Sweet, Sexy Heart – the Bradens & Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls)

by Melissa Foster

  “Several. Five, six maybe.”

  “You’ll be pregnant for years.”

  “No, I won’t. I’m probably going to adopt or use a surrogate.”

  His expression turned serious. “You don’t want to carry your babies?”

  “I’d love to, but there are risks with seizures and pregnancy. They can decrease oxygen to the fetus or slow the fetal heart rate. I could miscarry or hurt the baby if I have a seizure and fall. I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if something happened to my unborn child.”

  “I hadn’t thought about those things.”

  “Why would you?” She took out the books they’d bought, looking them over as she said, “Lots of people with epilepsy get pregnant and have no trouble carrying their babies or giving birth, but you know me. I always err on the side of caution. I just don’t think I’ll be comfortable taking the risk.” She set the books down, and her stomach sank at Dash’s furrowed brow. “What’s wrong?”

  “I just…” He shrugged. “Ever since last night I’ve been thinking about what it would be like if you got pregnant. I guess I started to picture you that way, and I liked it.”

  “You did?” Her pulse quickened. She was elated that he was thinking in terms of a future together but worried about what her choices might mean for them.

  “It’s not like I tried to picture it. But you know how I feel about you. My mind just went there.”

  “Does it bother you that I prefer not to take that risk?”

  “No, I just hadn’t thought about it.”

  The disappointment in his voice stung. “You sound bummed.”

  He drew her into his arms and set those eyes on her. “I’m not going to lie to you. I just started picturing you carrying our baby, and you took that away in a few sentences. I need a minute to digest it.”

  Her throat constricted, and she lowered her eyes, fighting the wave of sadness engulfing her. “We should probably get ready.”

  He tightened his arms around her, and she met his penetrating gaze. “Amber, needing to digest it doesn’t mean I don’t support your decision. It just means I need to wrap my head around the idea that I’ll never get to see you round with our babies or experience a pregnancy with you.”

  “Okay. I’m sorry,” she said a little shakily.

  “You don’t have to be sorry. It’s your body, and you need to do what’s right for you and the baby. I hadn’t thought about what a seizure could do to an unborn child. I just pictured you cute and pregnant and me talking to the round belly like a fool.”

  “Dash.” Her eyes dampened. She could see him doing that, and it wouldn’t make him a fool. It would make him a loving father. If they stayed together, would it be fair to take that away from him?

  A buzz sounded on the intercom, and a deep voice said, “Mr. Pennington, a Miss Oliver for you.”

  “That’s for you, bookish belle.” Dash headed to the intercom and spoke into it, telling the man to send Miss Oliver up.

  “For me?” Wishing they hadn’t been interrupted, she tried to push her worries away, at least for tonight.

  “I might have hired Shea’s friend Indi Oliver, a hair and makeup artist, to help you get ready for the fundraiser.” He held up his hands. “Not that you need it, but I heard you tell my sisters you were worried about how to do your hair and makeup in old-Hollywood style, so I made a few calls.”

  Holy cow. “Dash. I can’t believe you did that.”

  “I told you I wasn’t going to let you stress tonight, didn’t I?”

  He gave her a quick kiss and headed for the door, as if he hadn’t just swept her off her feet again.

  Chapter Twenty

  DASH TUGGED AT his bow tie, pacing the living room in his white tuxedo jacket and black slacks. Amber had gotten ready in the guest room because Indi had insisted she make a grand entrance. But Indi had left half an hour ago, and Amber still hadn’t come out. He went to check on her and stopped at the end of the hall, unable to speak past the awe of Amber walking toward him in a long, shimmery midnight-blue gown with a plunging neckline, her fingers trailing over Reno’s back. Her hair was gathered over the front of one shoulder in old-Hollywood style cascading waves. She was stunning when she wore little makeup, but with winged eyeliner and red lips, he had no words.

  “Do I really have to share you with other men tonight?”

  That innocent, sexy smile he loved curved her lips, and she ran her fingers nervously along the exposed skin between her breasts. “It’s not too much? I’ve never worn anything like this.”

  He took her hand, kissing the back of it. “Sweetheart, you are always gorgeous, but in that dress you literally take my breath away. I might need to wear my football gear to keep hordes of men away from my girl.”

  She laughed, a melodic, sweet, nervous sound.

  “You’re just missing one thing.” He reached into his pocket, withdrew a long black jewelry box, and opened the top, revealing a gold necklace with a diamond acorn pendant he’d bought her.

  Her jaw dropped. “Dash…?”

  “I couldn’t let this weekend pass without commemorating our first trip to New York City together. And I knew you’d feel a little naked without Reno or your necklace. Hopefully, this will help.”

  Her eyes teared up. “Thank you.” She fanned her face. “I’m going to ruin my makeup.”

  “You’ll still be the most beautiful woman there.” He moved behind her to put it on and kissed the sexy freckles on her shoulder. She touched the necklace as he moved beside her, a single tear sliding down her cheek. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tissue. “I had a feeling this might happen.” He dabbed at the wetness and kissed her temple. “Still stunning.”

  She blinked several times, clearly trying not to cry. “I love it. Thank you so much.”

  “And I love you.” He leaned in for a kiss but stopped short to avoid ruining her lipstick. “You’re in for trouble after this event if I have to look at those lips all night and not kiss them.”

  “I like your brand of trouble, my dashing prince.” She tapped her cheek, and he kissed it.

  “Shall we go?” He held out his arm. “Your limo awaits.”

  “Limo?” She hugged him. “You really do make me feel like the belle of the ball.” She took his arm as they headed for the elevator. “Do you have extra football gear? I think I might need my own with you looking more handsome than Sean Connery in those old James Bond movies.”

  “This double-oh-seven only has eyes for you, baby.”

  THE BAD FAMILY had once again outdone themselves. Dash and Amber followed a red carpet to the entrance of the ballroom, where they had their pictures taken beneath a massive HOLLYWOOD sign with red velvet curtains on either side before entering the crowded event. He couldn’t wait to see that picture. He had the woman he loved on his arm, and she’d beamed for the camera. His siblings would have a field day with the unstoppable toddler smile he was surely sporting, but damn…

  He was one hell of a happy man.

  Men and women decked out in old-Hollywood style mingled as they played blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and other casino games beneath glittering gold and silver stars that dangled from the ceiling. A band was playing, and couples danced on the dance floor just beyond the round dining tables, which were draped in black tablecloths and decorated with elaborate centerpieces of red and white roses and playing cards. Cardboard cutouts of celebrities dressed in long gowns and fancy tuxedos from Hollywood’s golden age were scattered around the room, and enormous pictures of Lorelei Bad and other children who had stayed at the Ronald McDonald House decorated the walls.

  “There’s my favorite guy!” Tiffany hurried over to greet them, her burgeoning baby bump covered by an elegant black gown. Her blond hair was twisted in an elaborate updo. She hugged Dash. “Am I seeing things, or did you bring a gorgeous date?”

  His mind trampled back to his earlier conversation with Amber, but this wasn’t the time to get lost in that, and he pushed
those thoughts away. “You’re seeing things, because I brought the most gorgeous date. This is Amber Montgomery, my girlfriend. Amber, this is Tiffany Winters-Bad, the toughest sports agent around.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you,” Amber said, offering her hand.

  “I’ve repped this guy for years, and not once has he brought a date to a function or ever used the G-word. This calls for an awkward-pregnancy hug.” Tiffany leaned over her belly to hug Amber. “Sorry. I’m still learning to maneuver around this thing. You should have seen me trying on dresses. Talk about a nightmare, but yours is incredible. Who made it?”

  “Jillian Braden,” Amber said sweetly.

  “I knew it. I love her designs. She needs to make a maternity line.”

  “I’ll let her know,” Amber said. “I love your gown, too.”

  “You look beautiful, Tiff,” Dash said. “I bet Dylan is over the moon. Do you know what you’re having yet?”

  Tiffany rubbed her belly. “A linebacker probably, based on how hard this baby kicks.”

  “A boy, then? You’re going to name it Dash, right?” Dash teased.

  Tiffany arched a brow. “Dashell? I don’t think so.”

  “When is your baby due?” Amber asked.

  “After the Super Bowl, thank goodness.”

  “When is that?” Amber whispered.

  “Early February.” Dash pulled her close again.

  “I take it you’re not a football fan?” Tiffany asked.

  “I’ve always been more of a bookworm than a sports fan, but Dash is teaching me about football, and I really like watching it with him,” Amber answered.

  “Amber owns the bookstore in Virginia, where I kicked off my tour,” Dash explained.

  “I guess that explains the medical emergency that interrupted the signing.” Tiffany winked at Amber. “Dash met you and his heart stopped?”

  Dash held Amber a little tighter. “Something like that.”

  “Hey, Dash!” Tiffany’s husband called out, waving from across the room, then motioned for Tiffany to join him.

  “That’s Dylan, Tiffany’s husband,” Dash explained to Amber. “The guys he’s with are Johnny Bad and his older brother Kane.”

  “I’d better get over there before my husband convinces Johnny to write a song for our baby,” Tiffany said. “I think I saw the Brat Pack over by the blackjack table. Go have fun and spend lots of money. It’s for a good cause. I’ll catch up with you later.”

  As Tiffany hurried off, Amber said, “Do you think we can meet Johnny later? He’s such a big star.”

  “First let me get my football gear.” Dash leaned in for a kiss, then averted her luscious red lips and kissed her cheek. “Your lips are driving me mad. Let’s go say hello to my buddies before I haul you into a dark corner.”

  As he guided her toward the blackjack table, she said, “A dark corner sounds good to me.”

  It sounded damn good to him, too. “You’re going to try my willpower tonight, aren’t you?”

  “That’s the plan,” she said sweetly.

  “Amber?” Sophie, a petite brunette, and her husband, formidable security expert Brett Bad, sidled up to them dressed to the nines.

  “Sophie!” Amber hugged her as Dash greeted Brett. “You look gorgeous. How’s baby Brenna?”

  “She’s wonderful. Getting too big too fast.” Sophie eyed Dash. “This is new. I didn’t even know you and Dash knew each other.”

  “We’re not that new,” Dash said, taking Amber’s hand. “I went to Oak Falls for a break before starting my book tour about a month ago and met this beautiful woman who set my world on fire.”

  Sophie and Amber exchanged an appreciative glance that made Dash feel pretty damn good.

  “Congratulations on your book. I saw you hit the New York Times bestseller list,” Brett said as he put his arm around Sophie. “I could have warned you about Oak Falls. That place is the Bermuda Triangle of love. It lulls you in with its small-town charm, but once you get there, you go all in, and there’s no turning back.”

  “I can think of worse fates.” Dash brushed another kiss to Amber’s cheek. “But that’s good to know. I thought it was Marilynn’s special body wash that made the difference.”

  Sophie’s eyes widened. “She gave you Roxie’s love-potion body wash?”

  “Yes, and let me tell you, that stuff works,” Dash said.

  “What are you talking about? I never got any body wash,” Brett said.

  “Maybe you didn’t need it as much as I did.” Dash cocked a grin. “I had to use every trick in the book to get Amber’s attention. I used the body wash, shampoo, and lotion every damn day, and I’ve already ordered a lifetime supply.”

  They all laughed.

  “We’d better finish making the rounds,” Brett said. “Why don’t we all get together sometime?”

  “We’re leaving town tomorrow. Amber’s heading home, and my book tour runs until the weekend before Thanksgiving. How about after the holidays?” Dash suggested.

  “We’d love that,” Sophie said.

  “I can’t wait to see Brenna.” Amber hugged her again.

  Brett cocked a grin. “You could always make her a playmate.”

  “Brett,” Sophie chided. “Let them enjoy each other before they get into diapers and sleepless nights that don’t include orgasms. Ignore him, you guys. He’s so in love with our baby girl, he thinks everyone should have kids. We’ll catch up soon.”

  As they walked away, Dash drew Amber into his arms. “Are you okay?”

  “Great. It’s so nice to see them.”

  “Did Brett’s comment bother you?”

  “Not at all. They’re in baby-making mode. Brett’s not thinking about my medical issues.”

  He was relieved. “Okay. Let’s go see my buddies. I’m excited for you to meet them.”

  As they headed for the blackjack table, Amber asked, “What’s the Brat Pack?”

  “That’s what Tiffany calls me and my buddies: Troy Stewart, Clay Braden, and Tyrell Thompson. She reps all of us, and we all played for the Giants.”

  “That’s Troy, right? In the tux with tails and the ascot?” she asked as they neared the table. “I recognize his crooked smile. Gosh, I think he’s even bigger than when I saw him a few years ago.”

  Dash bit back a sting of jealousy over his burly, dark-haired friend. “Yeah, that’s him. Clay is the dark-haired guy next to him, wearing the blue plaid suit, and Tyrell is the African American guy on the other side of the table, wearing the regular black tuxedo.”

  “I’m starting to understand why some girls like to watch football.”

  He slid his hand down her back and squeezed her ass. “You’re definitely testing me, aren’t you?”

  She fluttered her lashes. “Who, me?”

  “Hey, there’s our man.” Clay tugged Dash into a manly embrace, clapping him on the back. “It’s great to see you.”

  “You too,” Dash said as he gave him a quick hug and was handed off to Troy. “Good to see you.” He moved to Tyrell. “How’s it going, T?”

  “Not as good as it is for you.” Tyrell lowered his voice. “Thanks for bringing me a date.”

  Dash laughed. “You wish.”

  “Amber? It’s been a while.” Troy leaned in to hug her.

  “Better watch Slick,” Clay teased. “He’s trying to steal your girl.”

  “It’s nice to see you again. How’s Dani?” Amber asked. Dani was Troy’s three-year-old daughter.

  “Cuter than ever. What’re you doing with this guy?” Troy hiked a thumb at Dash.

  “She’s not slumming it, like she would be if she was with you.” Dash slid his arm around Amber’s waist. “Amber, this is Tyrell Thompson and Clay Braden.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Tyrell held out his hand. “If all I’ve got to do is quit football to go out with someone as beautiful as you, I’ll resign tomorrow.”

  “I don’t know what they’re feeding you football players, bu
t y’all are too much.” Amber smiled at Clay. “You’re Graham and Beau’s cousin, right?”

  “Sure am. We Bradens are everywhere.” Clay leaned in for a hug, prying her away from Dash with a chuckle.

  “I can see it’s going to be a long night,” Dash said, making everyone laugh.

  “Are you going to be at Zev and Carly’s wedding?” Amber asked Clay.

  “I am. Zev’s working with my brother Noah at the Real DEAL. My whole family will be there. So will our cousins from Colorado,” Clay answered. “I guess I’ll see you there?”

  “Yes.” She beamed at Dash. “Hopefully you’ll see Dash, too.”

  Dash pulled her into his arms. “If you think I’d leave you alone with this guy, you’re crazy.” He kissed her temple, then turned his attention back to his buddies. “You guys look great out there this season.”

  “It’s not the same without you,” Troy said.

  Tyrell agreed. “You should come out of retirement next season and blow everyone away.”

  Clay looked at Dash and Amber and shook his head. “I don’t think he’s in any hurry to go anywhere.”

  “You’ve got that right.” Dash tightened his hold on her. “I’ve got a few irons in the fire to keep myself busy.”

  “Is that what they’re calling it now?” Tyrell teased.

  They joked a lot, and the five of them made their way around the room playing casino games. Amber sat on Dash’s lap as they played poker, and she foiled nearly every hand with her horrible poker face. She squealed when they got three of a kind and clapped at a full house. But she was so freaking cute, everyone at the table adored her. Dash and the guys cheered her on as she played the slot machines, and when she hit it big, they made a ruckus, inciting a round of applause throughout the ballroom. Amber blushed a red streak, and of course his generous girl gave her winnings as a donation to the event. His buddies stuck with them all evening, and when Tiffany introduced Amber to Johnny Bad, Johnny teased her about having more bodyguards than he did.

  She was so personable during dinner, she got to know all about Tyrell’s and Clay’s families, and Troy shared pictures of his daughter. They laughed a lot, and when Tyrell asked if she had any single sisters, she told them she had one who never left her research laboratory and another who was probably tougher than all of them.