Protecting His Brother’s Babies

by Katie Knight

  “It’s fine,” Amelia said, then grinned. She reached for the napkins, her fingers brushing his. Heat sparked between them, and her gaze locked with his. The lighting wasn’t great, but there was no mistaking the gleam of interest in his eyes.

  Oh boy.

  Soldier boy blinked at her, looking as dazed as she felt. Then his brows drew together, and he gave her a quick once-over before facing front again and flagging down the bartender. “Let me buy you another drink, since I spilled your last one.”

  “Thanks,” she said, though another drink probably wasn’t wise, considering the first one seemed to have gone right to her head. “But—”

  “You seem awfully perky for Wednesday Addams,” he said, cutting off her refusal.

  “I’m not perky. I’m an optimist.” Amelia thanked the bartender as he delivered her second drink, then licked more sugar from the rim of the glass, not missing how soldier boy’s eyes tracked the tiny movement. “And who are you supposed to be, GI Joe?”

  He snorted. “Hardly. And this isn’t a costume. I’m a Navy SEAL, home on leave for the weekend.”

  Amelia gave him a skeptical look. “Uh huh. Sure.”

  “I’m serious.” He grinned and her uterus quivered with anticipation. Man, oh man. If she’d been looking for some romance, this guy would’ve been right up her alley. His eyes darted to her lips, then back to her eyes once more. Seems he was interested too, at least physically. “Monster Mash” came on the sound system overhead, and he leaned in closer to her, his warmth and scent surrounding her. Musk and soap and something uniquely him. She bit her lip to hold back a tiny purr of approval. He started to say something else, but then seemed to reconsider and held out his hand. “Fine. You’re Wednesday Addams and I’m GI Joe. Nice to meet you.”

  “Same.” She shook his hand, his skin smooth and warm against hers. Honestly, she hadn’t felt this turned on in months, and the guy had barely touched her. If he could get her blood pumping this easily, imagine what he’d be like between the sheets.

  Or not. Unless she wanted to jump him right here in public.

  Heat prickling her cheeks, she looked away and forced her mind away from her erotic thoughts. To distract herself, she tried to get back to small talk. “You usually hang out in hotel bars?”

  “God, no.” He shook his head and took another gulp of ale. “I’m only in town for a few days. All the noise and people got me interested, so I thought I’d check it out. That’s all. Plus, a guy’s gotta eat. I had dinner in the café across the lobby, then came over here to see what the fun was about.”

  They chatted about food and the town. Turns out he was from the area.

  “So, your family’s in Brightshores, huh?” she asked, finishing her second Witches’ Brew and ordering a third. Hey, this was her night off. Might as well enjoy herself. When the bartender brought her drink, she ordered another ale for her GI Joe too. It was the least she could do. She’d had more fun talking to him tonight than she’d had since moving to this place six months ago. “Why aren’t you getting quality time with them, since you’re only here a few days?”

  She’d expected small-town life to be like some sweet romance movie, especially with a town named Brightshores. She’d anticipated lots of friendly people and lots of homey parties and stuff. But so far, it hadn’t turned out that way.

  He shrugged. “My family can be…a lot. I needed some breathing space of my own.”

  “I see.” She stared down into her bright yellow liquor. Growing up, she would’ve given anything for a family of her own. Not that her foster care homes had been horrible. They’d been fine, for the most part. Except for the permanence part. Moving around a lot meant she never built those strong connections she’d always yearned for.

  “What about you, Wednesday?” he asked, bending down slightly to catch her eye again. “Your family from around here?”

  “No, silly.” Amelia didn’t want to get into all that with him. They were strangers, really. Didn’t even know each other’s real names. This was about being light and flirty and fun. Free. And some sob story from her past wasn’t conducive to keeping that vibe going. So, she shrugged and made a joke instead. “Everyone knows my family lives on Cemetery Ridge.”

  “I thought it was Central Park,” he said, his free hand grazing her knee. Her pulse stumbled and her mouth dried. She had it bad for this guy, no doubt about it.

  Amelia swallowed hard against the want in her throat and tried to remember details of her favorite cartoon character. “That was from the musical. I’m talking about the original comics.”

  “A true aficionado, eh?” His knees brushed hers as he scooted closer to avoid the new arrivals crowding up to the bar behind him. Instead of moving away, she stared down at where their bodies touched, torn between escaping to the confines of her lonely apartment downtown or climbing onto his lap and kissing him silly. His pupils were blown wide too, all but obliterating the blue of his irises. “I like it.”

  She wondered if he was talking about her or the movies. Didn’t matter. Amelia raised one shoulder slightly and gave him a little smile. “I try.”

  “You succeed.” The moment stretched between them as they looked at each other across the span of a few inches, the air heavy with possibilities. Then, as quickly as the spell was cast, it disappeared under the announcement of the PA system.

  “Bar’s closing in fifteen minutes, people,” the bartender said. “As the saying goes, you don’t have to go home for the night, but you can’t stay here. Happy Halloween, y’all.”

  Amelia blinked at the clock on the wall. How was it 1 am already? She’d been sitting here chatting with this guy for hours, and it felt like only minutes. She couldn’t remember the last time that had happened, if ever. Reluctantly, she finished off her final drink, then pushed her empty glass aside. “Guess that’s my signal to call an Uber.”

  She started to get off her stool, but he stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. “Hey, if you’re not busy, I could, uh…get a room.” At her raised brows, tiny splotches of crimson dotted his high cheekbones. He cursed under his breath and shook his head. “That came out wrong. I didn’t mean…” His deep voice trailed off and he frowned. “I just meant that I’m not ready to go home yet, and I could really use a snack to absorb some of this alcohol in my system—and someone to keep me company.” He met her gaze again, his expression so earnest, her heart melted. “I’m sure there’s probably a minibar we can raid.”

  “Oh.” Her common sense said she should bid her mystery man goodnight and head home. But her tingling girly parts had other ideas. “Twenty-dollar peanuts and tiny bottles of gin? How could I refuse?”

  Grab your copy of The SEAL’s Pregnant Christmas Lover

  Available November 26, 2020

  www.LeslieNorthBooks.com

  BLURB

  Nothing is more dangerous than falling in love.

  There’s only one relationship Navy SEAL Nate Shaw is wedded to: his job. For Nate, love is nothing but a losing game; he’ll never forget the look on his mother’s face when his father left. Now Nate remains unconvinced that marital bliss would ever play a part in his life.

  For Emily Edwards, love is everything. But she gave up her dream of a fairytale ending when she adopted Nate’s baby brother. Nothing is more important to Emily than her brave cancer-stricken son, however Matthew’s lifesaving medical treatment has come at a price.

  When Nate offers to marry Emily so that she can access healthcare and free housing to help look after Matthew, she hardly leaps at the chance: a marriage of convenience goes against everything she has ever wanted. As for Nate, he’s used to businesslike unions, he wants to support both Emily and Matthew – and it will just be for one year, they decide.

  But their arranged marriage is soon put to the test when Emily receives threats from Matthew’s doctor; and as the dangerous warnings escalate, so do Nate’s feelings for her. Forget playing husband, Nate’s duty is to protect Emily – and fast. But can he p
rotect his heart from falling in love in the process?

  The SEAL’s Convenient Marriage is 99c from October 1st - 7th! Get your copy from

  www.LeslieNorthBooks.com

  EXCERPT

  Chapter 1

  “Slow down,” Emily Edwards cautioned as her adopted son zipped past the park bench where she sat. At four, Matthew was as rambunctious as any kid, and he was out-of-his-mind excited about seeing his big brother Nate. But cancer had taken a toll on him, and she didn’t want him to be worn out when Nate arrived.

  “Moooom,” the boy complained, returning to her slowly. “I feel good.”

  He felt better was more likely, since the treatments were proving effective against his Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Thank goodness. She took small comfort when people told her there were worse forms of cancer he could have. He’d been her son for the past two years since his mother—her former boss—died in a car accident, and she didn’t want to lose him.

  “I’m glad you feel well, but Nate’ll be here soon.” She tapped Matthew on the nose. “You should save some energy for his visit.”

  Thankfully, her logic got through to the boy, who took a seat on the shady bench next to her, kicking his legs in the air.

  “When will he get here?” Matthew asked thirty seconds later.

  “Less than five minutes. He’s always on time.” Emily couldn’t blame Matthew for his impatience. He hadn’t seen his big brother in almost six months. Nate had been on a mission with his SEAL team to God knew where. Emily never asked questions about his job; she was just grateful he always made time for Matthew when he was back at his home base.

  “What if he doesn’t recognize me?” Matthew asked in a small voice, his hand rubbing over his bare scalp, the result of chemo treatments.

  “Oh, honey, he’d know you anywhere.” She put her arm around Matthew and gave him a kiss. She was filled, as always, with the fierce urge to protect him from anything that might harm him. Cancer had been the biggest foe she’d fought so far, but they were finally beating it. Lately, though, she’d had a new concern—Matthew’s doctor. She wished she could re-do the day a few weeks ago when she returned to the cancer clinic after hours, accidentally seeing too much. She shivered, recalling the doctor’s threatening words to her.

  So now she needed to find a different doctor for Matthew’s treatments to continue. Not an easy feat when he was three-fourths of the way through the process and her insurance was so minimal she’d already drained her savings account and the last of Matthew’s inheritance from his birth mom. She was down to darn near nothing. It would all work out, she told herself, but the feeling of desperation grew a little each day.

  “There he is.” Matthew hopped up and dashed toward his big brother, who looked…so damned good. Wow. Even better than she remembered. She’d always found Nate Shaw attractive with his dark hair, chiseled features, and muscular build. But looking at him now…he must be one of the finest looking men to walk this planet. She felt heat rise in her cheeks and had to tell herself again that he was not her type of man and in no way should she be interested in him.

  As Nate bent to pick up Matthew, swinging him in the air, his pecs and biceps flexed, making her heart race. The way he carried himself, pure confidence, caught her attention in spite of herself. This is what happens when you don’t make time to date, she scolded herself. You start eyeing up men who are totally off-limits.

  “How’s my little man?” Nate asked the smiling child.

  “Great,” Matthew responded, his worries from a few minutes ago totally gone, making her smile. They were adorable together, half-brothers nearly twenty years apart in age, but still so loving and cute.

  Emily stood when Nate carried Matthew back to the bench. He gave her a one-armed hug, bringing her in close contact with his aftershave. The scent was fresh, clean, but, oh, so masculine. Her eyes lingered on the word Helen in small script on his right bicep. Nate and Matthew’s mother’s name. Emily had always thought the tattoo was sweet, showing a softer side of the tough Navy SEAL. Helen had been a good woman, a good mom before the car accident that claimed her life.

  “How are you doing?” Nate asked after they sat again on the bench. Matthew was on his brother’s lap, looking up adoringly.

  “No complaints,” she said, hiding the multitude of things that worried her. Nate wasn’t responsible for those and she had no intention of burdening him. The whole reason Helen had asked Emily—Matthew’s nanny at the time—to take custody of her baby was so her eldest son, Nate, could continue the life and career he’d chosen without interference. Emily was just happy he chose to be an active part of Matthew’s life.

  “Thanks for keeping me informed about this guy.” He tickled Matthew in the ribs.

  “I’m happy to. Sometimes I’m not sure all my messages get through.” She’d communicated faithfully nevertheless.

  “Most do. I appreciate them, especially the pictures.” His dark eyes focused on her face. They were brown and warm with gold flecks that didn’t negate their sharpness.

  “I thought you’d like to see how much he’s grown.” She emailed Nate photos of Matthew as often as she could. Most recently, she’d sent pictures of Matthew’s fourth birthday party. She’d wanted to take Matthew and a group of his friends somewhere, but the expense and possible exposure to germs prevented her. They’d had a quiet event at home with two of Matthew’s closest friends instead.

  “Made my day,” he said, sounding sincere.

  “I can run really fast now,” Matthew told Nate. “I’ve been practicing. Do you want to see?”

  Nate shot Emily a look over the boy’s head. She held up one finger, and Nate nodded his understanding.

  “Sure,” Nate responded, “but you can only do it once. How about you run from here to the swings? That’ll be plenty for me to see your speed.”

  Matthew slid down, flashed a grin at them, and took off running the thirty feet to the swings.

  “Thanks,” she said when Matthew was out of hearing range. “I’m trying to keep him from overexerting himself, but he’s a kid so it’s been tough.”

  “He looks good, better than I expected.” Nate watched as Matthew reached the swings and turned to wave to them.

  “He’s responding well to the treatment.” Her eyes stayed on her adopted son. As she expected, the swings had gotten his attention. He plopped down on a seat and began pumping his legs. He’d recently learned how to do it himself and was proud he could get the swing going without a push from her.

  “You’re still worried?” Nate questioned. She should have known he’d pick up on her apprehension.

  “I…yes.” She was torn about how much to reveal. After all, Nate would likely only be home a few weeks before deploying again. She could easily hide her concerns, but he had a right to know about the boy’s health. “I need to find a new doctor and clinic for Matthew, which isn’t going to be easy when a patient is in the middle of the prescribed treatment.” She didn’t mention how limited her resources were, feeling she’d already said enough. “I’m sure it’ll all work out though,” she added, attempting a more cheerful tone.

  Nate studied Emily’s profile as she kept her eyes on Matthew. Her lush red lips and deep-toned skin had been haunting him lately, though he couldn’t explain why. He’d known her since Matthew was a baby and never saw her as anything but his kid brother’s nanny and then adopted mom. Why now, he wondered.

  Emily was beautiful. He’d always known that, but at some point in the past months, his interest in her had shifted until she appeared frequently in his dreams, some of which had been rather…graphic in nature. He’d attributed it to the loneliness he’d felt during his recent mission. The location was isolated, leaving him just his brothers-in-arms to talk to, and most of them were missing the women in their lives. He’d had no one to miss.

  Had his subconscious focused on Emily since she was the only woman he had a connection to?

  Maybe. But whatever the reason, she was still a beau
ty, even with the worried look on her face. He shifted on the bench, putting more space between them, and pulled his eyes away to focus on his brother. He had no interest in being caught staring at her.

  “It’s unusual to switch doctors at this stage, isn’t it?” he asked, keeping his tone casual.

  “I suppose,” she gestured as she spoke, making the gold bangles on her wrist dance, “but I think…I think we can do better elsewhere.”

  “You think the treatments aren’t right?”

  “It’s not that. Matthew’s getting better, but,” she paused, seeming to gather her thoughts, “I’m not pleased with the personal interactions.”

  What did that mean? Nate instinctively fell back on his training to try to read her body language, but all he could see was that she was uncomfortable. He didn’t think it was because of him. They’d been friendly from the first, except in his recent dreams where they’d been much more than friends. But she didn’t know about those, and she never would. No matter how attractive he found her, she was the happily ever after type, and that was something he wasn’t prepared to offer anyone.

  “I’m not understanding,” he said, hoping she’d elaborate.

  She swung her eyes to him. A determined, but sexy edge showed. “You don’t need to worry about it. I’m going to change clinics quickly, so Matthew doesn’t lose any of the ground he’s made. It’s my decision to make.”

  He wouldn’t argue with her about that. They’d agreed she’d have full custody—as per his mother’s wishes. He’d just started his SEAL training and his mother wanted him to pursue his dream and not feel he had to raise a boy who was just two at the time. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t interested in Matthew’s welfare. He loved the kid, always would. Emily loved him, too, and wanted what was best for him. Which meant there had to be a serious reason to cut ties with his current clinic.