Page 46 of Baby Bodyguard

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

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

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

“But my lipstick,” she protested.

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

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

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

“Hi, Bill. How’s it going?”

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

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

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

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

He winked. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

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

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

“Am I? Sorry. Nerves.”

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

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

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

“Okay, you do know me well,” shesaid.

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

“Yes.”

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

Her temper flared. “Is that a criticism?”

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

“No! Yes. Not really.”

He nodded sagely. “Got it.”

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

“Why?”

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

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