Just One Night

by Carly Phillips

  Jordan forced a smile. “It’s about you and Aurora. You two need to meet and bond. No outside influences. I’ll be here when you get home and we can talk all about it.” She glanced at him and knew he understood.

  “Okay. You’ve got a point,” he reluctantly admitted. “I’m going to go get changed.”

  And she was going to order up dinner and wait for him to return so he could fill her in. Because that’s what best friends did.

  * * *

  Linc found himself in the parking lot of a garden apartment with catwalks overlooking parked cars. According to Austin, Aurora was staying with Willow James, his brother Braden’s girlfriend … sort of. Linc hadn’t asked for an explanation.

  He shut the engine, drew a deep breath, and headed into the building, took the elevator upstairs, and walked to the apartment number.

  Holding his breath, he rang the doorbell. Seconds later, a man whose resemblance to Austin couldn’t be mistaken opened the door. With his dark hair and indigo-blue eyes, he was definitely a Prescott.

  “Lincoln Kingston?” Braden asked.

  Linc inclined his head. “Braden Prescott?”

  Braden nodded, extended his hand, and they shook, each with a strong grip.

  “Call me Linc,” he said.

  “Come on in, Linc,” Braden said, stepping aside.

  Linc entered, his gaze immediately finding his sister and not because her pregnant belly stood out, though it did. Her hair fell over her shoulders, blonde hair similar to Chloe’s, long and draping down her back. She wore a light blue maternity top and stared at him in awe.

  Braden spoke, breaking their intense study of each other. “This is Willow James, my … the woman Aurora’s been living with recently.” Braden extended a hand toward Willow, and she gave Linc a smile and a wave.

  He nodded, grateful to her for taking Aurora in. “A pleasure to meet you,” Linc said.

  “And this is your sister, Aurora Michaels.”

  Aurora still stared at Linc wide-eyed. No way he could miss the mix of wonder and fear in her eyes and expression.

  As if drawn to her and the family resemblance, he walked over and placed his hand beneath her chin. “You have our eyes,” he said and pulled her into his arms for a brotherly hug.

  As Linc stepped back, he noticed Braden had joined Willow and wound his arm around her waist. Whatever was going on between the two, it was obvious they had a connection, which reminded Linc of Jordan, and he wished she could share this moment with him.

  He understood why she wouldn’t want to overwhelm his sister, but he sensed there’d been more to her choice not to come. She was pulling away.

  “Let’s go sit,” Willow said and led them to her small living room.

  Linc didn’t know how she and Aurora shared the space. It had to be cramped, and he couldn’t see a pregnant woman sleeping on what he assumed was a pullout sofa. Which meant Willow took the couch and had given Aurora her bedroom. He’d noticed one closed door and the bathroom beside it.

  They all looked at each other, and Linc knew he needed to break the awkward silence, but before he could speak, Aurora began peppering him with questions.

  “How many brothers and sisters do you have?” she asked. “I mean, do I have? Are they all in New York? What does everyone do?” Unable to lean forward with her large belly, she smiled and sat back in the club chair she’d chosen.

  Grateful for her enthusiasm and curiosity, he replied. “I’m the oldest and I run the family company. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot more if you decide to come work with me.”

  “Me?” she said on a squeak. “But I don’t have a college degree! I barely graduated high school. And I just started learning office work at Dare Nation. Plus I live in Florida.” Panic seemed to raise her voice, but Linc wanted her to know she was welcome at home. In fact, he wanted her there.

  “Why don’t you let me tell you some more about the family since I have the distinct feeling you’re missing key information?” Realizing she had no idea who Linc’s siblings were, he threw a curious glance Willow and Braden’s way.

  Braden shrugged. “I didn’t want to freak her out all at once.”

  “What’s going on?” Aurora asked.

  Linc’s low chuckle had her opening her eyes wide. “Our brother Xander is an–”

  “Xander Kingston. The suspense writer! And he makes movies!” Aurora nearly yelled. “No way!”

  “Yes way.” Linc grinned. “And Dash is a rock star.”

  Aurora’s eyes were so wide he couldn’t help but laugh.

  “And Chloe is our sister.”

  Aurora blinked, tears in her eyes. “I have a sister,” she whispered, and Linc’s heart swelled because Aurora’s having a sister was more important to her than her new brothers’ fame.

  “How is this my life?” she asked in obvious awe.

  Anger at his father rose inside him once more. “It should have been your life sooner. I’m sorry for what my father did, but the minute I found out about you, I began looking. I just couldn’t find you until you took a legitimate job that gave me a lead,” he said, wanting her to know he hadn’t abandoned her the way Kenneth Kingston had.

  She shook her head. “I don’t understand why you care? I’m an illegitimate child of a man who didn’t want me. Aren’t you embarrassed by my existence?” she asked softly, her pale skin flushing with her words.

  He wanted nothing more than to spare her pain. “I think you’ll find we Kingston kids are resilient, and we protect our own. I’m glad you’ve had support lately,” he said, glancing at Willow and Braden. “But do you have plans for once the baby is born?”

  “No,” she whispered. “I don’t have health insurance yet, although Bri said she’s submitted the papers. And I didn’t know what I’d do about work and someone to watch the baby. I don’t have my own apartment. I’m staying here and Willow’s been sleeping on the sofa.”

  She confirmed his hunch, and he hoped Braden grabbed on to that woman, because she had a big heart and was obviously important to him.

  Aurora continued. “I can’t bring a baby home with me because it’s not fair to her–”

  Linc glanced at Willow in surprise. Had she put a limit on her generosity?

  But Willow shook her head. “Aurora, you can stay until you figure something out. I told you that.”

  Aurora’s damp gaze met hers. “And I appreciate it but we both know this arrangement can’t really work. And I can’t afford my own place…”

  Linc hated how upset she was getting, but before he could react, Willow jumped up from her seat.

  She walked over to Aurora and put a hand on her shoulder. “Shh. Calm down, please. Getting worked up isn’t good for you or the baby.”

  “Can I get a word in?” Linc asked.

  All eyes turned his way, and though they might not like what he had to say, he intended to lay it out for them anyway.

  “We have a variety of solutions in New York. The family estate where my father used to live still has loyal staff who were always good to us growing up.” Though he hadn’t run the possibility of Aurora moving in there by his mother, he couldn’t imagine her turning down someone in need. Especially since she hadn’t seemed to blame Aurora for what her husband had done.

  “We own apartment buildings around Manhattan,” he continued. “Each of us has a trust fund, and I’m working on getting yours set up to atone for how you grew up and everything you’ve lacked your entire life.” He’d already spoken to his siblings about this.

  Aurora, to his surprise, started to cry, and he realized he’d overwhelmed her. Something he hadn’t planned on doing. He was used to making his plans and, yes, getting his way.

  Willow continued to comfort her, and Braden shot him a look mixed with surprise and slight annoyance.

  “Can you give her time to process?” he asked. “As much as everything you’re offering is the answer to her prayers, she needs to adjust to her new reality.”

  Linc wanted an a
nswer now, but he understood that wasn’t going to happen.

  “I realize you want what’s best for her, but the few emotional connections she has are here,” Braden reminded him.

  Linc hesitated, then nodded. Obviously he’d misjudged her attachment to the people here, and though he hated the notion of her remaining in Florida, he had solutions for that possibility, too.

  Leaning forward in his seat, he glanced her way. “I could help you find an apartment, a nanny, and get set up here, if that’s what you decide. But I also hope you realize your family wants to get to know you. We would like you to be a part of our lives, and I’d rather take you home with me.”

  Aurora pressed her hand against her forehead. “This is so much so soon. Braden’s right. I need to think. And to get to know you more.”

  He reluctantly accepted that. “How much longer can you fly? In your pregnancy, I mean?”

  She lifted her head and shrugged her shoulders. “I never asked. There was no reason to.”

  “Up to thirty-six weeks,” Braden said. “I’m her doctor, though we’d like to find her an obstetrician soon.” He met Linc’s gaze. “But I’m sure you already ran your own checks on the people in her life and I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”

  “Of course I did,” Linc muttered.

  “She has two weeks before I’d prefer she didn’t get on an airplane.”

  Linc drew a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll stay for a week. We’ll get to know one another and then you can make a decision. Fair?” he asked.

  “Yes. Thank you,” Aurora said, obviously relieved. “I’d like that.”

  “Well, since that’s settled, why don’t you two make plans for the week, and then I’d say Aurora and the baby need some rest.” Braden was obviously as used to making decisions for people he cared about as Linc was.

  Braden rose from his seat and looked at Linc. “If you two would like to come to the Thunder football game on Sunday, I can get you box seats,” he offered.

  Linc had stood as well. “Sounds fun.” And an easy way for them to spend time together. “Would you like to go?” he asked Aurora.

  She nodded.

  “Willow, walk me out? It’ll give them time to make plans.”

  “Thanks,” Aurora said to them both.

  Braden smiled at her and Willow nodded. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said.

  Linc waited until they were outside before glancing at his sister. Aurora twisted her hands in front of her, clearly nervous.

  “So,” he said.

  She grinned. “So.”

  “Anything else you want to know? Or to ask me?”

  “Trust fund?” She echoed the words back at him. “I grew up with all my things in a garbage bag in case I had to leave one foster home for another. I can’t wrap my head around not having to worry about money.”

  Pain hit Linc in his heart and a lump rose to his throat. Not to mention fury at both of her parents, especially his own father, but he wouldn’t make Aurora dwell on what could and should have been.

  “Well, you don’t have to worry. Not anymore. Which means you can also start to think about your hopes and dreams and what you want to do with your life.”

  Realizing he was getting ahead of himself, he forced himself to slow down and backpedal. “But for now, let’s focus on getting to know each other. What’s your favorite food?” he asked, seeking to take the pressure off of her. She looked ready to pass out from shock.

  “Pizza. Isn’t that everyone’s favorite food?” she asked, obviously serious.

  He laughed. “Well, it’s mine. Pepperoni. How about you?”

  “Mushroom and onions. It’s been a treat when I had extra money in my pocket.” She blushed. “Coffee or tea?” She was getting into the game.

  “Coffee. Milk, no sugar. You?”

  “Chamomile tea with a drop of milk and sugar. It’s been a lifesaver with the heartburn this last trimester.”

  He remembered when Jordan had been pregnant. Before her miscarriage, she’d begun craving ice cream. She’d practically lived on pints of it until … she’d lost the baby. He shook his head, shocked those memories had come back to him.

  He recalled staying with her overnight, hugging her as she cried, and swearing, given the chance, he’d beat her ex senseless.

  But Jordan’s past wasn’t relevant now. The memories, however, reminded him of how solid and valuable their friendship was. Which meant he’d done the right thing by telling her they couldn’t act on their attraction again.

  “Linc? I said favorite color. Is something wrong?” Aurora asked.

  He shook his head. “Sorry. Blue. Yours?

  “Yellow.” She laughed as the door opened and Willow stepped back inside.

  “Am I interrupting?” she asked, shutting the door.

  Linc rose to his feet. “Not at all. We were just getting to know each other. Aurora, would you like to spend the day at the hotel tomorrow? You can meet my assistant and best friend, Jordan. We’ll go shopping or hang out, whatever you prefer.”

  She nodded. “Sounds amazing.” She pushed herself up from her seat. “Thank you for looking for me. And not giving up until you found me.”

  He stepped over and hugged her as best he could around her big belly. “You’re family.”

  He said his goodbyes, they exchanged phone numbers, and he promised to pick her up in the morning. Then he headed back to his hotel, where Jordan would be waiting.

  * * *

  Jordan heard the lock open and Linc push open the door and walk inside.

  “Jordan?” he called out.

  “Right here.” She’d stretched out in the sitting room on the sofa with an ottoman in front of her. On the television was an old comedy she’d been trying and failing to pay attention to.

  Pushing herself to a sitting position, she pulled a blanket over her lap and waited for him to join her. He walked in, looking drained but also happy, and her heart skipped a beat.

  “So how did it go?” she asked. She’d been dying to know the whole time he was gone, alternating between kicking herself for staying back at the hotel and telling herself she’d done the right thing.

  He settled into a chair near the couch and smiled. “She’s a great kid. Definitely overwhelmed, with the pregnancy, her life at the moment, and now a new family to wrap her head around. But she seemed open to spending time with me. In fact, I’m picking her up in the morning and bringing her back here so we can all hang out and get to know one another.”

  “Oh! That’s so amazing. I’m so happy for you!” She leaned forward in her seat. “Do you think she’ll come back to New York with you?” Jordan knew how important it was to Linc to have his family together.

  He rubbed his hands on the top of his jeans, drawing her attention to his strong thighs. “I think it’s possible. If she’s comfortable with us and relaxes a lot. I said we’d stay for a week, and she was good with my decision.”

  A week. In this suite with Linc, tortured by their close proximity and all she couldn’t have. Of course, she’d be around him if they were home and in the office, but there was something different about Linc in a suit, hot as he was, and this casually dressed Linc sleeping in the room next to hers. Showering while she imagined him naked, water dripping down his skin. Wearing a bathing suit, his chest bare, muscles flexing as she tried not to shamelessly stare.

  “Sounds great!” Her voice came out tight and thready. “I’m looking forward to meeting her.” At least that much was true.

  She would enjoy getting to know his new sister, and Jordan wondered what kind of changes Aurora would bring to the Kingston family.

  * * *

  Linc left the next morning to pick up Aurora. Jordan stayed in the room, getting ready for the day. They were each doing their best to find their normal footing with one another after their incredible night together, and it wasn’t easy. The current awkwardness had never existed before, and he hoped Aurora’s arrival would be the
icebreaker he and Jordan needed.

  Aurora had been chatty on the ride to the hotel, asking questions about New York, the city, where Linc lived, and whether the rest of the family was as eager to meet her as he’d been. He assured her they were.

  Jordan joined them for breakfast at a table in the restaurant located off the main part of the lobby. They approached the table, and Jordan greeted them with a smile. She rose and stepped forward to say hello to Aurora.

  As she stood, Linc took in her outfit. A cute ruffled skirt hit above the knee, revealing her long legs, a pop of hot-pink polish looked bold and cute on her toenails, and a white tank top hugged her curves.

  He drooled at the sight of her, her hair pulled off her face with a headband, putting his focus on her bright pink lips. He groaned and shook his head, wondering if she was torturing him on purpose or if he was just now noticing every little appealing thing about her.

  “Aurora,” Linc said, his hand lightly on her back. “This is Jordan Greene, my … best friend and personal assistant.” He nearly stumbled over the description and couldn’t figure out why when the lines had always been so clear before.

  “Jordan, my sister Aurora.”

  “I am so happy to meet you,” Jordan said, pulling Aurora into an awkward hug due to the size of her belly.

  When Aurora pulled back, she had a wide smile on her face, obviously thrilled with the warm welcome. “Same here.”

  “Let’s sit.” Jordan gestured to the chairs and they each settled into one. “I thought you’d be more comfortable indoors with air conditioning than outside in the heat.”

  Aurora nodded. “I hate getting hot and sweaty, especially now. I’m so uncomfortable.”

  “I can only imagine.” Jordan smiled, and only Linc knew Aurora’s comment had brought up painful memories.

  Jordan really had no idea what it was like to carry a baby to term and feel the things his sister now did, and Linc understood Jordan’s unexpressed pain.

  “So what does everyone want for breakfast?” Linc asked, determined to lighten the subject.