The Bodyguard's Baby (Billionaire Bodyguard Series) by Kristi Avalon Page A

lectured anyone about lofty ideals in a classroom, but he held a personal set of ideals and thoughtful philosophies. She admired that a great deal.
    Lately, it seemed every time she turned around she discovered a new, evolving aspect of him that endeared him to her further. “Need any help?” she asked, trying to hide a shiver.
    He slanted her a dismissing glance as if she’d asked him if she could try out for Olympic weightlifting. “I got this, babe. Go inside and keep warm. I’ll be in later.”
    Startled by the unexpected endearment, she lost her words. She nodded mutely, took the mug he handed her, and returned to the blessed heat of the townhouse that required nothing more strenuous than writing a check to the gas company.
    Somewhere along the way, Slone had grown on her. In a good way. She really liked him. His work ethic, his background and past, his can-do attitude no matter how intense the task. All traits she could describe to her child, but couldn’t emulate the way a father would—without words, teaching by doing instead of theorizing. Slone’s stock in trade.
    With a heavy-hearted sigh, she wished Marissa had never planted the thought in her mind that Slone could be an ideal choice as the father of her baby. Now she wanted him—only him. The one person she couldn’t have.
    *
    It startled Lindsey each time Slone walked the hall past the elementary school library and caught her eye. He stood out glaringly against the backdrop of cartoon murals and children’s handcrafted art pinned to the walls, with his well-muscled height and brooding intensity.
    When the next bell rang, a new group of kids filtered into the library. As a substitute teacher preparing for a full-time position in January, she volunteered any chance that came her way, including library duty, since no mom could make it today.
    The fresh-faced, bright-eyed first graders collected themselves dutifully in a semi-circle around the empty chair where their “special reader” should be sitting, book in hand, ready to read to the kids. She checked her watch and realized the special reader should’ve arrived by now. She approached the head librarian. “Isn’t someone supposed to read to the kids now?”
    “Supposed to.” The gray-haired woman shrugged. “I believe a local fireman was assigned for today. I guess he canceled without telling us.”
    Anxious to keep the kids under control, Lindsey led them in a little sing along for another five minutes. No fireman.
    When Slone passed by again, Lindsey raced into the hallway and grabbed his hand. “I need you. It’s an emergency.”
    He blinked but followed her. “What kind of emergency?”
    “We don’t have anyone to read to the kids.”
    He stopped cold. “What about you?”
    “No, you don’t understand. Every day there’s a special reader, a surprise guest, who comes to the library and reads to the classes. They know me, but you’re new and special. You have to do this for me. Please?”
    He sent a pained glance at the twenty-two kids growing restless a few yards away. “Seriously?”
    She gave him a winning smile and batted her lashes.
    “You’re lucky I like you,” he muttered.
    Yes! “Thank you. This means a lot to them.”
    He arched an eyebrow. “Uh-huh.”
    Pulling him toward the pint sized group, she introduced Slone. “Welcome to special reader day. This is Mr. Rowan, and he’s going to read ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.’”
    Squeals of laughter and delight erupted. The story was a first-grade favorite. She handed Slone the slim book with more pictures than words. “It’s a short, cute story,” she murmured to him. “Just slip into character. I know you’ve done more impressive impersonations before in your Special Ops missions, so this won’t be hard.” She winked.
    He frowned. “Uh-huh.”
    “I saw you in the hall,” a boy with deep dimples said. “Do you work here?”
    “I’m here as a guardian,” Slone said as he sank into the