Page 45 of Baby Bodyguard

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

Marriage. A husband. Commitment. Loss.

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

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

What the hell was she going todo?

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Like it?”

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

“Hey, my shirt’s white.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Better.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“’Fraid so.”

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

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

“Actually, you’d be first choice.”

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