by L. P. Dover
He reached into the bag and pulled out the most beautiful ring I’d ever seen. It wasn’t just an ordinary diamond, it was blue—almost like the color of the sea—and surrounded by regular diamonds in an antique setting. He gestured for me to give him my hand, and slid it on my finger.
I gasped, tears burning my eyes. “Luke, it’s so beautiful. Are you sure this is what you want? There’s no turning back if we do this.”
He shook his head. “I don’t want to turn back. All I see is my future, and that’s with you. We were given one last chance to make this right, and even though we had the world against us, it still worked out. Being able to call you my wife is all I want. I just hope you feel like I’m worthy enough to be your husband. If you’ll have me, that is.”
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I climbed onto his lap. His lips were warm as I pressed mine against his. “You’re more than worthy, Luke. I would love to be your wife.” I took his face in my hands. “So my answer is yes. You’re never going to lose me again. You’re stuck with me.”
He smiled and held me tight. “You won’t regret it, cupcake. I promise.”
For the first time in my life, I had no doubt.
The October weather in San Francisco was all cool and breezy. It was nice to get away from the heat and humidity of North Carolina. The house Shelby Reynolds put us in was a beautiful Victorian, with a great view of the bay. I could almost consider moving to California, if it wasn’t for my family being on the east coast. Summer would kill me if I left her alone with the restaurant, which was busier than ever. I’d found a balance between my duties as restaurant owner and Luke’s PR manager. I’d never been so happy in my life.
“Do you want any more pancakes?” Luke asked, joining me outside on the deck.
Every morning, I’d gotten up early to do a little bit of reading and eat breakfast on the deck. Now that Luke’s interview for Physique magazine was done, we got to spend the rest of our time in a mini-vacation. “No, I’m good. Thank you.”
He sat down beside me and frowned at my plate. There was still a whole pancake left. “Are you okay? You haven’t been eating much lately.”
Grinning from ear to ear, I bit my lip. “Actually, I haven’t been feeling all that well. I was waiting on the right time to tell you, because I wanted to wait to be sure.”
He looked confused. “What are you talking about?”
I pulled the bookmark from my book, which happened to be an ultrasound picture, and handed it to him.
Brows furrowed, he stared down at it, and then to me, before doing it all over again. “Is that two?” he asked incredulously.
I glanced down at the picture of our unborn twins. “Yes. We’re going to have twins.”
He sucked in a breath and ran a hand through his hair, his eyes growing misty with tears. “But how? I thought you’re protected.”
“I was,” I sighed. “Do you remember a few weeks ago, when I went to the doctor for my annual check-up after we got back from the mountains?” He nodded. “Well, they found out I was pregnant. It’s not very common with an IUD in place, but it happened. Apparently, you have some strong swimmers.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Tears clouded my vision and my lips trembled.
Luke got down on his knees and held my hands. “Hey, I’m not mad, cupcake. I just wish you would’ve told me. I would’ve made sure you were better rested, instead of keeping you up all hours of the night.”
I shook my head. “Just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean you have to treat me like I’m made of glass.” I winked. “Besides, I enjoy those long nights.” We both laughed, but then I knew he needed an explanation. Taking a deep breath, I squeezed his hands. “I didn’t tell you about the twins at first because I was afraid I was going to lose them. Getting pregnant with an IUD is very high risk. Most women will miscarry if the IUD can’t be removed. Luckily, the doctor was able to take mine out, without any complications. It wasn’t until this past week I was pretty certain the babies were here to stay.”
Letting my hands go, he placed his on my belly. “I can’t believe you went through that all by yourself. Promise me you won’t do that ever again.” A tear slid down his cheek and I wiped it away.
“I won’t. I just wanted to protect you from the pain. I didn’t want to see the look on your face if we lost them.”
He kissed my stomach and rested his head against me. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a father. I’m going to be there for them every step of the way. I want them to know how much I love them.”
I lifted his head and looked into his green gaze. “They will love you, Luke. And they’ll be proud to have a father like you.”
“And a mother like you,” he added. “However, there is a slight problem.”
“What?”
“I’m not waiting to get married until after they’re born. I know we’ve only been engaged for a month, but I want you to have my name on their birth certificate. I don’t see the point in waiting.”
Heart racing, I couldn’t contain my smile. “Neither do I. We could do something small in our backyard—next week, if you want.” After he proposed, I had packed up my stuff and moved into his house while I rented out the other.
Taking my hands, he helped me to my feet. “Next week it is. How does it feel to know that in just a few short days, you’ll be Mrs. Luke Collins?”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. “Pretty damn incredible. It’ll be one of the happiest days of my life.”
He brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Mine too. I love you, Lara.”
I leaned into his touch. “I love you too. Always.”
Read on for a sneak peek at
Roped In: An Armed & Dangerous Novel by L.P. Dover
and
Here with Me by Heidi McLaughlin
NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.
Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written countless novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Hadley
“Hadley! Hadley! Hadley!” the crowd cheered.
I blew a kiss and waved. “Thank you for joining me tonight. I love the energy here in Los Angeles! I have to say, I’ve missed this place. Make sure to listen to the radio this week for the debut of my new song, Whispered Words.”
“Sing it now!” one of the fans shouted. It was a little girl with blonde braids and freckles, sitting on her dad’s shoulders. She reminded me of myself many years ago, when I stood in almost the exact same spot, watching my idol, Martina Hill perform. One of these days, I was determined to do a duet with her.
I winked at the little girl and shook her tiny hand. “I wish I could, sweetheart, but it has to be a surprise.” Then I lifted my gaze to the thousands of fans in the stands and waved again. “I hope you all like it. Goodnight, everyone.” They went wild and I laughed as I ran backstage.
Waiting for me at the edge of the stage with a huge smile on his face was the love of my life, Nick Meyers. No one could resist his tousled, chocolate brown hair and gorgeous green eyes. The ladies loved him, almost as much as they hated me f
or having him.
“You were on fire tonight,” he shouted.
Rushing off stage, I jumped in his arms and squealed. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t going to be able to make it.”
Cameras flashed and he grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “I can leave if you want,” he joked, releasing me from his grasp.
I gripped his arm and pulled him back to me. “Definitely not. What would the press think?”
Chuckling, he bent down to kiss me, knowing the reporters were taking note of our every move. “Was that a good enough kiss, or do I need to make it more convincing?” he asked, whispering in my ear.
Rolling my eyes, I playfully pushed him away. “I think you need a cold shower.”
“Care to join me?” he quipped, waggling his brows.
“Right now, we have work to do. Get your head out of the gutter.” We faced the reporters and he held me close as questions were thrown at us in rapid fire. A lady with bright red hair and huge glasses, pushed through the crowd and held out a recorder. “Miss Rivers, we’ve heard rumors you and Mr. Meyers are engaged. Is that true?”
Nick smirked down at me and I held back a snicker. It was crazy how rumors got started out of nowhere. The next thing I knew, we’d be married and having a baby. “If she was engaged,” Nick began, “I would definitely be letting the world know.”
We answered several more questions before it was time to go. I knew I was going to have a gazillion autographs to sign on the way to the dressing room. Relaxation was something I needed to schedule now, or it would never happen. I had to get home and get rested up before my early flight to Texas.
Nick was always patient with me when dealing with the press, but I did the same for him too; he was just as famous. I was a rising, country starlet with one of the best hockey players in the country as my boyfriend. Unfortunately, our romance was all for show, but we played the parts beautifully.
Once we were behind closed doors, I breathed a sigh of relief. “The questions keep getting more outrageous don’t they?”
“Same shit show, different day.” He helped me pack up my things and stuffed them into my bag.
“I thought you were busy with the team tonight?”
“I was, but I made sure to get away early. I missed my buttercup.”
I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my elbow when he pulled me into his arms. “You have a life too, Nick. I don’t want you sacrificing everything to be with me. You should’ve stayed with the team.”
“Trust me, baby, I’m not sacrificing a single thing. I enjoy every minute of it.”
“Even if you don’t get anything in return?” I asked, lifting my gaze to his.
For the last four months, he was mine, but not really. It was his and his sister’s idea for him to be my fill in boyfriend. His sister, Felicity Myers, was also my agent and the one who’d introduced Nick to me. I guess they were right, it was safer for people to see me with someone, instead of single and living alone. And I enjoyed having him with me, but I didn’t want to drag him into the danger surrounding my life.
His smile faded, his gaze serious. “I get plenty in return, Hadley. I’m happy where I’m at, even if I have to steal your kisses. It’s not that bad being with me, is it?”
“Are you kidding? You’re gorgeous and could have any woman you want, but yet you choose to be stuck with me. It makes no sense.”
“It does to me,” he murmured.
“I’ve asked you this before, but I need you to be honest with me.” He sighed and nodded for me to continue. “What did Felicity promise you? Surely you didn’t just agree to be with me for nothing in return.” I had often thought about what it would be like to take things further, but I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. When I met him two years ago, we instantly clicked. I considered him more of a best friend than a lover.
Grazing his finger across my cheek, he answered, “My sister didn’t promise me anything. I offered to do this. Believe it or not, I like being with you. At least it’s gotten that fucking psycho off your back.” And there it was, the sole reason for the mess I was in.
“So we think,” I corrected. “What happens when we can’t keep this ruse up? What if he comes back?” What started out as innocent letters had quickly turned into stalking, then to trespassing. Presents were left on my doorstep, and the ever watchful eyes of that creeper could be felt every time I left the house. It got to the point where I was scared to be alone. I used to be able to run around my neighborhood and go shopping by myself, but I couldn’t anymore.
Nick stepped closer. “That bastard isn’t going to get near you as long as I’m around. I believe this plan will work. Eventually, this guy will give up and find someone else to fuck with. Now stop thinking about him, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about and I’m not going to do it here.”
“Oh yeah? What is it?”
“You’ll just have to find out. Come on,” he said, opening the door.
There were two security guys standing by the door, I nodded at them as we passed. Their steps could be heard on the concrete floor, following closely behind. I never thought having a security team was important, until I heard horror stories from other singers. Luckily, I hadn’t had anyone break into my house to steal my underwear like my nemesis, Lydia Turner. The attention she got after that incident, inflated her already enormous head. I would’ve been scared shitless to know some pervert was in my house. Not her; it was just another way to get free PR.
“Where’s Scott? He usually comes inside to get me,” I mentioned.
Scott Wilson worked security for my father, until he’d been sent to protect me. I didn’t mind having a bodyguard, but I had boundaries. Thankfully, Scott and I had come to a shaky agreement; he wouldn’t hover, unless I wanted him to. He loved to test my patience though.
“He’s waiting out by the car. When I came in through the back, I told him I’d bring you out.”
“Wow. Hopefully, he’s taking what I said to heart.”
Nick shrugged. “Possibly. You ripped him pretty hard the other night. The guy’s just trying to do his job.”
I sighed. “I know, and I hate how I took my anger out on him and not my dad. Scott’s a good guy. I just wish the whole country didn’t think I got my career because of my dad and his money.”
“They don’t. Did you not hear the thousands of fans cheering for you tonight? You have an amazing voice. Money can’t buy what comes naturally. Besides, you know why your father’s so protective.”
I leaned into his shoulder, as memories of my mother came flooding back. It had only been two years since we’d lost her to cancer. The first song I ever wrote was about my parents’ love for each other; it was what skyrocketed my career. It didn’t help I looked exactly like her. My father couldn’t look at me without the pain showing on his face.
“I know,” I whispered, blinking back the tears.
Once we were out the back door, there were more security guards who flanked us as we walked toward the car. Up ahead, Scott straightened his suit jacket and opened the car door. He was in his early forties, with a closely shaved head and an athletic build. In New York, he didn’t have to worry about the paparazzi taking his picture. Now, he was all over the tabloids as one of the sexiest bodyguards alive.
“You did well tonight, Hadley,” he said.
“Thanks, Scott. I really appreciate that. But what I want to know is, how are you going to chase down the bad guys in a suit?” I winked and it made him smile. The last thing I wanted was tension between us when he was obviously going to be working for me long term.
“You’d be surprised what all I can do. But hopefully, we won’t have to find out. Get in.”
I slid into the car and Nick scooted in next, putting his arm around me as soon as he settled into the seat. Once Scott got in the front, we headed out for the thirty minute drive back to my home in Santa Monica.
“I take it you’re not mad at me anymore?” I asked Scott.
“I know,” I said with a nod. “I’m sorry for being a bitch.”
His gaze met mine in the mirror. “You’re forgiven.” All too soon we arrived at the house and he parked the car. “You two have a good night. If you need me, you know where I’ll be.”
I nodded. “See you in the morning.” Nick opened the car door and helped me out.
Scott got out of the car and headed to his apartment over my garage. “Be ready by seven, Hadley. We don’t want to miss our flight.”
I saluted him. “Yes, sir.”
Grinning, he shook his head and disappeared into the garage.
Nick slid his arm over my shoulders and squeezed. “Babe, you ready?”
“Yeah, let me get my keys.” We started for the door while I dug in my purse, my heart thundering out of control. Was I ready to hear what he had to say? “So . . . what did you want to talk about?” I asked, voice shaking.
Chuckling, he stopped mid-step. “Nervous much? Surely you must already know.” His expression turned serious, his fingers made their way to my cheek.
I was nervous, but not in the way he assumed. “Please don’t do this, Nick. It’ll only complicate things.”
“How? When I’m not at my games, I’m with you. Everyone thinks we’re together. Why can’t we make this real?” Body tense, he stared at me with those blazing green eyes of his. “Is it really just an act with you?”
My heart ached but my decision was firm. I knew he had feelings for me, and I’d made damn sure I didn’t fall for him. “It’s not all an act, but you’re my friend. Being with me will only tear us apart. The media has already tried, you know that. We don’t need feelings clouding our judgment.”
He scoffed. “Speak for yourself.” I watched his jaw muscles clench; it was something he did when he was angry.
“Hey,” I murmured, “I do need you. But the last thing I want is to jeopardize what we already have.” He lowered his gaze at my words. “Now let’s go inside and eat some Ben & Jerry’s. It’ll help clear our minds.”