Page 15 of Baby Bodyguard

“I believe this is my cue to leave,” Reggie announced.

“Oh, no,” Sami protested. “Must you? Can’t you stay for dinner?”

He slid a quick glance in Noah’s direction. “Not this time, I’m afraid. But we’ll make arrangements to get together soon.”

“Promise?”

“I always keep my promises, my dear. You know that.”

“Is that car yours?” Pudge interrupted. “That big one out front?”

Reggie smiled in amusement. “Indeed, it is, young man.”

“And the giant, too? Does he belong to you?”

“He’s my driver.”

“Wow.”

“Pudge?” Sami cut in. “You mentioned a problem?”

“Oh, right. You better get out back fast. All hell’s breakin’ loose.”

“Pudge!”

The boy sighed. “It just don’t sound right to say all heck’s breakin’ loose. And besides, that’s not what’s going on.”

Reggie gave Sami’s cheek a quick kiss. “We’ll talk soon, yes?”

“Of course,” she confirmed absently. What in the world had happened? “Any day you’re free is fine.”

“My dear—” Reggie broke off and shook his head with a rueful smile. “Forget it. Another time.”

Something in his voice snagged her attention. “Uncle Reggie?”

“Never mind. We’ll catch up later.” Giving her a final hug, he made his way to the front door andleft.

“What’s the problem, Pudge?” Noah asked, his watchful gaze drifting from the boy to Sami. “Perhaps I can help.”

Help? Not good. Not good at all. Noah had a most unfortunate character flaw. He liked to be in charge. This was definitely one situation she preferred to handle herself. “I can take care of it, no problem,” she hastened to say. “You were going to relax for the rest of the day, remember? You don’t start work until tomorrow.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Do I look like I need to rest?” He didn’t give her a chance to answer. “Why don’t I watch, so I get an idea of normal procedures around here?”

Pudge tugged on her arm. “Hurry!”

Sami blew wispy curls from her eyes. She had the distinct impression she’d run out of choices. Noah intended to follow her outside whether she wanted him to or not. “Okay, fine. Just don’t scare anybody.”

Silver-gray eyes impaled her. “Scare anybody? What does that mean?”

Sami planted her hands on her hips. “You can be very intimidating, in case you didn’t know. And I’d rather you didn’t upset anyone by saying something provocative or bulging your muscles at them or giving them that look of yours.”

“What look?”

Pudge danced from foot to foot. “If you don’t come now, they’re going to kill each other,” he warned.

Noah placed himself in front of Sami, once again. “Not while I’m around to stop it.”

She started to shove him out of her path, then thought better of it. Skirting him, she shot a quick glare over her shoulder. “That look, Tarzan.”

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