Just One Dare (The Kingston Family 5)

“I’ll tell you the same thing I told my brothers, and the women I’ve asked out. I think it’s better to be honest, up front, than drag something out when I know it won’t work. That said…you’re talking about my past.” He glanced at Aurora, who was smiling at something Leah had said. “She’s my future.”

He hadn’t planned on admitting that to anyone in her family but he had a feeling that if he didn’t stake his claim, Linc would make his life damned hard. And Nick already had his hands full dealing with Aurora’s insecurities. He didn’t need her big brother interfering.

Linc eyed him warily but nodded, as if he accepted the pronouncement. Not that his disapproval would stop Nick at all, but his pursuit would be easier if Linc didn’t interfere. “Goes without saying, you hurt them, you answer to me.”

Jordan grinned and rolled her eyes, patting her husband’s shoulder.

“If I hurt them, I’ll slit my own wrists,” Nick muttered.

“I like you,” Jordan said.

Nick grinned. “Gotta say, I like you, too.”

“That’s enough.” Linc pulled his wife tighter against him.

Still smiling, Nick glanced across the lawn in time to see Aurora at the gated edge of the property, talking to a Disney princess. “I take it that’s Ariel and Prince What’s His Name?” Nick asked.

“Prince Eric,” Jordan laughed. “You need to learn your princesses, daddy.”

She might be amused but Nick took his role seriously. “Damn, I have a lot to learn.”

“I thought Aurora said she’d only arranged for Ariel to come today.” Jordan tipped her head to the side, watching the couple enter the yard.

Nick shrugged. “I might have asked Harrison to talk to Cassidy and find out which company Aurora called. Leah’s got a thing for princes, too.”

“It’s Ariel and Prince Eric!” As if on cue, Leah shrieked and ran across the lawn, a group of girls following behind her.

“Interesting.” Linc assessed Nick some more. Then, without warning, he slapped him on the back, and taking Jordan’s hand, he walked away.

Nick started across the lawn, wanting to catch up with Aurora. He only hoped she had a weakness for princes too.

Chapter Six

The day had been a success, Aurora thought. Prince Eric and Ariel had joined everyone to sing happy birthday to Leah, who’d made a wish and blown out the candles. Although Aurora had no time to talk to Nick, she had thanked him for his contribution to the party. Of course, he’d made sure his newfound daughter had her prince. It seemed they were going to have to have a talk about not spoiling Leah, but Aurora still smiled at the thoughtful gesture.

After what seemed like hours, but in reality, had only been another sixty minutes, the cake had been eaten, the Disney characters had gone home, and all the guests had departed—all except Mark and Nick. Aurora hadn’t expected Nick to leave, and Mark normally helped her clean up after a party. But given Nick’s presence, she was surprised he’d stayed.

She did her best to ignore the twisting in her stomach about having to deal with both men. Then, they all cleaned up in silence, dumping the plates and utensils into a big green garbage bag. The party company that had delivered the tables and chairs would be picking them up tomorrow, and she didn’t have to be home for their arrival.

Leah and Mimi were inside watching Bubble Guppies on television, and Aurora wouldn’t have been surprised if Leah had already passed out and was fast asleep.

“You did a great job with the party,” Nick said, coming up beside her.

Did he have to smell so good? She couldn’t very well not breathe around him, but inhaling his potent scent aroused so many feelings, it was hard for her to sort through them all.

“Not a bad effort for someone who never had a birthday party of her own, huh?” She’d tried to change the subject, but slipped and let her vulnerability escape. Again.

Nick put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed tight.

“You know I’m here, too, right?” Mark asked, joining them from outside, a tied garbage bag in his hand.

Nick opened his mouth to speak but Aurora put a hand up. “Nick, please take the garbage and toss it into the pail in the garage. Mark, let’s go talk.”

She led her neighbor to the hallway where they could speak without being overhead. “Mark, what is going on?”

“I should be asking you that very question.” A hurt look crossed his face.

She sighed, knowing she had to nip whatever this was in the bud. “Nick is Leah’s father,” she said softly. “She doesn’t know yet.” Aurora didn’t feel as if she owed him any more details.

“Wow.” He blinked, obviously stunned. “That explains a lot. So, he’s here to get to know his daughter?”

She briefly closed her eyes, then opened them again. God spare her from dense but well-meaning men. “Nick and I have history and unfinished business.” She wasn’t sure if the latter was true but it was kinder than telling Mark she wasn’t interested in him.