Page 35 of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
Alex slipped a supportive arm around Kimberly, staying between her and the others in the room. Kimberly leaned forward to see the commotion.
“Your sister and Deidre and every one of your brothers.” She didn’t change her stance. “I warned you.”
“But I didn’t think—”
“Precisely. Like you didn’t think before you started yelling at your brother or threw a punch.”
“But you’re supposed to be on my side!” The man stood up. One of the Hastings brothers. His hair was darker and his skin paler, but there was no mistaking the resemblance.
“No, I am supposed to be on the detail to protect Kimberly, who is clearly standing here when she should be on bed rest!” The woman turned and extended a hand. “Hi, I’m ZoElle, or Elle for short. Everyone but Alan and my mom call me Elle. Sorry about the noise. Shall I send these two outside so we can have a chat?”
“Is that safe?” Kimberly directed her question to Alex.
Alex looked at his brother. “I don’t think that will be necessary. Everyone can act like the adults we are supposed to be. Kimberly, this is my older brother Alan. Apparently, he felt the need to rush down here and check on things. Elle had the good sense not to let him drive alone.” Alex turned to Kimberly. “Do you need anything?”
Kimberly held up her finger and slipped out from under his arm. She would not announce her need to go to the bathroom. When she returned, the coffee table was back in place. Alex pointed to the recliner. “I brought it up from the basement so you had an extra place to rest.”
Under the scrutiny of the bodyguards, Kimberly sat down and immediately reclined.
Elle sat on the end of the couch nearest Kimberly. “We were discussing dinner. Alex wasn’t planning on company, so Alan is buying. We were debating between pizza and burgers. Alex says the Chinese place around here can be iffy. What would you like?”
“My vote is for pizza.” Kimberly smiled at Elle. Whatever history she had with the brothers, it was obvious she could handle them.
Elle cast a satisfied look at the men. “What is your favorite topping?”
“Spicy food and I aren’t getting along, so Canadian bacon and pineapple?”
Alex and Alan made faces.
Kimberly tilted her head to look Alex in the eye. “Is that a problem?”
“Not as long as we don’t have to share.”
“Then it’s settled. Alan and I will go get the pizza.” Elle dragged Alan out the front door.
Alex crouched down beside the recliner. “Sorry about the yelling. Alan is usually our mild-mannered computer nerd, but when something hits too close to his heart, he loses it.”
“He is upset you married me?”
“A little. I think he is more upset he’s attracted to Elle and won’t admit it. He’s been a pain for the last five months.”
Kimberly scrunched her eyebrows together. “So he likes Elle and is mad at you?”
“Elle was his client. Alan doesn’t leave the office much, but one fateful day he answered an emergency call, and they’ve been dancing around each other for months now.” Alex laughed. “The look on his face when she threw him.”
“So I read the situation right. How did she do that? She is so small compared to him, and she put him flat on his back.”
“I’ll have her demonstrate. It’s one of my sister’s signature moves. Elle perfected it a few weeks ago. I was the first on the receiving end, but it was on a mat in the gym.”
At the fluttering of her baby, Kimberly moved her hand to see if she could feel the movement outside.
Alex covered her hand with his. “Is something wrong?”
“No, I can feel the baby moving on the inside but not with my hand yet. I’m sorry I am causing you grief with your family.” Kimberly turned to look at him.
“Not really. Abbie is mostly annoyed because she can’t meet you. Her doctor has her on modified bed rest. She called an hour ago and tried to get me to bring you up for a month-long pregnancy slumber party. My parents understand my choice too.”
“Understand doesn’t mean agree.”
