Page 47 of Baby Bodyguard

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 8

Oh, no.Sami fought to breathe. Noah had used the “L” word. It was her birthday, the worst day of each year, and he’d used the “L” word. Could it get any worse? She had to find a way out of this. “We’re going to be late.”

“We’re already late,” he said with a shrug.

She attempted a smile. It felt shaky, but at least her mouth curved in the appropriate direction. “You may have noticed that I’m usually good at coming up with excuses off the top of my head. Iguess it goes with having a ‘barefoot and cocky’ type of personality. But to be honest—” Her chin quivered despite her best attempts to control it. She didn’t doubt for a moment Noah caught the telltale movement. “I need to find a way of getting myself out of this conversation. So, do you think you could just go along with the ‘we’re late’ excuse?”

“Sorry. Ididn’t mean to push.” He stepped closer and adjusted first the feather in her headband and then her fringed shawl, his touch a gentle balm. “Don’t worry. No one will realize anything’s wrong.”

He’d read her mind and with a simple sentence, eased her fears. No one would catch onto her pain, that her bubbly smile lacked sincerity or that the dampness in her eyes didn’t come from excitement. She swallowed hard. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

He offered his elbow and she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. She could feel the delicious play of muscles and tendons beneath her fingertips, even through the thickness of his jacket. Amazing. With his dark, wavy hair and calm silver eyes, Noah looked as incredible in a tux as he did in jeans and a T-shirt.

Where on earth had her mother found him? His type came in short supply in the world she inhabited. Afiercely protective man, he proved himself adept at taking charge at a moment’s notice, as well as a man who inspired confidence and loyalty. Moreover, he understood a woman’s deepest fears and did his best to allaythem.

It puzzled her. He could be anyone, do anything. Why had he chosen to play man Friday to her crazy household when he was clearly capable of so much more? She shot him a quick look. Perhaps this would be a good time to ask. In fact, she didn’t understand why she hadn’t thought to question him sooner. Maybe if she hadn’t been so obsessed with finding a father for her baby, she wouldhave.

“Noah—”

He glanced down at her. “I don’t suppose anyone would be too upset if you slipped away once the cake has been cut and the presents opened. Knowing Babe’s generosity, the champagne will be flowing. In another hour or so, it’ll be a wonder if your guests even remember what they’re celebrating.” He slanted her an infectious grin. “What do you say? Do you want to sneak off when nobody’s watching? Would that make you feel better?”

All thoughts but one scattered into the night. “I’m afraid Babe’s going to announce her next engagement.” Sami had no idea where the words came from, but once spoken, she realized they expressed another worry that had been gnawing at her allday.

“Is that why—”

“No,” she interrupted hastily. “I was wondering what other disaster could happen and that popped into my head.”

For some reason her comment elicited a dark frown. “Do you have a bad feeling about tonight?”

“Good grief, Noah. Haven’t you been listening?” Her voice carried an edginess that alarmed her. But she couldn’t seem to control it. “I’ve been telling you that ever since we got here.”

He didn’t react to her tone, which only made her feel worse. “I want you to do me a favor,” hesaid.

“What?”

“Stay close tonight.”

Her brows drew together in bewilderment. “Close? Why?”

“Do it in exchange for the favor I’m doing you.”

“What favor is that?”

“See if either of these rings a bell.” He held up his thumb. “First you talked me into escorting you to this little shindig, not to mention wearing a monkey suit.” He flicked his index finger upward. “And second, you convinced me to leave Loner at home. He usually provides an extra set of eyes and ears. Not to mention a better than average nose. I’m at a disadvantage without him.”

A smile slipped across her mouth, the first truly natural one since they’d arrived at the hotel. “Were you planning to track me down?”

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