Florist Claire Holbrook has always played by the rules her entire life, but breaks them to spend one night with sexy lone wolf Jake Manning, a man she’s adored since she was a teenager. Six weeks later, things get complicated when she discovers they created a bond that will last a lifetime
Jake has never played by the rules. Getting Minister Holbrook’s daughter pregnant wasn’t part of any life plan, but he won’t run from his responsibilities. He’ll step up and be the best man he can, even if he doesn’t have a clue where to begin. The more time he spends with Claire, though, the more he wants her, and the harder it is to get close, because that would mean sharing the one thing he hasn’t with anyone–the truth and his heart.
Information:
Title: The Best Man’s Baby (A Red River Series Book)
Author: Victoria James
Genre: Contemporary Series Romance
Length: 182 pages
Release Date: August 2013
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-62266-175-6
Imprint: Indulgence
Praise for The Best Man’s Baby:
“A mouth-watering bad boy. A determined to-hold-out good girl. This fabulous romance hits all the right notes.” -Jacki Ashenden
Excerpt:
© 2013 Victoria James
Prologue
“To Holly and Quinn,” Jake Manning said, holding up his champagne flute.
Claire Holbrook raised her glass, toasting to her best friend and her new husband. Holly’s cheeks were flushed with an unbridled happiness. Her eyes glistened with tears, and her smile hadn’t wavered all day. Holly had claimed love, Quinn, and happily ever after.
“Welcome to the family,” Evan Manning said, leaning down to give Holly a kiss.
“You’re the only woman I’d wear a tux for,” Jake said, giving Holly a hug.
Claire’s heart dipped, but she held her smile intact. And she should. Today wasn’t about Claire and her ridiculous, lifelong crush on Jake Manning. Or the fact that he’d basically just said he’d never wear a tuxedo again, which pretty much meant he was never intending on getting married. She forced those thoughts aside and focused on these last few minutes with the bride and groom.
“It was a gorgeous day. Everything was perfect,” Claire said with a smile, her eyes taking in the Edwardian ballroom again. The event had been straight out of an issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. The ceremony in the charming chapel had been poignant, and the reception a true celebration of the couple’s new life together. But now that the night was coming to an end, only a few guests were still meandering around the ballroom. The live band was playing soft music, and Holly and Quinn’s daughter, Ella, was dancing with a few children on the dance floor. The five of them were standing together for one last chat before Quinn and Holly left for the night.
“Thank you all for everything. Claire, you’ve always been like a sister to me. Evan and Jake, you’ve made me feel like family right from day one and I will never, ever forget that. I never thought I’d have a family again—and now I have one that is better than I could have imagined,” she said, tears filling her eyes. Quinn wrapped his arms around her from behind, still holding his champagne flute. Her friend leaned back into her husband. They were perfect for each other, and anyone who saw them together knew it. Felt it. Today all of Holly’s dreams had come true. She had married the man she’d loved since she was a teenager.
“To the best men,” Holly said, smiling and holding up her glass to Evan and Jake. Quinn’s brothers had shared the honored position, and Claire spent the day being sandwiched between the two of them as maid of honor.
“To the best men,” Claire said.
“And to the maid of honor,” Quinn said, smiling at her.
“And to Mom and Dad. Quinn, I know they’d be really proud of you today,” Evan said, holding up his glass.
“All right, Schmaltz family, I think we’re done with the toasts,” Jake said wryly.
“To me!” Ella came charging through and stood in the middle of the circle they’d created. They all laughed as she bounced around in her pink dupioni silk gown, which was now horribly stained and wrinkled. Quinn picked her up, and the half-eaten cupcake she was holding came precariously close to landing on his shoulder.
“Okay, for Ella we make an exception. To Ella,” Jake said, giving his niece a kiss and holding up his glass. Claire’s toes curled at the sight. Two-and-a-half year old Ella had her uncles wrapped around her little finger.
“To Ella,” they all agreed and she clapped her hands, cupcake landing on Quinn’s tuxedo.
“I think it’s time for us to make our exit,” Holly said, turning to give them all a kiss.
Her friend stopped to hug her tightly. “I love you, Holl,” Claire managed to choke out as tears clogged her throat.
“I love you too,” she whispered, her own eyes filled with tears. Claire looked up at Quinn, who was smiling at them both, Ella sitting wide-awake and alert in his arms.
“I love you, Auntie Care,” she said and blew her a kiss.
Claire blew her one back and waved at them over Quinn’s shoulder as they left the room.
She, Jake, and Evan stood still, silently watching them leave.
“I always knew Quinn would be the first to get hitched,” Jake said after a few minutes, downing the rest of his champagne.
“Me too. He was always the sap in the family. Soft,” Evan said with a nod.
“Like the Pillsbury Doughboy,” Jake said, still staring at the doorway.
“You guys are horrible. You’re both speaking out of insecurity,” Claire said, looking back and forth between them. They made quite the pair, the two brothers. And if she had to bet on the next contender for marriage she’d put her money on Evan. He was a levelheaded, handsome doctor who should have been exactly her type. Unfortunately, it was Jake she’d been infatuated with since adolescence.
Reckless, hot, brooding Jake.
“I don’t have an insecure bone in my body,” Evan said.
“Me neither,” Jake said, tugging at his shirt collar.
“I wouldn’t mind some fresh air,” Evan said, glancing at the large French doors that led out to the terrace.
“That sounds good,” Jake said without looking at her.
Claire stood there feeling like an idiot. “I, uh,” she pointed to the bar. “I think I’ll go grab a drink.” She really should just go to her room upstairs. She should put an end to this day.
She turned on her heel before they had a chance to see the humiliation play across her face. Once again, Jake dismissed her. It was the same old thing. She was the same old thing. It was time to make changes. Big changes. She’d spent the entire day in Jake’s company and was about to end it with nothing more than a nod of his perfect chin in her direction.
“I’ll have a whiskey, please,” Claire said at the bar. “Actually, make it a double.”
The bartender gave her a quick nod and then placed her glass on the marble counter.
She stood there, alone, her feet aching in her three-inch heels. Every part of her ached for the man outside. She glanced toward the balcony, looking for a glimpse of Jake, but it appeared empty. They had probably left, and without even saying good-bye. As happy as she was for Holly, she had never felt so damn alone.
She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to obliterate the image of Jake from her mind. He was rough and hard, sexy in a way that made most women shiver inwardly with anticipation. He was the guy who worked hard but played harder, and he was never without a woman by his side. Jake was the kind of man so good-looking that temperatures rose a few degrees the moment he walked into the room. The kind of man who always knew if he wanted a woman he could have her. The kind of man…oh shut up, Claire. She took a long drink, savoring the slow heat as it traveled down her throat.
“I never had you pegged as a whiskey drinker,” a deep voice said close to her ear. Her body and mind recognized that voice at the exact same time. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. He’d come back. Jake was the only man who could fill the void that was threatening to consume her tonight.
She could feel the heat emanating off his body. He was standing directly behind her, close enough that if she leaned back an inch or so, she would be against Jake Manning’s hard chest. She slowly turned around, heart hammering, senses buzzing, and looked up into his blue eyes.
Try to be cool, Claire. Sultry. “And what kind of drink do you think I would have ordered?”
A leisurely smile graced his handsome face, revealing straight white teeth. “A Shirley Temple.”
Her mouth dropped open. The man thought she was a child. “Thanks,” she muttered, determined tonight she would change his opinion of her. “I bet you your Harley you don’t know a thing about me.” She finished off the remains of her whiskey and licked the moisture from her lips. Jake’s gaze went from her mouth to her eyes, and then he took a drink. He placed his empty glass on the counter, his arm brushing against her bare shoulder.
“Can I buy you another one?”
“It’s an open bar, but I guess old habits die hard. Woman at bar. Buy drink. Score,” she said, tapping her finger against his hard chest.
“I’ll have you know it takes a lot more skill than that,” he murmured, his voice low and delicious, each syllable resonating inside her body.
“I’ve seen the women you hang out with. I’m sure it doesn’t.”
“I wasn’t aware you were keeping tabs on me.”
“I wasn’t. Just a guess,” she whispered, her courage faltering slightly as his eyes focused on her mouth. “I don’t frequent the Red River Tavern—”
“Right. Busy going to church?”
“Yup. Me and church are like this,” she said, crossing her index finger over her middle finger. She almost groaned out loud at her own stupidity. Of all the dumb things to say. She needed to show him there was more to her than he thought. She needed to seduce him. It was now or never, tonight or never. She’d spent too many years secretly wanting him. Tonight she planned on having a taste of heaven.
A taste of Jake Manning.
…
He was going straight to hell.
Jake stared down at Claire, the only woman who’d interested him lately, and the only woman who was off-limits. She was Holly’s best friend. She was Reverend Holbrook’s only daughter. She was the good girl. And there wasn’t a good bone in his entire body. Right now, he didn’t really care about all that anymore.
Her voice sent vibrations of awareness through him. He’d been aware for the last five years. He’d been aware all damn day. And now after a few drinks, he was even more aware of how attracted he was to her.
He looked at Claire the way he’d wanted to since the moment she’d walked down the aisle today. He started at the top of her head, taking in the shiny dark hair that fell around her shoulders, the updo she’d had long gone, when she’d pulled her hair free while dancing. He admired the smooth, perfect skin, and the mouth that teased him mercilessly. Her shoulders were toned, bare except for the thin straps of her pale-pink dress. His eyes wandered lower, and her chest was rising and falling in rapid breaths.
He held her gaze as he ran his hands up her bare arms, and she shivered. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. He knew it the moment she’d walked down the aisle today and had made eye contact with him. Maybe it was seeing his brother get married to the love of his life, but he didn’t want to be left alone tonight.
“You looked beautiful today,” he murmured.
She raised her eyebrows. “That’s it?”
“What do you mean?” he said, taking a step toward her.
“That’s all you’ve got? You’re supposed to be a pro at this. You’ve got to be able to come up with something better than that.”
“I didn’t think you’d fall for the usual lines,” he whispered, the urge to take her mouth with his overwhelming now that he stood this close to her. “And for some reason, I don’t think I want to use any of those lines on you.”
He caught the way her eyes ignited. Her hands slowly traveled up his chest, her eyes not leaving his. She tugged at his nape, urging him to bend down. Her lips grazed his ear. “I don’t want lines. I don’t want anything except you tonight.”
Jake stopped breathing for a moment. The invitation was written all over her beautiful face when she pulled away from him. She couldn’t make it any clearer. That was probably the last thing he’d ever expect from Claire.
“Let’s go,” he said, linking her hand in his.
They were halfway across the ballroom when he stopped. “Wait.” He left Claire standing in the middle of the ballroom and walked toward the band, which was beginning to pack up. He didn’t question why it mattered, why he was stopping, why he was making this more than it should be. The chandeliers in the room were off, the tables cleared, the massive dance floor empty.
“What’s your favorite song?” he called out to her. Her mouth dropped open, and he was momentarily distracted by her lips. She paused for a second, then told him.
He repeated it to the singer of the band.
“Sorry, buddy, we’re ready to go. Last song was twenty minutes ago. We’re only paid until one a.m.,” the young man said, his hand ready to tug the microphone off the stand.
Jake handed him a large bill. “One song.”
The singer looked at the bill, stuffed it into his pocket, and nodded.
“What are you doing?” Claire whispered as he tugged her along to the middle of the dance floor.
“I’m dancing with you the way I wanted to dance with you tonight,” he whispered roughly, and pulled Claire into his arms. And she fit there exactly as he knew she would, just like the dreams he’d had about her. Except it was better because she smelled like flowers and spring and her skin was soft and smooth. He knew he didn’t need to do this. And he didn’t want to question why he was doing this. His hands traveled up the small of her back and to the nape of her neck, gently pulling her head back. He wanted to kiss her, finally taste the mouth of the woman he had no business wanting.
He bent his head and stood still. Everything stopped as he finally tasted her, savored her, and became consumed by her.
Six weeks later
You don’t have to tell him tonight. As long as it’s sometime in the next eight months you’re fine. Liar.
Claire Holbrook knew there was no way she’d be able to keep her pregnancy a secret in a small town like Red River.
Jake wasn’t an idiot. Jerk maybe, idiot not.
She continued to gaze out her best friend’s kitchen window at the man she’d fantasized about for thirteen years. And as usual, Jake had no idea she was around. Not once in the years that they’d known each other had Jake looked at her twice—until the night of his brother’s and her best friend’s wedding. That was the moment cautious Claire had taken the biggest gamble in her perfectly mundane life.
The night of Holly and Quinn’s wedding had provided her with an epiphany—thanks to a little help from the open bar. She had been living her life without any courage, like the lion in The Wizard of Oz. Holly was finally getting married to the man of her dreams and Claire hadn’t even kissed the man of her dreams. So, after a few too many glasses of champagne and a few whiskeys as well, Claire had made her move. And when his arms tightened around her, his head dipping close to her ear, his powerful chest tightening beneath her fingers…she and Jake had stumbled into one of the luxurious suites in the historical Inn. He had lit her body on fire with his touch and filled her heart with promises. But then he left. The first and only man she’d ever slept with, the only man she’d ever loved, just left her in the middle of the night, alone in a hotel room. And now, six weeks later he was back in town, without so much as a phone call.
Claire squeezed her eyes shut and tried to block out the memory of their night together along with the smell of grilling beef, which was making her stomach turn faster than a roller coaster. Her hands gripped the sweating plastic bottle of water she was holding, its crackling the only sound in the empty kitchen.
The sound of laughter and deep masculine voices wafted through the open window, and her heart catapulted forward a few traitorous beats at the sound of Jake’s low voice. She heard the old iron gate swing open as guests meandered down the cobblestone pathway to the impeccably landscaped backyard, their clacking sandals and brightly colored clothes a reminder that summer was imminent. Her eyes narrowed sharply and she stood up a little straighter as a vaguely familiar blonde in short shorts and a tight halter top appeared and snaked her spaghetti-thin arms around Jake’s waist.
Claire crushed the plastic bottle in her fist, the remaining water sputtering out and onto the quartzite countertop with enough force that it could have been from a running fountain. But she didn’t care about the water. What she did care about was the woman snuggling into his side like a slimy sardine. How could he have brought someone here tonight? He must have known she would be here, so why would he blatantly flaunt his newest acquisition in front of her? And did she have to be Claire’s extreme opposite? She was five feet five inches on a day that included an intense Pilates workout. And short shorts were something she’d never contemplate even in private, let alone in broad daylight where even a mere smidgen of cellulite would be highlighted like a neon sign. Despite the fact that she was wearing a stylish but conservative navy sundress, she was no match for that walking Barbie outside.
“Hey, when did you get here? And why is water dripping down your dress?”
Claire whipped her head around to look in the direction of the teasing voice and then down at the wet spot on her sundress. She hadn’t even heard Holly approach.
“Sorry, Holly,” she mumbled, avoiding eye contact as she grabbed a floral tea towel beside the sink to wipe the counter.
She hadn’t told Holly about her one night with Jake, mostly because Holly and Quinn had been away on their honeymoon. She wanted to confide in her, but Holly’s life was so blissfully happy right now, and hers was horribly messed up. Combined with the fact that Jake was now Holly’s brother-in-law, it was all very complicated.
Claire turned her attention back to the blonde and Jake. Sly, ugly jealousy snaked its way through her already wound-up body as she watched the blonde squeeze his perfectly formed, denim-clad butt. What kind of person does that in public, anyway?
She jumped as Holly pried the tea towel out of her hand and blotted the water on her dress. She took a deep breath and finally looked into her friend’s concerned eyes.
“What’s going on with you, Claire? Is it your dad? I know this year has been so hard on you and I feel like I haven’t been there for you—”
Claire waved her hand, silencing her friend. She didn’t want Holly to feel guilty about anything. And she couldn’t think about her father tonight. It was hard having him so far away, in Africa of all places. She shook her head and forced a smile on her face, gently taking the tea towel out of Holly’s hand. “Oh, please. You are the best friend I could ever ask for. I’m fine, really. I’m just tired.”
Holly’s eyes narrowed on her as she tilted her head to the side. Claire knew her best friend wasn’t buying her explanation. Holly had a sixth sense about lies. She avoided eye contact with her and pretended to be overly fixated on drying her dress.
“You? You’re never tired,” Holly said.
Yeah, until she became pregnant. Now she had to fight a losing battle with keeping her eyes open all day, while Jake just carried on with his normal life.
“Enough about me. I haven’t heard a thing about your month-long honeymoon. How was the cruise? How did Ella like it?”
“That’s a nice attempt at changing the subject. The trip was great, Ella loved it. We loved it. Now back to you and why you look so spacey.”
So much for trying to divert the attention off herself. “Who’s Jake’s date?”
Holly eyes widened comically. “You mean you don’t know?”
“I didn’t see her face,” she said, panicking now.
“I almost kicked her out, but Quinn stopped me. It’s Amanda,” Holly said wincing. Claire felt whatever bit of hope there was for her and Jake die faster than a rose in a blizzard. Amanda.
“Oh, wow. I haven’t thought about her in a long time,” Claire said, doing her best to fake a casual smile, doing her best to pretend she hadn’t thought of Amanda since high school.
“Good, because she’s still as irritating as before. Jake has the worst taste in women. You know, I wish you’d just tell him how you feel and put us all out of our misery.”
Claire gritted her teeth. “I don’t feel anything for him anymore.” Her words came out sounding like she was choking on a dry steak.
Holly scoffed. “Hey, this is me you’re talking to, remember? The one who spent her entire adolescence hearing about how you were going to marry Jake Manning?”
Claire stared at her friend’s pretty face, and memories of the two of them laughing and sharing dreams of what their lives would be like when they were older filled her with sadness, because none of it had happened for Claire. Her life was nothing like she’d envisioned. She was hiding in the kitchen, for goodness’ sake. Claire was not an overweight, shy teenager with acne and braces anymore. She didn’t live with her vain, size-four-or-die mother anymore. She’d spent years trying to get her mother’s shrill, disapproving voice out of her head when she looked at her reflection in the mirror.
Claire was a successful florist who owned her own business and home. She was not going to cower in her best friend’s kitchen while Octopus Barbie groped the father of her child. And there was no way in hell she was going to let Jake be so happy while she was miserable.
“Earth to Claire?” Holly’s waving hands in front of her face snapped her back to reality.
Claire didn’t answer as she marched over to her purse sitting on the kitchen table. She was not going to be a bystander to her own life any longer. Was there ever a better time to assert one’s independence than when one was about to become a parent? And what if she had a daughter? Would she criticize her and plague her with trivial ideas about weight and beauty? Or would she love her unconditionally and encourage her to be strong and independent?
Holly’s voice softened, but the worry in it was unmistakable as she came to stand beside her at the table. “Hey, let’s get together tomorrow, okay? I’ve missed you, and now that the wedding is over we can catch up and talk.”
She ignored her best friend and dumped the contents of her purse on the kitchen table in between Holly’s neatly stacked plates and assortment of drinks.
She was looking for the little item she’d kept in her purse for the last five days. She’d carried it around with her because she couldn’t believe it was true, kept looking at it to see if both pink lines were still on the indicator.
“What are you doing?”
She still didn’t answer.
“You’re starting to worry me. Your face is blotchy and you look upset.” Claire thought Holly sounded as though she were speaking to a mentally unbalanced person.
She swung her arm wide, clearing some of the mess, her lipstick clinking against the china. Where was that box? Her eyes scanned the mess and finally fell on the thin box sandwiched between the San Pellegrinos and Heinekens. Bingo. She snatched the prize in her hand, clutching it as tightly as a newly won Oscar. She quickly jammed her belongings back in her purse and swung it over her shoulder as she tried to sidestep her best friend before she could see the box in her hand.
Holly crossed her arms and blocked her path. She could be formidable, but she was no match for Claire right now.
“What are you doing? What is that?” She tried to unfold Claire’s arms. Claire squeezed her arms together tightly.
“I’m giving Jake a welcome-home present.” She tore past Holly, nearly knocking her worried friend over. It was now or never. Jake Manning could not sleep with her, take off for six weeks, and then reappear with another woman groping him. Especially that woman.
“Claire!” She ignored Holly’s plea and stormed down the steps to the outdoor patio. She didn’t even falter as she approached the door and saw Amanda casually caress Jake’s back. His broad, muscular back, the one she remembered clutching, digging her nails into as…
She flung the Victorian screen door open with a force that sent all the boisterous partygoers looking in her direction, the sound of conversation slowly fading to a frightening silence. Quinn was just placing a hamburger on Jake’s plate and stopped, the plate frozen in midair between them, each brother left holding one side.
Claire saw Amanda’s eyes zero in on her and watched with satisfaction as the woman’s sinewy body tensed, like a cat sensing someone encroaching on her territory. Oh no, honey, not only am I encroaching, I’m claiming my throne. Claire’s eyes locked with Jake’s blue ones and the panic she read in them made all of this oh so worth it. She forced herself to turn her lip upward, hopefully pulling off a Mona Lisa-type smile. She strode over to Jake, her strappy sandals clacking confidently on the flagstone patio.
Claire clutched her precious piece of evidence in her right hand, holding it like a knight would hold a sword, ready to pierce his opponent through the heart.
Jake opened his perfectly chiseled mouth. “Claire.”
“Welcome home, daddy.” She stabbed the positive pregnancy indicator stick through his hamburger with enough force that it could have killed the cow had it still been alive.
She didn’t wait, didn’t stop for a reaction. She just kept on walking.
As she burst through the iron gate leading to the street, her legs trembled while adrenaline propelled her forward. Her shins ached, her head throbbed, and her throat burned with unshed tears. She heard her name echo, painfully loud in the quiet street, but there was no way in hell she was going back there. She heard loud male voices. She heard Holly yelling out after her. She heard Octopus Barbie screaming something about the fact that the indicator must have pee on it. She cringed at Holly’s voice, yelling at Jake. She heard Quinn’s loud cursing.
But she didn’t hear anything from Jake.
And then a loud crash ripped through the air.
Jake’s beer. That almost brought a smile to her lips. Almost. But the tears finally won out over the smile as she furiously pounded the lock release button on her car key. She whipped the door open, threw her purse inside, and scrambled to get in before she lost all control.
Just a few more seconds, just hold it in for a few more seconds.
Blindly, she turned the ignition and pulled away from the curb, letting the sobs loose, and they pummeled through the open gates, taking with them no prisoners. Claire tried to stay focused on the road as tears washed over her face.
She wept at her own stupidity in thinking Jake had feelings for her, and she wept for the bitter finale to her fantasies of Jake Manning.