04 Reilly's Wildcard

by Anne Rainey

  In a few long strides, he left the room, and Lucy let out a contented sigh. How had she ever lived without him? He was the best sort of man there was. Kind. Gentle. Loyal. Her life with him would not always be easy. She would certainly butt heads with him at every turn. Still, even their arguments were fraught with heat and passion. Every time Reilly looked at her with that ornery smile or touched her with his strong, gentle hands, it lit her body on fire and made her feel alive. That he was the father of her babies made her the luckiest woman alive. A wonderful man to love and two perfect babies—it made a woman want to cry a veritable river of happy tears. She only wished her mom were there to share in her joy.

  When Reilly came back through the door with Wanda, Sam, River, Brodix and Sarah in tow, Lucy forgot her maudlin thoughts. Their smiling faces sent a rush of warmth through her. She had so much to be thankful for, she wouldn’t ruin the happy moment wishing for things that couldn’t be.

  Sarah sprinted to her side and leaned down to hug her. “I’m so happy for you. Twins, that’s so fantastic!”

  “And a little scary,” she admitted as she thought of all the diapers and food and double…everything. “But they’re healthy, and that’s all that matters.”

  Wanda moved to the other side of the bed and patted her hand. “It’s a lot to take in, dear, but it’ll be okay.” She winked. “Besides, you’re going to have lots of help, I promise you.”

  Oh God, there went the tears again. “T-thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you all.”

  Reilly moved to stand next to Sarah. “I looked in on them real quick. They’re doing great.” He grinned from ear to ear. “The nurse on call said they both have a healthy set of lungs.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “I want to see them.” She held up her arms and confessed, “I feel empty without them.” Lucy wondered how on earth she would manage to go back to work. The idea of leaving them nearly sent her into a panic.

  Suddenly, Jeanette breezed into the room. She wore a red skirt that hit just above the knees and a short-sleeved white blouse. Her long, shiny, dark hair fell down past her shoulders. Lucy barely recognized her as the same woman who’d shown up at Reilly’s house all those months ago in a baggy sweatshirt and jeans. She was a beautiful, confident, young woman, and Lucy became acutely aware of her blotchy cheeks and extra pounds.

  Jeanette grinned and pulled a bouquet of wildflowers from behind her back. “Congrats!” she said as she held them out to her. “Vance and Shayla are on their way to see you too, by the way.”

  Lucy took the flowers and placed them on the little end table, then turned in time to see River moving up next to Jeanette. His gaze fixed on Jeannette in a way that had Lucy clearing her throat and quickly glancing away. When she spied Reilly staring at her, love shining in his eyes, Lucy thought back to the moment he’d proposed marriage to her. Did he still want to marry her? Only one way to find out.

  “Reilly, I know this isn’t really the time, but I don’t want to wait.”

  He moved closer and took her hand in his, squeezing gently. “What is it, sweetheart?”

  She looked around at everyone and asked, “Would you all mind if Reilly and I had a moment alone?”

  Wanda’s lips curved upward, and her eyes warmed. “Of course, dear, take all the time you need.”

  “Thank you,” Lucy replied. After they’d all filed out, Lucy turned her attention to Reilly. “I love you with all my heart.” Her voice turned ragged with emotion. “I can’t imagine my life without you.”

  “I love you too,” he murmured as he lifted her hand and pressed his mouth to her knuckles.

  Lucy took a deep breath and went for broke. “Reilly Jennings, will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”

  He froze, and his eyes widened. “Seriously?”

  She laughed at his obvious shock. “Of course, I’m serious. I love you, and you love me. We’re starting a family together.” She toyed with the sheet covering her, unaccountably nervous. “I figure it only makes sense.”

  “I was all prepared to ask you again after you’d had a chance to recuperate.” He chuckled. “You beat me to it.”

  She grinned. “So…that’s a yes?”

  “Hell, yes,” he growled as he kissed her, hard. It was quick and fleeting, but the heat of it left her scorched all the same. “Jesus, I love you,” he groaned before darting across the room to let the rest of the family in on the good news. Everyone congratulated them, and there were a lot of watery eyes.

  Wanda had tears streaming down her cheeks when she took Lucy’s hand and squeezed it. “Welcome to the family.”

  “T-thank you,” Lucy stammered out. Not so long ago, Lucy had wallowed in self-pity over her broken marriage to David, all but ready to give up on love. Now she had an entire family to love and cherish. “I’m very lucky,” she said softly.

  Everyone grew silent and stared at her, affection shining in their eyes. Reilly leaned over, kissed her lips gently and murmured, “We’re the lucky ones, sweetheart.”

  River broke the enchanted spell when he stepped up, kissed her on the cheek and declared, “I’m definitely going to be their favorite uncle.”

  Everyone started arguing at once, and Lucy laughed.

  A family, wow. She couldn’t wait to tell Annabelle. Heck, maybe there could be a double wedding! Either way, she could hardly wait to start her life with the most wonderful man in the world.

  About the Author

  Anne grew up in a small town in central Ohio the only girl with three rowdy, older brothers. When she wasn't playing tackle football with them she could be found tucked away in her mother's book room getting lost in mysterious worlds created by authors such as Martha Grimes and Andrew M. Greeley. She's had a variety of odd jobs including Chiropractic Assistant, Frame Stylist, Restaurant Hostess, and Nail Technician.

  Anne now lives with her fabulous husband, two gorgeous teenage daughters, two ornery dogs, three snooty cats, a tree frog named Gus, and a snake named Salizar. When Anne's not dressing, feeding, cleaning or spending time with them, she can be found at the computer writing stories hot enough to make your toes curl!

  Anne loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-Rainey-Fan-Page/121274891238824 or email her directly at annerainey11@gmail.com. Join her newsletter for updates on new releases, signings and contests for a chance to win books. The link to join is on the front of her webpage at www.annerainey.com.

  Look for these titles by Anne Rainey

  Now Available:

  Haley’s Cabin

  Seduce Me

  Burn

  Turbulent Passions

  Dare Me

  A Little Bit Naughty

  Vaughn

  Touching Lace

  Tasting Candy

  Taking Chloe

  Tempting Grace

  Cape May

  What She Wants

  What She Craves

  What She Needs

  Blackwater

  Sam’s Promise

  Breaking Brodix

  Vance’s Rules

  She wants to get all up in his business? She’ll have to get real personal.

  Breaking Brodix

  © 2012 Anne Rainey

  Blackwater, Book 3

  Looking at Vance Jennings now, no one would guess that the tough-as-nails building contractor once suffered a broken heart. Twelve years has blunted the pain of the breakup with his high school sweetheart, but not the memory. Until she shows up on his doorstep asking for a second chance.

  One look at the sexy redhead, and Vance adds a foot or two to his rock-solid emotional barriers. No way is he letting her back into his life. But he’ll be happy to let her close enough to sample her delectable body.

  Shayla Riggs is no longer the vulnerable teenager who was forced to give up her first and only love. She’s older, wiser, and determined to make things right. Except the changes in Vance throw her for a loop. He’s definitely not the
sweet boy she remembers. In fact, the grown-up version lights her up hotter than a firecracker.

  It takes only a kiss, a caress, to bring back the explosive passion they once shared. But if Shayla can’t find a way to break through the bitter walls around his heart, it just might destroy them both. Again.

  Warning: Expect an annoying ex-husband, a slightly pushy reporter, a fiercely protective hero, and some meddling family members. Of course there’s also a whole lot of naughty sex, and in numerous positions too. Possible overheating of various electronic devices could occur.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Breaking Brodix:

  Brodix arrived at Sarah’s apartment at seven sharp. Of course, he was on time. After all, he wasn’t about to be late for this. When she opened the door to her apartment, he nearly swallowed his friggin’ tongue. For their dinner date, she’d chosen a silky black dress that molded to her curves like a soft glove. The scoop neck showed off a delicate amount of cleavage. Just enough to lend to the beauty of her supple curves. Christ, she was perfect. Every man’s fantasy. His fantasy. Sarah Greer fit his definition of temptation to a T.

  The hell of it was, he couldn’t remember another woman who’d ever made him feel so edgy. As if he were on the very verge of flying out of control at any moment. He’d been with women of all types—brunettes, redheads, blondes—but none compared to Sarah. She was turning out to be in a class all her own.

  “You’re gorgeous,” he told her, giving her the raw truth. Brodix noticed she didn’t invite him, though. Instead, she kept him in the doorway, her body partially blocking his view of the room beyond. He had a contrary urge to nudge his way around her so he could get a better look at Sarah’s private sanctum.

  “Thank you.” Sarah looked down and smoothed a hand over the waistline of the dress. “I bought this little number for a convention one year. It was pricey, but I figured it’d be worth it at the time. Unfortunately, I never even had the chance to wear it, until now.”

  “So you saved it for me,” he said, knowing he sounded cocky as hell but hoping to get a rise out of her because of it.

  She chuckled. “Don’t let it go to your head,” she said as she reached behind the door. When she brought out a black leather purse and a set of keys, Brodix stepped back so she could move into the hallway.

  “You didn’t invite me in,” he said, smiling down at her. “What’s the matter, don’t you trust me?”

  As Sarah stepped into the hall with him and pulled the door shut, she locked it behind her. “It isn’t that,” she said, “although you are a virtual stranger. I just haven’t been out on very many dates since my divorce. I’m somewhat cautious these days, I suppose.”

  He nodded. “That’s smart, but why haven’t you been out on many dates?” he asked, genuinely curious about her.

  She shrugged. “Too busy with work. You know how it goes.”

  Yeah, he knew exactly how Sarah felt. Holding down his day job and working at the restaurant on nights and weekends over the past several months had pretty much screwed his personal life all to hell. He was past due for a night out.

  As they headed toward the elevator, Brodix caught himself staring at her breasts. God, how he wanted to dip his head and taste her there. Just a sample to tide him over. He forced himself to look away. He didn’t think getting a hard-on in the middle of her apartment building before their date even began would make a real great impression. He needed to cool off. Take his mind off the woman striding down the hall with enough confidence to rev his engine. “When was the divorce?”

  They reached the elevator, and Brodix hit the Down button. “We’ve been divorced two years now,” she answered. “Every so often, he gets it in his head that he wants me back. The truth is that Jack just wants sex. He’s so transparent, and yet he thinks he’s all charm and sophistication.” She rolled her eyes. “Sadly, I bought into that load of crap at one time. Stupid.”

  “Falling in love isn’t stupid,” he said as the doors slid open. He waited for her to precede him. “You might have been a little blind, but who isn’t when it comes to love?” After the doors closed them in and he hit the button for the lobby, Brodix allowed his gaze to travel the length of her. When he reached her long, lean legs, he had to stifle a groan. “He, on the other hand, must be an imbecile.”

  She pulled her purse onto her forearm and looked up at him. “You haven’t even met him. Maybe I was the imbecile.”

  “Don’t forget the conversation I had with him on your cell.”

  Sarah winced. “Yeah, he didn’t really start off on the right foot with you, did he?”

  When the doors opened, Brodix placed his hand at the small of her back. The light contact sent fire licking through his veins. “Whatever,” he replied. “All I know is that he let you go. That’s enough proof right there that he’s not firing on all cylinders.” When she walked through the lobby, Brodix stole a glance at her legs once more. Damn, Reilly had been right. Sarah’s legs did go on for miles. And he had a feeling they’d wrap around his hips nicely. Right now they were beautifully displayed in a pair of black pumps.

  As they reached the parking lot, Sarah turned her head. Their gazes caught, held. “Thank you,” she said in a voice so soft he had to strain to hear.

  He quirked a brow. “For what?”

  “For giving me a chance. And for taking me out tonight. It’s been too long since I’ve let myself have any fun.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said, at a loss for words. Sarah’s little confession fueled his need to have more than a meal with her. To strip her out of her sexy black dress and discover all her naughty secrets. What would it be like to make love to her, slowly? The kind of loving that lasted clear into the night. He’d want to do it all over again when morning came. Only rougher. Brodix ached for no-holds-barred sex with Sarah. He had to have her soon. Simple as that.

  His steps never faltered as he brought her to his black BMW. When he placed her in the passenger seat, he took a moment to look at her. With her oval face and honey-blonde hair, she looked like an angel. The shiny strands drifted down past her shoulders in loose, sexy curls. When he caught on to the fact he was staring, he smiled. “Let the fun begin.”

  She grinned up at him, and Brodix’s heart nearly stopped.

  Christ, he was toast.

  His tool, his rules…

  Vance’s Rules

  © 2012 Anne Rainey

  Blackwater, Book 2

  Looking at Vance Jennings now, no one would guess that the tough-as-nails building contractor once suffered a broken heart. Twelve years has blunted the pain of the breakup with his high school sweetheart, but not the memory. Until she shows up on his doorstep asking for a second chance.

  One look at the sexy redhead, and Vance adds a foot or two to his rock-solid emotional barriers. No way is he letting her back into his life. But he’ll be happy to let her close enough to sample her delectable body.

  Shayla Riggs is no longer the vulnerable teenager who was forced to give up her first and only love. She’s older, wiser, and determined to make things right. Except the changes in Vance throw her for a loop. He’s definitely not the sweet boy she remembers. In fact, the grown-up version lights her up hotter than a firecracker.

  It takes only a kiss, a caress, to bring back the explosive passion they once shared. But if Shayla can’t find a way to break through the bitter walls around his heart, it just might destroy them both. Again.

  Warning: This story contains a stubborn woman intent on seduction and an alpha male with some naughty ideas of payback. Let the fireworks begin!

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Vance’s Rules:

  Watching the emotions flit across Shayla’s expressive face brought Vance back to the first moment he’d seen her. It was in Biology II, and Shayla had been wearing a demure white blouse and a pair of loose jeans. Her hair had been pulled back into a ponytail, little strands hanging around her face. At first, he’d thought her mousy and sort of forgettable. It hadn’t ta
ken him long to start imagining what her slight curves would feel like pressed up against his body.

  He’d flirted with her, and she’d blushed. It’d turned him on. He’d spent too many classroom hours staring at her ass. She’d caused a riot within his hormones, then and now. More than once, he’d imagined taking hold of the little elastic band holding her hair back and yanking it free so he could watch as all her rich, red hair cascaded down her back.

  When they’d started dating, Shayla had spoiled him with her sweet, giving nature, Vance admitted to himself. He hadn’t been forced to do much chasing because she’d been so enamored of him. The first time they’d made love, in the front seat of his pickup truck, no less, Vance had been thrown for a loop by the fact she’d been a virgin. Guilt had assailed him. Hell, she’d been innocent until he’d gotten hold of her. The next morning in class, she’d looked at him and smiled. The combination of sweet innocence and naughty vixen had done him in. He’d been toast after that. Vance hadn’t been able to keep his hands off Shayla. If he remembered correctly, she’d been every bit as greedy for him.

  Vance knew now what they’d had was puppy love. Shayla was more confident now. He had a feeling she wasn’t going to be quite so malleable this time around. She’d all but tossed a wrench into his well-ordered world with her sudden appearance as it was. He grinned in spite of himself. If she had any clue how intent he could be when he wanted something, she never would’ve stepped foot into his house.

  When she sat on the couch in front of the fire and smiled up at him, Vance wasn’t sure whether he wanted to lick her from head to toe or push her out the door.

  With resignation, Vance went to the kitchen cupboard and took out a bottle of wine. “Merlot, okay?” he called out.