by Lisa Plumley
Praise for the novels of Lisa Plumley
TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS
“Plumley makes her third trip to Kismet, Mich. (after Home for the Holidays) in this laugh-out-loud Christmas romp. This sweet romance tugs at the heartstrings from the beginning and doesn’t let up until the final page.” —Publishers Weekly
“This is a genuinely fun story, with complex, engaging characters and a thoroughly charming holiday atmosphere. No matter what, Lisa Plumley knows how to craft a terrific, heartwarming story with deliciously happy endings, and I definitely plan to go back and read her other books set in Kismet. At least that will give me something to do until her next book comes out!” —The Romance Reviews
“Plumley has a definite knack for providing readers with “holiday jollity” mixed with romance. Her blend of quirky characters who find themselves in quirky situations make for endearing stories. The story is charming, the heroine is smart, strong and capable, the support cast endearingly odd and the two side love stories are bonuses.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service
MELT INTO YOU
“Plumley (Holiday Affair, 2010) has written another delightful story filled with everything her fans expect—likable characters, a great romance, humorous situations, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming story. ” —Booklist (starred review!)
“This is a delightful story with a hero who could easily be a real jerk, but is quite a sweetheart, and a heroine determined to not be hurt by love again, yet can’t help herself. Her mistrust of the hero is quite understandable, and his struggle to learn how to be good is entertaining. ” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4 stars!)
“Melt Into You is hilarious and well-worth reading! The characters are adorable and this story will keep you anxiously awaiting more from Ms. Plumley! ” —Night Owl Reviews
THE BRIDE RAFFLE
“Ms. Plumley knows how to make her characters real and relatable. We know these people. We have friends like this. This ability to create realistic characters makes Ms. Plumley’s novels even more compelling. I loved every page of this book and found it hard to put down. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Plumley produces next! ” —Historical Romance Writers
“Lisa Plumley has penned a really cute, delightful tale with The Bride Raffle. Looking for something that is lighthearted and fun? Something that combines romance and humor? The Bride Raffle by Lisa Plumley is perfect for you! ” —CataRomance (4 stars!)
“A delightful read, The Bride Raffle, the latest book in the Morrow Creek series, is a heartwarming, humorous historical romance. Not only does author extraordinaire Lisa Plumley give us a fun story filled with witty dialogue, charismatic, well-drawn characters, a delicious plot, tender romance and plenty of love, she brings the characters to life right before your eyes. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Plumley’s works. ” —Romance Junkies (5 blue ribbons rating)
MAIL-ORDER GROOM
“This is the first Lisa Plumley historical novel that I have read and I loved it every bit as much as I love her contemporary novels! Her warmth and love of romance spill from every page. Ms. Plumley has a knack for drawing her readers into her stories and making them a part of each of us. ” —Historical Romance Writers
“Everyone has a secret in this delightful tale from the Old West. The concept of the mail-order groom, rather than bride, is an entertaining twist on a standard plot. There’s plenty of gun-slinging, bloodshed, and lovemaking going on from start to finish, which will keep readers turning pages until the very end. ” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4 stars!)
“Lisa Plumley has written a charming romance between two very appealing characters. An engaging novel with a heroine you won’t soon forget. ” —Love Western Romances (4 spurs!)
HOLIDAY AFFAIR
“Secrets and subterfuge add complexity and zing to this well-crafted, heartwarming story that features a wealth of engaging characters, including five remarkable, memorable children, and great sexual tension. A deliciously satisfying, cocoa-worthy holiday read.” —Library Journal
“As is the case with most of Plumley’s books, Holiday Affair has quirky characters that will make you smile and a fast-paced story that will make you hesitate to slip a bookmark between the pages. Holiday Affair is full of Christmas atmosphere and activities, which makes it a great read during the holidays.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service
“Lisa Plumley’s latest holiday novel delivers. It has warm gooey holiday moments complete with happy children, Christmas traditions such as caroling and decorating Christmas cookies and, oh yeah, hot and steamy romance. Loaded with fun pop-culture references and witty dialogue, Holiday Affair delivers on entertainment!” —The Romance Reader (Five Hearts!)
“A delightful story with utterly charming characters. It brings to life the sounds, smells, and tastes of Christmas as it brings together more than just the two main characters for a joyous holiday season.” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4½ stars)
MY FAVORITE WITCH
“In keeping with Plumley’s tradition of lively romantic comedy (Home for the Holidays), her first foray into the paranormal witch world subgenre is quirky, sexy, creative, and hilarious.” —Library Journal
“Humorous adventures and unexpected romance with a sprinkling of heartwarming moments will keep the reader well entertained in this delightful tale, skillfully crafted by the clever Plumley.” —Booklist
“Lisa Plumley delves into paranormal romance, venturing into new territory while keeping her own brand of humor and delivering a delightfully witchy tale in the process.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
“Lisa Plumley once again gifts readers with a Yuletide story sure to put you in a holiday mood. This is vintage Plumley. She’s created a cast of characters that are a bit eccentric, quirky, and likeable and spun a story that will make you smile.” —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service
“A delightful secondary romance adds to the fun in this upbeat romp that is touching, hilarious, and lightly dusted with seasonal charm.” —Library Journal
LET’S MISBEHAVE
“Once again, Plumley shows her fine flair for comedy as Marisol learns that there is life beyond Rodeo Drive, and the Connelly triplets discover that they can’t scare away every nanny. Full of witty dialogue and hilarious situations, this romp with a heart is certain to please readers.” —Booklist (starred review; named one of the Top Ten Romances of 2007)
“Plumley not only delivers a fun-filled premise, clever dialogue and a delightfully sexy sports-loving hero, she brings to life a memorable, hilarious and utterly unique heroine readers will adore. This is pure romantic fantasy and an absolutely entertaining novel from start to finish.” —Romantic Times BOOK Reviews (4½ stars Top Pick!)
“Let’s Misbehave is funny, romantic, heartwarming, and sexy. It’s fantastic!” —Joyfully Reviewed
MAD ABOUT MAX
“A cool cast of secondary characters adds much to the story as clever Plumley, who is already known for her entertaining romantic comedies, presents another winner in this humorous and engaging tale about a man who literally loses his shirt, but finds his heart.” —Booklist (starred review)
“Mad About Max kept me laughing from beginning to end. What great characters! Very highly recommended, especially for fans of romantic comedy.” —Romance Junkies
JOSIE DAY IS COMING HOME
“Turning not-so-perfect, unlikely characters into romance heroes and heroines is Lisa Plumley’s forte, and she once again delivers a zany cast who will make you laugh!” —The State newspaper
“In this heartwarming, often humorous story, the feisty Josie proves that you can go home again—if yo
u’ve got the right stuff. And once again, the talented Plumley, whose books include Perfect Switch, proves that when it comes to writing romantic comedy, few do it better.” —Booklist
MY BEST FRIEND’S BABY
by
Lisa Plumley
Smashwords Edition
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previously published by Kensington Publishing
Rock-A-Bye, My Baby
No way! Chloe Carmichael vowed long ago to marry only for love. The fact that she’s unexpectedly expecting doesn’t change a thing. Especially since the Daddy-to-be is her best pal, Nick Steadman—and he can’t actually remember their fabulous-but-fleeting night of passion. Only when her delicate condition becomes obvious does Chloe tell Nick the truth. Well, sort of…
How could a sensible female like Chloe have gotten mixed up with a love ‘em and leave ‘em Marine named Bruno? Nick is determined to track down the guy and make him marry Chloe. After all, the least a friend can do is see that a great gal like Chloe lives happily ever after. Heck, if she wasn’t so crazy about the oddly elusive Bruno, Nick might even be tempted to turn his best friend into his bride!
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Copyright © 2012 by Lisa Plumley
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, then please respect the hard work of this author by purchasing your own copy. Thank you!
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USA TODAY best-selling author Lisa Plumley has delighted readers worldwide with more than two dozen popular novels. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and editions, and includes contemporary romances, western historical romances, paranormal romances, and a variety of stories in romance anthologies. Her fresh, funny style has been likened to such reader favorites as Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, LaVyrle Spencer, and Jennifer Crusie, but her unique characterization is all her own.
Lisa lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and two children. In her free time she reads romances and research books by the dozen, practices yoga, and spends time with her family—hiking in the mountains and deserts of Arizona, visiting ghost towns and historical sites, traveling, reading, and watching classic movies.
Visit with Lisa at her website, www.lisaplumley.com, connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lisaplumleybooks, or follow her on Twitter @LisaPlumley today!
Books by Lisa Plumley
Contemporary Romances
Together for Christmas (2012)
Melt Into You (2012)
Holiday Affair (2010)
Home For The Holidays (2008)
Let’s Misbehave (2007)
Mad About Max (2006)
I Shaved my Legs for This?! (2006) (anthology w/Theresa Alan, Holly Chamberlin, and Marcia Evanick)
Once Upon a Christmas (2005)
Josie Day is Coming Home (2005)
Perfect Switch (2004)
Perfect Together (2003)
Reconsidering Riley (2002)
Santa Baby (2002) (anthology w/Kylie Adams, Elaine Coffman, and Lisa Jackson)
Falling For April (2002)
Making Over Mike (2001)
Her Best Man (2000)
Man Of The Year (2000)
My Best Friend’s Baby (1999)
The Honeymoon Hoax (1998)
Surrender (1997)
Historical Romances
The Honor-Bound Gambler (2012)
Weddings Under a Western Sky (2012) (anthology w/Elizabeth Lane and Kate Welsh)
The Bride Raffle (2011)
Wanton in the West (2011)
Mail-Order Groom (2010)
Hallowe’en Husbands (2008) (anthology w/Denise Lynn and Christine Merrill)
The Rascal (2006)
The Scoundrel (2006)
The Matchmaker (2003)
The Drifter (2002)
Lawman (1999)
Outlaw (1999)
Paranormal Romance
My Favorite Witch (2009)
Time-Travel Romances
Timeless Winter (1999) (anthology w/Sandra Davidson and Kathryn Hockett)
Timeless Spring (1999) (anthology w/Sandra Davidson and Cynthia Thomason)
MY BEST FRIEND’S BABY
by
Lisa Plumley
Chapter One
Saturday morning, Chloe Carmichal woke up with a naked man in her bed.
Of course, she was naked too, but that wasn’t the point. The important thing was, this wasn’t just any old sunstruck, Arizona spring morning, and the man asleep beside her wasn’t just any old golden-haired, buffed-up guy. This was the morning after the night she’d never forget, and the fella snoring with his legs tangled around hers and his arm slung around her waist was Nick.
Her best friend in the whole world.
Maybe now he’d realize how perfect they were for each other. Three years she’d spent living next door to him, three companionable, let’s-be-pals, excruciatingly platonic years. Last night everything had changed.
Oh, boy, how it had changed. Feeling giddy, Chloe snuggled closer to Nick’s warmth and fought the urge to wake him up just to tell him how happy she was. That wouldn’t be fair, not after the late night they’d spent together. He deserved at least another ten minutes’ sleep.
Maybe five.
Nick snuffled and turned over. His arm whipped from her waist and sailed toward her head like a sleepy stealth missile. Chloe ducked just as it smacked into her pillow. Whew. She never knew sleeping with a guy could be so dangerous.
Too excited to sleep anymore, she used his movement for cover and slipped out of bed to go freshen up. Maybe she’d even put together a little breakfast à deux. After last night, they could both do with a recharge.
Her feet hit the floor. Behind her the covers rustled and Nick gave a soft muffled moan before going back to sleep, and Chloe’s heart skipped a little higher. Nick was in her bed!
Nick was with her.
Oh, sure, she and Nick had never shared more than a hug before last night. And yeah, he did happen to be just slightly on the rebound from what’shername, the mean, commitment-hungry brunette he’d been dating until yesterday. But, Chloe told herself as she emerged from the bathroom and pattered down the hall, that was all in the past. From now on things would be different. Way different. Last night he’d seen another side to her, and things could never go back to the way they were before.
Never go back. In the kitchen, the thought of losing all the closeness she and Nick had shared over the years made her pause. Could their friendship survive becoming lovers? What if they’d ruined everything? What if they broke up?
What if she was jumping to conclusions? We can do this, she told herself. We’ll be a match made in heaven. So what if they were sort of an unlikely combination? So were her clothes most of the time, and they still managed to work okay.
Chloe glanced down at herself, taking in the purple polka-dotted boxer shorts she usually slept in, the bright orange bra she’d substituted for her T-shirt in the name of maximum sexiness, and the way her fingers were shaking, and tried to gather her courage. It was just Nick, for Pete’s sake. Her Nick. There was nothing to worry about.
Right. Before she could angst any further, she got busy putting together breakfast—a pot of coffee, a box of chocolate donuts, and a bowl of dried banana chips. Okay, so it wasn’t exactly health food, but it would have to do for now. Juggling the wicker basket she’d put everything into, Chloe stopped at the threshold of her bedroom and warily looked in.
Sunlight rushed in between the slats of her bedroom’s white window shutters and brightened the midnight blue walls, streaking glimmers of gold across plants and pictures and the man sprawled across her bed. Discarded clothes—his and hers—trailed across the snowy carpet, making a path to the arched foot of her big wooden sleigh bed. Chloe tiptoed to it and set the breakfast bask
et on the bureau beside it, unable to wait any longer. It was time for Nick to wake up … and she was just the woman to make sure he did it in the nicest possible way.
A plaintive meow came from beside the bed. Moe, her fat orange tabby, arched against the footboard and meowed louder, the sound filled with feline reproach at not being first as usual on Chloe’s morning agenda. “Shhh,” she told the cat, giving him a fond rub between the ears. “Just give me this one morning, and it’s Fancy Feast for a week. I swear.”
Praying for cooperation, Chloe lifted the bed covers and slid beneath them. Warmth surrounded her. Geez, Nick’s body heat could power a whole city if they could find a way to harness it. She ought to ask him about that for his next invention. Smiling in the dark, Chloe took her own turn at inventiveness, sliding her palm over his hairy shin, his knee, his hard, muscular thigh … a game of blind man’s bluff for grownups. He stirred and moaned, encouraging her without words to roam higher. She did.
Nick’s fingers wandered to the nape of her neck, stroking and teasing, and the feel of his hand against her skin called forth a million memories from last night. With a sigh, Chloe crawled higher. Morning breath be damned. She wanted to kiss the man she loved.
She raised the covers and poked her head out. Nick’s linebacker-sized shoulders, tousled honey-streaked hair, and adorably rumpled face filled her vision. Slowly, groggily, he opened his eyes and blinked his baby-blues in her direction.
Her heart softened. Some part of her was obviously a sucker for the little-boy-lost look. If possible, she felt even more in love with him than before. Nick blinked again, and Chloe realized it wasn’t tenderness that made him look like that—it was poor eyesight. His natty wire rims were still lying on the bedside table where he’d left them last night.
“Nick?” she whispered, smoothing her hand across his chest. “Good morning.”
His mouth opened. He blinked harder. “Chloe?”
The raspy, intimate sound of his voice thrilled her. “Mmmm hmmm, it’s Chloe.” She twirled her fingertips in a heated whorl of his chest hair and smiled in a way she hoped looked worldly and sophisticated. “Good morning … darling.”
“Aaack!” Nick shot upward, his eyes widening. His head cracked into her sleigh bed.