She stood and glared down at him. “I happen to be confident enough to enjoy my own company, and I thought I explained today that you have no responsibility to protect me, watch over me, rescue me, or be around me. The only responsibility you have is to figure out who really stole your money. When you figure that out … then you can come begging for my forgiveness. We’ll see if I grant it.”
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Do Trust Your Special Ops Bodyguard
A low whistle from nearby didn’t break Isaac’s concentration on Cosette. He knew it was just Luke, finally taking a break from “discussing” with Dad—or, more likely, Mom had broken them apart and reminded them it was a party.
“Loony Lovegood’s even prettier as an adult, isn’t she?” Luke asked in a quiet tone, referring to the nickname Seth and Caleb had given her from their favorite books, the Harry Potter series. Seth and Caleb also fancied themselves to be Fred and George Weasley—magicians, tricksters, and inventors.
“Yes, sir,” Isaac said, staring unashamedly at her. Instead of smiling in response, she narrowed her eyes and turned to her father.
“I’m not your commanding officer,” Luke teased him. “‘My best-looking bro’ will suffice when you respond to me.” He gestured to Cosette with his glass. “Beautiful, but what happened to her smile and sparkle?”
“That’s what I’ve been wondering.”
“You gonna go talk to her, or just stare at her all night?”
“How long have I been staring?” Isaac rubbed the condensation off his water glass and kept staring. Cosette darted glances at him, but whatever she and her father were talking about must’ve been very serious, as she never once smiled. Was Isaac not enough of a draw to command her attention? Could he bring her smile and sparkle back?
“Long enough,” Luke said. “Dad noticed and sent me to tell you to be a man and make your move instead of just staring at her all night. He’s afraid if you don’t reveal your honorable intentions soon, he’s going to lose his oldest friend when Blaine challenges you to a fight and you have to kill him with your bare hands.” There was laughter in Luke’s voice. He was the closest to Dad, but their father was their champion. He thought highly of Blaine, but he’d always said it was ridiculous that Blaine didn’t think his boys were worthy of Cosette. If his boys weren’t worthy, nobody was, Dad used to say.
“That would be unfortunate,” Isaac said. “That was a direct quote from Dad?”
“Yeah.”
“Does that mean I have his blessing to pursue her?” Isaac pulled his eyes from Cosette’s beautiful face to look around the room for his father. He was busy talking to Heath and Hazel Strong, Stetson Strong, and Jade’s sister, Teal, who he thought was dating or engaged to Stetson, a Texas Titans player who Isaac loved to cheer for. His dad caught his eye and gave him a wide grin and a thumbs-up.
“I think that answer is yes,” Luke said.
Isaac felt hope blossom in his chest. Finally. He looked at Cosette and found that she was focused on him again. She gave him a partial smile. Maybe it wasn’t an invitation, but he was going to make it one.
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Do Kiss the Superstar
At the sound of Caleb’s laughter, the woman whipped around and narrowed her eyes at him. She looked him over and though she didn’t show it, he knew she had to like what she saw. It was a given. Every woman thought he was attractive.
Dropping her glove to the ground she put a hand on her hip and said with the most beautiful Southern sass he’d ever heard, “Take a picture, it’ll last ya longer.”
Caleb laughed harder. “I’d love a picture but your husband might not appreciate me taking it.” Please let there not be a husband.
Her delicate brow squiggled and she tossed her long, dark hair. “I don’t have a husband so snap away.”
Caleb smiled. “I think I will.” He switched his lacrosse stick to his left hand and pulled his phone out with his left, clicking on the camera icon.
“You wouldn’t dare,” she taunted him. “Snapping pictures of strange women in a park. You know that ain’t right.”
He loved the way she talked and her feisty personality. “Don’t call yourself strange, I think you’re fabulous.”
She stuck her tongue out at him and he lifted his phone and took a picture.
“Are you kidding me right now? Delete that. I probably looked horrible.”
He lifted the phone, clicked on it, and looked at the picture. “Nope, you pretty much look gorgeous.” It was super cute. Her with her tongue out. He looked back at her. “Just like you look right now.”
Her skin was that perfect creamy mocha color, too dark to know if she was blushing, but the way she tilted her head down and gave an embarrassed smile said she might be.
“Mama,” her little man had crossed the field to her and now tugged on her hand. “Mama!”
“What, sweet honey child?” she asked, kneeling down and putting her forehead against his to show him he had all of her attention.
Caleb smiled bigger, and felt his heart lurch. It was a cheesy feeling, but these two together was the most appealing sight and sounds he’d ever seen.
“Mama.” Krew glanced over at him with wide, worshipful eyes. “That’s Caleb Jewel.”
The woman rocked back on her heels, her head whipping around as she stared at him. “Oh, my, Saints above, it is!” She stood quickly and took her little man’s hand in hers. “Krew has a picture of you on his wall. He watches clips of you over and over again. We’ve been to your games. I just never imagined, seeing you in a park like you’re a normal human or something. Oh, my, I’m beside myself!”
Caleb grinned. This was more like it. He’d loved her teasing with him but he’d never turn down a gorgeous woman and her cute son worshipping him.
He pocketed his phone and walked toward them. Bending down he extended his hand to the little guy. “Nice to meet you, Krew. I’m Caleb Jewel.”
“Don’t I know it?” Krew looked at him as if he’d hung the moon. He extended his hand and shook solemnly. “You’re the best middie in the NLL.”
Caleb chuckled. “Thanks.”
He straightened and held out his hand to the woman. “Pleasure to meet you. Caleb Jewel.”
She put her hand in his and he loved the feel of that soft palm and her long fingers against his. “Emily Gehring, I mean Housley.”
“Which is it Gehring or Housley?” Was she recently divorced? That would make sense why she’d been so adamant about not being married.
“Housley.” She lifted a brow as if daring him to challenge her.
“Emily Housley.” He looked her over carefully. “Beautiful name for a beautiful lady.”
Her mouth dropped slightly open. Caleb wanted to flirt with and pursue her, right now, but he was nothing if not an expert at lacrosse, blowing things up, and how to get a woman to fall for him. He would exercise a little self-restraint and she’d want him even more. So instead of revealing the extent of his attraction to the beautiful mama, he squatted down to the little boy. “You want to play some catch?”
“Yes!” Krew jumped into the air, clutching his stick. “Right now?”
Caleb nodded. “If you and your mama have time.”
“We have time, right Mama? We have time.” Krew wrapped both hands around his stick and leaned forward. “Please, Mama say we have time.”
Emily smiled. “If you want to miss out on swimming in the neighborhood pool, pizza for dinner, ice cream, and playing those silly video games of yours.”
“What are you trying to do, blackmail him out of playing with me?” Caleb thought she was hilarious and loved even the way she said pool. Her voice inflection was adorable.
Emily shot him a sly look.
“Yes!” Krew screamed. “I’ll eat only broccoli for dinner and not play video games for a week.”
Caleb’s chest swelled. This kid really did worship him.
“You heard it.” Emily shot Caleb a conspiratorial wink a
nd he liked the feeling of being in cahoots with her. “Broccoli and no video games.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Krew said. “Please, please, please.”
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About the Author
Cami is a part-time author, part-time exercise consultant, part-time housekeeper, full-time wife, and overtime mother of four adorable boys. Sleep and relaxation are fond memories. She’s never been happier.
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www.camichecketts.com
Also by Cami Checketts
Jewel Family Romance
Do Marry Your Billionaire Boss
Do Trust Your Special Ops Bodyguard
Do Date Your Handsome Rival
Do Rely on Your Protector
Do Kiss the Superstar
Strong Family Romance
Don’t Date Your Brother’s Best Friend
Her Loyal Protector
Don’t Fall for a Fugitive
Her Hockey Superstar Fake Fiance
Don’t Ditch a Detective
Don’t Miss the Moment
Don’t Love an Army Ranger
Don’t Chase a Player
Don’t Abandon the Superstar
Steele Family Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
The Stranded Patriot
The Committed Warrior
Extreme Devotion
Quinn Family Romance
The Devoted Groom
The Conflicted Warrior
The Gentle Patriot
The Tough Warrior
Her Too-Perfect Boss
Her Forbidden Bodyguard
Cami’s Collections
Strong Family Romance Collection
Steele Family Collection
Hawk Brothers Collection
Quinn Family Collection
Cami’s Georgia Patriots Collection
Cami’s Military Collection
Billionaire Beach Romance Collection
Billionaire Bride Pact Collection
Billionaire Romance Sampler
Echo Ridge Romance Collection
Texas Titans Romance Collection
Snow Valley Collection
Christmas Romance Collection
Holiday Romance Collection
Extreme Sports Romance Collection
Georgia Patriots Romance
The Loyal Patriot
The Gentle Patriot
The Stranded Patriot
The Pursued Patriot
Jepson Brothers Romance
How to Design Love
How to Switch a Groom
How to Lose a Fiance
Billionaire Boss Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
Her Prince Charming Boss
Hawk Brothers Romance
The Determined Groom
The Stealth Warrior
Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance
Risking it All
Navy Seal Romance
The Protective Warrior
The Captivating Warrior
The Stealth Warrior
The Tough Warrior
Texas Titan Romance
The Fearless Groom
The Trustworthy Groom
The Beastly Groom
The Irresistible Groom
The Determined Groom
The Devoted Groom
Billionaire Beach Romance
Caribbean Rescue
Cozumel Escape
Cancun Getaway
Trusting the Billionaire
How to Kiss a Billionaire
Onboard for Love
Shadows in the Curtain
Billionaire Bride Pact Romance
The Resilient One
The Feisty One
The Independent One
The Protective One
The Faithful One
The Daring One
Park City Firefighter Romance
Rescued by Love
Reluctant Rescue
Stone Cold Sparks
Snowed-In for Christmas
Echo Ridge Romance
Christmas Makeover
Last of the Gentlemen
My Best Man’s Wedding
Change of Plans
Counterfeit Date
Snow Valley
Full Court Devotion: Christmas in Snow Valley
A Touch of Love: Summer in Snow Valley
Running from the Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley
Light in Your Eyes: Winter in Snow Valley
Romancing the Singer: Return to Snow Valley
Fighting for Love: Return to Snow Valley
Other Books by Cami
Seeking Mr. Debonair: Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr. Dependable: Jane Austen Pact
Saving Sycamore Bay
Oh, Come On, Be Faithful
Protect This
Blog This
Redeem This
The Broken Path
Dead Running
Dying to Run
Fourth of July
Love & Loss
Love & Lies
Do Rely on Your Protector (Jewel Family Romance Book 4) Page 14