Protecting The Billionaire Read online

  Chapter 18

  Mark Sherbrooke’s face lit up and he enveloped Allison in a hug. Before letting her go, he kissed her check. “I’ve missed you. You need to come home and visit us.”

  “Miss you too, Dad, but I’ve been busy.” She moved away toward her stepmother, leaving Rock inside her father’s crosshairs, not the place he wanted to be.

  “Rock, it’s nice to see you again. How have you been?” Mark extended his hand, a welcoming smile still on his face.

  “Fine, sir. And you?” Rock returned Mark’s surprisingly firm handshake.

  “Well, but please call me Mark. None of that ‘sir’ business,” he answered.

  Calling her father by his first name would take some serious getting used to. His parents had installed the belief that you never address your elders by their first name. The Corps had only further drilled respect into him. “I’ll try to remember.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll remind you if you forget,” Allison supplied, sitting down at the table.

  “That’s my girl.” Mark’s comment sounded similar to something his dad would say, and it somehow made the guy seem more approachable.

  “Have you talked to Trent again?” Allison asked.

  Other than the text message he’d received from his mom, he hadn’t gotten any more information about Addie’s condition. He considered trying his sister’s phone, but figured it would be pointless. If she was still in labor, the last thing she’d want was a conversation. And if the baby had been born, she’d want to be holding the baby not her phone.

  Mark’s smile faded. “He hasn’t called again.”

  “Be honest,” his wife added as she patted his hand.

  Mark cleared his throat at his wife’s comment and then spoke again. “I called him before we came here.”

  “He couldn’t resist. You know how impatient he can be,” Abby said.

  Rock knew the woman wasn’t Allison’s biological mother, but judging by the interaction between them, the two women shared similar personality traits.

  “Dad impatient? No way.” Allison tried to maintain a shocked expression. “He’s the most patient man I know,” she said as she lost the battle and her expression changed to one of pure amusement.

  “I wanted to make sure they’d gotten settled in at the hospital.”

  “Understandable, don’t you agree, Allison?” Abby asked, her lips twitching. The woman enjoyed giving her husband a hard time. Judging by the way Mark went along with it, he didn’t mind.

  “Completely. Did Trent give you an update?”

  “He said they’d been admitted and that Sal and Marta were there with them.”

  Good. Addie would want their parents close.

  “I’m anxious to get there myself tonight. There’s nothing like meeting your child, or in this case, grandchild for the first time.” Mark’s voice grew thick with emotion. “I was right by your mom’s side when all of you were born, although I almost didn’t make it in time for Gray. He couldn’t wait to get into this world. Hopefully, Addie will have a similar delivery to Gray’s tonight. But enough talk about Addie and Trent. Tell me about things here.”

  Allison gave him a sideways glance. If they’d been in a private setting, he would’ve encouraged her to get it over with and tell her dad about the current problem. With so many people around them and considering the response she predicted from her dad, Rock kept his mouth closed.

  “Jake’s a slave driver,” Allison said. “Do you know he took two weeks off when Garret was born and left me all his work?”

  Rock sat back and listened to the conversation between Allison and her family. Although it was only one meeting, it appeared as though she had a strong relationship with both her dad and stepmom. A few of his buddies in high school had stepparents and, with one exception, all their relationships had been cold. In those cases though, the parents had divorced before remarrying. He didn’t have the details about the how, but he knew Allison’s mom passed away several years ago. He guessed his sister knew what happened. It seemed like something a man would share with his wife. He’d stopped himself from asking his sister despite his curiosity. He’d dislike someone poking around in his personal life, especially about something like the death of a parent. Besides, he figured enough people poked into her business because of her last name. He didn’t need to do it too. When she wanted to tell him, she would.

  “It’s too bad you cannot get away this weekend. I’m sure Addie and your parents would love to see you. Marta mentioned you don’t make it home much,” Abby said once Allison had finished filling her dad in all about her work at the Falmouth Foundation.

  Abigail Sherbrooke and his mother discussed him? He couldn’t picture such a conversation. “Not too often. She gets it though.”

  “Understanding and liking it are two very different things. It’s only been a few months and I miss my regular lunch dates with Allison. I can’t imagine going a year or more without seeing her and the boys.”

  Sounded like not only Allison but also her four brothers had a close relationship with their stepmother.

  “We’ll be up next weekend. Maybe we can have lunch then and ask Addie along too. We’ll leave the men in charge of the baby. By then, Trent will have had a whole week to master changing a diaper.” For about the third time since they’d sat down, Allison checked her phone for any text messages. He’d noticed her dad doing the same thing.

  Rock moved his hand toward his own pocket, but stopped when the hair on his neck decided to march toward his scalp. Someone watched them.

  He made a visual pass around the restaurant. Not a single person stood out as not belonging. If Allison’s stalker sat inside, he blended in with the well-dressed individuals. Did that mean her stalker was an older individual? Except for him and Allison, everyone looked to be at least in their fifties. He’d expected the SOB to be younger.

  “Abby, is that William and Louisa near the windows?” Mark asked, interrupting his wife as she and Allison further discussed a possible lunch date next weekend.

  Allison’s stepmom looked toward the windows. He did the same and found the couple in question staring back at their table. Explains whose watching us.

  “It is.” She sent the couple a wave, which brought them to their feet and toward the table.

  “Louisa and Abby used to serve on Barrington’s Historical Preservation Society together before her husband got elected to Congress,” Allison explained as he watched the couple cross the room and the sense of being watched disappeared.

  Even with the minor mystery solved, he examined the room one more time. Everyone looked harmless enough. That didn’t mean they were. The sooner he got Allison home behind a locked door, the better.

  ***

  “Ouch, that looks bad,” Allison said when she stepped out of his truck, her eyes fixed on the accident down the street.

  He agreed. Judging by the damage to both the vehicle and the utility pole, he doubted the driver or any passengers had survived the accident. “Probably some idiot drank to much and got behind the wheel.” He’d almost lost a friend in a drunk driving accident. Somehow though, the guy managed to make it through. Unfortunately, he now spent his days confined to a wheelchair. “Hope he didn’t have anyone with him.” Rock touched her back and gave her a little nudge. Outside she remained too exposed.

  Allison took the hint and started walking. “Dad really likes you.” Her hair brushed against his arm while he unlocked the front door. “Abby does too. They’re looking forward to our visit next weekend.”

  Rock pushed open the door and stepped inside first. The chance of someone waiting inside was slim, but better safe than sorry. “How’d you come to that conclusion?” Allison had left him only once all night when she and Abby went to the restroom, so he’d heard everything her father said.

  “Abby told me in the ladies room. And Dad whispered it when he hugged me before we left.” Allison flipped the switch near the door but nothing happened. Considering the accident
outside, he expected no power.

  “Tell me you’ve got flashlights.”

  Just enough light came through the windows for him to see her expression, but the sunlight was fading fast. “Afraid of the dark? Don’t worry, I’ll protect you tonight.” She kissed his cheek before she passed by him.

  “The backup battery for the security system is only going to last a few hours. Assuming we can arm it at all. Some won’t let you set them if only battery power is available. It’s a stupid design in my opinion. Either way, it’s getting dark, and if the powers not back soon, it’ll leave us vulnerable. We’ll need some light.” He had one flashlight, but he’d prefer more. “If we can arm the system, do ya know the battery life?”

  Her smile vanished. “Right. Sorry. I didn’t even think of the alarm.”

  He hated she needed to now. Until they got the bastard, they had no alternative.

  “Uh, no. I’ve got no idea how long the battery will last. The system was here when I moved in, so I don’t know anything about it. But I’ve got flashlights and candles. If you want to let Baxter out, I’ll get them.”

  Baxter’s whine got louder the longer they spoke. Once the dog heard voices in the house, he assumed it meant he needed out of his crate so he could play or eat. He didn’t seem to care which came first. “Grab any extra batteries you have for the flashlights too.”

  Since he’d moved in, they’d kept Baxter’s crate in the laundry room off the kitchen. The dog hated it, and Rock didn’t blame him. Most of the time he left Baxter free in his apartment. Only on those rare occasions did he lock him up for long periods of time. Even when he got deployed and the dog stayed with his parents, Baxter remained free to roam the house while they worked. Allison’s place was a different story.

  “How ya doing, buddy?” He crouched down and unlocked the door. Right away the dog bolted outside into the hall, turned around, and raced back to him. Baxter stopped long enough to lick Rock’s hand before he bolted out the door again and toward the kitchen. He’d learned quickly to head for the back door when he wanted outside.

  “Didn’t find too many extra batteries. But we’ve got two big Maglites and this.” She held up the headlamp designed for running outside.

  Rock let the dog out into the backyard, if you could even call it a yard. It was more like a fenced in square patch of grass barely large enough for the small patio table and chairs placed out there. However, it gave Baxter a place to take care of his business, so Rock didn’t have to leave Allison alone while he walked him.

  “And I’ve got one upstairs.” He always kept at least one compact-sized, lithium-powered flashlight around. The things were powerful despite their size. He’d even bought his mother one for Christmas a year or two ago to keep in her purse.

  A scratching at the back door let them know Baxter wanted back inside, and Allison dropped everything on the table. “I got it.”

  Rock moved before she finished her sentence. “Don’t think so.”

  “People don’t scratch at doors, Rock. It’s the dog ready to come in.” Her voice projected annoyance and frustration.

  Neither changed his mind. “It sucks, I know. But for now, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” He let Baxter inside, and the dog went straight for the cupboard where they’d stashed his food and treats.

  “He knows what he wants.” Allison grabbed the dog’s dish from the floor and filled it with food.

  Before she moved away, Rock stepped behind her and grabbed her around the waist. “He’s not the only one.” He pushed her hair away from her neck and kissed the skin just below her ear.

  “I once read husbands and wives take on each others personality traits after being together for a long time. I guess it applies to men and their dogs too. Just promise you won’t start howling to get my attention like Baxter.”

  He kissed the same spot again before he slipped a hand under her blouse. “There are better ways of getting your attention.” Her stomach muscles contracted as he ran his finger across her skin and up toward her bra. When his hand covered her breast, her head fell back against his shoulder.

  “What do ya think? Do I have your attention?”

  “Mission accomplished.”

  “Good.” He’d discovered weeks ago how much she enjoyed it when he teased her nipples. He dipped his fingers into her bra, intent on touching them now. Baxter’s jump into the air stopped him as the dog’s head bumped into the bowl, sending pieces of food everywhere.

  “Another personality trait you both share, impatience.”

  With the moment ruined, he moved his hand and grabbed the now half full dog bowl. “Thanks a lot, buddy. I owe you one,” he said to the dog, who at the moment was too busy inhaling the food scattered around the floor to even look in his direction.

  “At least he’s cleaning up the mess.”

  Rock gave the dog a dirty look before moving and putting the dish down. “How thoughtful of him.” The tap the metal dish made when it hit the floor caught Baxter’s attention, and he looked up then trotted over to it. “Let’s see if the alarm system will activate.”

  Allison beat him to the control panel near the back door. When she punched in her code and it beeped, she threw him a thumbs up, closed the panel, and sauntered back over to him. “Nice and safe for the night.” Her fingertips skimmed up his torso. With slow movements, she unknotted his tie and pulled it off. “I think we should go upstairs and find a way to amuse ourselves.”

  He watched her undo each shirt button. When she finished, she pushed the fabric away and kissed his chest. The heat from her lips seeped though his undershirt, branding his skin. “Unless you have a better idea?”

  Better idea? He had one.

  Picking her up, Rock sat her on the edge of the barstool near the counter, shoving her skirt higher in the process. Going down to his knees, he kissed her knee and worked his way up her inner thigh. When he reached his destination, he pushed her damp panties aside but didn’t touch her. Instead, he stared, drinking in the sight before him, committing it to memory for those months ahead when half a world separated them.

  On the stool, Allison wiggled closer to the edge. She grabbed his hand, and he allowed her to guide it. He touched the slick, wet skin and his penis pressed against the front of his pants, demanding to join the fun. “Damn, you’re so ready.” He let one finger dip inside.

  In response, Allison closed her eyes as her head fell back and she moaned.

  Damn, he wanted her. First, he’d make her come with his mouth. He’d fantasized about pleasuring her like that for a long time. Afterward, he’d take her upstairs and bury himself in her and make her come again.

  Rock moved his finger back and forth, enjoying the feel of her muscles contracting around him. Before he lost all control, he stopped.

  On the stool, Allison moved and opened her eyes. “What’s wrong?” she panted, her chest rising and falling quickly.

  Not a damn thing. Rather than answer, he replaced his finger with his tongue.

  ***

  Warm lips brushed against her forehead. The memory of where those oh-so talented lips had been earlier tonight rushed forward, setting her face on fire. She’d never been on the receiving end of oral sex. Her ex had loved when she pleasured him that way. In fact, he’d encouraged it so much, she’d gotten the impression he preferred oral sex. Despite all the times she’d fulfilled his desires, he’d never reciprocated. Until tonight, she’d not known what she was missing.

  “You’re quiet.” Rock’s voice rumbled in her ear, distracting her from her current thoughts. “Something wrong?”

  “Nope. Just thinking.” Wrong? If she could freeze time, she would. Right now everything felt perfect.

  “About?” He played with her hair. Before they went out, she’d tied it back in a twist, but Rock had pulled out all the pins holding it up.

  Her face burned hotter at the mere thought of admitting she’d been thinking about what transpired in the kitchen and hoping he’d do it again
. They’d both enjoyed themselves. There’s no reason to be embarrassed. “Earlier in the kitchen.” Allison considered the temporary blackout a plus. She suspected her face resembled a bright red raspberry.

  Rock leaned over her, his face mere inches away from hers. “Me too,” he whispered the words and she caught the briefest of scent of cherries. The man loved to suck on those hard cherry candies. She noticed he kept a whole bag stashed in his truck and he’d added several bags to the kitchen panty.

  Despite the darkness, she closed her eyes in anticipation for his kiss. She sensed his movements as he came closer. Ready for him, she parted her lips.

  He stopped, his whole body tense under her hands. “Did you hear something?” His voice remained low and the humor she’d heard in it disappeared.

  She shook her head before remembering he couldn’t see her in the dark. “No. Maybe it’s the trucks down the street.” The last time she’d looked outside, two utility trucks and a police cruiser remained working on the downed pole. Since the power hadn’t returned, she assumed they still worked out there.

  “I don’t think so. It sounded like it came from inside.” The mattress shifted as he moved away from her. “Stay here. I’m going to check the house. Lock the bedroom door behind me.”

  Allison grabbed the flashlight from the nightstand. Pointing it down so she didn’t blind Rock with the bright light, she switched it on. “If someone broke in, the alarm would’ve gone off. Baxter probably needed some water or there’s another mouse in the attic. I had one in February right after I moved in.” When they’d gone downstairs for a bottle of wine, they’d checked the user’s manual. According to it, the battery in the system would last for twelve hours. The power hadn’t been out that long.

  “Stay here, Ally.” He yanked on some jeans and an undershirt then grabbed the pistol on the nightstand. “And lock the door.”