More Than Protect You: A More Than Words Novella

by Shayla Black

  As the song rolls on, I agree that Mandy definitely renews my faith. I’ve been wondering if, after the divorce, I’d spend the rest of my life alone. But now I have hope. And I’ll do whatever it takes to convince Mandy to stay with me. I want to be strong for her, and that gives me strength in return. So I’m waiting for her love, preferably without end. And if it all works out? Then I’ll thank God for this woman, amen.

  It’s funny how the roads of my life have led me to her. So many circumstances—her break-up, my divorce, and the angry mob on her tail—have brought us to Maui, and along with a few chance meetings with mutual friends, together at this moment.

  It’s up to us to make it more.

  “What should we do today?” she asks, interrupting my musing.

  “Let’s brush up on your self-defense, make sure you’re able to defend yourself, just in case.”

  Her smile falters. “You mean in case I’m alone?”

  Is she asking me in a roundabout way if I intend to leave her? I’ve been worried about her walking away and breaking my heart, so I haven’t really laid my cards on the table. “Mandy, unless you tell me to get lost, the only way you’re going to be alone is if something happens to me. But even in that situation, I want you to have a fighting chance.”

  “Thank you.” She swallows. “I’m beginning to think I never want to be without you.”

  I don’t care that Oliver is eating on her lap or that I really don’t have a right. I cross the kitchen and cradle her face in my hands. “You’re changing my life, baby, and I don’t know what it will look like when we figure it all out. I just believe with everything inside me that we’re here together for a reason, and I’m hoping that never changes.”

  Her smile turns even brighter. “I’ve been trying to keep you at arm’s length…but I’m quickly running out of reasons I should.”

  That’s all I needed to hear.

  I bend and take her lips, sinking instantly into the softest, sweetest mouth I’ve ever kissed. She welcomes me, stroke for stroke, and she clings to me, feeling so perfect. No, she feels like home.

  Between us, Oliver slaps his little palm on the table and squeals for attention. I pull back with a laugh. “Wanting some of Mom’s attention, too, big guy?”

  He grins, then plucks up his sippy cup and offers it to me.

  “Oh, you must be special,” Mandy proclaims. “I’m the only other person he’s ever offered to share with. That means he likes you.”

  “Good. I like him, too.” I kneel down to his level. “No offense, but I’m waiting for coffee. You’ll understand when you’re older.”

  Mandy smiles as she sets the sippy cup back on the kitchen table. “Finish your eggs, Oliver.”

  He ignores the spoonful she tries to choo-choo to his lips and instead blows me a kiss.

  She rears back. “I’ve been trying to teach him that for weeks, and you’re the first person he’s done that to. He definitely likes you.”

  With a smile, I kiss the top of his head, then cup Mandy’s face, thumbing my way across her cheek. “If things work out for us the way I hope, that will be a good thing.”

  Before she can respond, her phone chirps. She jumps up to retrieve the device. I hope it’s not Bruce cluttering up her messages again. “Harlow wants to know if we’ll come by. She can’t leave since she’s watching both her son and helping Noah’s mother. Anyway, she wants to talk.” Mandy turns pensive. “We haven’t since she found out I was having an affair with her father. It would be nice to clear the air. I won’t stay long. You know, to be on the safe side. But she also volunteered to watch Oliver for a bit. She wants the chance to get to know her baby brother. Maybe we could go shooting again?”

  “Probably a good idea.”

  After some coffee, she makes a quick breakfast, then leaves me with Oliver, who’s now half watching a cartoon on her iPad while playing with another of his toy trucks on the living room floor. I see my future. Not in this house, but here on Maui with Mandy and her son…and all his grown-up siblings who are having children of their own. I see opening a new range, being good friends with Trace. I picture his baby boy Ranger and Oliver growing up together. I even imagine having my own children with Mandy. I can almost taste how happy we’d be. And I want it so fucking bad.

  First, I have to make this threat against her stop. I’m grateful last night was quiet so we could sleep and regroup. Now I want to figure out who this asshole is and end this mess.

  How?

  Mandy breezes out of the bedroom, now in another summery dress in a muted green and tan sandals. Her hair hangs loose to the small of her waist. She’s applied some mascara that draws attention to her blue eyes and a hint of lip gloss that enhances her smile.

  Could I really be lucky enough to spend the rest of my life with a woman this gorgeous, both inside and out?

  “I’m ready.”

  I stand and pluck Oliver from the floor, grabbing one of his trucks for amusement when he fusses. “Let’s go.”

  “I texted Harlow to thank her and tell her we’re on our way.”

  Vaguely, I wonder if the Noah Weston will be there. I would like to meet him someday, but now is mostly about Mandy and Harlow patching up their friendship, not me celebrity gawking.

  After a trip to the post office, Mandy holds my hand as I mail my divorce papers. Other than a formality, Ellie and I are over. It’s the end of one part of my life. But a glance down at the beautiful blonde beside me makes me glad for the part I pray is about to start.

  From there, GPS takes us to the swankiest part of the island, beyond a live guard and an electronic gate. I park the car, and Harlow stands outside in a red blouse and a pair of crisp white shorts, dark hair curling around her shoulders. Beside her is a hulk of a man who looks like an older version of Trace holding an infant.

  Beside me, Mandy slides out of the Mustang, then frees Oliver from his car seat. Together they walk toward Harlow and Noah. I follow, hanging behind. I don’t want to be in the middle of their reunion, but I should be close if she needs me.

  “Hi,” Mandy says to them.

  I know that voice. I hear the hesitation in it. She’s hopeful…but unsure of her welcome. She’s aware of how much she screwed up the Reed family and she feels terrible.

  “Good to see you.” Harlow waves.

  Mandy sends her a tentative smile. “Is it? You don’t hate me?”

  The brunette tsks. “I thought we’d get inside before we dove into the heavy stuff, but…what the hell? No, I don’t hate you. I don’t understand because I’ve always known my dad was an unfeeling, womanizing douche. And if I’d known you had a crush on him—”

  “It was more than a crush.”

  Harlow’s face softens. “Obviously. If I’d known, I would have told you the truth about him long before anything happened between you two. But”—she smiles brightly—“then we wouldn’t have Oliver.” She crouches and holds out her arms to the little boy.

  I’m surprised when he goes right to her. When Harlow picks him up, their identical eyes make it obvious they’re both Barclay Reed’s kids.

  “Nice to finally meet you,” Mandy says to Noah.

  “Likewise. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Hopefully some of it was good.” She’s only half joking.

  “Most. The rest? That’s just Harlow being Harlow.” He winks.

  “That’s always been true.” Mandy manages a grin, looking a bit less tense.

  “What?” Harlow shrugs. “I’m just slightly opinionated.”

  They both turn to her with astonished expressions. “Slightly?”

  Laughing, I stick out my hand to Noah. “Tanner Kirk. It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Weston.”

  “Just Noah. Nice to meet you, too. Beer?”

  I don’t care that I’ll have to restrict myself to a couple of sips. I’m talking to Noah freaking Weston. “That sounds great.”

  The women head inside the humongous oceanside mansion. It’s like something o
ut of a magazine, and I try not to gawk. Just…wow. Mandy seems unruffled by it all, which confirms again that she grew up uber wealthy. I still wonder what she’s doing with me. I’m never going to be able to give her half of this luxury. On the other hand, she’s had the slick, wealthy guy. I have to believe she’d ten times rather have something real. If that’s what she wants, she’s with the right man.

  “Any preference?” Noah asks as he opens the fridge. “Trace subscribed me to some beer-of-the-month club for my birthday, so I’ve got a collection.”

  It’s a little surreal that I’m standing in the kitchen of a future NFL Hall-of-Famer whom I’ve watched on TV many a past Sunday. But in person, he just seems like a typical dude. “I’m easy. Surprise me.”

  He shrugs and hands me a pale ale. According to the label, it’s brewed in Belgium and has a pear flavor. It’s not like anything I’ve ever had, but why not?

  Noah lifts a similar bottle, this one flavored with grapefruit. “Cheers.”

  We clink bottles as the women gather on the far side of the expansive kitchen. “Cheers. Amazing place you’ve got.”

  “Maxon and Griff sold it to me. That’s how I met Harlow. When I arrived on the island, she was housesitting—in a red bikini. How could I say no?”

  I smile and sneak a glance over at Mandy. She and Harlow are talking quietly. I can’t read either woman’s face, but the conversation seems intense.

  “So my brother tells me you’re bodyguarding Amanda?”

  I jerk my gaze back to him. “Yeah.”

  “Any trouble last night?”

  “It was quiet.” I glance at Mandy again, who now looks teary. It takes all my willpower not to cross the room and wrap a supportive arm around her. “Is Harlow going to forgive her?” Noah may tell me to fuck off…but I hope he won’t. “It would mean the world to Mandy. She’s been through a lot.”

  “Mandy, huh?” His glance is full of speculation. I ignore his unspoken question. “Yeah. My wife understands quite well what it means to be young and to fall for a player. She’s not mad at Amanda. Did she hope that maybe the friend she’s had her whole life would want to talk sooner? Invite her to meet her baby brother? Sure. But she’s not so hurt that it will end their friendship unless Amanda wants it to.”

  I shake my head. “I think she’ll be thrilled to spend time with Harlow once she knows she’s welcome.”

  “We talked to Griff last night, and he told us about Amanda’s apology. It gave Harlow hope that they could be friends again.”

  “Mandy would like that. I think she’s going to move here.”

  “With you? Because the way you’re looking at her, I’m thinking you’re more than her bodyguard.”

  It’s none of his business, but I’m betting that he and his wife could be allies. “I’d like to be, and she knows it.”

  “From what Harlow told me, Amanda needs and deserves someone who will be honest, faithful, and devoted to her. Can you be all that?”

  “Yes, but the ball is in her court.”

  “Wrong sport for me…” Noah smiles. “But let me know if I can help.”

  “Harlow told Mandy you two would be willing to watch Oliver for a few hours. I know you’ve got your own baby and your mother and—”

  “I’ve also got extra hands here today. Nia and her husband’s best friend, Sebastian, are hosting some super-secret meeting for the executive management of Evan’s company, Stratus, in our ohana out back. But they’ll be breaking shortly. You looking to slip away for a romantic afternoon?”

  It would be nice, but… “My primary goal is to get in more self-defense and target practice. Mandy is determined to learn how to defend herself when the need arises again.”

  “Sounds like a good idea. And if she’s worried about Oliver’s safety, there are five adults in this house, plus the guard outside. Trace should have told y’all to come here when the shit went down at Nia’s place.”

  “Mandy will probably take you up on the offer to keep Oliver for a few hours, but she would refuse to stay here when she’s a target. She doesn’t want to bring trouble to you or anyone else she loves. I’m sure she appreciates the thought, but we’re fine where we are.”

  “And I imagine you’re more alone with her wherever you’re staying than you would be here.”

  It wasn’t my first thought, but… “Can’t deny that.”

  Noah smiles, and I turn to see Mandy leaning in to hug Harlow. I’m proud of her because I know mending fences couldn’t have been easy. She’s clearly worried the Reed clan hated her for being a home wrecker, but they’ve all been kind and forgiving—unlike their father.

  The pretty brunette smiles as she hugs Mandy back. “Want to come upstairs and meet Nolan?”

  “I’d love to.” She looks genuinely happy. “Stephen shared the pictures on social media with me. He looks amazing, so much like Noah. But he has your smile.”

  “He does. He’s not even eight weeks old, and I can already tell he’s going to be physical and athletic like his daddy.” Harlow winks. “But he’s got Mommy’s attitude.”

  Mandy actually laughs. “Uh-oh. Watch out, world!”

  “Right? We also have Trace’s little boy, Ranger, with us for the night. He’s going to be a pistol, too.”

  The women disappear upstairs with Oliver, and I can hear the cooing and the conversation echo across the tile floors.

  Noah leans back against the nearest counter. “My mom will eat up having Oliver here. Now that Griff and Britta have announced they’re having a third, she’s all over Harlow and me to get busy again.”

  Already? “What does Harlow think?”

  His smile turns all sly grin. “We’re trying. I’d like two close together. Trace and I bonded a lot because we were. She wants a girl. But whatever happens, we’re both happy.”

  I can tell. “Congratulations.”

  Suddenly, the back door opens. Nia charges in, shaking her head, then speaking over her shoulder at the buttoned-up suit following. “How the hell did you screw up everything before day one, Bas?”

  “It’s not like I went out of my way to nail the competition,” he insists. “I was at a bar. She walked in. I flirted. She flirted back. Then—”

  “I don’t need a play-by-play.” Nia wrinkles her nose. “But you literally had sex with the competitor who’s trying to ruin our business.”

  “No, I had sex with a gorgeous redhead who flipped my switch. I didn’t ask her for her life story before we fell into bed.”

  Nia turns and glares at him. “Did you even ask her name?”

  He clams up. “I’m not apologizing for my sex life.”

  “At least admit that taking her to bed was a mistake.” Bas is silent, irritating Nia even more. “How the hell are you supposed to lead the negotiation to buy her business out from under her? We all knew it would be messy since she’s not inclined to sell, but how much more hostile will it be when she realizes you screwed her literally and figuratively?”

  “She shouldn’t be hostile after the number of orgasms I gave her.”

  “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” Nia cocks her hand on her hip. “When Evan hears about this, he’ll be pissed.”

  “He, of all people, knows I need to move on.”

  I only have the vaguest idea what they’re talking about, but Nia doesn’t seem to be backing down. Neither is Bas. Competitor or not, I don’t think he’s done with this woman.

  Noah clears his throat, and they both jolt as they realize they’re not alone. “Hi.”

  “Sorry,” Nia apologizes. “I didn’t see you two there.”

  I don’t know how they missed us since we’re standing in the middle of the kitchen. She was probably too focused on reaming out Sebastian, and he was probably too busy defending himself.

  “No worries,” Noah assures. “Tanner, this is Sebastian Shaw. Bas, Tanner Kirk.”

  “Hey.” The tall guy with blond hair in a precise corporate cut sticks out his hand. “Good to meet y
ou.”

  “Likewise.”

  An uncomfortable silence falls then, like no one knows how to clear the air of Bas accidentally sleeping with the enemy.

  “Well…I’ll just go find a tall tree and hang myself.” Bas sends Nia an acidic glance.

  She tsks at him. “Dramatic much? We have to figure out how to fix this situation.”

  “Nia, she still doesn’t know who I am…”

  “You are not suggesting that you keep sleeping with her while the rest of us negotiate, I hope.” Nia shakes her head as she refills her glass from the water dispenser on the fridge door. “Of course you are.”

  “Well, I can’t exactly undo Saturday night, but I can try to get some, um…insider information.”

  “I’m definitely going to pretend I didn’t hear that.”

  “You got a better idea?”

  “No, but I didn’t make the mess. You did. Fix it.”

  Then Nia marches for the back door again. Bas follows until they disappear out back, leaving silence in their wake.

  “Well, he clearly stepped in shit,” Noah quips.

  “Yep, and I wouldn’t want to be wearing his shoes.”

  We make a little more small talk about his new job color commentating for a network’s NFL broadcasts, and I assure him he did an amazing job last season when he cocks his head my way. “So what do you do?”

  “I’m a firearms instructor. Have been for seventeen years. Until recently, I owned a range in Colorado. I’d like to open one here. Got the place all staked out.”

  “What’s your timeframe?”

  How the hell do I explain to a guy who owns a twenty-five million dollar house that I’m short on cash? “Probably a couple of months. Nothing is set in stone yet. I’ve got to get a few things worked out and—”

  “Would you have time to instruct a few of the security guards around here first?”

  Is he serious? “You’d want me to?”

  “Once you’re done helping Amanda, yeah. Harlow and I have had our share of problems with people respecting our property lines and our privacy. No one dangerous…so far. But occasionally, paparazzi try to sneak around the place and get photos of us. Sometimes, it’s a curious fan. When I hired the security team, I hoped that simply having guards would be deterrent enough, but these trespassers aren’t letting up. Some are getting really bold. I’d like the security team to brush up, be both safe and proficient, before I put any weapons in their hands.” He peers my way. “You any good at your job?”