bring a friend,” she muttered.
He could imagine her, pissed off on her daughter’s behalf.
Leah blinked. She was so damned cute, with her wild hair and pink
frosting stains around her mouth. “Yeah, I ‘member.”
“What did you ask me that day?” Aurora stroked Leah’s hair. “God, you
need that nest brushed.” She leaned over and kissed Leah’s cheek. “Do you
remember?” she prodded.
“I asked why I didn’t have a daddy.” Her voice lacked its normal
sparkle, and she curled her legs beneath her.
A lump rose in his throat. He hated that he’d missed out on those
important things. Worse, she’d been hurt, because she’d obviously known
something was different about her family.
“And what did Mommy tell you?”
Leah stared at Aurora with the most serious expression he’d seen on her
face yet. “That all families are different”
Aurora nodded. “Yep. What else?”
“You said that even though I didn’t have a daddy, I had aunts and uncles
who loved me.” She rubbed her eyes but didn’t look away from Aurora,
whose gaze darted to Nick, then back to their daughter.
“And?”
“And even though we couldn’t find my daddy, he loved me very much,”
Leah said.
Holy shit. She’d covered his ass even when she hadn’t had to. Now he
was near tears.
“Right. So, what if I told you I found your daddy?”
Leah’s eyes opened wide. “You did!?” This time she had her loud voice
and Nick knew she was excited. “Where is he?” She looked all around, her
big eyes landing on Nick.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Aurora nod at him.
He was up.
Drawing a deep breath, he looked at the little girl who’d captured his
heart the first time he’d laid eyes on her. How did he do this? What did he
say?
“Leah…” His voice cracked and he couldn’t bring himself to be
embarrassed. He cleared his throat. “Leah, I’m your daddy.”
She blinked. “Why couldn’t we find you?”
Leave it to his kid to be smart about it.
She’d stumped him. How did he answer in a way she’d understand and
accept? “It’s a long story. But I’m here now and I want to do all the things I
missed. Like Daddy Donut Day.” He looked to Aurora for help but she was
smiling…and leaving him to fend for himself. “Would you like that?”
Leah climbed to her knees and looked him over. “You’re really my
daddy?”
He nodded.
Next thing he knew, she’d jumped into his lap and wrapped her little
arms around his neck. “I missed you, Daddy.”
Jesus. Had anything ever felt so good? He hugged her back and glanced
over her shoulder. Aurora watched them, tears in her eyes.
Before either could speak, Leah released him. “Can I open presents
now?”
Oh, to be a child, and let things flow in and out so easily, he thought.
“Bring me a pen and paper so I can make a list of who gave you what.
You’ll need to write thank-you notes,” Aurora said.
Leah had already run for the kitchen.
“Check the junk drawer and go potty before you come back in!” Aurora
turned to Nick. “You did well,” she assured him.
“I’ve never felt so much pressure in my life. Not to mention, she’s a
sassy little thing. Like her mom.” He grinned and Aurora laughed aloud.
“Listen, before she comes back, I have a question for you. I know I said
I’d give you plenty of time to get a sitter, but is there any chance you can
get someone for tomorrow night?”
He wanted time alone with her.
Hands on time.
She bit down on her lower lip. “I can manage that. Leah wants a
sleepover at her grandma’s anyway.”
And that reminded him—he needed to talk to her about setting up a time
for their daughter to meet his family. But right now, he had his work cut out
for him. He intended to give Aurora a night she’d never forget…just before
he broke the news that he had another business trip coming up that he
couldn’t put off.
*
AURORA
MUST HAVE
*
*
lost her mind. Why else would she have agreed to join
Nick on a scenic helicopter tour of Manhattan right before sunset? They’d
taken a limousine from her house to Westchester County Airport, where
they’d been given a safety briefing before boarding for the private tour for
two.
Nick had told her to dress comfortably and casually, so she wore a pair
of dark jeans, a light blue tank and a white jean jacket in case it was cool—
something she ended up grateful for once they took off.
She’d been shocked when they pulled into the airport and even more
surprised at what he had planned. Waiting for her inside the aircraft was a
bottle of champagne and two small cups along with a bouquet of white
roses. They wore headsets, which allowed them to talk and hear the pilot
narrating as he flew.
She’d expected an upscale restaurant and intimate conversation, which
she’d been preparing for all day. To say she was blown away would be an
understatement. The man had gone all out to give her a special night.
Nick reached over and took her hand. He remained silent as they looked
out the windows at the gorgeous orange and yellow view of New York City
highlights. They took in Central Park and Yankee Stadium, along with the
Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. She was floored by the view of the
Manhattan skyline and squeezed Nick’s hand the entire time he was
pointing things out, feeling closer to him than ever before.
When the helicopter portion of the night was over, she grasped her
flowers, he picked up the champagne they hadn’t yet opened, and walked
back to the limousine.
Once they’d climbed into the back, the driver shut the door behind
them. Although Aurora had misgivings about getting romantically involved
with Nick, everything about the evening had set her up to simply relax and
enjoy it. Since she rarely took any time for herself, she pushed her worries
to the back of her mind for the night. Tomorrow would be here, soon
enough.
“Have fun?” he asked.
She nodded. “It was spectacular,” she murmured. “I’m still fairly new to
New York, and haven’t seen all the sights yet. But to see them just as the
sun set…” She sighed. “I’m grateful for the experience. Thank you for it, as
well as the flowers and champagne.”
He chuckled. “The champagne came with the tour. It was billed as a
romantic flight. The flowers were all me and you’re welcome. They remind
me of you. They’re gorgeous.”
He winked and her stomach fluttered as it only did for him.
“You’re a charmer.” Suddenly exhausted, she rested her head on his
shoulder and closed her eyes.
“We have an hour ride back to the city, so you have time for a nap, if
you want.”
She lifted her head up in surprise. “We’re not going back to my house?”
He shook his head. “No. Now put your head back down and rest. I have
more planned for you. And you’re going to need your strength.”
Dear God, his words and actions were a potent combination.
He patted his shoulder, indicating she should do as he asked. When she
complied, he wrapped his arm around her and held her close. She dozed off,
her senses overwhelmed by Nick’s masculine scent and his strong embrace.
She wasn’t sure how long she’d slept, but she woke to find the car
coming to a stop and Nick saying her name.
She lifted her head and stretched the kink in her neck. “Where are we?”
“My hotel. But it’s not what you think.” Nick’s grin sent butterflies
bouncing in her stomach.
The driver opened the door and let them out.
Curious, she let Nick take her hand and lead her into the building. He
greeted the doorman, then walked through the beautiful marble lobby to the
elevator. A few minutes later, they were in his suite.
Inside, they kicked off their shoes and he led her to a small dining area
where a table had been set up. Candles had been lit, and a man wearing a
white professional chef’s coat walked out of what she assumed was a
kitchen. Another man in a suit stepped up behind him.
Nick kept a hand on her back. “Aurora Kingston, I’d like to introduce
you to Max Savage and Sebastian Del Torro, owners of Savage Soho, a
three-star Michelin restaurant. Max is married to my cousin, Lucy Dare.”
“Lucy Savage,” Max said in a low, possessive voice.
Aurora smiled. “So, you must be related to the Prescotts, too?”
Max, an extremely good-looking man with dark hair, reached out and
shook her hand. “Yes, we found out we’re related.” He shrugged, an
amused smile on his face.
Aurora grinned. She’d heard the sperm donor story from her friends
Braden and Willow Prescott.
“It’s great to meet you, Aurora,” Max said.
Sebastian, also an attractive man, stepped forward and shook her hand,
as well.
“A pleasure to meet you both,” she said.
“So what are you doing here, Max? Did you take up cooking in your
spare time?” Nick asked his cousin.
“When I heard you’d asked Sebastian to put together a special meal, I
couldn’t resist stopping by to say hello and see who’s got you pulling out all
the stops.” Max glanced at Aurora and winked.
She blushed but understood.
Nick shrugged, unrepentant. “Well, you’ve said hello.” He slapped the
man on the back. “And now you can say goodbye. We’ll get together for
drinks sometime soon. But tonight, I want to be with my girl.”
Aurora opened her eyes wide at that claim but possessiveness seemed to
run in the Dare family.
Max burst out laughing. “I love it. Have a good night and enjoy. I hope
to see you again,” he said to Aurora. “I’ll let myself out.”
“And I’m heading back to the kitchen,” Sebastian said. “Are you ready
to begin dinner service?”
“Yes, please.” Nick waited for the chef to walk back into the kitchen
before pulling out the chair at the head of the table. “Have a seat.”
She settled in and he sat next to her.
She was touched by the lengths to which he’d gone for their date. It
couldn’t be easy for Sebastian to cook in what had to be a very small area,
yet he was here.
“Thank you, Nick. This has been an incredible night.”
His eyes gleamed with pleasure. “I know you’ve had the Kingston
money for a while now, but I’m sure the fact that you grew up without
much is never far from your mind. I just wanted you to feel special.”
“I do,” she whispered. She took a good look at him, in his whitecollared shirt, unbuttoned enough to reveal a sexy sprinkling of hair. His
sleeves were rolled up, his forearms muscular. And his intense gaze bore
into hers. He’d never made her feel anything but special.
Sebastian chose that moment to interrupt their mutual scrutiny with a
bottle of wine.
Aurora and Nick enjoyed a dry white with Sebastian’s Chef’s
Experience menu, which he’d described in detail. Through their tastebuds,
they traveled through Spain, sampling the cuisine of the area. It was by and
far the best food Aurora had ever had. Eventually, Sebastian said goodnight
and left them alone.
Nick kept the conversation light, with most of their talk centered around
Leah and her antics. Aurora loved telling stories about her daughter and
Nick soaked them up, sometimes laughing. But other times, she caught a
sad expression on his face that seemed like longing for all he’d missed. The
look was especially evident when she’d given him her phone so he could
scroll through old photos.
“I have her baby book,” Aurora said, just after she’d taken her last bite
of dessert. “I should have thought to show it to you earlier.”
“I look forward to seeing it.” He smiled, pushing back his plate. “My
family is dying to meet her.”
Aurora nodded. “I felt bad that we didn’t have them at her birthday
party.”
“It was too soon. Now that she knows I’m her father, I can tell her about
my family and prepare her for the sheer amount of Dares she’ll soon be
meeting,” he said, laughing.
Aurora lifted her eyebrows. “Why don’t you tell me about your family?”
For all he knew about her past, she knew nothing of his.
He pushed back his chair and stood, reaching out his hand to help her
stand. “That’s a long story. Let’s go into the other room and I’ll fill you in.”
*
NICK
PREFERRED TO
*
*
live his life in the present, avoiding thinking about his
childhood or family history. With his three-date rule and his life on the road,
living that way had been easy. But now he had a child and a woman he was
interested in, and they both deserved to know about his very large, very
unique family.
“Get comfortable,” he said to Aurora. Although he’d rather carry her
into the bedroom and bury himself inside her, they weren’t there yet.
She sat down on the sofa and to his surprise, she inched closer, as if she
sensed his need for her to be within touching distance.
“I know you have a twin sister, and of course I know Harrison. Who
else is there?” she asked.
Nick stretched his arm along the top of the couch, tangling his fingers in
her hair, which grounded him. He looked up at the ceiling and gathered his
thoughts, then started at the beginning. “My dad’s name is Michael and my
mother’s was Audrey.”
“Was?”
He blew out a harsh breath. “Yeah. She’s gone. It’s…complicated. To
sum up my siblings, there’s Asher, who runs Dirty Dare Vodka, and has his
hands in a lot of other pies, too. Next is Harrison, who you know, then
Zach. He owns a bar in Soho.”
Nick always suspected there was more to his independent ‘do his own
thing’ brother than anyone knew. “Then, of course, there’s me and Jade,
who is the lead Event Coordinator for all the hotels. She lives here in New
York.”
Aurora tipped her head to the side. “Sounds like my siblings. There
were four of them until they found me.” She looked at him with confusion
because he’d alluded to more family.
And there was.
He rubbed his fingers along her silky hair. “My mother suffered from
mental illness.” Now came the uncomfortable parts.
Aurora snuggled into him as he explained. “From what I’ve been told,
she liked to be pregnant, enjoyed the attention she received, but taking care
of kids and actually being a mother? Not so much.”
Aurora sighed. “That’s sad.”
“It is. I’ve only known about Leah for a couple of weeks but I love the
idea of being a part of her life. My mother… She had Asher and three years
later, Harrison. Apparently, she took care of Asher and Harrison as infants
but once they were toddlers…” He shook his head, grateful he didn’t have
the memories of neglect in his head that his older siblings had.
Aurora remained silent, but the heat of her body felt good against his.
He’d never told anyone about his mother before—he’d never wanted to—
but it didn’t surprise him that Aurora made him feel comfortable to do so.
He swallowed hard. “My mother didn’t feed or bathe my brothers so my
father hired a nanny. Her name is Serenity. She was eighteen when she
moved in. She was from the Midwest, and she was great with all of us.
Getting help freed my father to work on convincing mom to go for
professional help.”
“Did she?” Aurora asked. She placed a hand on his chest and he
nodded.
“She went on meds. I don’t remember her at all, but dad and Asher say
when she stayed on them, she was okay. But she’d go off them without
telling dad, and sink into a depression. We all lived through cycles like that,
until one day, poof!” He made the gesture with his hand. “She was gone.”
“I’m so sorry,” Aurora said.
“Jade and I were only two. Serenity was our constant, thank God.
Zach’s recollections of mom are fuzzy. Asher and Harrison unfortunately,
have most of the bad memories.” Nick knew he ought to feel more when it
came to his birth mother, but he considered Serenity to be more of a mom
than Audrey ever had been.
Aurora pushed herself up and shifted positions, one knee beneath her so
she could face him. “So your mom suffered from depression?”
“Technically, it was more than that—an actual disorder. It manifests
itself in the desire to be pregnant. She loved the attention and would fall
into a depression after she gave birth. Dad says he did all he could with
birth control except have a vasectomy because she begged him not to. And
he loved her too much to go against her wishes.”
“I’m sure he was in a difficult position. It’s hard to help someone who
doesn’t want to be helped,” Aurora said with an understanding it had taken
him years to find.
“It wasn’t like my father gave us intimate details about his marriage.
Zach was an accident, of that I’m sure. Then came me and Jade. Twins.
Three kids and two infants would have been a handful for someone who
was mentally stable. My mom didn’t stand a chance.”
Aurora remained silent, simply letting him talk. So he figured he might
as well tell her everything. “The police eventually notified dad that she’d
committed suicide.”
Aurora sucked in a startled breath. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.”
He ran his knuckles down her cheek. “It’s okay. It was a long time ago,
and I’ve come to terms with it.”
Although sometimes, he struggled with the fact that Jade had anxiety.
She had a handle on it, but he worried about his twin, about whether she
could fall into the same hole his mother had. But he didn’t feel right telling
Aurora about Jade’s personal issues. “I still haven’t told you the whole
family story.”
Aurora bit down on her bottom lip, then released it. “There’s more?”
He laughed, because what else could he do? “Six years after my mom
died, dad married Serenity. And before you ask, I was okay with it. We all
were. I mean she raised me. Jade and I call her mom.”
His father was a good man and had been faithful to their mother, so why
begrudge him happiness? He and Serenity lived under one roof. It
happened. Nick had no issues there.
“You love her,” Aurora said simply.
“Yeah. She’s the only mother I’ve ever known. I was lucky to have had
her in my life.”
“Yes, you were,” Aurora said, because she knew the alternative better
than he did. He hoped his past didn’t bring up any pain for her, but she’d
wanted to know and it felt good to let it all out.
“After a while, Serenity decided she wanted her own kids, not that she
ever treated us differently. But she couldn’t get pregnant so she underwent
fertility treatments.” He shook his head and grinned. “She had triplets—
boys. They’re seventeen now. She also had an oops baby and she’s twelve.
So I have eight siblings…which means Leah has six more uncles and two
more aunts. She can even play with some of them. And that’s my family
situation.”
Aurora smiled. “Thank you for telling me. Leah will be thrilled.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. And I appreciate you giving me the chance
to talk about it. You know, from the day we met, I felt like I could say
anything to you.”
“Yeah?” She sat up on her knees and wrapped her arms around his neck,
something he took as a good sign.
“I understand that you don’t trust easily, and the reasons why. You need
to know I didn’t bring you here expecting for us to have sex but—”
Before he could finish his sentence, she threw herself into his arms and
pressed her lips to his.
Chapter Seven
A
URORA HAD ALREADY
decided to enjoy tonight, and deal with her concerns
tomorrow. She and Nick had bonded over their painful family histories, and
as she looked into his eyes, she knew she wanted him.
He stood, urging her to hook her legs around his waist and carried her
towards the bedroom. “What are you doing?” she asked, laughing and
holding onto him.
“Getting you in bed before you change your mind.” He paused in the
doorway of a room that contained a king-sized bed. “You’re not having
second thoughts, are you?”
She cupped his face in her hands. “No, Nick. I want to be with you.”
His eyes gleaming with desire, he strode into the room and gently
dropped her onto the mattress. She leaned up on her elbows watching as he
undid the button on her jeans and lowered the zipper.
He was getting right to it, she thought, biting down on her lower lip.
“Lift,” he said, and she had no problem following that order. She raised
herself off the mattress and he wriggled her jeans over her hips and slid
them off her legs and onto the floor. Her damp panties followed soon after.
He spread her legs and hooked them over his shoulders, lowering
himself so he was eye level with her most intimate parts. Given the choice
between squeezing her eyes shut and watching the need etching Nick’s
handsome features, she chose to observe.
“You’re so wet for me,” he said in a gruff voice, running a finger over
her sex. At his first touch, her hips jerked and he let out a pleased groan.
“We were so young our first time. We missed out on so much. Tonight, I
plan on savoring you.” As if to punctuate his words, he dipped his head and
licked along the seam of her sex.
She arched her back and raised her hips, feeling every swipe and lap of
his tongue as he sucked on her outer lips and teased her everywhere. He
indulged, feasting, licking, sucking, eating her all over. She loved every
second he spent making her feel good but to her frustration, he ignored the
spot where she needed pressure the most.
She wriggled herself against him, hoping either to give him a hint as to
what she wanted, or taking what she needed herself.
He lifted his head and met her gaze, his eyes dark with desire. “I know
you’re trying to control me but you taste too good. I plan to take my time.”
She wanted to bang her head back on the bed. “I didn’t realize you
intended to drive me crazy.”
He laughed and dove back in, but this time, he flicked her clit with his
tongue, tugging and tweaking back and forth, building her pleasure. Her
vibrator had nothing on Nick’s talented moves and she was so ready to
come. Her legs trembled as she ground herself against his mouth, trying to
get there sooner than he planned.
He slid his tongue along her sex again, parting her wet folds focusing on
her clit, sucking hard. She rubbed against him, the next swipe of his tongue
bringing her higher and closer to what she knew would be an explosive
orgasm.
But instead of letting her come, he kept her on the edge, bringing her
close…and easing off, then repeating the action.
Her body twitched and she grasped for something just out of reach.
“Nick, please.”
He lifted his head. “Please what?” he asked, sliding one finger inside
her and pumping deep.
She whimpered but knew he expected an answer. “Please let me come.”
He added a second finger and filled her again, gliding in and out,
curling his long digits inside her. He slid along the right spot and pressed
hard, triggering waves of pleasure that sparked outward and took over her
entire being.
She cried out, repeating his name as she rocked against his mouth to
draw out the sensations. White stars flickered behind her eyes and she
might have blacked out for a second, because she realized she’d fallen flat
on the bed and now struggled to catch her breath.
He rubbed his face on her thigh and rose to his feet, undressing,
revealing tanned skin and flexing muscles. She pushed herself up and
removed her shirt and bra, tossing them to the floor with the rest of her
clothes.
A fully naked Nick placed a knee on the mattress and stretched out
beside her. “You’re gorgeous,” he said, his gruff voice arousing her all over
again. Who’d have thought she even had it in her to want more? But she
still hadn’t had him inside her. And she desperately wanted to feel him
there.
She pressed her palms against his strong pecs. “You’re pretty impressive
yourself.”
He leaned in and kissed her long and deep, and she melted into his
warm, hard body. It was so easy to lose herself in him and forget all the
fears that waited for her when she went back to her normal life.
But she’d promised herself tonight and she intended to make the most
of it.
Nick brushed a strand of hair off her face, his touch gentle. “You know
I’m not finished with you tonight, right?”
“No, you’re not.” She needed him to fill the emptiness she’d owned for
so long.
“What time do you have to be home for Leah?” he asked.
Aurora grinned, knowing she was about to make his night. “I don’t.
Melly said she’d bring her home tonight and stay over, so she could take
her to school tomorrow.”
In fact, Melly had been so pleased Aurora was going on a date, she’d
done everything she could to make sure Aurora had unlimited freedom.
“And you’re just telling me this now?” Nick flipped her onto her back
and climbed on top of her.
She shrugged, unwilling to admit she’d hoped for this all along. “I
wanted to see how things played out before I told you.” She didn’t want to
give him the impression she was a sure thing—no doubt, like most other
women in his life.
He met her gaze with a serious expression. “Guess I need to ask you
again. Are you changing your mind?”
“Not a chance. But you might when I tell you something.” Some men
didn’t want the responsibility of being with a woman who was
inexperienced. Back when she’d been eighteen, and he’d been only the
second guy she’d ever been with, a lack of skill was normal.
But Nick was about to find out she’d been with no one else since.
*
NICK
STRADDLED
*
*
AURORA, a knee on either side of her hips, keeping his
weight off her. His cock pulsed, his desire all consuming. He couldn’t
imagine what was on her mind but it was obviously important.
“There’s nothing you could tell me that would freak me out,” he assured
her.
“Maybe, maybe not,” she murmured, her blue eyes looking into his.
“Let’s hear it, then.”
She nodded and drew a deep breath. “Okay, well, it’s been a long time
for me.”
Since they were naked, he was pretty sure he knew what she meant. He
didn’t like thinking about her with other men, but considering his history,
he’d just be happy if she forgot to ask about his past, and focused on hers.
“How long has it been?” He didn’t want to hurt her, which meant he
needed to know.
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He decided she needed a
distraction while she told him. Reaching up, he cupped her breast in his
hand and rubbed one nipple between his two fingers.
She moaned and shot him a dirty look.
He grinned but continued to tease her. “How long?” he asked again, this
time in a serious tone.
She pursed her lips, then spoke. “You were the last person I was with.”
His fingers stilled. Hell, his entire body grew taut. “Me?”
She nodded. “When Leah was conceived.”
Their daughter was over five years old. Add another nine months for
when Aurora was pregnant. “Six years?”
“Give or take. And if that’s too much pressure—you basically being the
only one—I understand.” She tried to wriggle out from beneath him but he
held her in place.
She’d told him about her first time. He’d known he was her second. To
find out there’d been no one else since? He was relieved. Hell, it was a
caveman’s dream. But she didn’t want an alpha asshole. She wanted him to
accept her for who she was.
“You probably don’t want to hear this, but I’m happy that I was your
last guy. I don’t like thinking of you with someone else.” That notion
twisted his stomach. “And I’m glad you told me. I don’t want to hurt you.”
He returned his focus to playing with her nipple and watching her squirm.
“Feel good?” he asked.
“You know it does.” She arched her back so her breast pushed against
his hand.
He nodded his approval. “That means you’ll be wet enough.”
Her cheeks went from pink to red. “I’m not used to talking about this
with anyone.”
She was so damned sweet, he wanted to devour her. Despite her
mortification, he already knew it didn’t take much to make her forget
everything but him.
“Then let’s stop talking.” He lifted his other hand and cupped both her
breasts, then leaned down and pulled one distended nipple into his mouth.
Almost immediately, she began to writhe with pleasure. He intended to
get her so worked up, he’d glide right in. His cock pulsed at the thought of
being enclosed in her wet heat.
He pushed both her breasts together and switched from one hard bud to
the other and back again. He swiped with his tongue and nipped with his
teeth until she became a boneless mess. She gripped his waist with her
hands, digging her nails into his skin, her hips rocking back and forth.
Meaningless noises came from her throat.
“Need something?” he asked, releasing her breasts and sliding a hand to
her wet pussy.
“I’m empty,” she said, reaching down to grab his cock in her hand.
That quickly, she turned the tables on him. But regardless of how hard
he was or how much he needed to be inside her, he had to go slowly. He
also needed to kiss her. He slid his lips over hers and the kiss he’d intended
to be soft became fast and frenzied. They devoured each other, making up
for lost time.
Rocking his hips, he rubbed his cock against her slick sex. She moaned
and clawed at his shoulders, grinding herself against him until he knew he
had to stop or he’d come way too soon.
He broke the kiss and lifted his head. “I need to grab a condom.”
She nodded. “I’m on the pill—live and learn. I figured, just in case…”
she said. “But since you have super sperm, I won’t argue about extra
protection.”
Chuckling, he pushed himself off her, walked to the bathroom and
pulled a strip of condoms from his dopp kit full of shaving supplies and
other items. He ripped the foil open and rolled one on before going back to
the bed and moving over her.
As her gaze met his, his mind returned to their first time, and how he’d
been aware, even then, this thing between them was more. He braced his
hands on either side of her head at the same time her fingers wrapped
around his cock. Her hand glided up and down his shaft, her grip tightening
with each pass.
He groaned and with one hand, slid his fingers through her sex, finding
her wet and ready for him. He dipped his head and kissed her lips, savoring
her taste before he lined himself up at her entrance and eased inside.
She was tight and he worked his way in, pushing in and gliding out,
going deeper with each forward jerk of his hips.
“You feel good,” she murmured, bending her knees to take more of him.
“Fucking heaven,” he muttered as he filled her completely.
“I’m good, Nick. Move or I’m going to lose my mind.”
“Thank fuck.” He raised his hips, slid out and began to thrust into her,
joining their bodies, beginning an intense rhythm that soon had her crying
out.
“Nick, God, harder.”
He did as she asked, twisting his hips as he plunged into her.
“Nick!”
Hearing his name on her lips as their bodies connected did something to
him. “Again. Say my name.” He slid a hand between them and rubbed her
clit, his finger sliding through her wetness.
“Nick!”
He pressed harder and she shattered, her inner walls fluttering around
him, squeezing him in her heat. He gritted his teeth and waited as she rode
out her orgasm. When he sensed her coming down, he let himself go,
picking up the pace and force of his thrusts until he knew he was there.
“Come again,” he told her.
“Can’t.”
He raised himself up and speared into her again, this time making sure
to hit her at the spot he’d found earlier.
“Oh God!”
“Yes, now come with me,” he said and with a few more targeted thrusts,
she screamed his name and he followed her over into utter bliss.
*
AURORA
LAY
IN
*
*
Nick’s arms, surprised that she’d given herself so
completely. She deserved this one night, knowing it wouldn’t be long
before common sense came roaring back. Right now, though, she was too
sated to think clearly. She breathed in his masculine scent and let herself
relax.
He ran his hand along her arm. “Do you remember when I got a phone
call after Leah’s birthday party?”
“Yes.” She’d forgotten about it, though, after they’d told Leah he was
her father. Suddenly wary, she pulled herself up to a sitting position,
wishing they were beneath the covers so she could cover herself.
He sat up, easing his big body against the pillows. “I have to go back to
California this week. The issues at the hotel aren’t sorting themselves out
the way I’d hoped.”
“Work is work,” she said, hating the disappointment flooding through
her. From a rational perspective, she understood. She just wished the
abandoned child inside her could accept it as easily.
He reached out and took her hand. “You have to know that given a
choice, I wouldn’t go. But I’ve been the one dealing with management in
our hotels, and situations like the one we have there fall on my shoulders.”
She nodded. “I get it. When are you leaving?”
“I’ll take the jet Tuesday morning. I would have gone today but I
wanted this night with you.”
She’d wanted it too, but after such an intimate experience with Nick—
maybe even because of it—she couldn’t resist the urge to build walls back
up around herself. Her fear of getting close to a man who popped in and out
of her and her daughter’s life was back with a vengeance.
She couldn’t sit here naked anymore and went to slide off the bed.
Nick released her hand and she stood. “I just need to go into the
bathroom. I’ll be right back.” She took a few minutes to herself, splashing
her face and washing up before returning to the bedroom. Nick had pulled
the covers down and climbed beneath. She took in his broad chest and
intense stare and she couldn’t deny how much she still wanted him.
Whatever this was, she couldn’t take it too seriously. But they were here, so
she intended to enjoy it.
He patted the empty spot beside him. “Come back,” he said in a gruff
voice.
She walked over and settled down beside him. He immediately reached
out and pulled her into his arms. Letting herself go, she tucked her chin into
the crook between his face and neck, and breathed him in. “You smell
good,” she murmured.
Even his low chuckle was arousing. “You feel even better.”
She inhaled his masculine scent, her body softened and she sighed, then
hooked one leg over his thigh. Her sex rubbed against his hair-roughened
skin and she moaned aloud, enjoying the friction and needing more.
“Isn’t this better than overthinking things?” he asked, his thick erection
nudging at her.
“Much,” she admitted.
He flipped her onto her back and moved over her, snagging a packet
from the nightstand. He separated them long enough to rip the foil and roll
the condom over his cock. Without waiting, he edged into her. “I knew
you’d be wet enough.” He thrust all the way in, filling her perfectly, as if he
was made just for her.
He rocked his hips, his eyes locked on hers, and it didn’t take long
before her climax slammed into her and she came with a long, moan. He
thrust harder and deeper, his orgasm triggering another mini one of her
own.
Later that night, after they talked about their daughter, she fell asleep in
his arms.
The next morning, after Facetiming with Leah before school, Aurora
fell back to sleep, something she never did. Everything about this morning
was different from her usual routine. Normally, she’d wake up to her alarm,
have a cup of coffee, put on exercise clothes and go on the treadmill before
taking a quick shower, and waking Leah.
Then, she’d have breakfast with her chatty child, followed by a rush to
the car with Aurora running down a list of things she didn’t want to forget.
Part of her was teaching Leah to think ahead, but a greater part of her just
wanted to make sure she didn’t have to take a ride back to kindergarten
because they forgot to pack Leah’s lunch.
Sleeping in was a luxury, but when she woke up alone in the hotel room
at eleven a.m., she was in shock.
She washed up and brushed her teeth, then found Nick in the outer
room, hunched over a laptop, and drinking coffee. He’d obviously
showered and dressed, looking sexy as ever in a pair of dark jeans and a
buttoned-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up.
“Morning,” she said.
“Good morning.” He looked her over, his gaze scanning her bare legs
beneath the long shirt she’d put on—his shirt. “I can’t believe you let me
sleep in.”
His lips lifted in a sexy smirk. “You were snoring. I figured you needed
it.”
She walked over and nudged his shoulder. “I don’t snore.” A flush of
heated embarrassment rose to her cheeks.
“It was adorable,” he said, chuckling. “Sit and eat. I ordered muffins so
nothing would get cold.”
She lowered herself into the chair next to him and since her stomach
was rumbling, she chose a large blueberry muffin, poured her coffee and
dug in. After she showered and packed up her things, Nick called for his car
and he drove them back to her house in Old Westbury.
He stepped out, came around and opened her door.
She prepped herself to say goodbye. “Well, thank you for an incredible
night.”
He braced a hand on the top of the window. “That sounds like
goodbye.”
She raised her eyebrows. “It’s not?”
“What do you have planned for the rest of the day?” he asked.
“I have to pick Leah up from school.” She’d bring her daughter home,
give her a snack and let her spill all the details about her day while Aurora
prepped dinner. Then it was bath time, story time, and bed. But he didn’t
need to hear her whole routine.
“Perfect. I was hoping to see Leah. How about we surprise her by
picking her up together?”
His eyes lit up at the possibility and she couldn’t mistake the hope in his
tone. No way could she deny him the chance to do something so normal for
his daughter.
“Sounds like a plan. Come inside. I need to do a few things before its
time to leave.”
He accompanied her inside and waited in the family room while she
returned some work calls that were on her voicemail. She scheduled a
meeting with Sasha and Cassidy to discuss Billie’s idea for FFT, and one
with Linc to see what buildings might come up for sale for her housing
component. He’d left a message that he had some leads.
Nick must have had the same idea because he was on the phone in the
family room with what sounded like a business call when she walked in.
He held up one finger. “Yes. Of course. We’ll discuss it all when I get
there.” He finished up and disconnected his call. “Ready?” he asked.
She nodded. Although his car sat outside, it was a two-seater Porsche.
“I have Leah’s car seat in the back of my SUV. Come on,” she said. She
started for the garage entrance and realized Nick wasn’t behind her. She
walked back to the family room where he stood standing in what appeared
to be shock. “What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t know a five-year-old needed a car seat.”
In an effort not to laugh because he seemed so horrified, Aurora bit
down on the inside of her cheek. “Actually, it’s a booster seat, but yeah. She
needs one and she can’t ride in a two-seater.”
He blew out a breath and shook his head. “I have a lot to learn and buy,”
he muttered, gesturing for her to go to the garage.
She laughed and walked out. He’d get it eventually. If Nick Dare was
anything, it was determined.
They picked up Leah from school. She’d been delighted to see Nick and
all but ignored Aurora as she dove into his arms and let him pick her up and
carry her to the car. He lifted her up high so she could chatter in his ear as
they walked.
No sooner had they all been settled in the car than Nick asked, “Who
wants ice cream?”
Ice cream. Talk about screwing with her ‘let’s go home, be calm, have a
snack, and wind down’ routine. Once Leah had screamed yes, Aurora
couldn’t say anything—not yet. She had no intention of being the bad guy.
But she and Nick would talk later.
After ice cream, they went to a playground at a nearby park. Nick
pushed Leah on a swing, sending her so high Aurora nearly threw up her ice
cream.
Once back at the house, Aurora had given up. She let Nick’s offer of
pizza happen and put the chicken she’d taken out earlier to defrost back in
the refrigerator for another night. Aurora bathed her daughter, and while
Nick read her a bedtime story, Aurora walked into the kitchen and poured
herself a glass of wine.
She didn’t drink often but tonight, she needed to take the edge off.
Everything about Nick being around today had messed with her head. Her
routines were off and as a single mom, Aurora lived and died by her
routines. Not only did they make life easier but they gave Leah the security
Aurora, herself, had never had.
Depending on the foster home she was in at the time, she hadn’t known
what she’d be coming home to after school. Sometimes, she’d find her
foster mom, a day drinker who managed to hide it well from social services,
passed out on the couch. In another home, she was never sure if there’d be
dinner on the table. If she was lucky, sometimes she found enough food to
make a sandwich herself. But that hadn’t often been the case.
There had been no bedtime stories for Aurora. No safe baths. She made
sure her daughter had it all.
One day with Nick had upended the security she’d given Leah. She took
a sip of the dry wine and shook her head, knowing she was lying to herself.
Being with Nick was good for her daughter.
What Nick had upended was Aurora’s own sense of security. And she
wasn’t sure what she was going to do about that.
*
WHEN NICK
JOINED
*
*
Aurora in the kitchen, she was staring at her wine glass,
swirling the golden liquid. He’d had the best couple of days and hadn’t
thought anything could bring him down. He’d had a night with Aurora that
had been spectacular. Being with her again reminded him of why no other
woman had managed to capture his interest. He’d spent the late afternoon
and tonight with his daughter, learning about her likes, dislikes, looking
through her baby book with her before she’d fallen asleep.
He’d been riding a high until he walked into this room and saw Aurora’s
pensive expression. Even after a long day, she was so damned pretty. But
she didn’t look as happy as he’d been feeling. His heart squeezed in his
chest but he refused to open the conversation on a negative note.
“Today was perfect.” He stepped into the kitchen and she jerked in her
seat, just realizing he was there.
“Want some wine?” she asked, gesturing to the bottle with an empty
glass beside it.
He shook his head. “No thanks.”
“Is Leah asleep?”
He couldn’t stop his grin. “Yeah. Conked out while telling me she
couldn’t wait for her first visit from the tooth fairy so you could tape her
tooth into the baby book.”
Aurora smiled and shuddered at the same time. “I don’t think I’ll do
well with a dangling tooth.” She’d heard horror stories from some of Leah’s
friends’ moms.
He grinned. “I can handle that.”
“Right. And you’ll leave a hundred-dollar bill under her pillow, no
doubt.” He caught the bite in her tone.
He walked into the room and sat down beside her. “What’s wrong?” he
asked.
She turned to face him. “I am so glad you spent today with us. I’m even
happier Leah had such a great time.”
“But?” Because he sensed a big one.
She rubbed her palms along the stem of her glass. “For so long, it was
just me and Leah. Yes, I had family, and when I lived with Melly, I was so
lucky to have had help. But two years ago, I decided to move out. And Leah
and I…we’re a team. She knows what to expect every day and that’s
something I never had.”
He didn’t pacify her with platitudes like, I’m here now, or you’re not
alone anymore. He listened. Really listened and tried to understand what
she was getting at. “Are you saying I’m intruding?” The thought made him
physically ill.
“No.” She shook her head. “God, no.” Reaching out, she grasped his
hand and electricity darted through him, reminding him of being buried
deep inside her and knowing they were meant to be. “But I am saying that
today was an anomaly, and not just because you wreaked havoc with my
routine.”
A smile played around those luscious lips and the twisting in his gut
eased a little. “I took over and made things big again?”
“That’s part of it. There’s nothing wrong with surprise ice cream after
school. Or the playground. Or pizza for dinner. But maybe not all on the
same day. Parents need to agree before offering up those things. Or one day,
she’s going to do an end run around me because she knows Daddy will say
yes.”
She pulled back her hand and reluctantly, he let her go. Her words had
hit home and he understood. “I should have discussed it with you first.”
She nodded. “That’s part of it. Being a parent…it doesn’t come with a
rule book. You’ll learn.”
“What else?”
She drew a deep breath. “You’re not always going to be here. That’s the
nature of your job, your life.”
He opened his mouth to speak but she held up a hand. “It’s okay. We
both know what the reality is. But I don’t want her to resent me for being
strict, because when you come around, it’s all fun and games.”
He nodded, taking in her words and understanding. She wasn’t wrong.
This was his life, at least for now. “I get it. I’m glad I had today but I’ll
learn.”
She nodded as she took a sip of her wine.
Watching her, he drummed his fingers against the granite counter. He
knew her better than she thought and there was more. She hadn’t been
staring into her wine glass about today’s adventures alone. “That’s not all
that’s bothering you.”
She sighed and placed the glass on the counter. “You’re right.” Her light
blue eyes stared into his. “This is hard to explain. Hard to say.” She
hesitated and he gave her time to gather her thoughts. “I’ve been on my
own for a long time and I’ve been in survival mode even longer, first for
myself and then for myself and Leah. All I ever wanted was to give Leah
the stability I never had.”
“And you think I threaten that somehow.” He leaned an elbow on the
hard granite.
“I think you threaten me and the life I’ve built for us. But not for the
reason you might think. It’s not because Leah suddenly has her father in her
life that I feel this way—I want that for her. And I want you to be a part of
Leah’s future. But instability makes me anxious. The coming and going at
the whim of a phone call? That’s hard for me.”
He knew how difficult that was for her to admit and he put his hand
over hers this time and brushed his thumb over her soft skin. He wasn’t sure
what to say or promise in order to reassure her. She was right. He had a job
that kept him on the move and he didn’t see that changing any time soon.
But that didn’t mean he couldn’t be a permanent fixture in Aurora and
Leah’s lives.
“I’m going to do my best to get up to speed as a parent,” he promised
her.
Her lips twitched but her smile was genuine. “I know you will and I’m
sure you’ll be a fast study.”
“I appreciate that.” He wanted to say more but it would only be
rehashing what she’d already said.
He knew her fears and he needed to think about what he could do to
make things work between them. Early on, he’d been overly optimistic that
sheer determination would win her over and get him what he wanted. Them
as a family…on his terms. He realized his mistake now.
“Look, it’s been a long day and I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
“And you need to get ready for your trip,” she said.
He nodded. “I do.” He rose from his seat and held out his hand. “Walk
me to the door?”
She slid her palm against his and followed him through the main area of
the house, to the front entrance.
Although he felt like they were at an impasse, they’d still made progress
over the last couple of days. He wasn’t going to let her minimize their
connection.
So he slid his hand around her waist and yanked her against him.
She let a surprised gasp but didn’t pull away. Instead, she wrapped her
arms around him, too, her hands settling on his hips.
“Be good while I’m gone,” he said in a gruff voice, knowing he’d miss
her, no matter how long or short a time he was gone.
“Be good while you’re away.”
“Always,” he said, and captured her mouth, sliding his tongue inside her
parted lips.
She moaned and tightened her grip on his waist, letting him back her
against the nearest wall as his mouth plundered hers. He needed a thorough
taste to hold him over until his return. He tasted a hint of wine and
everything Aurora and his cock throbbed, urging him to take her upstairs to
her room. But that couldn’t happen—not now. She had a lot to think about
and he’d pushed her far enough tonight. Not to mention, their daughter was
home and he had no idea how to handle that with care.
He broke the kiss but kept her backed to the wall, held there by his
body. “Good night.”
“Night, Nick.” She licked at her now swollen lips.
He stepped away from her and let himself out into the dark night,
feeling optimistic.
Yeah, he’d given her plenty of memories in the last couple of days.
Hopefully, it would be enough to compete with her fears.
Chapter Eight
R
OUTINE KEPT
AURORA busy while Nick was gone. Routine. It wasn’t
something she’d given much thought to until Nick entered their lives. But
as she’d told him, keeping to a schedule kept her sane and taught Leah to be
responsible. But she couldn’t deny she’d enjoyed her day of fun with Nick
and Leah. They’d been like a family, something she’d never had. And
although Nick had reappeared, it still, somehow, felt out of reach. At least
for Aurora.
Nick Facetimed often from California in a way she could count on—
first, during Leah’s breakfast in the morning, even if it meant he had to
wake up at an ungodly hour in L.A. and then around four p.m. during
Leah’s down time after school. He’d also added a third time, around ninethirty, right before Aurora turned in for bed.
Tonight, she slid under the covers, her bare legs feeling the cool
sensation of the sheets against her skin. Leah was tucked into bed, and two
glasses of water to quench her thirst later, she was sleeping like a baby.
Aurora tipped her head against the pillows and sighed. It had been a
busy but productive week at work. She breathed in deep and was focusing
on some relaxation techniques when her phone rang.
Knowing who it was, she answered without checking the screen. “Hi,
Nick.”
“Hi, yourself.”
She took in his deep, rich voice. “No Facetime tonight?”
He chuckled. “No. I was at the gym in the hotel and I’m on my way
back to my room to shower before dinner. I have a meeting with the new
manager and his assistant in an hour. Then I can leave in the morning, as
planned.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “So you’re coming home? I mean back to
New York?” He didn’t have a home to speak of.
“Yes. I’m coming home.” He paused and she knew he was letting the
word linger between them. “Would you be up to bringing Leah to my
parents’ place in Greenwich on Saturday? My family would love to meet
you both.”
She’d known the time was coming but she couldn’t deny how nervous
she was at the thought of facing his family. What if they blamed her for
keeping Leah from Nick? Or they didn’t like her? She already knew they’d
love Leah. Of course, she was biased, but she knew the truth—her kid was
awesome.
But why did Aurora care so much what Nick’s family would think,
anyway?
“Hey. Are you breathing or did you pass out on me?” Nick asked, his
tone calming.
He wasn’t laughing at her.
“I’m here. Sure. That’s fine.”
“They’re going to love you both,” he said, as if reading her thoughts.
“And they know the facts. That you really had no way of finding me when
you realized you were pregnant. They’re going to make you feel like one of
us. I promise.”
How did he always read her so well?
“Okay,” she said, letting out the breath she’d been holding before she
grew dizzy.
“I’ll come and get you, myself.”
She frowned. “But my place is in the opposite direction. You’ll be
driving twice as long.”
He let out a low chuckle. “How much more nervous will you be if you
have to meet me there?” he asked.
The thought churned her stomach and she couldn’t reply.
“Point made. I’ll come out Saturday morning.”
She knew he was grinning and somehow it calmed her. “Thanks.”
“Is Leah asleep?” he asked.
“One story and two glasses of water and yes, she’s sleeping.”
“I’m looking forward to reading her a story again. And I really can’t
wait to see you.” His voice sounded like smooth whiskey and her body
responded, softening with need. “And on that note, I’ll let you get to bed.”
“Nick?” she asked.
“Hmm?”
She drew a deep breath. “Thank you.” She sensed he’d know what for
without her spelling it out.
“Anything for you. Now get some sleep.”
His low, sexy voice rumbled through her, arousing her to the point
where she wondered if she’d have to use her vibrator before she’d calm
down enough to sleep.
“Dream about me,” he said and disconnected the call.
She rolled over and opened her nightstand drawer, knowing she’d do
more than dream about Nick.
*
NICK
PULLED
*
*
AURORA’S SUV into the driveway of his parents’ house and
shut off the engine. Set back from the street, the structure was ten thousand
square feet, massive in size. If he hadn’t known Aurora had lived at the
Kingston estate for a number of years, he’d be concerned she’d be
intimidated by the home he’d grown up in.
What did concern him, however, was the likelihood that she’d be
overwhelmed by the amount of family who might show up today. All his
siblings had been invited. He’d decided to arrive early to ease Aurora and
Leah into the chaos.
Obviously excited, Leah had chattered the entire trip, not giving him a
chance to talk to Aurora in any meaningful sense. The only way he knew
what was going on in her head was by the way she was twisting her hands
in her lap.
“Are we here?” Leah asked.
Aurora released her hands and turned. “We are. Are you ready?”
“Yes!” Leah exclaimed.
Well at least one of them was excited. He glanced at Aurora, about to
reassure her but she’d already stepped out of the car. He climbed out and
went to get Leah, opening her door.
She’d already unbuckled her seatbelt and was halfway out of her
booster seat without help.
“That’s some outfit,” he said to Aurora, who’d joined him.
He recognized Leah’s leggings as Burberry. They were paired with a hot
pink flowered top he wasn’t sure matched the pants. And a headband
with…yes, a big pink flower, sat on her head, and white sneakers were on
her feet.
“It was a gift from Chloe. Way more than I would have spent but I
appreciated the sentiment. I told Leah it was for special occasions and today
she used those words against me. She declared it was an important day and
she needed to look pretty.”
He laughed. His kid was smart.
Aurora shrugged. “I learned a long time ago to pick my battles.” Her
gaze slid to their daughter and she smiled wide. “Besides, she really does
look cute.”
He grinned. “She sure does.” She shifted her grip on the present she’d
insisted on bringing for his parents.
“Can I take that for you?” He held out his hands.
She shook her head. “It’s not heavy.”
“Are you ready? You okay?”
She lifted her sunglasses and propped them on top of her head. “I’m
fine. Honestly.”
He looked into her pretty sky-blue eyes and believed her. “Just to say, in
case I haven’t already, you look gorgeous.”
His gaze skimmed over her off-white, tapered pants, Chanel sandals,
and a royal blue satin top, with flirty ruffles on the short sleeves, that
accentuated her eyes. He knew, without asking, that she’d spent a long time
choosing her outfit in order to make a good impression on the people he
cared about.
“Let’s go!” Leah tugged on his hand.
He looked at Aurora. “You heard her. Let’s go,” Nick said just as Leah
began to skip up the path.
He placed a hand on Aurora’s lower back and led her across the large
bluestones and to the front door. Leah lifted her hand to ring the bell but the
door opened before she could push, and Serenity appeared.
A wide smile graced her face but Leah took a step back and was
suddenly shy. Before Nick could introduce anyone, his father walked up
beside his wife.
Nick was proud, as he said, “Dad, Mom, this is Aurora and our
daughter, Leah.”
*
AURORA
STUDIED
*
*
NICK’S parents, struck by how much Nick looked like his
father. Michael’s dark hair had very few streaks of gray, and he possessed
the same indigo blue eyes as Nick and Leah, as well as similar features.
Looking at Nick’s father gave Aurora a good idea of how well Nick would
age.
Aurora had seen pictures of her own father at Melly’s, but didn’t have
any of her own. And since she’d been too young when her grandmother
died to understand about holding onto mementos like photographs, she had
none of her mother, either. Not that she’d consider her parents keepsakeworthy.
“Aurora, meet my parents, Serenity and Michael Dare,” Nick said.
“It’s a pleasure,” Aurora murmured, one hand holding the gift, the other
she’d placed on her daughter’s head.
“The same here,” Michael said. “We’ve heard so much about you both.”
“And this is Leah.” Nick reached for their little girl and she let go of
Aurora’s pants and grasped her father’s, making Aurora’s throat grow thick
with emotion. It was amazing to see how quickly she’d taken to and
accepted Nick.
Michael stepped forward and crouched down, bringing him eye level
with his granddaughter. “Hi, Leah. I’m your daddy’s daddy. Do you know
what that means?”
The usually loud child shook her head in silence.
“I’m your grandpa, and Serenity is your grandma.”
The beautiful woman with long black hair smiled at Leah but stayed
back, obviously giving her time to adjust.
“Like Grandma Melly?” Leah asked.
Aurora smiled. “Exactly like Grandma Melly.”
Leah seemed to think about that. “Okay.”
“God, I wish being an adult was that easy,” Michael said, rising to his
feet and putting an arm around his wife.
Serenity grinned. “Nothing in life is easy but it’s all worth it. Now that
the uncomfortable introductions are out of the way, come in and make
yourselves at home,” she said, kissing Nick’s cheek. “Good to see you.”
“You, too,” he said. “Where is everyone?”
“Jade is in the kitchen. She’s the only one here already. The triplets are
at their friends’ house. At their age, it’s all they want to do and we thought
it would be easier if we didn’t overwhelm you,” Serenity said. “There will
be enough adults, as it is. But Layla is home. She’s twelve. I figured that
would be an easy enough meet.”
“Good thinking,” Nick said.
“Thank you,” Aurora said. Serenity was so kind. Nick had hit the
jackpot getting her as his stepmom.
Michael looked at Nick, then Leah. “How about we go inside and you
can meet your…meet Layla.” He chuckled. “Seems odd to call Layla an
aunt right now.”
Everyone laughed.
“Come on, princess.” Nick pulled Leah to him. “Let’s go meet my
sister.” He glanced at Aurora, silently asking if she would be okay with
Serenity.
She gave him a subtle nod.
“Aurora, we can go hang out in the kitchen. Jade wants to meet you.
And Nick told us about your charity. I’d love to hear more about it,”
Serenity said, gesturing for her to follow.
Aurora blinked in surprise. Nick had told his parents about her job?
“Sure.” She glanced down at the gift in her hand. “Oh! This is for you.” She
handed the wrapped box to Serenity. “It’s just a little something to say
thank you for having us.”
The other woman studied her, her expression gentle. “Thank you,
Aurora. But from now on? No gifts like you’re some stranger or outsider.
You’re family, you hear?” Serenity accepted the present, and they walked
into the kitchen. “Although I have to say, I love presents,” she murmured as
she set it on the counter. “I’ll open it later. I want to talk, first.”
Aurora liked this woman already.
“Hi, Aurora.” A pretty woman who had to be Jade walked over. She had
blonde hair and Nick’s indigo blue eyes, filled with warmth. She pulled
Aurora into an unexpected hug. “I’m so happy to meet you.” Releasing her,
Jade stepped back. “It’s brave of you to come deal with the masses all at
once.”
Aurora laughed. “The Kingstons are pretty much the same. I’m
prepared.”
Serenity chuckled. “Let’s sit.”
Aurora sat down on a bar stool and placed an elbow on the white and
light gray veined granite island and glanced around. The appliances were
top of the line stainless steel. Aurora’s kitchen was beyond anything she’d
dreamed she would ever have, but this was a step above.
“The house is beautiful but this room is incredible,” Aurora said. Her
gaze fell on a coffee maker set into the backsplash across the room, next to
the sink. Each look around showed her something new.
Serenity took a seat. “Thank you. I picked everything. I love to cook so
I was fussy about what I chose. With so many kids, I also wanted things
practical. Like these stools? Faux leather, easy to clean.”
“Even with one child, I understand. Spills happen all the time. But I’m
more of a basic cook. I didn’t learn until a couple of years ago.” Aurora
blushed as she realized she’d alluded to her embarrassing childhood.
Nick’s family might have their issues but nobody had dumped their kid
in foster care and ignored them for eighteen years.
“How well you cook doesn’t matter as long as you eat together, right?
Besides, there’s always mac and cheese.”
“That there is.” Aurora appreciated how easy it was to talk to Nick’s
stepmother.
“I love mac and cheese,” Jade said. “You used to make it for us all the
time.” She glanced at Serenity and smiled before turning back to Aurora.
“I’m looking forward to having another woman at these family gatherings.”
Serenity nodded. “Agreed.”
They were going out of their way to make her feel welcome and Aurora
was so grateful. “Thank you.”
Serenity brushed at a piece of lint on her blouse. “Michael and I are so
happy you and Nick reconnected. It would have been a tragedy for the three
of you never to have become a family.”
Serenity’s point hit home and Aurora found herself confiding in them
both. “I’d always regretted that Leah would never know her father. When I
saw Nick across the room at the premiere, I was shocked, and it took a little
while to sink in, but I knew knowing her father was everything I’d ever
wanted for Leah.”
Serenity smiled. “I’ve never seen Nick so happy or complete and I have
no doubt it’s because he has both of you in his life.”
“It’s true,” Jade murmured. “He’s lucky things have worked out. As for
me, I’m on a man-fast.”
Aurora couldn’t help but grin. “Watch it. I said the same thing before
Nick burst into our lives.” Realizing what she’d implied, she felt her face
heat. “I mean, not that Nick and I are…well I don’t know what Nick and I
are.” She swallowed hard. “But you’re tempting fate.”
Serenity put a hand on Jade’s shoulder. “She’s right. Just because
you’ve had two duds, that doesn’t mean the third time won’t be the charm.”
Aurora raised her eyebrows, unsure of what they were talking about.
But she didn’t think it was her place to ask.
“I know, you’re curious.” Jade pursed her lips. “I’ve had two broken
engagements and currently believe all men are assholes,” Jade admitted.
“Jade Dare. Language!” Serenity shook her head but Aurora caught her
grin.
“Mom here just thinks she has to guide us. Her language can be as bad
as mine.”
Aurora pulled in a deep breath, deeply affected by Jade and her
stepmom’s easy relationship. She didn’t know Jade’s feelings about her own
mother, but it was clear that like Nick, Jade thought of Serenity as her mom,
in every sense of the word.
It was also obvious that Jade had been hurt by bad relationships and had
built barriers around her emotions—something Aurora recognized all too
well. Aurora liked Nick’s sister and hoped they could be friends.
The doorbell rang and the next thing Aurora knew, family surrounded
her. She was introduced to the rest of the Dare clan as they trickled into the
house and made their way into the kitchen. Asher was missing, apparently
called away on business at the last minute. It seemed to be a family theme,
she thought.
For a while, Nick and Harrison helped make her comfortable around
their other siblings by introducing her, staying by her side, and telling
stories about Nick growing up. She appreciated their thoughtfulness but
Nick’s family was easy to relax around. They weren’t pretentious and made
her feel like one of them. Serenity had even caught up with her again to ask
questions about Future Fast Track, truly interested in the details.
Leah seemed to be having a blast with her “aunt” Layla, and meeting
her family. She was passed around, always the center of attention. They’d
all brought gifts for Leah and for Layla, which made Leah extremely happy,
and easily won her over. Instead of her being overwhelmed, Aurora and
Leah fit in. Aurora was sure the size of the Kingston clan had her used to
the large family dynamic.
“Why do we always end up in this room?” Michael complained, as he
poured himself a glass of soda. “We have a perfectly good family room with
much more comfortable chairs.”
“The food is here. Where else should we be?” Harrison asked, then
glanced at Aurora and winked.
That gesture had Nick appearing at her side, letting her know without
words that he’d been keeping an eye on her. She couldn’t deny how much
she liked knowing he cared enough to make sure she was okay. And she
liked to see that he could be jealous, even if his brother was just being
sweet.
“Relax, Dad. This is what we do,” Jade said. “You should be used to it.”
She wrapped an arm around Michael and kissed his cheek. He hugged her
in return.
At the innocent, every day gestures, Aurora’s heart squeezed tight.
She’d never known that acceptance and love from her own parents. She
never would.
“Hey. Are you okay?” Nick asked.
The pain in her chest eased. “I am. Your family is great.” She hesitated
and decided to be honest. “I thought the Kingstons and their big, happy
family were an anomaly. But you all are showing me that it can be the
norm.” And she’d missed out on so much more than she’d imagined
growing up.
Nick clasped her hands in his and she soaked up his warmth. “The
Kingstons are your big, happy family. You’re not an outsider. Not to them.”
She blinked in surprised. “I didn’t realize I was referring to them that
way.”
They were the family who’d found her, who’d taken her in, who’d given
her money they said belonged to her, and they accepted her. But until now,
she hadn’t realized how much she thought of the family as them…and
herself, as a separate entity.
“Did I say something wrong?” Nick asked.
She shook her head. “Not at all. You gave me something to think
about,” she murmured.
“Hey, little brother.” Zach, a big man, dressed in faded jeans and a
battered motorcycle jacket, joined them. “I haven’t had time to meet your
woman.”
His interruption came just in time, before she could get caught up in
thoughts of the past. But… His woman? “I’m not…we’re not…”
“We are,” Nick said, sliding an arm around her waist in a slick move.
“But you’ll have to forgive Zach. He’s the Neanderthal of the family. It’s
the company he keeps.”
“Oh, you have plenty of Neanderthal in you, too.” She pointedly
glanced at Nick’s hold on her waist and he squeezed tighter.
She couldn’t deny his possessiveness turned her on, something she
didn’t want to think about around his family.
She focused on Zach. “You own a bar?” she asked the handsome man,
who had shaggy hair and a healthy scruff of beard.
“Among other pursuits,” he said vaguely. He grinned and Aurora
immediately knew Zach Dare had secrets. “You two made one adorable
kid.”
“Yeah, we did.”
She loved the warmth in Nick’s tone when he spoke of their daughter.
“I think so, too, but thank you,” she said.
“Mom, Mom, Mom!” As if on cue, Leah came running in but before
Nick could grab her, Zach scooped her into his arms. “Mom!” she yelled
once more.
“Yes! Right here. What’s up?” Aurora asked.
“Uncle Zach got me Unicorn Poo!” Leah’s excitement was palpable but
Aurora shook her head.
“You got her what?” she asked, envisioning something she’d have to
clean up after.
“You heard the lady. Unicorn Poo.” Zach treated her to an unrepentant
grin.
“What the he…heck, man?” Nick obviously caught his word choice in
front of his daughter.
“Relax. They’re bath bombs, right kid?” Zach juggled Leah in his arms
and she giggled, then he put her back down on the floor.
“Leah, come have a snack,” Serenity called and Leah darted over to
where her new grandmother stood by a plate of cookies.
Nick turned to his brother. “What do you know about bath bombs?” he
asked, obviously confused. Based on Zach’s un-dad-like appearance,
Aurora knew why.
“One of the waitresses has a daughter Leah’s age. I asked her what a
good gift would be.” Zach shrugged. “Easy.”
“So you chose Unicorn Poo.” Aurora shook her head, laughing.
“Gotta be the cool uncle.”
Nick rolled his eyes. “You think you’re cool, huh?”
“Compared to Mr. Three Dates and I’m Out? Yeah, I’m the cool one.”
“Umm what?” Aurora glanced from Zach to Nick. “Three dates? What
does that mean?” She had no idea what to make of Zach’s comment.
Nick glared at his brother.
“And on that note, I’m gone.” Zach took Aurora’s hand. “Great meeting
you. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.” He leaned in and brushed a friendly kiss on
her cheek. “Don’t kill him for who he used to be,” he whispered in her ear.
And then the enigmatic brother was gone, leaving Aurora with
questions she wouldn’t get answered when surrounded by people. And not
on the ride home, either, as Leah repeated her interactions with every
relative she’d met until she passed out. But Aurora would find out. Soon.
*
*
*
NICK PARKED THE SUV in Aurora’s garage and shut off the engine.
“Are we home?” Leah asked.
“I thought she was asleep?” he asked.
Aurora turned to glance at the child in the back. “She sensed the car
shutting off. We’re home but it’s late. Bath and bed.”
“Can we use the Unicorn Poo in the bath?” Leah asked, unbuckling
herself and opening the car door.
They exited the vehicle and Nick knew enough to let Aurora handle
things tonight.
“It’s late. Let’s save Uncle Zach’s gift for tomorrow. You can even skip
a bath now and take one in the morning with the bath bombs, if you like.
But you have to promise to go right to sleep.”
“Yes!” Leah raised a victorious hand in the air and as Aurora shut the
electric garage door and opened the door to the house, Leah darted inside.
Nick stepped up behind Aurora, his mouth close to her ear. “Good call,
mom.”
Her body trembled and she turned to face him. “You’re trouble, Nick.”
“Only for you.” He backed her against the door frame. “Today was
successful, wouldn’t you say?” His goal was to stay the night but he had no
idea where her head was.
“I’d say so. Everyone was kind and welcoming. You’re very lucky to
have them all,” she said.
“I am.” Seeing her fit in with his family cemented what he already knew
—they were meant to be together and not only because they had a child. If
she let him, he’d make her a part of his family, the way the Kingstons had
made her part of theirs.
She just had to realize where—and with whom—she belonged.
She stepped inside and he followed, the house door closing behind
them. Before she could head upstairs, he caught her hand, and she turned to
face him.
“Ask me,” he said.
She wrinkled her nose in question. “Ask you what?”
He bracketed her against the nearest wall. “No games. Ask me about the
three-date shit Zach mentioned.” Nick knew how bad it sounded.
He’d seen her reaction and sensed that was the reason she’d been so
quiet on the way home. But his explanation would go a long way towards
smoothing out the rough waters between them.
She sighed. “Fine. I was going to ask anyway. What did Zach mean by
three dates and you’re out? Is that how you treated women?”
“Here’s the thing. I dated. If I found a woman I could see a future with,
I would have kept seeing her. But I always knew within three dates if that
was even a possibility.” He shrugged because he never set out to hurt
anyone. “It made sense to me. Why string someone along if I knew it
wasn’t going to work?”
She narrowed her gaze, her sensual lips pursed in thought. “So you
really have that rule?”
“I did. But not any longer. Because I found you again. You’re the only
woman with whom I could ever envision having more. Even after that first
night.” He touched his forehead to hers. “I came back the next day,
remember?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Now ask me why no one ever got past three dates.” He breathed in the
lingering scent of her vanilla-based perfume and his cock got hard.
“Why?” she asked.
He raised his head and brought his hand up, cupping her jaw. “Because
none of them were you,” he said. Then he lowered his lips and captured
hers.
Her mouth was warm and welcoming and he drank her in, kissing her,
licking at her lips, his tongue tangling with hers. More. He wanted more.
And by the way her hands slid into his hair, holding his head in place, he
could tell she did too.
“Mommy! I’m stuck!” Leah screamed from upstairs.
He broke their connection. “Little cockblocker,” he said, laughing.
Aurora grinned. “I should go help her.”
He took her hand. “Tell me I can stay tonight,” he said, as she moved to
go up the stairs.
Her gaze met his and the seconds ticked away in silence. He waited
while she obviously thought things through. “You can stay,” she said at last.
“Mommy!”
He shook his head and grinned. “We forgot the presents in the car. I’ll
grab them while you go rescue her.”
An hour later, thanks to his little negotiator, he and Aurora stood in the
hallway outside Leah’s bedroom. Earlier, she’d gotten her head stuck in her
pajamas, hence the call for help. Then, since there’d been no bath, Leah had
wheedled them into telling her two stories, one from Aurora, then one from
Nick, with a glass of water in between. She had a routine, just the way her
mother liked it.
It had been a great day. Still, he was glad when Leah fell asleep midfinal story…and he finally had Aurora alone.
Chapter Nine
T
HE DAY HAD
been a long one for Aurora. Tiring and enlightening.
Overwhelming and frightening. But ultimately satisfying.
Nick’s earlier words, because none of them were you, had stayed with
her. When she truly considered what he meant, she’d realized that she
needed to open herself up to him or she’d lose what she was starting to
realize was a good man.
She’d closed Leah’s door, leaving it open enough so her daughter could
see the glow of the nightlight from the hall, and she could hear Leah, if the
little girl called out.
She blew out a breath and turned to Nick, holding out her hand.
He entwined her fingers with his. “Where to?”
She’d considered bringing him to the family room but then decided,
why delay the inevitable? If she was in, she might as well be all in.
“My room.”
His eyes gleamed with desire. “Lead the way, beautiful.”
She led him to her bedroom and stepped inside the place that had
always been her sanctuary—complete with a king-sized bed, a white fluffy
comforter and pillows, and pastel paintings on the walls. No man had ever
been inside this room before Nick.
“You can shut the door and lock it, if you’d like. Before we go to sleep,
we’ll open it again,” she said.
Nick did as she said, and pushed the button on the doorknob. The click
reverberated through her body.
“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea for Leah to find us in bed together
tomorrow,” she said, facing him.
He stepped forward and cupped her face in his hands. “Then I’ll make
sure I’m up before she wakes up. Just let me know what time.”
“Seven,” she said, seconds before his mouth came down on hers. The
kiss wasn’t slow or gentle—it was hot and full of need.
Still kissing her, he walked her backwards until her legs hit the mattress
and she collapsed on the bed.
He lifted his head and reached for the buttons on his shirt. “Strip,” he
said, his gruff tone causing her panties to get wetter.
It was hard to concentrate on removing her own clothes when she was
so busy watching him reveal his tanned, muscular skin. She tried not to
drool as he undid his shirt and let it fall to the floor. He kicked off his shoes
and pulled off his socks, then his hands moved to his pants.
He undid the button when his eyes met hers. “Do you like watching
me?”
She nodded and pushed his hands out of the way so she could unzip his
fly, then hooked her fingers in his waistband and pulled off his pants, taking
off his boxer briefs along with them. She sucked in a deep breath as his hard
cock bobbed close to her face.
He stood watching her, hands clenched at his sides.
He was so gorgeous, he took her breath away. But she’d always been
too preoccupied with her doubts to fully enjoy him. Tonight, she intended to
do just that.
She wrapped her hand around his cock, exploring the rigid thickness as
her hand slid up and down his hard length.
A low moan reverberated from deep in his throat and precome formed
at the head. Tempted, she lowered herself to her knees, intending to attempt
something she’d read about in books but had never done herself. He didn’t
seem to realize her inexperience, or even care, if the sound he’d made was
anything to go by.
He rested his hand on the top of her head as she opened her mouth and
drew him in. His taste was salty, his scent musky and as she slid her tongue
along the underside of his erection, she felt him swell in her mouth.
He let out a low groan. “God that’s good. Keep going,” he urged,
twisting her hair in his hand and tugging, urging her on.
Knowing she was giving him pleasure caused an erotic thrill and she
squeezed her thighs together, feeling a wave of need wash over her. It
wasn’t intense yet, but that would come…after he did.
She began to suck, moving her mouth up and down his shaft, and his
hips thrusted along with her. He’d shifted his hand lower, gripping the back
of her scalp, and pulled her hair with every jerk of his lower body.
His large cock hit the back of her throat and her eyes teared up but she
didn’t stop. His groans and rough encouragement excited her, and she could
sense him losing control. She picked up her tempo and with her other hand,
she cupped his balls in her hand.
“Fu-uck,” he muttered and pulled himself back.
She released his shaft with a pop and looked up at him. “What’s
wrong?”
“Not a damned thing.” He brushed a finger beneath her damp eyes. “Get
undressed so I can come inside you.”
Her lips parted and she nodded.
As quickly as possible, she rose and stripped naked, tossing her clothes
onto the floor. His hot gaze raked over her. With a groan of approval, he
picked her up and placed her on the bed. He snagged a condom from his
jeans pocket and rolled it on, then stretched out beside her.
She’d barely had time to blink when he’d sat up and grabbed her,
settling her on her knees astride him. “Ride me, beautiful.”
She didn’t think, just gripped his cock in her hand, and lowered herself
onto him. As he slid inside, she felt every inch of him filling her. She began
to move up and down, repeating the motion, over and over, connecting them
in the most intimate way.
His hot gaze locked on hers and everything she felt for him flowed
through her. The longing, the wanting, the need accumulated inside her and
a lump rose in her throat. She shut her eyes, wanting to push away the depth
of emotion their joining caused.
“Eyes open,” he said sharply.
Before she could react, he’d raised his lower body off the mattress and
flipped them, so he was on top and in control. He braced his hands on either
side of her head, his strong body over hers.
“What you feel…” he said, thrusting in and out of her, his intent stare
holding hers in a way she couldn’t deny or shut out. “This is us.” His thick
erection anchored so deep inside her, she was afraid he’d reached her heart.
She gasped and couldn’t look away.
“It’s never been like this for me. Only with you,” he said. And then he
began to take her hard, shifting his hips with each thrust until he hit that
spot. The one that had her seeing stars. Hell, she was flying so high, she
might have seen the entire universe.
Her orgasm hit and she barely recognized the sound she made. “Nick,
God, more!” She dug her fingers into his shoulders and he worked as she
rode out her climax.
Just when she came down, his orgasm wracked his body above her and
he groaned. “Fuck. I love you.” He stiffened as he came, warmth flowing
inside her along with too many feelings for her to name.
She didn’t know how much time had passed before she opened her eyes.
Nick had already rolled off her, walked to the bathroom and returned.
He helped her clean up and pulled her against him, his arm around her
body, holding her tight.
“Nick, about what you said…”
He grunted in her ear. “We aren’t going to discuss it now,” he said in a
gruff voice. “You’re going to tell me in your time, when you’re ready.”
That lump returned to her throat because she did love him. How could
she not? But he was right. She wasn’t ready to say it yet.
She needed to have all of her shit together and be ready before she said
those words. It had to be perfect.
She curled against him, her head on his chest and she fell into a deep
sleep.
*
*
*
AURORA
GROANED AND
rolled over, realizing Nick was gone. As promised,
he’d woken up early enough to avoid having Leah find him in her bed.
What time was it, anyway? After a glance at her phone, she bolted up in
bed. Eight thirty! She rushed to the bathroom, took care of things, washed
up and brushed her teeth. Then she pulled on an old tee-shirt, a pair of
panties and shorts before going to see why Leah hadn’t woken her. Leah
wasn’t in bed, which didn’t make sense. She always woke up early and
climbed into Aurora’s bed for snuggle time.
The sound of voices directed her to the kitchen where Nick and Leah
were…making breakfast? Stunned, she stood in the entrance and watched in
silence.
“Hand me the bacon but stay away from the hot stove,” Nick said.
“Here!” Leah smacked him in the arm with a strip of bacon.
Aurora winced but Nick didn’t miss a beat. He accepted the meat and
placed it in the pan. “Next?”
Leah repeated the step.
Looking around, Aurora realized scrambled eggs waited on their plates,
probably growing cold. Okay, so he didn’t multi-task very well, but he
definitely was learning on the job. Watching him, Aurora fell even more in
love with him than she already was.
It felt strange, seeing the two of them in her kitchen, doing a routine she
normally enjoyed with her daughter. She wasn’t going to be needed all the
time anymore and that was hard to accept. But it also brought her great joy.
“Can I wake Mommy now?” Leah asked.
She wasn’t so easily forgotten, Aurora thought with a grin. “I’m right
here.” She walked into the room and met Nick’s gaze. Everything from last
night passed between them with that one searing look.
She cleared her throat.
“Mommy! We’re making eggs n’ bacon. And I poured my own orange
juice!” Leah, still in her pajamas, jumped up and down excitedly, as Nick
turned back to the stove to concentrate on the frying pan.
They sat together as a family and ate breakfast and Aurora didn’t think
she’d ever forget this first time. Her heart was full and she was…happy in a
way she’d never been before.
“You promised me Unicorn Poo!” Leah said.
Aurora grinned. “I did.”
Leah sneezed and wiped her nose on her sleeve.
“Gross, young lady. Use a tissue,” Aurora said, not meeting Nick’s gaze
because she could see how badly he wanted to laugh. “Go get some tissues
from the bathroom.”
Leah slid off her chair and ran to do as she’d been asked. She sneezed
again on her way there and again on her way back.
She returned with the entire box of tissues.
“Are you feeling okay?” Aurora put her hand against Leah’s forehead,
finding it hot.
“My throat feels funny.” Leah let out an exaggerated cough.
This time it was Nick who said, “Cover your mouth when you cough.”
Aurora shot him a grateful look. “Since you two made us such a good
breakfast, how about I clean up? You can watch something until I’m
finished. Then I’ll run your bath.”
“Okay, Mommy.”
She glanced at Leah, noticing her eyes were a little glassy. “Can you get
Mommy the thermometer from where we keep it?”
Leah ran out of the room.
“You think she’s sick?” Nick asked, his face etched with concern.
“Looks like she may be coming down with something. It’s probably a
cold. I’ll see how things go the rest of today.”
Leah returned at the same time Nick’s cell rang. He picked it up from
the counter and took the call.
“Here.” Leah handed Aurora the thermometer and brushed her hair
away from her ear, waiting for her temperature to be taken.
“What? Jesus. Not again,” Nick said, obviously exasperated.
Aurora glanced over. He was running his hand through his hair as he
paced the length of the kitchen. In the end, he stepped out of the room.
She put the thermometer in Leah’s ear and waited for the beep before
checking it. “Ninety-nine. There’s definitely something brewing. Okay,
monkey. I’m going to give you some Tylenol, a short bath, and we’re going
to rest today. How does a movie sound?”
“Good.” Leah’s normal enthusiasm was waning. She didn’t even ask for
a movie with a prince.
Nick walked back into the room, tension radiating from his stiff body
and annoyed expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“You first. How is she?” he asked.
Leah walked over and threw herself against his legs in dramatic fashion.
“I have a fever.”
Aurora laughed and rolled her eyes. “Leah, go get your stuff ready for
your bath. Don’t forget pajamas and underwear this time.” She ruffled her
daughter’s hair and Leah dragged herself out of the room.
“Is it just a cold?” Nick asked, his concern obvious.
She nodded. “The fever is low grade. A little Children’s Tylenol will
help. As long as it doesn’t turn into croup, we’re good.”
“Croup?”
“That’s when they get a cough that sounds more like a bark.”
Nick nodded. “I think my younger brothers have had it before.”
“She’s had it a few times already. It’s more of a winter illness and the
doctor says she should outgrow it soon. But you never know. Occasionally
it can happen in spring, though that’s more unusual.” Thinking back to
those past episodes, Aurora cringed. “The noise she makes with every
cough is scary as hell. It’s like a bark from her chest.” Aurora placed her
hands over her sternum. “When she was a baby, I had nights where I’d sit
up in the rocker in her room because I felt better knowing I was there as she
slept.”
“Jesus.” He ran a hand through his hair, an obvious habit when he was
stressed. “I really wish I’d been with you then.”
“It’s fine, Nick. You’re here now. I’ll give her a fast bath and she can
relax for the day.” She glanced at the phone clenched in his hand. She’d
forgotten about his call. “Is everything okay?” She pointed to the cell.
He frowned. “It’s the Miami hotel. We had a major flood and had to
shut down the dining room. I need to go down there and handle things.”
Disappointment rushed through her, but she pushed it away. “No
problem.”
It wasn’t like Nick lived with them. She hadn’t expected him to be
around all the time. Besides, this was his job—even though his comings and
goings brought out the worst of her insecurities.
Whatever their relationship was, she needed to get a hold of herself, and
not immediately equate his traveling with abandonment.
If only it was that easy.
*
ALTHOUGH NICK
NEEDED
*
*
to leave, he pushed work aside and stayed, giving
himself another hour with his girls. Leah seemed to wilt as time went on.
She hadn’t even asked for the Unicorn Poo in her bath, which told him how
badly she was feeling. Aurora knew enough not to bring up Zach’s gift,
obviously sensing Leah would be too tired to notice.
And that reminded him how much he still had to learn.
He sat through some of Cinderella, Leah’s head in Aurora’s lap,
watching them more than the movie, until the little girl fell asleep. He
nodded at Aurora and she slid out from beneath their daughter, leaving her
conked out on the sofa.
Aurora walked him to the door.
“Do you promise she’s okay? I can go without worrying?” he asked.
She nodded. “She’s sleeping and barely coughing. I’ll see how she does
overnight. Maybe I’ll keep her home from school tomorrow. And if she
starts that bark, I’ll make an appointment with the pediatrician. Sometimes
they give her steroids to reduce the swelling in her airways.”
He flinched at the description. “Maybe I should stay.” Of course, then
no one would be available for the Florida debacle.
Aurora sounded calm and confident. She’d definitely pulled back since
last night, but he’d just have to see how she handled him being away again.
“What about you? Are you okay?” he asked.
Aurora treated him to a practiced smile. “I’ve handled Leah being sick
before. No worries,” she said too easily.
“Yes, you have. But you’re not alone anymore. I’m here, too.” He
reached for her hands and held them tight, needing her to feel their
connection. To remember what they’d shared last night.
“And Leah’s lucky to have you,” she said.
His gut started churning. “I’m also here for you,” he reminded her. And
he’d keep reminding her until she believed him. “You’ll keep in touch?”
She nodded. “Of course. I’ll let you know how she’s doing.”
He did his best not to grind his teeth at her obvious withdrawal. “I’ll
check in at the usual times.” They’d come up with a routine during his
travels and he knew how much Aurora liked her schedules.
“Thank you. That’s great. What time are you leaving?”
She tugged her hands and he released her. “As soon as I pack and get to
Teterboro Airport.” Where the company jet hangar was located.
“Okay, well, fly safe,” she said, as she opened the door.
He’d had enough of this bullshit. He wrapped his hands around her
waist and pulled her against him. “Goodbye, Aurora. I’ll be back,” he said,
then left her with a long, deep kiss to keep with her while he was gone.
Finally, he turned and walked away, heading to his car.
The sooner he left, the sooner he’d return.
*
*
*
NICK HAD JUST left when Leah woke up. And now, Aurora had no doubt that
her daughter was sick. It was as if a switch had been turned on. Leah had
gone from being slightly feverish, to having a full-blown cold with a cough
that made Aurora nervous. She did her best to keep Leah calm, because
she’d learned that panic and anxiety would only make the cough worse.
From Cinderella to Frozen to Beauty and the Beast, they watched
Disney princesses all day and into the night. The first night was manageable
and they spoke to Nick as planned. She was too worried about the rumble in
Leah’s chest to focus on Nick’s absence, which she supposed was a good
thing.
When Leah woke up in the morning, she still had a fever and a cough,
but she seemed calmer and the cough was under control. Aurora called
school and explained Leah wouldn’t be in and once again, they watched
movies or Aurora read her stories. When she napped, Aurora checked in at
work but Billie had things under control.
Nick called while they were eating breakfast and Aurora had Leah
answer, to assure him she was okay. Or so Aurora told herself, knowing she
didn’t buy her own bullshit. She was keeping Nick at a distance for her own
emotional safety again. The man had told her he loved her. What more did
she need?
“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Leah said, followed by a barking cough that
Aurora knew wasn’t good.
“Let’s go into your room so you’re close to the humidifier and I’ll make
you some chicken soup for dinner.” She kissed Leah’s forehead. Still warm.
She was due for more Tylenol after she ate. It was only four o’clock but
she’d feed Leah twice if need be.
After setting up Leah in her room with a picture book and a stuffed
animal, Aurora walked into the kitchen. While she heated the soup, she
called the doctor’s office and they talked about the usual remedies. The
nurse said they would fit Leah in tomorrow if the fever didn’t break or her
cough got any worse.
After dinner, Aurora gave Leah more Tylenol and fielded calls from
Nick. One thing she could say about Nick—he obviously loved his
daughter, if all his calls checking in on her were any indication. Aurora
downplayed how bad Leah’s cough and fever were because as frustrated as
she was by Nick being away, she didn’t want him to worry when there was
nothing he could do from where he was.
She spent the early part of the evening bringing Leah in and out of the
steam-filled shower and Aurora’s heart broke with every whine, bark-like
cough, and cry.
She prayed they’d soon turn a corner but later that night, Leah’s cough
morphed into something that terrified her. Her breathing wasn’t strong, even
when she wasn’t coughing, and high-pitched wheezes came from her chest.
Then Leah would panic and start to cry, which set off more coughing.
Around ten, Leah was having trouble breathing and Aurora knew she
had to take her to the hospital. She called Melly, but she didn’t answer her
phone. Everyone else was too far away. So Aurora was left with two
choices—either call for an ambulance or take Leah to the hospital herself.
With no desire to traumatize Leah even more, she decided to drive.
She walked over to Leah, who had glassy eyes and a red, runny nose.
She looked miserable and when she coughed harder, she started to cry.
“Mommy, it hurts.” She pressed her hands to her chest, the tears breaking
Aurora’s heart.
“I know, baby. We’re going to go see the doctor.” Aurora didn’t say
hospital. No need to scare her.
She bundled her up against the cool spring air and walked into the
garage. When she opened the door for Leah to get in, her normally
easygoing daughter shook her head.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want to be alone in the back.” She folded her arms and leaned
against the wall, refusing to move. Then, as if on cue, she began to cough
and cry.
Aurora closed her eyes and tried not to cry herself. She reached into her
bag and called Mark. He was next door and she was out of options.
Once Mark heard Leah’s cough, he put aside any lingering hard
feelings, and went into action. Aurora called Samantha, who rushed over to
stay with a sleeping Mimi, and as soon as she arrived, Mark pulled his car
into Aurora’s driveaway.
The hospital wasn’t far, though with Leah crying, barking and
wheezing, Aurora felt every moment. Her priority was to get Leah settled
and then she’d call Nick.
Mark dropped her at the ER while he went to find a parking spot.
Normally there would be a check-in and triage but the woman behind the
desk was kind and realized Leah couldn’t breathe well.
They rushed her and Leah into a private cubicle and a nurse came in.
Together, they calmed Leah down and a female doctor arrived a few
minutes later.
“Relax honey.” Aurora held Leah’s hand so the doctor could listen to
her chest. Leah had been through this many times before at the
pediatrician’s office, so she wasn’t scared and let the doctor check her over.
“I want to get x-rays taken,” the doctor said. “We have a mobile
machine so I’ll have someone from imaging and radiology come up. In the
meantime, let’s get a nebulizer treatment going.” She hooked her
stethoscope around her neck. “We’re also going to give her IV steroids.”
She smiled at Leah. “I’m going to need you to be a big girl for this, but
you’re going to feel better quickly.”
The woman tipped her head towards the door and Aurora nodded.
Before she could tell Leah she’d be right outside, Mark joined them.
“I told them I was her father,” he said to Aurora, as he hurried inside.
Aurora stared at him, surprised. She didn’t like it but she knew he cared,
and it was the only way he could get back here to check what was going on.
Aurora stepped away from him and strode to the bed, running her hand
over Leah’s hair. “I’m going to talk to the nice doctor. Mark will stay with
you and you’ll be able to see me right outside the door, okay?”
Leah opened her mouth to answer and a loud barking sound came out
instead. Tears formed in her eyes and it was all Aurora could do to hold
back her own. She wished Nick was here but he was in Florida and she was
alone. So she nodded at the doctor and followed her outside.
“I’m going to keep her overnight so I can give her IV fluids,” the doctor
said. “It’s normal for children to get dehydrated when they can’t eat or drink
without coughing. We’ll monitor her oxygen levels and get some steroids
going in the IV.”
Aurora managed a nod. “She’s had croup before, just never like this.”
“She’ll be fine.” The doctor whose name tag said Dr. Fleischer, gave
Aurora a reassuring smile. “We just want to help speed things along and
make her more comfortable.”
“Thank you, Dr. Fleischer.” The tag had been helpful. Aurora would
never have remembered it on her own. “I can stay with her, right?” The
thought of leaving her baby alone was enough to give Aurora a panic
attack.
“Of course. Our pediatric ward is set up for parents.”
“Thank you.” Aurora walked back into the room, pasting on a happy
smile for Leah’s sake. “We’re going to stay tonight,” she said. “How about
that for an adventure?”
Leah nodded, obviously having decided to stop trying to speak.
Dammit. Aurora’s heart squeezed in her chest.
She turned to her neighbor. “Mark, thank you so much for getting us
here. I didn’t want to traumatize Leah more with an ambulance ride.”
“I’m here for you both,” he said, reaching out a hand to touch her
shoulder.
“Thank you. But why don’t you go home now? Mimi will be scared if
she wakes up and you’re not there. I’m going to text my family and let them
know what’s going on.” And Nick. She’d intended to call him but had
decided to wait until she knew more. She’d probably missed his late-night
call and she hadn’t checked her phone at all. She’d been focused on Leah.
She was going to have to get better about remembering she was now part of
a team where Leah was concerned. She’d been a single parent so long, she
was having trouble adjusting.
It took a few more minutes to convince Mark to leave and Aurora
admitted to herself she was relieved when he’d gone.
Then she turned her attention to her daughter. A nurse spoke gently to
her as she opened everything needed to put an IV into Leah’s arm. Aurora
stood by the edge of the bed and held Leah’s legs—the only part of her she
could reach—and prepared herself for a long night.
Once the ordeal with the needle was over with, she called Nick.
*
NICK
FINISHED DINNER
*
*
with the manager for the Meridian Miami. He’d
poached the man from another five-star hotel a couple of years ago and he’d
been a great addition. Thomas Breckenridge had wanted to work for a
family-owned company with smaller boutique hotels, had twenty years of
experience and the employees responded to him. After the long couple of
days they’d had overseeing the flood, and dealing with contractors and
upset customers, Nick felt obligated to take the man to dinner.
He’d just signed the bill and had shaken Breckenridge’s hand when his
phone rang. The other man walked away and he reached into his pocket for
his cell.
Aurora’s name showed up on the screen. He’d tried to call her before
dinner but nobody had picked up. He assumed she’d had Leah in the bath.
“Nick?”
“Hey. It’s good to hear your voice.” He strode across the lobby, towards
the elevators, where there were less people and noise. “What’s going on?
How’s Leah feeling?” He’d struggled being away while she was sick.
Talking to her on Facetime, seeing her little red nose and sad expression, hit
him hard.
“Umm, don’t panic, but her cough got bad, her chest hurt, and she had
trouble catching her breath. I took her to the hospital,” Aurora said.
“Shit. Is she okay?” He began to pace the lobby, one hand on the phone,
the other running through his hair.
“She is. They’re keeping her overnight as a precaution but she’s going
to be fine.” Aurora sounded exhausted and worried.
And he was a good two and a half, no three-hour flight away, as well as
the time it would take him to get to the hospital. “Are you sure you’re not
holding anything back because I’m not there?” he asked.
Her sigh echoed in his ear. “I swear, Nick. They’ve got her on a saline
nebulizer treatment and put in an IV for steroids once they move her to a
room.”
IV? They were sticking a needle in his kid’s arm and he’d been eating a
steak dinner. Fuck. “Okay,” he said, forcing himself to remain calm, at least
to Aurora. Inside, his stomach was churning because he should have been
there.
He finally forced himself to walk to the nearest window overlooking the
street and stop pacing.
“How is everything at the hotel?” she asked.
“Fine. I handled all I could. The manager will take over from there. I’ll
be on an eleven a.m. flight tomorrow.”
Her silence spoke volumes about how she was feeling about his trip.
“Look, I’d take the jet home now but Asher needed it and it’s no longer in
Miami.” There wouldn’t be a normal flight this late, so he’d have to travel
on the one he’d already booked.
“I understand,” she said.
He hoped so. “Can I talk to Leah?”
“I’m sorry. She’s asleep,” Aurora said.
Disappointment hit him hard. “Hey, what about you? How are you
holding up?”
“I’m running on adrenaline. There’s a couch in her room and I can
stretch out there, but I doubt I’ll sleep. I’m just glad they let me stay over.”
He leaned against the tempered glass. “Me too.”
“Yes, come on in,” she said. “Nick? The nurse just came in to check
Leah’s vitals. I need to go.”
“Okay. I hate that I’m not there with you but I’m a phone call away if
you need anything.” And he’d get home as soon as possible.
He hung up, emptiness and frustration consuming him. Then he walked
into the elevator and up to his room. He wanted to be with Aurora so she’d
know she wasn’t alone. Dammit. He wished he’d listened to his gut and
stayed home.
And there it was. The man who had no permanent address now thought
of Aurora’s house in New York as home.
Chapter Ten
A
URORA OPENED HER
eyes and immediately looked over at Leah. She was
still propped up on pillows, asleep. Between the nebulizer saline treatments
and the steroids in the IV, they’d calmed the spasms in her airways and
eased her cough. She had no doubt those same steroids would have her
hopped up and anxious later, but she’d worry about one thing at a time.
She sat up and discovered she had a crick in her neck from sleeping on
the small couch. She stood, stretching her back and rolling her head from
side to side. She’d have to ask a nurse for ibuprofen to ease the discomfort,
but first she needed a cup of coffee to get herself moving.
She walked to the bathroom located in Leah’s private room and did her
best to clean herself up with the small toiletry bag the hospital had
provided. She didn’t want to go all the way to the cafeteria and leave Leah
alone. Luckily, after talking to the morning nurse, the lovely woman
brought her a cup of coffee.
Leah had woken up and was fussy this morning, but Aurora didn’t
blame her. Everything hurt from the coughing to the IV, and she’d been
awakened during the night to have her vitals taken. Even Aurora was
cranky, though a second cup of coffee was helping.
She stood by Leah’s bed, sipping her drink when a knock sounded on
the door. Expecting a nurse, she looked up to see Mark walk in.
“Hi, Mr. Wheeler,” Leah said.
“Hi, Leah. How are you feeling this morning?” he asked.
She put on her best pouty face. “I don’t feel good.”
Mark nodded in understanding. “I bet you don’t. Mimi said to say hi,”
he told her.
“I miss Mimi.”
“You’ll see her soon,” Aurora said. She picked up the TV remote and
turned on a show for Leah, then glanced at Mark and tipped her head,
indicating she wanted to talk.
She walked a few steps into the hall and turned to face him. “I really
appreciate your help last night, but you didn’t need to drive all the way back
here.”
“I wanted to see how you both were doing,” he said, putting a hand on
her shoulder.
She nodded, and decided against telling him he could have called or
sent a text. She didn’t want to be rude, and after all, they were neighbors.
She wanted to keep things positive between them. After all, she’d definitely
needed his help last night. “That was kind of you. We’re fine, as you can
see.”
She glanced over at Leah who was immersed in television, fascinated
by how the voice came out over the remote control. “How did you get up
here? Hospital policy is family only.”
He shot her a sheepish grin. “Just like last night, I told them I was her
father.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
Nick’s sudden appearance took her off guard. “Nick! You said your
flight wasn’t until later this morning.”
Nick appeared as exhausted as she felt. He wore a pair of jeans, a
wrinkled t-shirt, but he still looked extremely hot, with the scruff on his
handsome face and his dark hair messy from what had to be his hands
running through it.
Then again, whether he had slicked hair or messy strands, the man
looked sexy. While he was gone, when Aurora hadn’t been worried about
Leah, she’d been thinking about her last night with Nick. Her body had
been putty in his hands. She’d never felt a sense of belonging before, the
way she had when they’d come together. And when she’d seen him
standing in the doorway, here and not in Florida, she felt better than she had
in days. She wasn’t alone.
She didn’t know how to have a relationship—or believe in them, really.
But if she was going to try for anyone, it would be Nick. Would he have
patience for her issues? She hadn’t even trusted her own family to show up
this morning. She rarely verbalized her feelings but she could sum them up
in one sentence—it was better to push people away before they
disappointed her.
He looked from Mark to Aurora. “I hired a private plane and figured I’d
surprise you. I certainly didn’t expect to see another man playing daddy.”
He’d turned to scowl at her neighbor.
To his credit, Mark’s face flushed red. “I was just trying to be helpful.
Aurora called me last night and asked me to drive them to the hospital. It
was the only way they’d let me up so I could check on them. I didn’t want
Aurora to be alone.”
Oh, God. This might go south fast, she thought. “Nick—”
He shook his head and glanced at her neighbor. “Mark, I appreciate you
being here for my girls when I couldn’t be.” He extended his hand, taking
Aurora off-guard.
And Mark, too, if his stunned expression was anything to go by. Mark
accepted Nick’s hand. He looked between them, obviously gauging the
tension in the room and trying to figure out what his role was.
“Aurora, I’m glad Leah’s okay. If you run into trouble, you know I’m
right next door,” Mark said, taking the hint. “Nick.” He tipped his head and
left, heading out into the hall.
“Well, that was awkward,” Nick muttered.
She bit her bottom lip with her teeth and released it. “I had no choice. In
any of it,” she said, hating how defensive she sounded. “I brought Leah to
the car and she refused to get in the backseat alone. So I called Mark to take
us.”
“And assume the role of her father?”
“That was his idea. He wanted to get past the desk and check on what
was going on. I had no idea he would show up again this morning.” She
looked up at Nick, so grateful he was here. “That was very magnanimous of
you, the way you handled Mark at the end.”
Nick shrugged. “I might not appreciate how he acts but you’re right. He
was here when I wasn’t. I can’t exactly complain when he helped you out.”
But the pain he’d felt at hearing someone else calling themselves Leah’s
daddy was obvious, and Aurora melted towards him. Ignoring the voice in
her head that was always there, the one reminding her to protect herself, she
ran to him and he caught her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her
close.
*
NICK
HAD MANAGED
*
*
to make some calls and rent a private jet, enabling him
to leave earlier this morning. And now that Aurora was in his arms, he
knew he’d done the right thing. Her body shook against his and he realized
she was finally letting go of her fear and pain, all the emotions she’d had to
hold in.
He stroked her silky hair with his hand, giving her what comfort he
could. “How is she?” he asked.
Aurora released him and stepped back. Her eyes were red and dark
circles had formed beneath them, but she was still the most beautiful
woman he’d ever seen.
“They’re giving her steroids and nebulizer treatments. Both have
calmed things down enough for her to sleep. She’s exhausted from having
that awful cough.”
“I’m sure you’re wiped out, too. Where is your family?” he asked,
surprised she wasn’t surrounded by her siblings.
“I tried to reach Melly last night. I wanted to ask her to go with me to
the hospital, but there was no answer. She called this morning when she got
my message, and I told her not to rush over. The doctor said they’d send
Leah home later today. Besides, visiting hours don’t start until noon.”
“And the rest of the family?” He was pushing her on purpose. She’d
been here all night, alone, and he wanted to know why.
“I didn’t want to bother them. They all live so far away. It would take a
long time for any of them to get here. Leah and I were fine,” she insisted.
He narrowed his gaze. Did she not realize how she’d deliberately
sabotaged the very things she craved?
“Mommy?” Leah’s raspy, low voice called out from inside the room,
followed by coughing that hurt Nick to hear.
If this was sounding better, he couldn’t imagine what Aurora had been
dealing with.
Aurora met his gaze and he followed her into the room.
“Hey, baby!” Aurora rushed over and eased herself down on the bed.
“Look who’s here.”
Before he even made it to her other side, Leah’s eyes lit up. “Daddy!”
Her exclamation resulted in a coughing fit that had him wincing.
But he couldn’t miss the joy that filled him at what Leah called him. He
looked at Aurora, wondering how she’d take the change, but all he saw was
a soft smile on her lips.
“Yeah, baby. I’m here,” he said, with a lump in the back of his throat.
He walked around to the head of the bed, pushing the IV pole out of the
way.
Tears from coughing tracked down Leah’s little face and she swiped at
them with the back of her free hand. The other arm had the I.V. in.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Aurora asked softly.
Leah rubbed her eyes, her skin still pale. “My arm hurts.” She pointed
to the tape holding the IV needle where her arm bent.
“I’m sure they’ll take it out soon,” Aurora reassured her.
“My throat hurts, too.”
Nick slid his hand over her head, then leaned down and kissed her
cheek.
“That’s from coughing,” Aurora said. “Let me go talk to the nurse.
Maybe they can get you something to drink, okay?”
Leah bobbed her head.
“Nick…I mean, Daddy will stay with you.” Aurora rose to her feet and
rushed out to find a nurse.
“Hey, kid. I missed you,” Nick said.
Eyes so like his own looked back at him. “I missed you, too. Me and
Mommy watched sooo many movies,” she said in the dramatic fashion he
adored.
He chuckled. “I bet you did.”
“Here you go. Apple juice.” Aurora came back into the room and
handed her a plastic cup with the sealed foil top pulled back and a straw
inside. “I’ll hold it. You sip.”
Leah slurped down a good amount of the drink, which Nick was pleased
to see.
“Ms. Kingston?” A nurse stepped inside.
“Yes?”
The redheaded nurse smiled. “The main desk called up. You have
family downstairs, and there are too many people to let up at once.”
Aurora blinked, her eyes wide in obvious surprise. “Oh! I’ll go down
and talk to them. Is it okay if we do shifts, so a couple of people can see
her? Or would it be better if I ask them to go to Leah’s grandmother’s place,
where they can see Leah later,” she said, more to herself than to the nurse.
“I think that second option might work better,” the woman said.
Nick withheld his grin. Of course, her family had shown up, despite her
telling them not to come. She had a lot to learn about what families did for
those they loved. And he intended to teach her.
They hadn’t had another conversation about their feelings or the future,
but he had to be optimistic. Without hope, what else was there?
*
NICK
HAD INSISTED
*
*
on going down and handling her family so that Aurora
could stay with Leah. He stepped out of the elevator on the lobby floor,
walked down the hall, and turned the corner to the front reception area of
the hospital. He spotted Aurora’s family immediately, congregated in a
small group. There weren’t as many Kingstons here as he’d thought. Still,
they felt like an army, much like his family.
He glanced around, looking for someone he recognized from Leah’s
birthday party. Melly caught his gaze first.
“Nick!” Melly rushed over and surprised him by greeting him with a
warm hug. “Is Leah okay?” she asked, stepping back. “I feel so guilty! I fell
asleep early and left my phone in another room so I missed Aurora’s call.”
“She’s better, or so Aurora tells me. The cough still sounds pretty
scary.” Nick shuddered just thinking of the sound coming from Leah’s little
chest.
Melly nodded. “Croup can test any parent, as you’ll learn.” She patted
his arm.
“Who else is here?” he asked.
“Linc came but Jordan had to go see her mother. Chloe and Beck said
they’d call Aurora tonight. Xander and Sasha are over there.” She gestured
to the corner where Sasha, wearing a baseball cap low on her eyes, did her
best not to be noticed.
Somehow, she’d been managing to live a normal life, and according to
Harrison, she was happier than she’d ever been. “And of course, Dash and
Cassidy are home with the baby.”
“Makes sense. The front desk didn’t want to let more than two people
up at one time, so I offered to come down and give you all an update.” He
smiled at Melly. “Why don’t I give you my pass, for starters. Tell them
you’re going up, and we’ll switch when you’re done.”
Melly’s eyes lit up. “I just want to see Leah for myself. I won’t stay
long.”
“Can we talk, first?” Nick hadn’t planned to have a personal
conversation but he felt compelled to talk to this woman who’d become his
daughter’s grandmother, despite the circumstances.
“Of course.” Melly grasped his arm and led him to a private corner near
a large, marble pillar. “What is it? Is Aurora all right?” Her concern was
obvious in the tiny wrinkles beside her eyes.
And that was why he’d wanted to speak with her. “Aurora is tired but
fine.” Nick drew a deep breath. “I just wanted to say thank you.”
“For what?” Melly was an attractive woman with dark, shoulder-length
hair. Her makeup was flawless but she was anything but the ice queen her
look might imply.
“For being there when I couldn’t. For taking Aurora in and giving her a
home,” he said. While he’d been partying in college, Aurora had been alone
until Linc had found her. “It takes a special human being to take in her
husband’s illegitimate, pregnant daughter,” Nick said. “And I’m not trying
to flatter you to win you over. I mean it.”
Melly linked her hands together and met his gaze. “I knew my husband
wasn’t a saint. But I did not know he was capable of turning his back on his
own child.” She drew a deep breath. “By the time Linc discovered Aurora,
she was alone and pregnant. I didn’t see her as my husband’s illegitimate
child. I saw her as a young girl all alone in the world, about to give birth.”
Nick’s stomach turned over. Despite already knowing the details, they
hurt to hear. “All the more reason for me to stand by my statement. You’re a
special person.” And because he had a stepmom with an equally big heart,
Nick knew what he was talking about.
“Thank you,” Melly murmured, her eyes suspiciously damp. “Now let’s
talk about you. I know you didn’t abandon Aurora. It was an unfortunate set
of circumstances.”
He nodded.
“But you’re here now and I’m putting my faith in you. You owe me
nothing, but you owe them everything,” she said, patting his shoulder.
Nick was aware. “Those abandonment issues she has… I can never tell
when I’m making any progress. I’ll think we’ve come to an understanding,
then something will happen…” Like an emergency phone call that would
take him away. “And she retreats.”
“And that’s where your tenacity will have to come in,” Melly said with
an assured grin.
Linc walked over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Are you giving Nick
a hard time? I thought that was my job.” His grin told Nick he was only
partially joking.
“Lincoln, behave!”
Nick chuckled at Melly’s scolding. That worked better than any
comeback he might have had.
Ignoring Aurora’s overprotective brother, Nick met Melly’s gaze. “What
you just said to me? You’re right. And I will do whatever I can to make up
for the time I missed.”
Financially and emotionally, he thought. But he didn’t intend to tell
anyone but Aurora just how he intended to do that.
Melly smiled. “Good. Now I’m going up to see Aurora and Leah. Thank
you, Nick.”
“My pleasure.”
“Weren’t you supposed to be in Florida?” Linc asked.
Nick narrowed his gaze. “I flew in this morning.”
“Aurora called you?” Linc sounded surprised.
He nodded. “I take it she didn’t contact you?”
Linc shoved his hands into his front pockets of his slacks. “No. My
mother let us all know. To be honest, I’m surprised she texted Mom, let
alone you. It must mean you’ve made progress with those walls of hers.”
“I’m trying,” he admitted. “Aurora told me that she asked Melly not to
come to the hospital.”
Linc groaned. “Frustrating woman,” he muttered. “As if that would
keep us away.” A few seconds ticked by in silence until Linc spoke again.
“You seem to know Aurora pretty well for a man who hasn’t seen her in
years.”
Nick refrained from rolling his eyes at the other man’s attempt at a dig.
He understood Linc’s protectiveness. Admired it, even.
“All Aurora had to do was tell me her history. From there, it wasn’t
difficult to figure out the way she thinks.” That, and he’d made it his
mission to understand her so he could learn how to reassure her, and
ultimately, win her over.
“Yeah. Her parents really fucked with her head. Or should I say, the fact
that they weren’t in her life did. I wish I’d never had to tell her the truth.”
Nick leaned against the pillar. “The truth always comes out. Now that
she knows, she can begin to put it behind her.” He shrugged. “Assuming
she learns she can trust the people who love her.”
“And do you? Love her, I mean?” Linc asked.
“Do you really think that’s any of your business?” But Nick took pity on
the guy. “Aurora is all I can think about. She’s the only woman I’ve ever
considered having a future with. We just…click.”
Linc tapped his feet on the floor. “I screwed up things with Jordan
badly. She was in my life for years and I was blind to what she meant to me.
Let’s hope Aurora didn’t inherit those stubborn genes.”
Nick hoped for the same thing.
*
*
*
AURORA SAT ON the small couch in Leah’s hospital room while Melly read to
her daughter from a short book she’d brought with her. Aurora was grateful.
Melly’s presence distracted Leah from thinking about her ordeal, and that
distraction gave Aurora a much-needed break. She could sit and breathe for
a few minutes. Of course, her thoughts were on Nick, who was downstairs
with her family, which made her wonder if that ought to make her nervous.
Melly sat down beside her and sighed. “Poor baby. She’s so exhausted.”
They glanced at Leah, who’d fallen asleep, wheezy noises still coming
from her chest. Thank God they weren’t as bad they’d been last night.
“You need to get some rest, too,” Melly said, running a hand over
Aurora’s tangled hair in that motherly fashion that Aurora recognized. She
did the same thing with Leah, even though she’d never experienced it as a
child.
“Once we get home, I’ll sleep when she does,” Aurora said.
“Or you can let Nick come home with you and look after Leah while
you take care of yourself. You won’t be any good to that child if you crash
and burn.” Melly’s Chanel flats tapped against the hospital floor.
Aurora bit down on the inside of her cheek. “I could, but I don’t want to
put him out. He’s been traveling and working hard for the last couple of
days—”
Melly put her hand up, stopping Aurora mid-sentence. “Are you trying
to make that man so exasperated he walks away?”
Aurora blinked. “What? No? I’m just telling you the truth.”
“Are you? Or are you being a martyr, doing everything yourself, so you
don’t have to risk your heart?”
That was as blunt as Melly had ever been with her, and Aurora turned to
face her in shock. “Why would you say that? I’m not a martyr.”
Melly took her hands in hers. “Can we agree that I’m the closest thing
to a mother that you’ve ever had?”
Tears filled her eyes as she nodded.
“Then listen to me. I married a man I loved and he cheated on me.
Repeatedly. Instead of divorcing him, I opted to keep my family together
and ignore what he did behind my back.”
Even though Kenneth Kingston had been Aurora’s father, Melly had
never spoken of him before. Not even when she’d graciously taken a
pregnant Aurora into her home. She’d just moved in and they’d formed
their own relationship. If it was odd that he’d been some sort of background
spectre in their lives, gone but hovering between them, Aurora never let
herself think about him. Her heart pounded hard and her mouth grew dry as
she waited for Melly to continue.
“When Linc told me about you, I was horrified that Kenneth had
abandoned you. And when I discovered what your mother had done? I was
furious on your behalf. I took you in because you deserved to have the
opportunity to have a good life. What do you think others thought?” Melly
asked.
Aurora looked around the hospital room, at the painted flowers on the
bland walls, anywhere but at Melly. “You took your husband’s mistress’s
pregnant daughter into your home. I’m sure they thought you’d lost your
mind.” Some had said as much.
Aurora recalled the baby shower Melly had thrown for her and the cruel
words she’d overheard from some of Melly’s friends about the bastard
child having her own bastard.
She shuddered at the memory. She’d been new to town, new to the
family and had felt so out of place. But she’d been so grateful, she’d never
said a word about it to Melly. The woman had done way too much for
Aurora to ever complain or hurt her. But Aurora realized that Melly’s inner
circle had grown smaller over the next couple of years.
“Aurora, look at me.”
She turned to meet Melly’s gaze and focused on the hands that now
squeezed hers tighter.
“No matter what they said—and I was aware people would talk, by the
way—I knew I’d be getting so much more out of my choice than they could
understand. I got you, who I consider another daughter, and my first
grandchild.”
“Oh, Melly.” Aurora threw her arms around her and hugged her tight.
The other woman reciprocated. “I love you and I’m so grateful,” she said,
telling her mother-by-chance the words for the first time.
“Honey, I love you too.” She patted her back before pulling away so she
could meet her gaze. “Don’t you see? I had to put myself out there and trust
that you weren’t a con artist or someone out to take advantage of my family.
I heard about you and I just knew you were supposed to be ours. You
belong with us—with our whole big, nutty family.” Melly’s eyes were
glassy, her smile sweet.
“I can’t imagine what would have happened to me without you. Without
all of you.” Of course, the Prescotts had been kind to her, but they hadn’t
been her family.
“What I’m getting at—and I know I’m taking the long way to make my
point—is can you imagine your life, your future, without Nick in it? If he
came around to be Leah’s daddy, but not the man in your life? All because
you can’t move past the fact that the people in your past let you down?”
Big fat tears dripped from her eyes and she held back a sob.
Melly wrapped an arm around her and hugged her tight. “You’ve been
strong for so long because you’ve had to be. But you’re not alone anymore.
You have a huge family who loves you, and a man downstairs, who’s doing
his best to prove that he does too.”
Aurora sniffed, wiping her damp face with her sleeve. She laughed at
herself and rose to grab the tissues by a sink before she sat back down.
“Nick travels a lot. Every time he leaves, I’m overcome with that lost,
abandoned feeling I hate. It makes me feel weak and needy,” she admitted.
Melly placed a hand beneath her chin. “You’re none of those things.
You need to see reality through a new lens—not through the past. Nick
travels, yes, but he always comes back. It’s up to you whether or not you
can open your heart and take the risk.” She removed her hand. “Now I’m
going to leave so that handsome man can come back up. I’ll take the family
home with me. Give us a ring when you and Leah are up to visitors, once
you’re back home again.” She gathered her purse and started for the door.
“Melly?”
She turned back, hand on the doorframe. “Yes?”
“Thank you. For everything.”
Melly smiled and blew a kiss. Then she was gone.
Aurora stood for a while, staring at nothing, thinking about the things
Melly had said. They’d never broached such sensitive, difficult subjects
before, but their talk had been long overdue. And Melly had made good
points about whether or not she could give up a relationship with Nick just
to protect her heart. Could she imagine a future with Nick as Leah’s father
and nothing more?
With a sigh, Aurora walked over to Leah and stood by her bed,
watching her daughter sleep. She was so sweet and innocent, and she’d
grow up surrounded by love. No matter what issues she might have—
because everyone had some—abandonment would never be one of them.
She leaned down and kissed Leah’s forehead. “I love you and I’ll
always be here.”
“So will I, if you let me.”
She spun around at the sound of Nick’s voice. He stepped into the room
and joined her at the bed.
“Is everything okay?” he asked, coming up beside her and placing his
big hand on her back.
She looked into his familiar, bedroom eyes and everything she felt came
rushing at her with the force of a tidal wave.
This was it. The moment she had to decide if she was going to run from
that wave…or ride it. “Nick,” she whispered.
“What is it?”
She reached for him when someone knocked.
“Guess who’s going home today?” the nurse called out in a loud, singsong voice, walking in and waving papers.
Leah popped up from her bed and rubbed her eyes. “I can go home?”
The nurse smiled. “Yes. As soon as your mom signs these papers and I
take out the IV.”
Nick glanced at Aurora. “Whatever you were about to say? I want to
hear.”
Aurora swallowed hard and managed a nod. She wished the woman
hadn’t interrupted. She could have told him how she felt, and what she
wanted. Now she’d have to wait, nervous and ready to jump out of her skin,
until the next time she and Nick were alone.
Chapter Eleven
N
ICK TOOK
AURORA and Leah home from the hospital in the car he’d rented
at the airport. He knew it was too much to hope his little chatterbox would
fall back asleep so he and her mother could have a serious conversation.
Instead, they talked about Leah’s adventures at the hospital, her sore throat,
and the fact that her arm still hurt from the IV needle. He had a feeling
she’d be milking that one for weeks.
Aurora remembered she had a lollipop in her bag and handed it to Leah,
which kept her quiet for a few minutes.
Then she leaned closer to him. Her lingering vanilla scent tortured him
and his cock jerked like fucking Pavlov’s dog. After their night together, he
didn’t think he’d ever not get hard at the intoxicating smell.
“I was impressed with how you handled Mark this morning,” she said
quietly, so little ears wouldn’t hear.
Nick stiffened at the surprise topic. “I know he lives next door. It would
have been stupid for me to start an argument with him, even though it
gutted me that he was here when I wasn’t.”
Admitting the truth wasn’t easy, because Aurora didn’t like his trips and
she didn’t need a reminder of them. But Nick was Leah’s father. He should
have been around.
“I know,” she said. “And I also realize how much it took for you to
accept what he did and thank him. I appreciate it.’
“That doesn’t mean I didn’t want to punch him,” he muttered.
She let out a surprised laugh, causing him to grin.
“What’s funny?” Leah yelled from the backseat, and of course, started
to cough.
“I need to buy an SUV with the screens in the headrest,” he said to
Aurora. “Nothing, Leah. Just grown-up stuff.”
“I hate grown up stuff.”
He glanced in the rearview mirror in time to see her stick the lollipop
back in her mouth. His lips twitched and a quick side glance told him
Aurora was holding back a chuckle, too.
No sooner had they arrived home before Leah announced she was
starving. Nick took one look at Aurora and made an executive decision.
“I’m going to make you something to eat. Your mommy is going to take
a nap and then have a long, hot shower. Or a long hot, shower and then a
nap. Whatever she needs.” He met Aurora’s gaze and she treated him to the
most appreciative smile he’d ever seen, one that caused his heart to beat
faster and made him think that she just might be coming around. “How’s
that sound?” he asked Leah. But his gaze remained on Aurora’s face.
“Can you make grilled cheese?” Leah asked.
“I can manage that.”
“And tomato soup,” she demanded.
“No problem.”
“With milk not water.”
He grinned and Aurora did too.
She walked up to him, placed her hands on either side of his face and
pulled him in for a long kiss. No tongue, but he’d take it.
“Why are you kissing?” Leah asked, her face scrunched as she watched
them.
Aurora grinned. “Because Daddy just did a very nice thing for me. Now
you be good for him, okay?”
Leah nodded.
Aurora glanced at Nick, gave him a smile he couldn’t interpret, and
headed to her room to take a much-needed nap, leaving him alone with his
kid.
He made them lunch, they talked about her friends, their names, Leah’s
favorite color, animal and other things Nick wanted to know.
After they were finished, he took a good look at his daughter. She had
orange tomato stains around her mouth, her hair stuck out every which way,
and she needed a bath. But he wasn’t sure how to handle that challenge.
He picked up their dishes and took them to the sink, cleaning up as she
watched. “Are you up to a bath or a shower?”
“Shower! I like showers. Mommy lets me come in with her sometimes,
or I take one alone and she helps me rinse my hair.”
He nodded. “Daddy can help you clean up in the shower and your mom
can give you a good washing tomorrow.”
Her eyes lit up and she nodded.
An hour later, Nick set Leah in front of the TV. He’d cleaned the watersoaked bathroom floor, which meant he had to throw a load of soaking wet
towels in the washing machine. But he took care of all the shit he could, so
Aurora would be able to focus on Leah. Then he collapsed on the couch
beside his daughter.
He had a new respect for Aurora as a single mom and was more
determined than ever to do right by her. His phone buzzed. He glanced at
the screen and answered the call. “Asher, how are you?” he asked his oldest
sibling.
“I’m calling to find out how my niece is. Harrison told me Leah was in
the hospital?” Asher asked.
Asher had missed meeting Leah at their parents’ house but that didn’t
make him disinterested.
“It was a bad case of croup. It was scary as hell but it’s under control
now and she’s home. At her mom’s.” Nick glanced at Leah, happily sitting
cross-legged beside him, watching something on her iPad, and ignoring the
television Nick had put on. Kids music sounded so Nick wasn’t too worried.
“Where are you?” he asked Asher.
“I got back from the island last night, and I visited with a friend this
morning. I’m about half an hour from where you said Aurora lives. Mind if
I drop by so I can meet Leah and Aurora?”
“Aurora’s asleep. She was up most of the night at the hospital, but sure.
Come on over. I’ll text you the address.”
Nick had peeked in on Aurora earlier and she was out cold in her bed.
She’d obviously needed the sleep, and he doubted she’d care if his brother
visited.
About forty minutes later, Nick let Asher into the house. He had a big
box in his hand. “Jesus, what did you do?”
“Asked my secretary what a five-year-old girl would want. Someone
needs to be the cool uncle.” He grinned and Nick rolled his eyes.
“Zach bought her Unicorn Poo. Think you can beat that?” Nick led him
inside and introduced Leah to her Uncle Asher, who spent fifteen minutes
talking to her, an amused smile on his face as he nodded, not getting a word
in edgewise.
When she opened her gift—an American Girl doll with blonde hair just
like Leah—she jumped up and down with excitement. “Thank you!” she
screeched and Nick winced, putting a finger over his lips. “Indoor voice.”
He repeated what he’d heard Aurora say, knowing she also needed to be
kept calm after her stint in the hospital.
Leah held her doll in her arms and nodded.
Asher glanced at Nick. “See? Cool uncle.”
Nick felt a tug on his pants and glanced at Leah. “What’s up, princess?”
“I’m tired.”
Nick picked her up and carried her to her room. “You’ve had quite the
experience and nobody sleeps well in a hospital. How about you take a nap,
like your mommy?” he asked, putting her down on the bed.
“I want to sleep with Mommy,” she said.
He shrugged. “Does she let you?”
“Duh!” She grabbed her doll and ran out of the room.
He padded down the hall to Aurora’s bedroom and glanced in. Leah had
already climbed beneath the covers and curled into her mother’s arms.
There wasn’t a sound from either one of them. He wanted to join them, but
had to console himself with, maybe someday.
He stepped out and returned to the family room, dropping into the sofa
beside Asher.
“You’ve got your hands full with that one,” his brother said, but the
smile on his face told Nick he was as smitten with Leah as Nick was.
“No kidding.” He stretched his legs out in front of him, leaned his head
back and groaned. “But it’s been a long fucking night and day.” He could
use some sleep himself. He raised his head and glanced at Asher, who
watched him silently.
“How are you handling all this?” Asher finally asked.
“Better than I would have thought,” Nick admitted. “I took one look at
her and I was all-in. There’s not a doubt in my mind that I want to be an
active part of her life.”
“It’s a big change. I’m glad you’re happy.” As the oldest, Asher liked to
manage things. Nick wondered how his brother would handle what Nick
had to say next. “It’s a huge change… and I’ll need my job to adjust with
it.”
Asher straightened in his seat. In his suit and tie, he reminded Nick of
Linc Kingston, the businessman, even when dealing with family. Then
again, he’d brought Leah a doll she’d heard of and it had made her happy.
There was a beating heart in there somewhere, Nick thought wryly.
“Meaning what?” Asher asked.
“I want to hire someone to do the traveling when we have issues at the
hotels. Being away and getting a call my daughter was in the hospital?
That’s not something I want to repeat. I want to be there for everything
important.” He’d been thinking about this the entire plane ride home. “And
Aurora? Well, she needs me to have a home base.”
Asher’s eyes opened wide, his expression stunned. “You want to change
your entire life for a chick you knocked up over six years ago?”
Nick stiffened and glanced back to make sure Aurora wasn’t walking
down the hall. “Watch it,” he warned the brother he respected. “She’s not
just some chick. And she’s not just Leah’s mother to me, either.”
Asher eyed him seriously. “You don’t answer to me, Nick. The hotels
are your domain. Dad’s around, if you need guidance. So am I, but you
know more than we do at this point.” He crossed one leg over the other. “He
groomed you for the hotel business.”
Nick grinned. “Because I followed him everywhere, wanting to be just
like him.” They all had a share in the hotels, but Nick was the most handson.
Asher laughed. “That, I remember. If you want to hire someone to train,
then go ahead. Now tell me about Aurora.”
Once again, Nick glanced towards the still empty hall, then began
drumming his fingers on the soft sofa. Asher could be trusted with his dark
secrets. And Nick knew his brother would love Aurora, too.
“If you think our family has crazy in it, you have no idea what she’s
been through,” he said, keeping his voice low.
Asher raised an eyebrow, waiting.
Although a part of him still hesitated about revealing Aurora’s private
pain, the only way his family would understand her was if they knew. So he
spent the next few minutes telling Asher about her past, and explaining the
way it was impacting her ability to open up to him now.
“Jesus.” Asher rubbed his hands together and shook his head. “Her own
parents left her in foster care?” He shook his head, his jaw set in anger on
her behalf. “No wonder she’s got trust issues.”
Nick nodded.
Aurora’s history beat the story of their mother walking out and never
coming back, Nick thought. Not that it was a contest. And the Dares had
had their father, Serenity, and each other. Nick knew they’d been lucky.
But Asher had been older, and he remembered their mom…and the
neglect. He didn’t like to talk about his childhood and Nick respected that.
“You have your hands full right now. I can have my assistant get a list
of potential candidates for you to interview.”
Nick nodded. “That’ll help. Thanks.”
“We’re family. Whatever you need, I’m here,” Asher said. “I just want
to make sure you’re making this big move because you want it, not because
Aurora asked you to.”
“Actually, she’s never asked. She’s admitted that my leaving hits her
abandonment issues.” He clasped his hands together and leaned forward. “I
was sitting on the private jet I’d rented at a moment’s notice and realized
something. Our wealth? We take it for granted. But it enables us to make
choices other people can’t.”
“Like?”
“Like I don’t need to travel for business. I chose to. Just like I chose not
to have a home base, an apartment or a house. Hell, you have homes.
Plural.” Nick couldn’t help but smirk. His brother owned his own fucking
island.
Asher rose from his seat. “You’ve grown up a lot in a short time. Gotta
say bro, I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks.” Nick stood.
“I need to get going.” Asher tipped his head towards the entrance. “Tell
Aurora I’m sorry I missed her, but that I’d like to get together with you both
soon.” He started for the door and paused. “Fatherhood looks good on you.”
Nick chuckled. “You wait until it’s your turn. Fatherhood changes you.
Love changes you.”
Asher shook his head but said nothing.
Nick pulled his brother into a one-armed hug. “Thanks.”
“Anytime.”
He let his sibling out and shut the door behind him, then turned…and
found Aurora standing at the end of the hall. She’d obviously just woken up
and stood watching him.
She’d showered and her hair was damp, falling in waves around her
face. She wore the same pair of sweats he’d seen her in that first morning,
rolled down and revealing a strip of smooth skin, and a cropped loose shortsleeve top. Her feet were bare, with hot pink toenails.
He loved everything about her.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Better. I needed to sleep. Thank you.” She rubbed her hands together
and met his gaze. “Can we talk?”
No good conversation ever began with those words, Nick thought and
nodded.
Aurora stepped towards Nick and slipped her hand into his, giving him
hope that this wouldn’t be the doomsday talk he expected.
He followed her into the family room and when he reached the couch,
she placed her hands on his shoulders.
“Sit. Please,” she said.
He dropped to the cushion and settled in, surprised when she climbed
into his lap and made herself comfortable. “What are you doing?”
“Settling in so we can talk.” She appeared serious, without any
lightheartedness in her expression…but she was sitting in his lap.
Her lips pursed in the lush pout he liked. A lot. He wanted to kiss those
lips but he knew talking was more important. Because he’d figured out that
she wasn’t going to drop bad news on him. So he could relax while they
worked things out.
“You’re smiling?” She tipped her head to one side, her confusion
evident. “Why?”
“Because if you were going to end things between us, you wouldn’t be
sitting like this.” He gestured to their intimate position.
She nodded. “You always were smart,” she said, leaning down and
kissing him. “No,” she said, raising her head. “I’m not ending us. But I need
to say a few things and you can decide where we go from here.”
“I’m listening.”
“I love you, Nick. I’ve always loved you.” Her soft gaze searched his
face.
At her admission, his heart picked up speed. “Well, that’s great news.
Because you already know I love you, too.” He tipped his head and she
kissed him harder, her mouth warm and willing and she shifted in his lap. A
long moan escaped him as her sex came in contact with his now rock-hard
erection. He wasn’t too comfortable himself but she raised her head.
“We still need to talk.”
Nodding, he held himself in check. This was her show and he’d let her
lead. “I’m here.”
“Melly said some things that resonated with me,” she said.
“Like what?” He braced his hands on her hips, holding her in place and
just, well, holding her.
“We talked about the choices she had to make when Linc found me in
Florida, and how she knew people would talk about her taking in her
husband’s mistress’s pregnant child. And oh, they did talk,” she said,
shaking her head.
“You heard things?” He tightened his grip on her waist, feeling
protective on her behalf.
She nodded. “I never told Melly. I didn’t think I should say anything to
make her feel bad. I knew how fortunate I was—she gave me a home. But
Melly told me that she feels like she was the lucky one, that she got so
much more than anyone else could understand.”
Her eyes filled, and Nick tightened his hold on her. He’d do anything to
take away her pain. He couldn’t change the past but he could make sure her
future was a happy one. And he was hoping this talk would lead to just that.
He held his breath as he listened.
“She surprised me so much.” She swiped under her eyes. “I already
knew Melly thinks of Leah as her granddaughter, but I guess I’d never quite
grasped that she also considers me her daughter.”
That lump rose in his throat all over again.
“She’s the only mom I’ve ever known,” Aurora admitted, her voice
strained.
Nick rubbed her back in calming circles, offering comfort…and
noticing she wasn’t wearing a bra.
He cleared his throat. “Melly’s special and I told her that earlier today.”
Aurora blinked. “You did?”
“Baby, you’re surrounded by people who are here. People who aren’t
going anywhere. You just need to reach out and take what everyone is
offering. What I’m offering.”
She visibly swallowed. “About that. About us…”
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smoothed a hand over the
long strands.
“Melly asked me, point blank, if I could imagine my life and future
without you in it, knowing you’d be there for Leah regardless,” Aurora said.
“She asked me if I was willing to risk my future because the people in my
past let me down.”
He knew he damn well didn’t want to imagine his life without Aurora in
it. And as more than just his daughter’s mother.
He opened his mouth but she placed her finger over his lips.
His hand stilled on her back and he met her gaze. “So what’s the
answer?”
She placed her hands on either side of his face. “Like I said, I love you,
Nick. There is no future for me without you in it. Not one that I want to
imagine, anyway. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to have a hard time
adjusting. I’m going to have to learn how to get over my abandonment
issues. But I’m not sure it’s fair to ask you to put up with me as I do it.”
He raised an eyebrow. “How about you let me decide what’s fair where
I’m concerned?” He already knew he’d do anything for Aurora and Leah.
“If it helps, Asher and I talked about me hiring someone to handle some of
the travel.”
She shook her head. “That’s not what I want. Changing how you live,
your job, what you do? No. I’m going to work on my issues. I just need to
know you’ll stick by me while I do.”
He smiled wide. “Just try to get rid of me. And as for cutting down on
travel, I think it’s still a good idea.”
Her eyes gleamed with happiness at his reply. She twisted her body to
face him, and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“A part of me just wants to make you happy and ease your burdens, but
the truth is, not being here when Leah was sick? That was an experience I’d
rather not repeat. I’ve lost so much time with you both already. I don’t want
to miss any more.”
“I understand that.” She smoothed his cheek with her hand, her eyes
twinkling with a lightness he was thrilled to see. “But I want you to know
that if you need to go out of town, or you change your mind and want to go
back to the way things are now, I’m not going anywhere. I want to work on
myself so I’m a better mother to Leah, a better partner for you and a
stronger woman for myself.”
“I promise you, we’ll make decisions as a team, okay?” he said. “I love
the person you are now. If you want to make some changes because you
need them, I support you. As far as I’m concerned, you’re already one
strong woman and an amazing role model to our daughter.”
“Yeah?” She rubbed her finger over his lips, her eyes dilating with need.
“Definitely. Anything else on the table for discussion? Or can I kiss you
without interruption?”
She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck and nipped at his bottom
lip in response. He growled and raised his hips, deliberately coming in
contact with her sex. She shifted and arched into him, rubbing herself in
circles against his cock.
With his hands on her hips, he helped her grind into him, their lips still
connected. It was as if he wanted to be linked with her, forever.
“Mommy, why are you kissing daddy again?”
Caught again, he thought, knowing he needed to get used to it.
Aurora slid back but remained on Nick’s lap. “Because we love each
other.” Her eyes sparkled as she answered.
Leah walked over, coughing but sounding much better. “I love you,
too.” She climbed onto the couch and pushed between them, nearly
knocking Aurora over.
Aurora laughed and kissed Leah’s forehead. “Kissing is different
between mommies and daddies,” she said. “But I love you, too.”
Nick tapped Leah’s head and she looked up at him. “I love you too,
princess.”
His daughter flung her arms around his neck. “I love you, Daddy.”
His throat tight, he managed to wrap an arm around both of his girls.
Nick had Aurora back. He had his family. And as far as he was concerned,
he had everything that mattered.
Epilogue
One Year Later
A
URORA STOOD AT
the kitchen sink, looking out the window at the rolling
backyard of the house she and Nick had moved into two months ago. When
he’d made the decision to step back from travel, he’d immediately hired
someone who did similar work for a large hotel chain, and began the
training process. Nick traveled along with his new employee, introducing
him to the managers and assistant managers of the hotels, and teaching him
the way he liked to handle things under the Meridian umbrella of hotels.
Then he’d moved in with Aurora and Leah.
Leah had taken to Nick’s new living arrangements with ease, acting as if
she’d always had her father around. And Aurora, determined to put her
issues in the past, decided to talk to a therapist about her abandonment
issues. Digging up her past was painful, but when she contrasted it with her
present, she was finding it easier to trust the happy times would last.
They’d agreed together to buy a new house, one that was a home for
their family. Nick loved Aurora’s house but as the weather grew warmer,
he’d decided they needed a larger backyard, and a pool. He also needed a
home office, without taking over hers. Her old place had a master and three
bedrooms. Leah had one, one was a guestroom, and Nick refused to take
over the third one, which she used on occasion for work. After seeing the
state of the dining room where he’d worked before they found this house,
she knew he had to have his own office. She’d have trouble sharing one
with Mr. Messy.
And this new house? She adored it. It was a modern, newly built 10,000
square foot structure at the end of a cul-de-sac, on two acres, with the pool
Nick wanted and way too many bedrooms to fill. Excessive? Of course. But
once Aurora had said she loved it, that had been it. Nick wouldn’t consider
anything else.
Life was so good, Aurora had to pinch herself to believe it was real. She
placed her hand on her flat belly and smiled.
“Are you ready for the savages to arrive?” Nick asked, coming up
behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
“Is that any way to talk about our families?”
He chuckled. “Maybe not yours, but it definitely fits mine.”
She laughed. “It’s fine. I’m looking forward to it. Besides, the help you
hired to serve and clean have been setting things up in the dining room.”
The servers had been coming in and out of the kitchen for the last hour,
heating and arranging food and drinks, and setting the tables. Again, it was
excessive, she’d discovered that Nick liked his luxuries. And if he could
find a way for her to avoid her doing housework, or anything beyond
working at the charity she loved, or spending time with him and Leah, he
arranged for things to be done for them.
She still wasn’t used to being pampered but there were worse things in
life, she thought, wryly.
Today was the first time they were having company at the new house—
both families. All of the Kingstons and all of the Dares. Jade had arrived
early and was helping Leah pick out something to wear.
Just as Aurora had hoped, she and Nick’s twin had become close. She’d
learned the details about Jade’s broken engagements. Two men had hurt her
badly. One had proposed but had been using her for her family money, and
the most recent one had cheated on her…with his own brother’s fiancée.
Jade deserved happiness and Aurora hoped she found someone she could
trust. Right now though, her man-fast continued and she refused to let
anyone set her up on a blind date. She wasn’t interested in going out with
anyone.
Nick cleared his throat. “Hey. Where did you disappear to?” He rested
his chin on her shoulder.
“Sorry. I was lost in thought. I’m fine.” She turned to him and smiled.
God, he was sexy. He hadn’t shaved because she loved his scruff—on his
face…and between her thighs. She squirmed at the memory of last night.
Actually, it was every night, after Leah went to sleep.
“Before everyone gets here, would you take a walk with me?” he asked.
Taking his hand, she let him lead. He took her around the gated pool,
past the playhouse he’d had transferred here from their old house, beyond
the swing set, and walked into the gazebo they’d put up for shade and
relaxation.
He gestured for her to sit and she lowered herself onto the rectangular
seat and looked up at him. “Why are we out here?” she asked. And why
wasn’t he sitting beside her?
He dropped to one knee and she gasped, realizing he was holding a
suede ring box in his hand. “Aurora, I fell in love with you one special
night, and in the years after that, I think I was subconsciously waiting for
our second chance. I never imagined it would come with a five-year-old
sassy girl.” He grinned, and she wanted to dive into his arms but she let him
continue.
“I think we’ve had enough time together as a family for you to be sure.
So…” He opened the box revealing an excessively large diamond ring.
“Aurora Kingston, will you marry me?”
She blinked back tears, managing to nod. “Yes! Yes.”
He grinned and slid the ring onto her finger. “Thank God. Because this
entire day has been planned around you saying yes. From Jade watching our
little cockblocker, to all of our families coming soon…”
She glanced at the twinkling diamond, afraid to ask how many carats it
was. Definitely three or four. The man didn’t know the meaning of the word
small.
“Nick,” she said, sniffing. “You’re too good to me. But there’s one more
thing you ought to know.”
He rose and sat beside her, pulling her into his arms. “Hurry up so I can
kiss you senseless.”
She met his gaze. “I’m pregnant.”
His eyes opened wide and he pressed a hand to her belly. “Jesus. How
far along?”
“Not very. We haven’t exactly been careful,” she reminded him.
His grin grew larger. “I haven’t exactly minded. Have you been to a
doctor?”
She shook her head. “I wanted you to be able to experience every single
moment this time.”
He pressed their lips together, gradually deepening the kiss until they
were practically joined and remained that way, devouring each other for a
good long while.
When he finally broke the kiss, he grasped her hands and looked into
her eyes. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. You and our family.”
She blinked back tears. “You’re everything I was too afraid to dream
about.”
He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Want to go tell Leah she’s
going to be a big sister?” he asked, obviously excited.
“You do know she’ll tell everyone who walks in the door before we can,
right?”
He nodded and winked. “That’s the point.”
Laughing they walked back to the house they called home. It was
something Aurora thought she’d never have—a home, a family, and a
fiancé she couldn’t live without.
Melly was right. Facing her fears had been difficult, but it had allowed
for good things to come. And when things got rough? They’d weather that
too. Together.
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Carly’s Booklist
The Dare Series
Dare to Love Series
Book 1: Dare to Love (Ian & Riley)
Book 2: Dare to Desire (Alex & Madison)
Book 3: Dare to Touch (Dylan & Olivia)
Book 4: Dare to Hold (Scott & Meg)
Book 5: Dare to Rock (Avery & Grey)
Book 6: Dare to Take (Tyler & Ella)
A Very Dare Christmas – Short Story (Ian & Riley)
* Sienna Dare gets together with Ethan Knight in The Knight Brothers
(Dare Me Tonight).
* Jason Dare gets together with Faith in the Sexy Series (More Than Sexy).
Dare NY Series (NY Dare Cousins)
Book 1: Dare to Surrender (Gabe & Isabelle)
Book 2: Dare to Submit (Decklan & Amanda)
Book 3: Dare to Seduce (Max & Lucy)
The Knight Brothers
Book 1: Take Me Again (Sebastian & Ashley)
Book 2: Take Me Down (Parker & Emily)
Book 3: Dare Me Tonight (Ethan Knight & Sienna Dare)
Novella: Take The Bride (Sierra & Ryder)
Take Me Now – Short Story (Harper & Matt)
The Sexy Series
Book 1: More Than Sexy (Jason Dare & Faith)
Book 2: Twice As Sexy (Tanner & Scarlett)
Book 3: Better Than Sexy (Landon & Vivienne)
Novella: Sexy Love (Shane & Amber)
Dare Nation
Book 1: Dare to Resist (Austin & Quinn)
Book 2: Dare to Tempt (Damon & Evie)
Book 3: Dare to Play (Jaxon & Macy)
Book 4: Dare to Stay (Brandon & Willow)
Novella: Dare to Tease (Hudson & Brianne)
* Paul Dare’s sperm donor kids
Kingston Family
Book 1: Just One Night (Linc Kingston & Jordan Greene)
Book 2: Just One Scandal (Chloe Kingston & Beck Daniels)
Book 3: Just One Chance (Xander Kingston & Sasha Keaton)
Book 4: Just One Spark (Dash Kingston & Cassidy Forrester)
Book 5: Just One Wish (Axel Forrester)
Book 6: Just One Dare (Aurora Kingston & Nick Dare)
Book 7: Just One Kiss
Book 8: Just One Taste
For the most recent Carly books, visit CARLY’S BOOKLIST page
Other Indie Series
Billionaire Bad Boys
Book 1: Going Down Easy
Book 2: Going Down Hard
Book 3: Going Down Fast
Book 4: Going In Deep
Going Down Again – Short Story
Hot Heroes Series
Book 1: Touch You Now
Book 2: Hold You Now
Book 3: Need You Now
Book 4: Want You Now
Bodyguard Bad Boys
Book 1: Rock Me
Book 2: Tempt Me
Novella: His To Protect
For the most recent Carly books, visit CARLY’S BOOKLIST page
Carly’s Originally Traditionally Published Books
Serendipity Series
Book 1: Serendipity
Book 2: Destiny
Book 3: Karma
Serendipity’s Finest Series
Book 1: Perfect Fling
Book 2: Perfect Fit
Book 3: Perfect Together
Serendipity Novellas
Book 1: Fated
Book 2: Perfect Stranger
The Chandler Brothers
Book 1: The Bachelor
Book 2: The Playboy
Book 3: The Heartbreaker
Hot Zone
Book 1: Hot Stuff
Book 2: Hot Number
Book 3: Hot Item
Book 4: Hot Property
Costas Sisters
Book 1: Under the Boardwalk
Book 2: Summer of Love
Lucky Series
Book 1: Lucky Charm
Book 2: Lucky Break
Book 3: Lucky Streak
Bachelor Blogs
Book 1: Kiss Me if You Can
Book 2: Love Me If You Dare
Ty and Hunter
Book 1: Cross My Heart
Book 2: Sealed with a Kiss
Carly Classics (Unexpected Love)
Book 1: The Right Choice
Book 2: Perfect Partners
Book 3: Unexpected Chances
Book 4: Suddenly Love
Book 5: Worthy of Love
Carly Classics (The Simply Series)
Book 1: Simply Sinful
Book 2: Simply Scandalous
Book 3: Simply Sensual
Book 4: Body Heat
Book 5: Simply Sexy
For the most recent Carly books, visit CARLY’S BOOKLIST page
Carly’s Still Traditionally Published Books
Stand-Alone Books
Brazen
Secret Fantasy
Seduce Me
The Seduction
More Than Words Volume 7 – Compassion Can’t Wait
Naughty Under the Mistletoe
Grey’s Anatomy 101 Essay
For the most recent Carly books, visit CARLY’S BOOKLIST page
About the Author
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is
the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie
Reviewer. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY
along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram
pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible
daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was
chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social
media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign
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Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
About the Book
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Epilogue
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About the Author