Baby Shock
Alexis Winter
Brooding, hotter than hell and everything I shouldn’t want…
Ethan Brighton, ex-military, soon to be cop and oh, my best friend’s older brother.
* * *
You know the uptight boy scout, rule following type?
Yeah that’s him.
* * *
Me, I’m the wild child, fun-loving free-spirited type.
The type that drives him crazy and pisses him off.
* * *
He’s determined not to notice me.
But neither of us can resist the urge to take what we crave.
* * *
The moment I had that first taste, I was addicted.
Forbidden love is like a drug—a drug that sets you free as it swims through your veins, making you wonder how you ever lived without it.
* * *
But then the little world we’d created for ourselves came crashing down around us, and we were left to pick up the pieces and salvage what was left.
* * *
Will I forever be his dirty little secret now that I’m carrying his baby?
Copyright 2019 by Alexis Winter - All rights reserved.
* * *
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.
* * *
Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chaper Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Epilogue
Also by Alexis Winter
About the Author
Protect Me
The arrogant bastard is back…
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter One
Aria
“Hi, Daddy!” I bounce up to him with a smile, hoping he doesn’t notice the time.
“You’re late,” he states flatly, not looking up at me, only staring at the papers littering his desk.
My shoulders fall as a deep breath slips past my lips. “I know. I’m sorry.” I’m trying to sound apologetic, but my tone is slightly off. My sweet smile—which always gets me my way—stretches across my face. “I promise it won’t happen again.”
He lets out a deep breath and pinches the bridge of his nose, clearly fed up. “Damn it, Aria,” he growls, “when are you going to grow up? You’re twenty-one years old, and you can’t even show up for work on time. What’s the excuse this time?” Finally, he looks up at me, disappointment and disdain clearly etched into his strong facial features.
I cross my arms over my chest as I lean against the door to his office. I chew on the inside of my cheek, trying to think up an excuse that will appease him. There’s no way I can tell him I stayed out too late partying…again.
A sigh leaves my lips as I let my arms fall to my sides while walking across the room and taking a seat across from him. “I was up late last night. I wanted to see if anyone was hiring any photographers. I filled out dozens of applications, and I think I reworked my resume at least a dozen times.” It’s not exactly a lie. I did do all of those things yesterday…before I got depressed from realizing I will never land my dream job, at which point I let off some steam by drinking entirely way too much.
His angry features soften slightly, now easing away and morphing into a look of regret for judging me, and maybe a little sadness that his little girl is losing hope when it comes to achieving her dream. “Aria, you are a wonderful photographer. You just have to keep working hard, and one of these days someone will see how amazing you are. Don’t lose hope.”
I nod my head once as I look at my fingers twisting together in my lap.
“But don’t be late again either,” he adds on sternly.
I finally look up at him as I force a small smile onto my face. “Okay, Daddy.” I walk around his desk and press a kiss to his cheek, then exit his office to get to work.
I take my place behind the counter and start up the computer. When the register opens, I count all the money inside to make sure I have the right balance, then pin my name tag to my pink tank top. Checking the clock, I find that it’s ten a.m. I make my way over to the doors on either side of the pole barn office, and unlock them before flipping the sign to OPEN.
Off in the corner is a small station that holds a coffee pot, disposable cups, and bottles of water. I open a few of the water bottles and fill the pot before starting it up for the day. I don’t know why my dad wastes his money on this stuff. The only people who really drink it are his friends who come to hang out and drink free coffee. But he says that back in his day, every place he went into had free coffee, and he believes in keeping things the way they used to be. He’s an old-fashioned man who can’t wrap his mind around the fact that the world is changing.
As I’m sliding the pot back into the coffee maker, the bell above the door rings. I turn with a smile, expecting to see one of my dad’s friends walking in for his morning coffee, but freeze when my eyes land on a tall man with muscles for days.
“Go-good morning,” I stammer. “Can I help you find anything?” I ask, walking closer.
He removes his black hat and looks at me directly. My lungs freeze when I find he isn’t just any man. He’s Amy’s older brother, Ethan. I can’t help but look him up and down. He’s tall—much taller than I’d remembered—but I guess I’ve never really stood this close to him before. I haven’t even seen him since my sister’s wedding.
“Hey.” He offers up a small smile. “You’re…Aria, right? Vesper’s little sister?”
I nod as I cross my arms over my chest. “Yeah, that’s right. Are you looking for a tractor? You don’t strike me as the farmer type.” I nudge his arm with mine.
When my elbow touches his, his back straightens. “Uhh, no, actually. I’m looking for a part-time job, and Ves said she remembered her dad mentioning that he was looking to hire someone.”
He seems nervous. He won’t keep eye contract with me for more than a second and his whole body is tensed.
“Aren’t you a police officer? Why would you want to work here?” I ask, walking away to take my stool behind the register.
He follows me over, leaning against the counter. “Yeah, I got a job a few towns over, but they’re so overstaffed that they had to cut down my hours. I’m just looking for something to make up for the lost income.”
I press my lips together and nod as my eyes greedily take him in.
His angular jaw is flexing, and his biceps are bursting. He runs his tongue across his plump bottom lip, and it brings goosebumps to my skin. How had I not noticed how gorgeous he is? It seems impossible that a man who looks this good has managed to stay off my radar this long.
“My dad is in the back. I’ll have him come out and talk with you,” I practically breathe out, suddenly finding myself breathless.
“Thanks,” he mumbles as I stand.
Before I walk down the hallway that leads to my dad’s office, I glance at him from ov
er my shoulder. I can tell his eyes were on my ass as I walked away, but as soon as he notices me watching him, he pulls his eyes away, clears his throat, and stands up straight.
“Dad?” I stick my head into his office.
“Hmm?” he asks, not looking away from what he’s doing.
“Ves sent someone over to interview for the job you’re wanting to fill.”
“Oh?” His eyes pop up to mine and they’re wide with excitement. “That’s great!” He stands, and I lead him out onto the sales floor.
“Good morning,” he says, walking over to Ethan with his hand held out to shake.
“Good morning, Mr. Lawrence,” Ethan says, shaking my dad’s hand. “I’m Ethan Brighton. Your daughter, Vesper, told me you might be looking to hire someone.”
“That’s right. I’m looking for a salesman to help out around here. Maybe even someone to help with the heavy lifting.” Dad pats his beer belly. “I’m not as strong as I used to be.” He lets out a laugh that reminds me of Santa Claus.
Ethan offers up a polite smile. “I’d be more than happy to help you out.” He pulls out a small stack of folded papers from his back pocket. “I have my resume here, along with a few letters of recommendation, if you’re interested.”
“That’d be great. Let’s go back to my office.” He holds out his arm, motioning for Ethan to head down the hall. “Aria, would you please bring us two cups of coffee?”
“Actually, I’m fine with water, if you have it,” Ethan says, turning to look at me. He glances at my dad. “I’m not big on coffee anymore. Amy burned me out when she was trying out a few new recipes for her coffee shop.” He lets out a deep chuckle.
Dad joins in on his laugher. “Not a problem.”
As they head back to the office, I cross the room and pour a cup of coffee for my dad and grab Ethan a bottle of water.
“Here you go, Daddy.” I set the cup down on his desk. He doesn’t look away from Ethan’s papers. He only mumbles a quick thank you.
“And your water.” I turn and hand the bottle to Ethan.
“Thanks.” He takes it with a polite smile, but I notice when his eyes fall from mine and drift slowly down my body. The look he gives me causes goosebumps to prickle my skin. My lips turn up into a flirtatious smile, but he quickly catches himself and wipes all emotion from his face as he forces his attention back to my dad.
I take a few steps backward, out of the room, without either of them noticing me. Once I’m in the hallway, my face burns with embarrassment as I push myself forward, back to my post.
The embarrassment coursing through my body causes my blood to boil. My face feels like it’s on fire, like my skin is slowly melting off. And for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. It’s not the first time I’ve been caught flirting, and it’s not the first time I’ve caught a guy checking me out. Maybe it was the way he looked so annoyed and disappointed when I flashed him a smile after he so obviously took me in. The heat of his stare suddenly went cold, ice cold, and I was left hot and bothered. It’s obvious he likes me—or if not me, my body, at least. But judging from how easy it was for him to turn it off, perhaps he doesn’t like that he likes me. Maybe he’s worried about putting the job in jeopardy? Maybe he’s worried about Amy and Ves? Or maybe he doesn’t like our age difference? It’s not like it’s taboo or anything. He couldn’t be more than ten years older than me.
A deep sigh leaves my lips, blowing a lock of curls away from my face. I catch a glimpse of myself in the glass counter, and I study my reflection. Do I look too young? My big blue eyes are wide with confusion as I look at myself. My face is rounded—I guess that could make me appear younger than I am—but my bone structure is proportionate. There are angles and definition to my face that no child has. My lips are plump, red, and sexy. My long, dark hair is styled perfectly into soft curls. And if nothing else, he should be able to look at this body of mine and see that I’m not a child. My chest is big, and my low-cut top shows just enough to tease any man who may be looking. My tiny jean shorts show off plenty of leg and highlight my every curve. And the wedge sandals I’m wearing cause my legs to appear longer and more shapely.
Just about every guy I know has wanted to get with me at some point. But maybe Ethan is different. He’s not a twenty-one-year-old guy, after all. He’s older, more respectable, responsible, mature. Maybe he only likes women who look polished and wear business suits. Should I try to make myself appear older than I am?
The two men’s voices draw my attention away from my reflection and cause me to stand up straight. When I turn to look at them, Ethan’s eyes are on me, and they appear dark and full of desire. His jaw is flexed, and his body is hard like he’s just been shocked.
“You can start first thing in the morning,” Dad tells him.
He finally manages to pull his gaze from mine, directing it now at my dad. He forces a kind smile and nods his head. “I’ll be here. Thank you for this opportunity.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Dad shakes his hand and gently pats his shoulder before turning and walking down the hallway, leaving us alone.
I smile. “So, you got the job, huh?”
He nods and pulls his hat from his back pocket, placing it on his head. “Yep,” he clips out.
Butterflies take over my stomach and I tighten every muscle in my body to hold them at bay. “I look forward to getting to know you a little better.” I roll my eyes. “I mean, since our families seem to only be growing closer.”
He presses his lips together and bows his head. “Until tomorrow, Aria.”
Without another word, he pushes himself across the showroom floor and walks out, leaving me staring after him, wanting and wondering.
Chapter Two
Ethan
I knew this was going to be a bad idea. I really didn’t want to get mixed into all of this. I mean, Vesper and Amy are best friends. Amy is already living with Liam’s ranch hand, tying them together as a group, and now, I’m working for Vesper’s dad? Our lives only seem to be intermingling even more. I figured I’d swallow my pride and see about the job. I do need the money after all. What I didn’t expect was to find Vesper’s kid sister working there looking hot as hell. I mean, I’m a grown man and she’s in her early twenties. She’s basically a child. She’s younger than my little sister who I raised. Even if I can manage to keep my eyes away from her, it feels like she’s always going to search me out.
She took every opportunity she could to get to me. She flashed me flirty smiles, her beautiful blue eyes drank me in greedily, and every time she caught me looking at her, her breathing would pick up, only making her big chest rise and fall faster.
Climbing behind the wheel of my truck, I let out a deep breath, hoping to clear myself of all the confusion swirling around inside me. I lean my head back against the headrest and my eyes flutter closed. Behind my lids, all I can see is her and all the things I’d like to do to her. She’s young, and I bet she’s only been with guys her own age. I could show her a thing or two. I bet I could control her body better than she could. I can nearly feel myself sliding into her. I can practically hear her soft moans and pleas. I imagine how sweet she would taste, how delicious she would smell, how goddamn heavenly she’d sound praying for me to take her.
I feel my dick harden with the mental pictures, and I grit my teeth before picking my head up and opening my eyes. Without looking at anything in particular, I start up my truck and tug my seatbelt across me. When I lean forward to shift into drive, I look up at the building and there she is, standing in front of the glass door, watching me. Her thick red lips are parted, and her eyes are locked on mine. The way she’s looking at me makes my heart race. It sets a fire to my body that makes me want to rip off my clothes in the hope of finding relief.
Maybe this is a bad idea. I should leave right now and never come back. Keep my distance. I don’t know how long I can hold myself back. I shouldn’t want her, but I do—so fucking bad I can taste it like it’s my favorite dessert and I
’ve been starving for weeks.
That’s it. I can’t take this job. If I can’t trust myself to keep from touching her or thinking about her, then the best thing to do is be an adult about it. When I get home, I’ll call and let Mr. Lawrence know that I won’t be able to take the job after all. I’m sure he’ll understand. I’ll just have to find work elsewhere.
I walk into my apartment a little while later and drop my keys onto the table. My keys slap off the hardwood, and it draws my attention down to all the bills stacking up. Fuck. I can’t not take this job. I’ll never survive without a full-time income. And Mr. Lawrence is willing to pay more than any other place in town. I’d be stupid not to take it. I’ll just have to keep myself in check. I’ll avoid her anytime she’s around. I won’t look at her. I won’t think of her. To me, she no longer exists. I’m a fucking trained soldier; I’ve been taught to deal with torture. I can deal with this. I just need to clear my mind first.
I head deeper into the apartment and gather my things. It only takes me an hour before the truck is packed up and I’m hitting the road.
A couple of months ago, I was still working full-time at the police station, and putting in overtime whenever I was given the chance. I had a modest amount of money stacking up, so I didn’t hesitate when I came upon an offer I couldn’t refuse. I bought a secluded cabin up in the mountains. It’s really a one-room shack, but it has everything I need to make a perfect hunting cabin. There’s a fireplace for heat, a full-size bed in the corner, a small bathroom, and a kitchenette. I couldn’t turn away from it. The property alone was worth the money: five acres of land and access to a flowing river full of fish. It’s my dream to one day turn the one-room shack into a full-size house. There’s plenty of property to start a garden, hunt, and fish. Everything I’d need to survive would be provided by the land. A laugh slips past my lips when I think about becoming the old man who lives alone in the woods.
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