My Second Chance

by Shelley Munro

  “Who’s Laura?” the blonde woman asked.

  Also South African, Charlie discovered.

  “Laura is Jonno Campbell’s mate. Have you met Jonno?” Gavin asked. “He’s friends with Leo and Sly, Saber Mitchell’s younger brothers. Charlie, this sexy lady is Leticia Huntingdon, Lucas’s sister.”

  Was it his imagination or was there something between Leticia and Gavin? Charlie narrowed his eyes and decided his instincts were right. It was the way they took care not to look directly at each other. He needed to think about this. Damned if he wanted to catch Gavin on the rebound.

  “Hi, Leticia,” he said. “It’s great to meet you. Would you like to dance?”

  She accepted the hand he extended to her, and he managed not to flinch at the jolt of sensation that raced up his arm. What the fuck? That was weird. Taking a deep breath, he slipped his arm around her shoulders and urged her toward the makeshift dance floor in the lounge. The strange electrical current raced along his arm and down his body, coming to rest in his dick.

  This time he kept his mouth shut and didn’t react, either verbal or physically. He needed to talk to Gavin later tonight about this mate shit because color him confused about the entire situation. While he understood the concept, his body was having problems with the application, telling him to make a move on Leticia.

  A slow song started just as they arrived on the dance floor. Charlie gritted his teeth and pulled Leticia into a loose embrace, one that wouldn’t cause any offense to those watching but still way too close for his liking. Thank goodness the lighting was low in here because his cock was trying to exert a say about the situation.

  “You can come closer. I won’t bite,” Leticia said with clear amusement.

  “What the hell is it with you felines and biting,” Charlie snapped. “That’s the second time someone has threatened to bite me tonight.”

  She tipped back her face, and he glimpsed interest in her brown eyes. “Do tell.”

  “Not likely.” He surrendered to his instincts, drawing her closer. It wasn’t as if there was a heap of room for dancing. Charlie caught the humor on her face again.

  “Something wrong?”

  “Are you busy at work?”

  Huh? “No more than usual. Why?” Charlie’s brows rose in a subtle highlight to his question.

  “Because judging by the state of you, you’re not seeing much action. I wondered if you were all work and no play.” Her downward glance left him in no doubt as to her meaning. In fact, his skin prickled, her gaze lighting a path down his body that led straight to his cock. Blood swished through his veins, pouring in the same direction until he swayed, lightheaded and off balance. Not how a tough cop should act in public.

  “That’s not polite,” he said, fighting to keep his voice even. Not so easy with his ultra-awareness of the woman in his arms and his rampant reaction.

  “What? I’m meant to pretend I’m comfortable with that spike digging into me?”

  “We don’t have to dance together,” Charlie said, irritated now rather than embarrassed. With the high heels she wore, Leticia stood nose to nose with him. His gaze dipped a fraction. Mouth to mouth. When he caught himself leaning in, he knew he needed a distraction. “What do you do for a job?”

  “I’m a lawyer,” she said. “I work part-time at a law firm in Alexandra.”

  “A lawyer. That explains a lot.”

  “Oh no. He’s gonna start on blonde lawyer jokes.” The gentle wit made him shake his head. A woman with a sense of humor. Just the sort he liked. “And you’re a cop. We could get a lot of mileage out of that,” she added.

  A snort of laughter escaped and, grinning, he shuffled her a few steps, coming to a halt when they ran out of floor space. His cock hadn’t subsided much, but he figured that could be her punishment. He shouldn’t have to suffer alone. Her fragrant perfume filled his lungs each time he breathed—something spicy rather than a floral scent. Sexy. Seductive.

  Charlie wasn’t sure what to make of Leticia. Gorgeous, yes. She attracted him—yes. But the haunted expression in her eyes, the way her mouth curved into a smile that didn’t echo in her eyes. It made him wonder, brought a surge of curiosity and a wave of tenderness.

  No, not going there. Tonight he’d made a promise to Gavin—to pursue the attraction between them. He didn’t need his head messed up by a woman with problems, not when Gavin filled his mind. Charlie had never thought about something permanent. A cop worked irregular hours and some of the things he’d witnessed made him wonder about ever finding a woman to fit into his life. He snorted. A woman. Just like him to be contrary and hook up with a man.

  The thought should have worried him. It didn’t. His family might have other ideas—his mother and three older sisters. Too bad. Life was too short to waste on unhappiness.

  “You’re deep in thought. Have I put you to sleep?”

  “Never.” He slid his hands down her back and drew her closer to prevent a crash with another couple. The slide of her soft breasts against his chest and her spicy scent sent another zap of pleasure south to his groin. What the fuck was he doing? He stumbled and cursed, glancing across the room in time to see a weird expression on Gavin’s face. The man recovered quickly, winking at him. Not jealousy after all. He imagined stripping the man, and a gasp slipped free at the resultant surge of lust. Damn, this party couldn’t pass fast enough.

  “How do you like Middlemarch?”

  “Honestly?” Charlie loosened his hold on her a fraction so they could see each other’s faces.

  Her brows rose. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  “And you a lawyer,” he scoffed.

  Her chin lifted in challenge and he couldn’t restrain a chuckle.

  “There is such a thing as an honest lawyer,” she said, a tart note in her voice. “There are just as many rogue cops as there are crooked lawyers.”

  “Touché.”

  “Would you mind if we found something to drink instead of finishing this dance? I’m thirsty.”

  Charlie nodded, noting her paleness. “Why don’t you grab a seat over there and I’ll get drinks for both of us. What would you like?”

  “A fruit juice or something without alcohol,” she said.

  Nodding Charlie headed for the kitchen.

  He found Jonno in there with two men he hadn’t met.

  “Charlie, this disreputable pair are my friends Joe and Sly Mitchell.” He pointed at each so Charlie could differentiate between the two. Charlie was glad of it and mentally added the color of their shirts to their names so he’d remember the correct identity for the rest of the night. Tomorrow all bets would be off because once the pair donned different clothes he wouldn’t know one from the other. The brothers were identical as far as he could see, right down to the dimples when they grinned.

  “Saber’s brothers?”

  “The same,” Joe said. “We’re the well-behaved brothers.”

  Jonno snorted and Charlie laughed. “Not what I’ve heard.”

  “Damn, have you been listening to Saber?” Sly asked.

  “Nope. Emily,” Charlie said.

  Joe clutched his heart, his dimple deepening. “Emily? I’m fatally wounded.”

  “We can’t threaten her,” Sly said to Joe. “Saber would beat us up.”

  “We can think of something sneaky for payback,” Joe said. “Something embarrassing for her next birthday. A sex toy or something like that. She goes an adorable shade of red.”

  Sly smirked. “I know just the thing.”

  Jonno shook his head. “Saber won’t be happy if you upset Emily.”

  “Who said anything about upset?” Joe said. “We’re talking embarrassed. There’s a difference. Besides, Emily is used to us teasing her. She expects it.”

  “And it won’t hurt to see the speechless expression on big brother’s face either,” Sly pointed out.

  Charlie could tell the brothers loved Emily, even as they discussed various plans with Jonno. “Is there
something nonalcoholic to drink for Leticia?” he asked Jonno.

  “Emily keeps orange juice in the fridge.” Sly reached past his brother and pulled out a carton of juice, handing it to Charlie. Jonno passed him a glass.

  “Is Leticia involved with anyone?” Charlie asked, curious despite his agreement with Gavin. He shoved aside his discomfort at lusting after two people at the same time. Just curiosity, he told himself even as he acknowledged the lie. He could take either of them back to his house tonight with a sense of satisfaction. What the hell did that make him?

  “No, Leticia hasn’t been well,” Joe said.

  Charlie thought about her paleness. “What’s wrong with her?”

  Sly shrugged. “Some virus that shook her. I think she’s okay now. In fact I thought I might ask her out.”

  “Back off,” Charlie growled. “I have first claim.”

  Joe sniggered. “It’s the quick and the dead around here.”

  The pair reminisced about the Middlemarch dance that had started them all on the path to matrimony while Charlie struggled to deal with the confusion rioting through his body. He didn’t understand the weird feelings, the attraction to two different people at the same time.

  Puzzling over the matter, he listened halfheartedly to the recollections. Saber had fallen first followed by Felix and Leo. Joe and Sly were the only single Mitchell brothers left. As much as Charlie would have liked to hear more, he grabbed a beer for himself, picked up the juice and headed back to Leticia.

  When he arrived, he found her sitting with Emily. He handed over the glass of juice, noting the color had returned to Leticia’s cheeks.

  Emily patted Leticia’s arm and stood. “It’s time for the cake. I’ll leave you two together while I find Saber.”

  Charlie glanced at his watch, surprised at how much time had passed since his arrival. He’d spent time with Jonno and Laura, chatted to Felix, discussed rugby with Leo and the stopping power of various weapons with Isabella. Then this emotional crap and struggling to find his balance with Gavin and Leticia had filled the rest of his evening.

  Interesting times.

  * * * * *

  Emily Mitchell left Charlie and Leticia and wound through the crowded room in search of her mate. Initially, she’d planned on having a party at Storm in a Teacup, her café in the township of Middlemarch. Saber had pre-empted her and requested a family dinner at home for his thirtieth birthday.

  She grinned, recalling his comment about the big birthday cake. “Was she trying to send them into a sugar coma?”

  Her mate had sensed there was something afoot. The sneaky feline had thought he’d bested them, but after discussion with her sisters-in-law and the members of the Feline council, she’d adapted the plan and everyone had arrived after their family dinner.

  She spotted Saber, speaking with Sid, one of the council members. Saber lifted his head, as if he sensed her presence, and a slow, heated smile curled across his lips. He winked and her heart did a little skip. She had a special present for her mate. A very special present.

  Saber said something to Sid and strode across the room toward her. Their family and friends parted as if by magic, and he reached for her hand. Strong fingers, slightly callused, curled around hers. He tugged and she followed as he led her along the passage to their bedroom.

  “Saber! What are you doing? We have guests. It’s time to cut the cake.”

  “They won’t miss us for a few minutes.”

  He opened the door and pulled her inside, closing the door behind them. Then his mouth was on hers, halting her next protest dead on her lips. His scent wound through her and her entire body softened at the sensual assault. She curled her arms around his neck and clung, so happy she didn’t know if she could contain her joy.

  When Saber pulled back, they were both breathing hard. He cupped her face and grinned down at her. “I love you, Emily Mitchell.”

  “Saber,” she croaked. She coughed to clear her throat. “Are you mad about the surprise party?”

  “Of course not, kitten. I’ve had a lovely time. Family. Friends. Presents. A big-arsed cake.”

  She giggled, then sobered, every particle of her knowing that this was the right time to give Saber her gift. “Saber, I have to tell you something.”

  “What?” His expression sharpened.

  “No, it’s nothing bad.”

  His features relaxed. “What then?”

  “I’m certain we’re pregnant.”

  He froze before delight spread across his face. “I think we are too.”

  “What? Wait, you knew? How?”

  “Your scent has been different for the last week. I doubt if anyone else has noticed yet but they will. Make an appointment to see Gavin this week.”

  Emily wrinkled her nose, fighting the urge to pout. “I can’t believe you knew.”

  “Hoped, kitten. Hoped. I’m so pleased.”

  She grinned her excitement, her happiness digging into her cheeks. “I am too. We’d better join our guests before they send out search parties.”

  “Wait, I wanted to give you a present,” Saber said.

  “It’s not my birthday.”

  “The present is for my benefit too.”

  “Okay.” Excitement bubbled through her. A baby. She and Saber were going to be parents.

  “Remember that holiday you wanted. The week in Rotorua and one in Taupo.”

  “Yes.”

  “We leave next week for a month. We’re flying to Auckland, hiring a car and making our way down to Wellington where we’ll jump on a flight back to Dunedin.”

  “Saber! Are you sure? You don’t like flying. And what about the café? Saber, it’s too long. I can’t leave for that long.”

  “London has agreed to take over cooking duties for a month. Isabella and Tomasine are taking care of staffing, and I believe Ramsey will be here to help London,” Saber said, referring to the teenage leopard shifter who now lived with his brother Felix and his family. “Felix and Leo are in charge of the farm. And the council—well, they’ll have to take care of themselves.”

  Emily smiled at him through happy tears, her heart aching with pleasure. He wasn’t a happy flyer, yet he’d done this for her. “We’re going on holiday.”

  “We’re having a baby.”

  Emily threw her arms around his neck and kissed him again. They didn’t surface until someone thumped on the door.

  “Emily, Saber, it’s time for the cake,” Isabella said in a stern voice. “Don’t make me come in there.”

  “Saber is blocking the door.” The words emerged with a side of smug.

  “If there weren’t non-family members around, I’d prove to you I could get in there, even though your lug of a mate is leaning against the door.” Now it was Isabella who sounded smug. “You know I can do it in the blink of an eye.”

  “We’ll be there in one minute,” Saber promised, and Isabella retreated with another threat if they didn’t keep their promise.

  Emily lifted her right hand to brush the tips of her fingers over his cheek. “Are you ready for off-key singing?”

  They shared a grin and hand in hand, headed back to join the party.

  Silence fell as Saber led Emily into the main lounge.

  “Ah, there you are, lad,” Sid said.

  Agnes Paisley, one of the female members of the Feline council, stood at Sid’s side. Instead of her normal prune expression, she wore a happy smile that echoed in her feline-green eyes. “Sid has something to say,” she said, and even her querulous held more humor than normal.

  Saber nodded, keeping his mate’s hand in his.

  “Friends and family,” Sid began. “Some of us have known Saber Mitchell since he was a lad, a wee kitten with a mischievous bent and a nose for trouble. He—”

  “Really?” one of his twin brothers shouted from the back. “Saber, you lied to us.”

  “He told us we were naughty and should follow his good example,” his second twin brother called to a rip
ple of laughter.

  Sid held up his hand. “Now, now. It’s the nature of a feline male. We’re all trouble until a good woman tames us.”

  “That’s true, kitten,” Saber whispered in Emily’s ear while Sid entertained their guests with tales of his exploits. “I was waiting for you.” An understatement. Emily had changed his life—changed all their lives—for better.

  “Shush,” Emily whispered, her breath warm against his ear. “I want to hear about you being naughty.”

  “I rapped his knuckles many a time,” Agnes said. “It’s no wonder Janie McGregor moved the instant she was old enough to leave. Saber terrorized her with frogs in her desk, bugs in her locker and the tip of her plait was pink for two months.”

  “What about when he was learning to drive,” Ben, another council member, added. “I thought we’d have to send Herbert to therapy.”

  “Uncle Herbert said I was a good driver,” Saber said, indignant. Although he had to own to terrorizing Janie. Her squeals were so loud. He and his friends had wagered on who could make her screech the loudest.

  “He lied, lad.” Sid lifted his hand and once the laughter died down, he continued. “While you were a naughty child, you came into your own after we lost Herbert. You’re a credit to him, Saber, and I know he’ll be watching over you and your brothers with misted eyes. You make us proud with all you do for our community.”

  Saber opened his mouth to speak, but nothing emerged. He pressed his lips together, so he didn’t resemble his niece Sylvie’s goldfish, and realized his eyes had misted. Must be a family trait.

  “We had a whip around and would like to give you this to enjoy during your upcoming holiday.”

  Saber accepted a white envelope from Sid along with a quick embrace.

  “Open it, lad. Tell everyone what is inside,” Sid prompted.

  Saber opened the flap and pulled out a single sheet of paper. Emily peered past him and gave a squeak. She bounced up and down on her toes, clutching his arm for balance.

  “It’s a voucher for a two-night stay at The Chateau in the Tongariro National Park. Thank you.” Saber lifted his head and scanned the smiling happy faces.