A Buckhorn Baby

by Lori Foster

When the others were close enough, Noel stuck out his hand, saying to Garrett, “Congratulations.” The sooner he got this over with, the happier he’d be.

  Garrett smiled with evil delight as he accepted the gesture, saying to his cousins, “Notice how he managed to spit that out without flinching?”

  “Manned right up,” Adam said.

  Shohn slowly nodded. “He’s still a little pale, though, don’t you think?”

  “I’m short on sleep,” Noel said for the umpteenth time, even though he despised whining.

  “So you like kids?” Garrett asked, then continued before he could answer, saying, “Good to know. Maybe I’ll name you as a godparent—”

  When Noel started choking again, the men all laughed.

  Shohn sized him up critically. “Maybe you should break him in with some babysitting first.”

  “Me?” Noel asked, appalled at the idea. “What about you? You guys love kids!”

  That took care of their smiles, turning them all solemn in a heartbeat.

  Silence stretched out until Adam asked, his tone far too serious, “And you don’t?”

  He didn’t like being cornered and wouldn’t tolerate it. “I don’t know kids. Never been around them.”

  “What about siblings?” Shohn asked.

  “No.”

  “Aw, so he was an only child,” Garrett said, mocking him in a way he found far more comfortable than the solemn scrutiny. “Must give you the willies being around a family as large as ours.”

  It did, not that he’d admit it. “I think of it as a party.” True enough. A weekly freaking party. “And I don’t get the willies.”

  “A party,” Shohn repeated. “Like a holiday...or maybe a wedding?”

  “No, wait,” Adam said. “Parties end, right? Weddings do not. So—”

  “No, they don’t.” They were having a fine time poking fun at him, but he’d had enough. “Did you guys want something?”

  “Just to make sure you’re okay,” Adam said.

  “You really did go pale,” Shohn added. “Like someone had given you a...scare?”

  “Didn’t know you just needed a nap,” Garrett added. “There’s a lounge chair over there where the women are sitting if you want to rest up a bit.”

  Noel opened his mouth—and a badminton birdie hit Garrett in the shoulder, making him jump.

  They all turned to see Tucker Turley, the sheriff, scowling at their cousin Kady, who tried to look innocent even while smothering her laugh.

  Tucker said to the guys, “She has a good arm. At least, I don’t think she was aiming for his head.”

  Kady waved her racket. “Stop picking on Noel before I tell Amber, and come play instead.”

  Garrett, wearing a huge grin now that he had a new focus, had already picked up the birdie and was striding their way. Shohn followed along, promising payback. Adam called out, “Kady’s on my team,” and he took off, too.

  That left only Gray and he seemed in no hurry to leave.

  Noel glanced at him in warning. Gray wasn’t related to Amber except by marriage. Maybe that gave him a different outlook on things.

  “It gets easier,” Gray said.

  “You think?” Because so far, from Noel’s perspective, it had gotten more difficult. He liked them all. No problem there. But there were so many of them. He’d never known a family the size of hers, at least not where everyone was so close to everyone else, and in everyone’s business, with love passed around without reserve.

  They were pushy. And intrusive. And they seldom showed an ounce of discretion when butting in—

  “They’re overwhelming, I know. But they mean well.” When Lisa came out of the house carrying a tray, surrounded by three dogs, Gray watched her with a small smile. “They push their way in and refuse to back off. But they’re not judgmental, just protective. And they look out for each other. Amber especially brings it on herself with the way she interfered in all their lives.” He glanced at Noel. “In my life.”

  “She enjoys meddling.” But in Amber’s case, it was always well-meaning, and she did have that crazy intuition to guide her, ensuring things turned out well. She’d been instrumental in matching up a lot of couples, Gray and Lisa included.

  “That she does,” Gray agreed. “And she’s good at it.” He hesitated. “Except when it comes to you.”

  “Me?” Noel scowled. Since Amber was the only woman he wanted, she didn’t need to manipulate him. He’d made that clear to her, but he wouldn’t explain himself to Gray.

  “How long have you two been dating now?”

  That sounded like a trick question and Noel ran a hand over his face. “Awhile,” he said noncommittally. Dating was such a bland word. At first he and Amber had sparred, each trying to get the upper hand. Then they’d tentatively gotten together—and Noel knew his life would never be the same. They’d fallen into a comfortable, no-demands affair that really worked.

  At least it worked for him. Was Amber dissatisfied? Did she want more from him?

  If so, she could tell him herself, without the help of her entire family.

  “I won’t heckle you the way her brother and cousins do.” Gray pushed away from the tree where he’d been leaning. “Instead I’ll tell it to you straight. Amber is the heart of the family. They all adore her and want to shelter her. If she matters to you, you should think about what Amber wants and plan accordingly.”

  Provoked, Noel stiffened. “What the hell is that supposed to—”

  But Gray walked away, his gaze snagged on his wife.

  To hell with it. Noel dug the keys out of his pocket and started to leave, but at the last minute he went into the house to find Amber first.

  She was alone in the kitchen, humming as she arranged condiments on a tray.

  Noel soaked up the back view of her, her trim figure in sexy short-shorts that hugged her ass perfectly and a tank top that showcased her tiny waist. He even admired her dark hair in the loose braid and the set of her straight, proud shoulders.

  Unable to resist, he stepped up close and slipped his hands around to her stomach. Nuzzling the side of her neck, he said, “I’m taking off.”

  Her head fell back to his shoulder. Seconds ticked by while he kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear. Then she whispered, “You’re tired?”

  Exhausted, but he said, “I’m fine.”

  “Then don’t go.” She turned in his arms and his hands just naturally fell to her hips.

  She hooked her fingers in the front waistband of his shorts and tugged him closer in reprimand. “Don’t let them run you off, okay?”

  He could lose himself in those big blue eyes of hers. “It’s a family thing,” he said, meaning the celebration of a baby, “and I’m not family.”

  Amber slipped her hands inside his T-shirt, drawing them up and over his abs, which tightened in reaction.

  Her touch never failed to fire his blood. He closed his eyes briefly, struggling to get a grip. Out of desperate need, he put his hands over hers and tried not to think about what he’d rather be doing. “You’re killing me, Amber.”

  “Stay,” she urged, “and in two hours we can leave together.”

  With a promise like that, how could he resist? He kissed her, then said against her lips, “Okay.”

  * * *

  THE MOOD REMAINED festive as everyone celebrated the upcoming addition to the family.

  Everyone but Noel.

  Did he dislike kids? Or was it the commitment that came first that had him off-kilter today?

  Amber watched him taking part in a game of badminton with several of the guys and a few of the women. He’d removed his shirt and it made her heart pound. When he grinned, she felt it clear to her toes.

  “You should tell him how you feel.”
>
  She turned her head to see her dad standing close behind her. As she’d done all her life, she leaned on him and enjoyed the way his strong arms came around her.

  Morgan propped his chin on her head and said, “Well?”

  “He’s never said how he feels.”

  “What law says a guy has to go first?”

  “My law.” Amber straightened, aware of Noel now watching her. He nearly got trampled because of his distraction, when Adam dived past him to return a volley. “Isn’t he beautiful?”

  Morgan laughed. “I can tell you think so.”

  She looked up at him. “What do you think, Dad? About him overall, I mean.”

  Without hesitation, Morgan said, “He’s conscientious. That barn fire was dangerous, but Noel didn’t hesitate, and because he knows what he’s doing, he managed to not only save Fred, but his two cows and some chickens, too. If it hadn’t been for Noel, Fred might have died.” Under his breath, Morgan grumbled, “Damn fool had no business trying to burn the branches from that tree we trimmed. He’s eighty now, you know. It’s thanks to Noel that no one died.”

  Noel could have died, but Amber tried not to think about that. She worried enough for her brother. Luckily they’d managed the fire with no serious injuries. “He cares about animals.”

  “I’m sure Jordan knows and appreciates that.”

  Her uncle Jordan was a vet with a magical voice that could soothe the most fractious animals...and some humans, too.

  “He’s polite,” Morgan continued. “Respectful of others. He takes care of himself and pitches in whenever anyone around town needs him.”

  So her dad saw all of Noel’s sterling qualities, too? She sighed. “He’s perfect.”

  Morgan sat at the side of a picnic table and drew her down beside him. “Perfect men don’t faint over the mention of a baby.”

  “He didn’t!” But it was close. “And you know what he thought, Dad. Any guy would have—”

  “No,” he corrected gently. “Not every guy would.”

  Amber had to give him that one. More than most men, her dad would understand surprise pregnancies. “You’re special,” she said, leaning against his boulder shoulder. “You know that, right?”

  “Loving you doesn’t make me so. Not when it’s so easy to do.”

  “Aww.” She hugged his arm and thought how lucky she was that her mother had met her dad so long ago. “Thanks, Dad.”

  “Talk to him, honey. That’s all I’m saying.” Morgan tipped up her chin. “I see you going full-steam ahead, which is okay since I’m not sure you know any other way.”

  “It’s part of my charm.”

  He chuckled. “Of course it is. But it’d be a good idea to find out if you’re on the same tracks, right?”

  Before she crashed. Amber frowned as she accepted the truth. “Okay. I’ll talk to him tonight.” Not that she was in any hurry to have kids. But yes, one day she wanted them.

  That decision scared her silly. In all her twenty-seven years, she’d never fallen in love. Not until she met Noel Poet. Then she’d fallen hard and fast and now she couldn’t imagine a life without him.

  “Maybe you should do him a solid and get him out of here,” Morgan said, “before Kady takes out his eye with that vicious swing of hers.”

  She saw that Noel was once again watching her instead of paying attention to the game. “All right. Soon as they finish up.”

  Just then he snapped back to attention, dived to the side and managed to return the birdie, which Shohn then missed.

  After they all stopped cheering, she beckoned him over, and minutes later they were on the road.

  CHAPTER TWO

  IT WOULD HAVE been nice, Amber thought, to ride into town with Noel. If she had her way, they’d be spending a lot more time together.

  Unfortunately, he could get called out if the station needed him, and she couldn’t stay late, not when she had to open the bookstore early tomorrow morning. So far their romance, what there was of it, had been pieced together in the name of convenience.

  Convenience had certainly worked for her. But what if that was all it was?

  No, Noel cared more than that, she was sure of it. Tonight, she’d nail him down and get some answers. She had the drive to think about what exactly to say, but also to anticipate every possible response he might make, from the unthinkable to the expected.

  Her dad and Uncle Sawyer lived further from town with joined property on the lake. Uncle Jordan and Georgia lived out a ways too, but not on the lake. Uncle Gabe and Elizabeth were in town, and Casey and Emma lived on the opposite side of the lake. Just about anywhere she went in Buckhorn, she was likely to run into eagle-eyed family.

  Given the circumstances, an intrusion might have been welcome, a way to delay the inevitable. Of course this was one of the few times she didn’t see anyone familiar and by the time they’d reached the small house Noel had recently purchased, she’d worked herself into a frenzy.

  She was a woman who faced issues head-on, and she wanted this particular issue resolved...to her satisfaction.

  Now that she’d made up her mind to force Noel to confront, and admit to, his feelings, only the tiniest doubt worried through her brain.

  Tiny doubts, she realized, were not her forte.

  He parked before her, then got out and came around to open her door.

  Neighbors waved to them, a dog barked in the fenced yard next door and kids ran past in a game of tag.

  Watching her closely, those velvety brown eyes of his alert, Amber wondered if he sensed her determination.

  Likely. From the beginning, Noel had always been highly attuned to her.

  He took her hand in his, reminding her of his size, how much larger and stronger he was—and how much it thrilled her. Going through the garage entrance, he led her into the kitchen.

  She’d helped him choose this house, and in her mind she’d seen it as a starter home for a family.

  Their family.

  Three small bedrooms, a respectably sized kitchen and breakfast nook, and the open great room, large enough for a group of ten or more to gather together.

  She’d pictured dinners with her family visiting, maybe another dog or two...and kids.

  Turning her at the island that separated the kitchen from the great room, Noel caught her hips and put his forehead to hers.

  She waited for his kiss, but instead he said, “I still smell like smoke. Want to join me in another shower?”

  Yes. But she hesitated. Once they got in the shower, she’d give up her promise to her dad and nothing would get settled. So instead she pushed him back a few inches and said, “Let’s talk first and shower after.”

  His gaze narrowed, then he stepped back, putting some space between them.

  It wasn’t only physical, Amber knew. She felt the emotional chasm as well and she didn’t like it. “Don’t look so glum, Noel. I’m not going to propose.”

  His eyes narrowed more. “I’m not glum.”

  “Baloney. You’re braced like you think I plan to attack.”

  He shrugged. “I know your moods, Amber. You’re definitely in attack mode. Given the day we’ve had and how your family came after me, I expect to be jumped any minute now.”

  Not liking that distance between them, she again caught the front waistband of his shorts and drew him back to her. She loved being held against his hard body, the heat of him, the smell of his skin. “I thought you liked it when I jumped you.”

  “Yeah,” he said, his voice going husky with suggestion. “How about you get naked first, though?”

  She laughed with the pleasure of being wanted by Noel. “For what I have in mind, it’s better if we keep on our clothes.”

  Just that quickly, he retreated again, his gaze now challe
nging. He said nothing.

  So the ball was in her court, huh? Fine. She wasn’t a wimp. She could handle it.

  Cuddling against him, she murmured, “If I talk about the future, will you go all stiff again?”

  His hand slid down to her bottom and he said, “I’m already stiff, and it doesn’t have a damn thing to do with talking.”

  “Mmm. So you are.” He knew exactly how to sidetrack her...but not this time. She tilted up her face to see him. His dark eyes, such a sexy contrast from his fair hair, stared down into hers, waiting with a level of patience that often frustrated her. “You are such a beautiful man.”

  His mouth curled in an amused smile. “Beautiful, huh? With my hairy legs and five-o’clock shadow?”

  Amber nodded. “And your dark eyes and buff body and—” she touched a fingertip to his mouth and sighed “—your crooked smile.”

  He lightly bit her fingertip. “Dare I hope that this is what you wanted to talk about?”

  Blast. He’d sidetracked her after all. With a wince, she said, “Not exactly.”

  “No, I didn’t think so.” Stepping away from her again, he pulled out a stool at the island, offered it to her, then took one of his own.

  She saw the exhaustion in his face and wondered how much sleep he’d gotten. As he’d said, showering after the fire hadn’t completely rid him of the scent. Every so often she detected the faint odor of smoke still clinging to his body.

  Knowing she couldn’t keep him waiting, she said, “It’s not about marriage.”

  Humor lit his eyes. “Yet somehow the word keeps popping up.”

  That made her scowl. Despite his obvious amusement, she’d heard the cynicism in his tone and darn it, she resented it. She propped her hands on her hips. “I guess you’re one of those guys who is determined to stay single?”

  That grin she loved graced his face. In the next second he’d hauled her in between his spread knees and had his mouth on hers. Warm, firm lips moved over hers until she opened. He licked in, his tongue teasing hers, stroking, melting her bones.

  What did that kiss mean?

  When he rocked her against his erection, she had her answer.