Protector Daddy by Taryn Quinn

TEN

When Christian focused on work,he really focused. As in I could’ve been prancing around in thigh-high boots, cracking a whip, and he wouldn’t have even noticed.

That sort of concentration was both admirable and irritating.

He rolled back from the bank of screens I’d be responsible for monitoring and checked his phone. “Bonnie’s on her way.”

“Oh, good.” I managed to keep my face sober for all of a minute until Christian went back to the bullpen and left me alone to study all the information and maps at my fingertips.

Dear God, what had I gotten myself into? This was a small town. I’d figured I could handle that even if it was a whole new field for me to learn, because we didn’t have a ton of officers to keep track of.

Well, we were bringing on more officers and keeping track of the police force wasn’t my only task. I would be taking calls from the public and re-routing them and making sure people got the help they needed. I had to map locations of crimes and coordinate which members of the force could handle what, along with making sure every event had proper coverage. That occasionally included EMTs and fire personnel, depending on what the call entailed. Then I had to make sure the detailed information was noted in the log.

I buried my face in my hands. Clearly, I should’ve had a proper interview so I could’ve bowed out gracefully before anyone gave me the benefit of the doubt that I could do this job.

A thorough dicking—while very appreciated—would not help me when I was on my own and completely in over my head.

“Honey.” Christian’s voice was a whip.

I jerked upward, dropping my hands into my lap and straightening my shoulders. “I’m awake.”

“I know you’re awake.” He came up behind me and massaged my shoulders with his ridiculously large hands. “Take a breath. Deeper,” he commanded. “Again.”

“Stop telling me what to do.” But there was no heat behind the request. Already my muscles were loosening. Something about the way he got me out of my head and into my body so naturally helped quiet my spinning thoughts.

The way his strong hands felt kneading my tense shoulders didn’t hurt either.

“That’s better. Good.”

I let my eyes close, trying not to let the disappointment take root from his not tacking on girl. Bizarre. Good girl was something you said to a pup who’d fetched his tennis ball. Except I really liked it when he called me his good girl.

“How’s Boomer?” I asked suddenly.

“He’s fine. Misses you.” Christian sat beside me and rolled his chair closer then turned mine toward him and cupped my knees. “Tell me what’s overwhelming you.”

“Everything. There’s so many screens. So much to know and I don’t even know half of it all yet. If I mess up, someone could die.”

“You won’t mess up. And if you do, so what? Dying is highly unlikely,” he added dryly. “Everyone makes mistakes on a new job. It’s expected. You’re human, Honey, even if you are spectacularly sexy and smart.”

I blinked at the sound of someone clearing their throat before keys jingled. I turned my head as if I was coming out of a trance to see Gina’s mom, Bonnie, smiling brightly. “Hello there! Sorry to interrupt.”

“You didn’t.” Christian rose smoothly and took Bonnie by the shoulders to gently guide her into the chair he’d just vacated. “We really appreciate you coming in tonight. We know you were well occupied with Gina. How is she?”

“A trooper. Every time she thinks it’s happening, it completely slows then stops. But as I was on the way here, Jared texted we have contractions again. I’ll head back over there once I’m done here. So you’re the next Cove hot item, hmm?”

I swiveled my neck so fast to try to keep up with Bonnie’s rapid-fire talking that I felt as if I’d gotten whiplash. “Good for Gina. I mean, so exciting. Item? Us?”

In my head, I was screaming yes but I was from the generation where showing much interest was asking to get ghosted. I didn’t think Christian was like that—and not only because he was a bit older than I was.

“Yes, you. For what it’s worth, I’m all for it.” Bonnie leaned up to pat Christian’s broad chest in his uniform while his ears tinged faintly pink. “Though next time, leave some mystery at the beginning so we can get a proper poll going. Can’t put money down if the deed’s been done when everyone practically witnessed the ring toss.”

“What?” I choked. I didn’t have a clue what ring toss meant but I was thoroughly horrified at the implication. “What poll? Money?”

Christian slid his hand around to cup the back of my neck. “It’s an asinine thing they do,” he said soothingly. “They had a poll going about Jared and Bee long before they were even dating.”

“You bet on your own daughter’s sex life?”

Bonnie nodded unrepentantly. “If people aren’t going to be honest, out comes the poll. But then there’s being too honest, if you know what I mean, so we can’t even have a little good clean fun.” She shrugged, her dark eyes sparkling. “Besides, you know who won that poll and split the proceeds? Gina and Jared. Dirty pool but fits those two. I would’ve made an even grand and I had no intention of splitting it with Ernie since he claimed to be shocked I’d participate. Whatever, I had a pair of heels with arch support with my name on them. Oh, well. At least I’m getting my third grandchild out of the deal.”

I was so overwhelmed that unthinkingly, I reached up to grip Christian’s hand. He didn’t balk. If anything, he laced our fingers together even more tightly.

I looked up at him in silent support and his steely blue eyes burned into mine with an intensity that made me forget Bonnie existed. I really liked Gina’s mom, and I’d looked forward to her training me if I got this job. But I wasn’t used to being the subject of town gossip. Apparently, I wasn’t good at it.

After all, I’d barricaded myself in my apartment after I’d been publicly talked about so joyfully at The Spinning Wheel.

“Oh, yeah, I can see why we didn’t need a poll here. How long have these fires been burning?”

“Almost a week,” I said distantly as Christian reassuringly rubbed his thumb over my knuckles.

“A week? God, to be young. In my day, we used to make the mental foreplay last longer. Okay, young buck, outta here.” She jerked her thumb over her shoulder and indicated for him to move out of the way of her rolling chair. She softened the blow with another chest pat, something she seemed to delight in.

Bonnie was a consummate flirt, but she’d been very happily married for years and years. Maybe I just didn’t pay attention to who she was feeling up under normal circumstances.

Not that I blamed her. Christian’s chest was a work of damn art. Just it was kind of mine now, wasn’t it?

We hadn’t had that exclusivity talk yet. Also not something the guys I’d dated wanted to get into. But Christian was different in so many ways.

I gripped the arm of my chair, my nails scratching the pleather. Maybe we needed to spell things out so I didn’t go feral on Gina’s mom on the eve of the birth of her grandchild.

“I’ll be just around the corner,” he told me, stepping back. Bonnie sighed wistfully and gave him one final pat.

“Okay. Thanks. I don’t know how long this will take or when you get off but maybe we can go for a nightcap up at Brothers Three Taproom? Is that part of the orchard open later? I’d rather not hang out in town if we can help it.” Not that he’d even mentioned doing something after this, but I was obviously a thirsty chick.

And not for a nightcap.

“You could use Jared’s boat,” Bonnie chimed in. “They’re not using it and they’re about to put the boat away for the season.” She glanced around and lowered her voice. “He has a fully stocked bar.”

“Oh, I don’t know if Christian—”

“I have other plans in mind, but if they fall through, I’ll doublecheck with Jared. Thanks.” He strode away in that authoritative way he had that made a woman worry about a ticket or pray for a thorough pounding.

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. Maybe that was just me.

What did he mean by other plans? What was he plotting?

I wasn’t going to dwell on it. I needed all of my faculties for this job, clearly.

Bonnie pointed at me as she leaned back in the chair Christian had vacated. Her newly highlighted caramel waves fluttered around her face. “Do not desecrate my son-in-law’s boat.” At my shocked face—not that she warned me not to do it, that she knew I was excitedly anticipating doing so—she let out a loud cackle and patted my arm. “Just joshing ya. Do what you do. I know how precious alone time is.” She swiveled to the rows of monitors. “So overwhelmed yet?”

“A little.” I blew out a breath. “A lot.”

“So was I at first. And back when I started, we only had two of these screens, not the amount we have now. Add in the expansion of the town and all the new officers coming in, never mind the integration with the also expanding fire department….well, let’s just say this job keeps you on your toes. Speaking of—” she pointed beneath the desk to her open-toed shoes and her ruby red nails, “pretty, right?”

“Gorgeous.” I laughed, most of my tension dissipating in a rush. “I really appreciate you helping me tonight of all nights. And for the boat, though not sure we will be making use of it. It’s kind of cold too.”

And Christian’s other plans were still on my mind.

“Eh, it’s easy to offer out someone else’s belongings.” Bonnie chuckled. “But you’re welcome. I’m excited to see you nail this job.” She coughed delicately. “Moving on! Now the first monitor is for tracking the location of all the vehicles that have been signed out of the department.”

I grabbed my mini notebook out of my purse to take notes. I hadn’t even tried when Christian was instructing me since I’d been too fixated on studying his rugged profile.

Girl, you have it bad.

Or so, so good.

Three hours later, I’d taken pages of notes, my hand was cramping, and I’d handled half a dozen calls. By the end of my mini shift, I was starting to feel as if I could possibly one day do this job with a modicum of efficiency.

Which was a good thing because Bonnie informed me Jared already had me on the schedule next week, along with the other new girl he’d just hired.

Nothing like a trial by fire.

“Oh, hey, look at you. Already all official, working the switchboard.”

I looked up from my notes to find Jimmy grinning down at me as he passed his new uniform hat from hand to hand. His dark hair dipped attractively over his forehead and his smile was criminally charming. “Little more high tech than a switchboard, but yeah. Just starting some training. Not officially official.”

“But you wouldn’t be training if you aren’t coming on board.”

“Well, yeah.” I pulled on the end of my ponytail. Why did I feel disloyal by talking to someone who was now my new coworker? Christian’s behavior had been almost caveman-ish.

And hot. Still, I shouldn’t encourage such a reaction. And I also shouldn’t think twice about talking to someone who was now my colleague. “How was the ride-along with Brady?”

“Good.” He lowered his voice. “Kinda boring, to be honest. Does this town ever liven up a bit?”

I had to laugh. “Crescent Cove isn’t exactly the place for excitement.”

“So that’s why you and Prune Face are such big news around here?”

Somehow I kept my expression neutral. I hoped. “Yeah, but he’s amazing in bed. So, you know, balance.”

He pointed at me. “You’re feisty. Also, your brother warned me away from you.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m assuming Brady since Maverick is on his honeymoon.”

He winced. “Working with both brothers and your boyfriend. You like to live dangerously.”

That same sense of trepidation that had made me wonder if this job was right for me—not to mention it was a lot more complicated than I’d assumed—surfaced again. Still, I made myself throw back my shoulders and smile. “It’ll be fine.”

“You don’t sound so sure.”

“Listen, new guy, worry about yourself. Don’t want you to get bored in our sleepy little town.”

“Oh, I won’t get bored. The scenery is to die for.” He flashed me a grin and ambled off—right past Christian, who gave him an inscrutable look that nearly flayed off my panties.

God, this man.

I’d assumed it was a one night only situation until the whole town got involved, and then I’d been even more sure that it should be. But the moment he spoke to me or looked to me or even appeared in my thoughts, my whole body overheated.

I wanted this man. Again and again. And it wasn’t distraction from Mav hurting my feelings or anything else. It was just about him…and me. He made me feel things I never had before.

Why I’d never really cared when my occasional flings fizzled out. They weren’t anything worth holding onto.

“What are you thinking about?”

Slowly, I took off my headset. “Huh?”

Christian’s voice dropped as he walked behind my chair. “You’re biting your lip and staring at me.”

“Oh. Nothing.”

“Right.” He grasped my ponytail and took off the band, pocketing it before he stroked his hands down the long length, gripping it lightly. Tugging just enough to bring my nipples to tight points.

If he’d thought I was biting my lip before, he hadn’t seen nothing yet.

“How did training go?”

“Good.” Surely my voice wasn’t that breathy.

Should I suggest we keep things professional while we were at the station? Jared had given us a reprieve but that didn’t mean we should…do it again.

Not sex—I very much felt we should do that again—just not here. No repeats of what had happened the last time we were here alone together.

Aloneness, however, was not a factor now.

Bonnie had left. Brady had swung through after dropping off Jimmy, but I was pretty sure he’d be back soon. Jimmy was clearly around somewhere.

“Are you sure it went okay?”

“Yeah. Just a lot to remember.”

As if a switch had been flipped, Christian released my hair and sat in his chair. Back to all business, apparently.

“I’m on for another couple hours and then Brady will be back for the overnight. Since you’re not working officially yet, I assume you probably want to leave.”

“Jared already put me on next week’s schedule. So guess I’m doing this.”

“He really wanted you to join us.”

“Yeah. Hope I’m worth his faith in me.” I smiled. “I’ll wait for you. If that’s okay.” I gestured to the monitors, currently displaying maps of the town and other data I would have to work at to keep straight. “Besides, the occasional call is still coming in. I can help.”

“You’re the best.”

“Well, yeah, but I don’t like to brag.” I flashed another quick smile that I didn’t entirely feel. Faking it was basically my life motto.

“Speaking of bragging…” He grabbed the arm of my chair and wheeled it closer so he could speak next to my ear. “I heard what you said to Jimmy. And I’m looking forward to improving on my record.”

Before I could figure out how to respond, Christian moved back and strode away, his swagger undeniable.

Because of me? Or had he always had it and I just hadn’t noticed?

Though I had noticed his ass before in his uniform pants. I had checked it out so openly once at the bakery that Tiffany had whistled. I’d blushed and waved it off, but the gloriousness of some things could not be ignored.

And now I’d squeezed it and gripped it while he thrust inside me…

I fanned myself and turned back to the screens. Work. Right.

I’d mostly gotten my head back in the game a while later when my brother reappeared and pulled out the chair beside me. “How’s it going, kiddo?”

I whipped off my headset and continued entering information from the night’s calls into the log. Luckily, there had only been a few. Thank God for slow nights. “It’s going.”

“Look, I know you’ve been laying low because the gossip machine is churning. Trust me, I know what it’s like.” He spun a pen in a circle then sighed, stopped it, then spun it again. “Difference was I married Tab.”

“People usually don’t get married after a week. At least this person doesn’t.”

“Yeah, and I’m not suggesting you should. Just that we’re worried. This isn’t like you.”

Instantly, a million obnoxious retorts sprung to the tip of my tongue. But I didn’t say them. I wasn’t going to lambast my brother for being concerned—even if that concern did feel heavy-handed.

“We’re just having fun,” I said carefully.

“He asked you to dinner at his parents’ house.”

“That’s true.” Which I still hadn’t answered.

“Also, not sure if you know him, but Christian isn’t a guy who has fun. Which means to me he’s going to want to lock you down.”

“Huh?”

“Honey, you’re beautiful and sweet and so young.”

“I’m not stupid.”

“Of course not. Look at the job you’re training for. Just maybe a bit…naive. I’m sure you’ve never dated someone like Christian before.”

“No. I haven’t. I’m not sure another man like Christian exists, at least here in town.” Or most likely anywhere in New York.

“I’m just saying you might be looking for fun,” Brady lowered his voice, “but I don’t think he is. He hasn’t dated anyone since I’ve been here. Just be prepared if things get serious.”

“Considering I was going to ask him if he meant for us to be exclusive, I don’t think I’m too worried.”

“Honey. Don’t be impulsive about this. You’re twenty-four. You have your whole life ahead of you.”

“Yeah, I know. But I’m not like Tab with the big small business ambitions. Or heck, even like dad with his vintage shop. I’m not looking to go into the FBI like you and mom. Maybe my dreams are smaller. That doesn’t mean they’re any less worthwhile.”

“Of course, they aren’t.” Brady was using what I now thought of as his soothing dad voice. I’d never seen my player older brother as dad material before the last year, but he was a natural with his baby girl Presley. He was so loving and patient.

Maybe all of us had secret abilities and skills inside us we didn’t realize until we were tested. And the only way to find out was to jump in and be open to new things.

New experiences. New people.

New positions…in life. Right.

“But being a teacher is so important. Taking a break isn’t a failure. It’s just giving you time to regroup—”

“I quit school, Brady.”

“Taking time off is okay, kiddo.”

“I didn’t take time off. I quit. I think I just wanted to spend time with kids, but I’m not sure I’m meant to teach them. Like maybe I’d be patient enough if they were my children, but someone else’s…I just don’t think that life is for me,” I said quietly. “I mistook loving kids for thinking that I was going to be a good teacher. And that’s just not true.”

His brow furrowed. “But you’re so good with Presley. Tab’s convinced she’ll be reading early because of all those stories you read to her.”

“She’s family. Next best thing to my own. Doesn’t mean I’d be the same with other people’s kids. I can be a short-tempered bitch.” I laughed and went to snap my ponytail holder back on my hair and remembered Christian had stolen it.

A faint smile curved my mouth. Guess I’d have to start carrying a couple of them.

“Maybe you need to take some time to think about it. You could change your mind.”

“I am thinking about it. But I’m pretty sure my mind is made up.” I shrugged. “Maybe what I want is a kid of my own not a classroom of them.”

If I’d announced I was on crystal meth, I don’t think my brother would have looked any more horrified.

He wasn’t the only one. I’d never considered such a thing until the words had spilled out of me. Now that they had, the idea wasn’t abhorrent.

It was a little strange, sure, since my best friend was all about the freewheeling bed-hopping lifestyle. I’d assumed I was too. Or eventually, I would be.

Turned out I hopped very few beds. Instead, I made sticky buns and watched Netflix and was learning how to crochet amigurumi yarn animals, thanks to Mav’s new wife.

That reminded me. I needed her help doing the spikes on that dragon I’d started. I’d have to ask her once she was back from her honeymoon.

Freewheeling? Eh, not so much.

“What? What’s wrong with you?”

“This from the man who recently had his own kid.” I shook my head and shifted to use the mouse to check the rest of the location screens.

“If you like babies so much, borrow mine all you want. I don’t mind. Tab won’t mind. Hell, you can take her next weekend.”

“Your wife might have an issue with you offering out her kid like a watermelon.”

“Nah, she loves sleep more than she loves me at this point. It’ll be fine. Or hey, Mav’s having one too. You know how irresponsible he is. Van too. I bet they’ll be happy if you take the kid every few days.” Brady paused and looked heavenward. “Sorry, I’m trying to be better. I didn’t mean that. Special dispensation.”

I didn’t know who he was talking to or how he was trying to be better, but again, did he not understand that offering children to me wasn’t solving the problem?

Not that there was a problem. I wasn’t some baby-hungry mama-to-be. I just liked kids. I liked how they smelled like powder and sweetness and fresh shampoo. I loved how they giggled when you tickled their bellies. I liked teaching them new things and watching their eyes light up.

Perhaps I needed counseling. Or to move away from this baby-obsessed town.

My brother laid his hand over mine and jerked me back to face him. “Is this Mickey’s doing? Tab watched a movie on that woman’s network the other night about two girls who made a pact to get pregnant together.”

If I’d laughed any harder, I would’ve sprained something. “Mickey? Mickey won’t even get near a dude if he isn’t double bagged. She won’t take any chances, so no. She doesn’t want a baby. And I didn’t say I did either.”

“You very clearly stated you might want your own kid. I heard you say that.”

“Easy does it, Leave it to Beaver. And don’t go running to Mav with this intel either. I was just saying maybe someday in the future. Like lots of women think they might want a child someday. No big.” I jerked a shoulder although inside me, it did feel big. I wasn’t even sure why.

I was in no place to even consider having a child. I had a job—a couple of jobs now—my own apartment, a savings account, and a two-year degree. Certainly the start for a stable life. But I wasn’t there yet by a long shot.

Most importantly, I didn’t have a man to build a family with. Just a lot of very buzzy emotions for a guy who’d rocked my world sexually.

I barely knew him. I didn’t want a baby with him.

And if I sort of thought that maybe someday I might, clearly I needed to cool off my libido in a dark room.

Brady was mid-tirade about my questionable decision-making process and I was mid ignoring him when a sharp series of knocks on a nearby window had me turning my head. Mickey stood outside, motioning frantically then giving me the thumbs up at something or someone she saw inside.

Frowning, I wheeled away from the table and stood to peer over the divider that surrounded the Dispatch area, only to see Jimmy kicked back in a chair with a headset on, speaking to God knows who and grinning his naughtiest grin.

I sighed. “Collecting belt bunnies already?”

He shrugged innocently.

I hurried over to the exit to meet Mickey outside while my brother called after me. “Sorry, gotta go meet my preggo partner,” I called thoughtlessly over my shoulder as I hurried outside.

Pregnancy pacts. What the actual hell? Did we look like irrational teens?

I’d have to tell Tab to keep a better eye on what he was allowed to do with the remote. Porn would be a much better choice than the Lifetime channel.

Mickey met me at the doors. “Preggo say what? I just finished at the bakery and was going to ask if you wanted to get a bucket of chicken when you’re done. If you’re free. With loverboy around, who knows? Also, who’s that hottie with the sex eyes?”

“Trouble. Steer clear. I’ll explain it later.” I let out a breath. I’d told Christian I’d wait but he wasn’t done yet and I’d officially had my fill of Brady and deep conversations for the night.

I’d just console myself with some fried chicken and some bestie time before I hopefully was banged into oblivion and forgot all my problems.

Mickey licked her lips as she peered inside again, most likely scoping out Jimmy. “Trouble is my favorite word.”