Valentine Babies (Holiday Babies Series) by Mona Risk

it’s gone.”
    “Listen to me Roxanne. Don’t do anything strenuous today.
Take it easy. If you feel anything again, call me right away.”
    “I’m fine, Greg. I’m really good. Stop worrying.” She
checked her watch. “I have to go. Uncle Elias wants to see me before they
leave.”
    “Call me from there, please. I’m eager to hear the latest
news. And Roxanne...”
    “Yes?”
    “You can’t believe how much I miss you, darling.”
    “I miss you, too, Greg. More than you can imagine. I’ll see
you in a few days.”
    “I won’t let you out of my arms.” His voice vibrated with so
much passion. Happy tingles spread all over her body.
    “Yes, yes. Bye, Greg.” I love you, Greg. She couldn’t
wait to see him and say the words loud and clear.
    Her phone chimed. It was Steve announcing her escort team
was here. She joined him in the lobby and they sauntered to the Jeep where
Brian and Joe waited for her. Half an hour later, Steve followed her up the
stairs to her friends’ apartment. Remembering Greg’s advice to take it easy
today, she climbed the steps slowly, pausing to rest on every landing.
    “Hurry up,” Steve urged. “We don’t have all day.”
    “Why are you coming all the way upstairs, if you’re in a rush?”
He was really taking his protector’s role too seriously. He could have gone
with the two others and come back when she called him. Unless...
    Steve knocked three times, two fast raps followed by a
pause, and then a third louder bang. Was it a signal? The door opened and Leila
threw her arms around his neck.
    Good God, what was going on here?
    Her jaws sagging, Roxanne stared at the most blazing kiss
she’d ever witnessed. “You sure don’t waste time, you jerk. Are you crazy?
Playing with my friend’s feelings.”
    “Not playing, Roxanne. Never.” He finally released a beaming
Leila.
    “Well, what do you call that kiss? I just introduced you to
Leila four days ago. And now—”
    “Don’t be shocked, Roxy,” the young woman said. “Steve came
for supper every night after he finished his work.”
    “No kidding, Steve. You dumped me at the hotel and came
here?”
    “It’s not like that,” he protested. “Just come inside and
we’ll explain.” The man acted as if he were part of the household, inviting her
in.
    Roxanne felt like a big sister, trying to protect a naive
girl from an unscrupulous womanizer. But this was her colleague and friend, and
Leila was no naive girl. At twenty-three, she’d already seen her share of
miseries.
    “ Baba is in the living room. Don’t let him wait. We
will explain later.” Leila tugged at her hand, but Roxanne kept turning and
scowling at Steve who didn’t seem to care.
    “Hello Roxanne.” Elegant in a gray suit and black shirt
adorned with a pearl necklace, Marie Diab opened her arms. “Come in, ya
benty . Come in, daughter.” Aunt Marie hugged her. And then hugged Steve.
    “How are you doing, Aunt Marie? Ready for the big trip?”
Steve held the older woman’s hand and offered her his biggest smile. “My
friends are waiting downstairs. We’ll leave for the airport in an hour.”
    “ Ya habiby , my dear Steve, I don’t know how to thank
you.” She turned toward Roxanne. “After the men drove you to the hotel four
days ago, Steve called to inquire about Elias’ health and ask if we needed
anything. He returned the same night with bread and milk for Michael. Of
course, I kept him for dinner. The dear boy loves my cooking. He’s been here
every evening.”
    The dear boy winked at Roxanne. “Don’t have bad
thoughts, Roxy.” He raised both hands. “It’s all innocent and honest between
Leila and me.” He wrapped an arm around their friend’s waist. “She’s the most
wonderful girl I’ve ever met.”
    “Whatever.” Roxanne shrugged and smiled. “It seems I missed
a lot.” She turned to Marie. “Do you need help with the suitcases?”
    “Oh no. Our luggage is ready. Steve and Leila filled four
big suitcases