Best Man With Benefits

by Samanthe Beck

  The business continued to thrive, which Sophie took as a testament to his carefully selected management team, and she sent a silent thank-you to Regan for helping locate the right candidates for several of the roles.

  All of which meant work stress probably didn’t account for the way his eyes darted around the restaurant or how his hand tapped out a restless rhythm on his knee.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Hmm?” His gaze snapped back to her from somewhere over her shoulder. “Sorry, yes, everything’s fine. I’m just looking for our waiter. Did you enjoy your dinner?”

  She nudged her nearly empty plate and cocked a brow at him. “If I’d enjoyed it any more, it would have been indecent.”

  “Indecent is exactly how I like you.” She had his full attention now and the slow smile he unleashed on her sent several indecent thoughts through her head. “This place is no Leo’s,” he went on, mentioning their favorite local spot in Los Angeles, “but since we were here in Boulder, and this is kind of our anniversary, I wanted to take you somewhere memorable.”

  These days he split his time between his home in Boulder and her apartment in L.A. She did the same. Work kept her busy, but she could do it from practically anywhere, so she found herself in Boulder just as often as home.

  Her work flexibility was especially convenient this week. When Colt had called her to say the doctors planned to induce Kady’s labor tomorrow, she’d been happy to hop on a plane to Boulder. Kady wanted her friends and family at her side during the delivery. Make it a party, she’d said. Distract me. Everything looked good, baby-wise, so Sophie planned to be in a delivery room tomorrow, welcoming her brand-new niece or nephew into the world.

  Logan’s eyes shifted beyond her again and she sensed rather than saw their waiter approaching. “Speaking of anniversaries—”

  The chime of her phone interrupted him. From the ringtone she knew it was Colt. “I’m sorry.” She dug into her handbag. “I’d better take this. Give me one second.” She sent the waiter a quick smile of apology and engaged the call. “Hi, Colt.”

  “Hey, Sophie. How soon can you get to the hospital?”

  “I don’t know, why?”

  “We’re on our way. Kady’s in labor.”

  “But…but…they’re not inducing her until tomorrow!”

  “Apparently Baby Brooks doesn’t care to be induced.” In the background she heard Kady groan, and then shout, “Get your butt in gear, Sophie. It’s. About. To go. Down.” From the corner of her eye she saw Logan sit up, shake his head at the waiter, and gesture for the check.

  Sophie spent a few additional moments on the phone, getting details from Colt like which hospital entrance to use, where to park, and which floor to come to. She jotted the information down while Logan paid the bill and accepted his credit card and something else from the waiter. She barely registered any of it because contractions were ten minutes apart and Kady was talking a mile a minute in the background, asking Sophie to call Regan, Christine, Julie, and a handful of other people. Meanwhile Colt kept saying, “Goddammit, why are there so many fucking red lights in this town?”

  By the time she got off the phone Logan already had his keys from the valet. He ushered her out of the restaurant and into his waiting car while she placed calls. Despite being one of the first people notified, everyone else would make it to the hospital ahead of them, because they had to drive down Flagstaff Mountain.

  “I’m sorry to cut dinner short,” she said to Logan when she finished her last call and could sit back and breathe again. “I hope you didn’t have your heart set on dessert.”

  He sent her an odd smile. “I still do, but don’t worry, we’ll get to it.”

  She only got a moment to ponder his response, because he pulled into the hospital parking lot. Seconds later they were sprinting through the automatic glass doors, down a corridor, following signs to the family birth center. A short elevator ride took them to their floor, and then down another corridor. Logan slowed as they reached the sitting area by the reception desk, where Reed, Brock, and Tyler already sat, watching TV and playing poker. He turned to her and pulled her in for a hug. “Tell Kady good luck for me, and let her know I’m available to punch Colt any time. All she has to do is say the word.”

  She laughed and sent a wave to the guys. “If Kady feels like punching him, I’ll sure she’ll do it herself.”

  “She may be otherwise occupied.” He tightened his hold and lowered his head to kiss her. She’d anticipated a quick brush of lips, but he surprised her with a slow, deep, bone-dissolving kiss. Reed, Brock, and Tyler were groaning and calling “Get a room” by the time he raised his head. He ignored the men, smiled down at her, and said, “Once we’re done here, I expect to have my dessert.”

  Somehow she made it to the birthing suite despite the sudden lack of strength in her legs.

  She approached the door at the same time Regan rushed out—or as near as a woman pregnant-out-to-there with twins could rush. She called back, “Kady, you’re doing awesome, but…I’m sorry. I can’t watch. Hey, Sophie,” she added as she scurried into the hallway. Once there, she called, “Brock! I changed my mind. I want drugs. I want every freaking drug in the world.”

  Julie grinned a greeting to Sophie, and then turned and spoke to Kady, who reclined on a stack of pillows on the bed. “Hey girl, you just sent big bad Regan running at full speed in four-inch heels. That’s a first.”

  Christine laughed from the opposite side of the bed, where she stood next to Colt. Kady laughed, too, but hers turned into a moan as another contraction hit. She sat up, bore down, and pushed, while Colt, Christine, and Julie shouted encouragement. Without realizing she’d moved from the doorway, Sophie found herself supporting Kady’s back and telling her to push. When the contraction subsided, Kady flopped back down on the pillows, turned to Sophie, and said, “I…can’t…do…this.”

  Colt took her hands and kissed them. “Honey, you’re doing great. You’re amazing. I know we can do it, just breathe like we practiced.”

  “We? We!” Kady pulled Colt’s face level with hers and looked him straight in the eye. “I’ve got a better idea. You do it!”

  “Good news, you’re crowning,” the doctor interrupted from the foot of the bed. “I can see the head.”

  A head. Oh, God. Regan had the right idea. Gray spots danced in front of Sophie’s eyes and she wondered if she’d pass out if she made a run for the door. Too late. Kady groaned again. “Here comes another one.”

  “Give it all you’ve got, Mommy,” the doctor said. “Let’s have this baby.”

  Kady screwed her eyes shut, squeezed Colt’s hands until her knuckles turned white, and let loose a high-pitched scream. Colt’s face took on an anguished look that had nothing to do with the crushing grip Kady had on his hands and everything to do with the torture of seeing the woman he loved suffering and being powerless to relieve her pain. Pain so overwhelming Kady’s whole body shook. Every muscle inside Sophie stiffened in sympathy.

  Then Kady’s scream subsided, and a tiny wail reached her ears.

  “Good job, Mommy,” the doctor said, and then backed away to make a space for Colt.

  Next thing she knew, Colt stood beside her, his expression awestruck, eyes brimming with pent-up emotion. He placed a blanket-wrapped bundle in Kady’s arms, and then sat down on the bed and snuggled his exhausted wife against his chest.

  “Ladies,” he said, in a voice that wasn’t quite steady, “meet Emily Wynn Brooks. She’s perfect and beautiful. Just like her mom.”

  A chorus of “Ooooh” broke out in the room, and she couldn’t help add her voice. The most riveting blue eyes she’d ever seen stared out from a soft pink face. “Hi, Emily,” she crooned, brushing a finger over the baby’s velvet-soft head. It took some doing, but she tore her attention away from her niece’s face and looked at the group gathered around. Colt, Kady, Christine, and Julie smiled down at the newest member of their group. Regan, Logan, Tyler, Brock, and Ree
d peeked in from the door.

  “Good job, you two,” Christine murmured. “She’s absolutely beautiful.” Then the redhead looked up and winked at her and Julie. “We should step out and let Mommy and Daddy get to know their little girl.”

  The suggestion set off unanimous agreement, a quick, dizzying round of kisses, and then she stood in the bright hallway, tucked against Logan’s side, blinking back tears as the others headed toward the waiting room.

  He squeezed her. “You okay?”

  “I’m good.” She pulled a tissue from her purse, swiped her eyes, and blew her nose. “Just happy.”

  “I understand. Let’s sit down for a minute.” He gestured to a couple of linked guest chairs positioned in the hall between two rooms. She poured her grateful body into one of the chairs, expecting Logan to take the other, but, to her surprise, he knelt before her instead, and took her hands.

  “We never got to dessert this evening.” He smiled at her, treating her to a flash of the groove beside his mouth.

  She smiled back. “No, I guess we didn’t. You’re really stuck on that, aren’t you?”

  He shrugged. “I had something very particular in mind—and I planned to kick things off with soft lights and a romantic view—but your niece didn’t cooperate.”

  “There’s always tomorrow night.”

  “No. I’m ready now, and even though the setting isn’t ideal, I’m too anxious to wait a second longer.” He released one of her hands and dug into his pocket.

  Goodness, they were in the middle of a hospital. Slightly scandalized, and more than a little excited, she tried to tug her hand back. He refused to let go.

  “Logan.” She looked left. Looked right. “We should at least find an empty room.”

  “Uh-uh. Right here, right now.” She felt him slip something on her finger. “Will you marry me?”

  “What?” He released her hand. She looked down at the sparkling diamond gracing her ring finger. “What?”

  “I love you, Sophie Brooks. You’re my present, my future, my everything. I want to climb mountains with you.” He looked around them and raised a brow. “And have babies with you. Mostly, I want to spend my life with you. What do you say?”

  For a full minute she couldn’t say anything. Eighteen months ago she’d set goals to change her dull, empty life—fill it with challenge, passion, excitement, and love. Now here she sat, surrounded by friends and family, secure in the arms of the man she loved, staring at a future so exciting she couldn’t even have imagined it a year ago when she’d watched Logan stride across the Beaver Creek Resort lobby, felt all those assessing eyes on her, and wished for one crazy moment he could be hers. She was a walking, talking testament to the power of skinny jeans, a favor, and a little courage.

  “Sophie,” he prompted, and she got a glimpse of some of the nerves she’d sensed earlier in the evening. Realizing she could make Mr. Perfect suffer a moment of doubt unlocked her tongue.

  “I say yes. Yes, yes, and more yes.” She went with impulse and threw herself into his arms. “I love you, Logan. I can’t wait to get started on the rest of our lives.”

  He laughed and caught her. “Love you too, Sophie.” Then he lowered his head for a kiss. She closed her eyes and touched her lips to his, dimly aware of people gathering in the corridor. Someone started clapping. Soon full-blown applause broke out. She looked up to find everyone standing there, watching them. Regan and Brock, married and about to have twins. Christine and Tyler, fresh from their honeymoon in Mexico. Julie and Reed engaged, while Julie put all those organization skills to use for her own benefit, for once, and planned what promised to be the wedding of the century.

  As the clapping subsided, Colt poked his head out the door of the birthing room, took stock, and called to Kady, “Looks like we’re going back to Beaver Creek.”

  Did you love this Brazen? Check out more of our steamy titles here!

  Grab the rest of the Wedding Dare series!

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  Four bridesmaids. Four groomsmen.

  Five New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Long-carried torches, sizzling new attractions, and forbidden conquests will ensure a wedding never to be forgotten.

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  Colton Brooks is in hell. Being trapped in a tiny motel room with Kady Dresco, the object of his darkest fantasies, will require every ounce of his restraint. She’s his best friend’s brilliant little sister, not to mention his competition for a lucrative military security services contract. Craving her submission is not allowed. But as her proximity and the memory of their steamy near-miss three years ago slowly destroys his resolve, Colton’s not sure how much longer he can keep his hands off…or his heart closed.

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  a Wedding Dare novel by Tessa Bailey

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  Seducing the Bridesmaid

  a Wedding Dare novel by Katee Robert

  Regan Wakefield is unafraid to go after what she wants, so she’s thrilled when her friend’s wedding offers her an opportunity to score Logan McCade, the practically perfect best man. Unfortunately, groomsman Brock McNeil keeps getting in her way, riling her up in the most delicious of ways. Regan may pretend the erotic electricity sparking between them is simply a distraction, but Brock will do whatever it takes to convince Regan that the best man for her is him.

  Acknowledgments

  Huge THANKS to my amazing continuity-mates, Diane Alberts, Tessa Bailey, Katee Robert, and our kickoff author, Laura Kaye. You ladies inspire me with every story you write, every bit of generous input you offered on Logan and Sophie, and every wicked-gorgeous, half-nekkid dude you post or tweet.

  To Heather Howland, for somehow keeping all these stories, and all these authors, straight, and maintaining enthusiasm for this project even at 10:00 p.m. on Mother’s Day weekend, right before a big conference. I am going to cheer you on big-time as you tackle the bigger and better at Entangled, and I know you are going to rock it.

  To my besties, Robin Bielman and Hayson Manning, for your guidance, pep talks, and occasional bitch-slaps. You always give me just what I need, just when I need it…except pharmaceuticals. Legal or otherwise. Honestly, Officer, I don’t know where those came from.

  To Maggie Kelley, for being Maggie Kelley (even though I know you’re not really Maggie Kelley). You know what I mean.

  To the California crew and the Kentucky crew, for all your encouragement and support. Your awesomeness knows no bounds.

  To the lovely ladies of LARA, especially my writing mentor, Lynne Marshall, for showing me how it’s done.

  To the readers! Sophie and Logan were special to me, and I hope they rang true for you.

  And, as always, to Charles and Hud, for making it a
ll worthwhile.

  About the Author

  USA TODAY bestselling author Samanthe Beck lives in Malibu, California, with her husband, their son, Kitty the furry Ninja, and Bebe the trash talkin’ Chihuahua. When not writing fun and sexy contemporary romance, or napping on her beach towel with her face snuggled to her Kindle, she searches for the perfect ten dollar wine to pair with Lunchables.

  Connect with Sam via Facebook, Twitter, or through her website at www.samanthebeck.com to check her progress on that never-ending quest, or to get the latest on her upcoming Brazens!

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