From Duty to Daddy

Rubbing her arms, Charlie studied him. He looked exactly the same as the last time she’d seen him, the day she’d kissed him goodbye. Except then he’d worn army fatigues, not butt-hugging, thigh-accentuating jeans and a tee shirt that framed his size and muscles. His face was bronzed, his buzz-cut hair darker than midnight, that mouth that had done sensational things to her skin was still full and enticing. Marshall was still heart-stoppingly attractive.

Behind her someone cleared his throat. Dad. She’d forgotten all about him. Forgotten even where she was. And Aimee. Was she still in the sandpit? A quick look over the fence and Charlie relaxed a notch.

Aimee. Marshall’s daughter. The tension rewound tighter than ever. And anger pounced. ‘Why are you here? Turning up with no warning, as though you expected me to be happy to see you.’ Her hands clenched and her breaths were short and sharp. After all this time of searching for him and here he was, looking wonderful, not to mention cocky. So darned sure of his welcome. ‘Well, I don’t want to see you.’

Her petulance rang in her ears. So much for being mature and sophisticated. Too bad. Right now Marshall bloody Hunter deserved worse.

Marshall was staring at her as though she’d grown horns. She probably had. ‘Charlie, I’m sorry. I never thought to phone ahead.’

She gaped at him, her jaw dropping hard. A fish out of water probably looked more attractive. ‘You have no idea what you’ve done.’ She spun round on the balls of her feet and nearly slammed into her father, who looked puzzled as he glanced from her to the man and back.

‘Charlie, didn’t I tell you to let it go and see what happened?’ That Dad grin he gave her calmed her temper the tiniest bit. ‘Happened a lot quicker than we expected, didn’t it?’

He was taking the credit for Marshall’s sudden appearance? No, Dad was being Dad, gentling her when her temper ran away on her. Thank goodness for fathers. On an uneven breath she said, ‘You’re right. I don’t know what came over me.’ Now, there was a fib. Marshall was no longer MIA but standing a metre away, watching her from those intense eyes that missed nothing.

Both men seemed to be waiting for her next move. She didn’t have one. Her heart was thumping so loudly in her chest she couldn’t hear herself think. Her stomach was doing loop the loop while her hands shook so hard she had to clench them into tight fists again.

Finally Dad made the first move. He strode towards Marshall, holding his hand out in greeting. ‘I’m Brendon Lang, Charlie’s father.’

Marshall’s eyes widened with something Charlie could’ve sworn was relief. Glad of the diversion? With startling alacrity he took Dad’s hand and shook it. ‘Marshall Hunter. Pleased to meet you, sir.’

Dad returned the handshake, said, ‘Marshall, what happened? One moment you were parked on one side of the road, the next you’ve slammed into John’s SUV on the opposite side.’

Embarrassment flushed through Marshall’s eyes. ‘I got distracted.’ His gaze fell on Charlie. ‘Forgot which side of the road to drive on. Do you know the owner of that vehicle? I’ll need to sort out repairs with him.’

‘John’s our neighbour. I’m surprised he’s not out here already.’ Dad glanced up the drive.

‘He went out on his motorbike hours ago.’ She’d growled when John had roared down the road moments after Aimee had finally fallen asleep.

Dad crossed to the merged vehicles. ‘Let’s see what the damage is.’

Marshall looked embarrassed as he called after him, ‘I’ll shift the rental and then leave the guy my contact details. He’s not going to be too pleased when he sees that dent.’ He didn’t move to join Dad, instead remaining beside her, playing havoc with her senses. He was an eyeful, for sure.

Tightening her stomach muscles in an attempt to gain some control over her wacky emotions, she looked up at him, and instantly wished she hadn’t as her eyes clashed with his. A girl could get lost in those eyes. Heavens, she once had. And look where that had got her. Focus on the bent cars. Nothing else.

‘I think you’ll survive. It’s John’s work vehicle, supplied by his company. If you’d hit his Harley you’d be swinging from that tree in his front yard already.’ The words spilled out in a rush.

Marshall grinned that mesmerising grin she’d never forgotten. ‘Really? A Harley? Awesome.’

Great. Another motorbike freak. And something she hadn’t known about him. Along with just about everything, she realised. A doctor in the US army didn’t cover much about this man at all. Hang on, don’t forget his energy, athleticism and how gorgeous he looked first thing in the morning with stubble darkening his strong jaw.

A shiver rocked through her. Stop it. None of that had anything to do with Marshall suddenly turning up unannounced. Why now? She shrugged. Plenty of time to find out. Or was there? He could be passing through. Of course, Waiouru. The military base was only a few hours down the road. This would be a fleeting visit. She’d have to make the most of it and grab the opportunity to tell him about Aimee. But why was he here? Then reality hit—hard. ‘You were driving away. You weren’t stopping by to see me at all.’ What had he been planning on? A reunion? Changed his mind when he’d seen how suburban she actually was?

‘Caught.’ His smile faded as his lips pressed into a line. His gaze drifted to Dad, back to her. ‘Sorry, Charlie. I decided I’d made a mistake.’

‘Marshall.’ She grabbed his forearm, shook him to get his undivided attention. When those eyes that reminded her of hazy summer days met hers this time she all but yelled at him, ‘Don’t think you’re disappearing out of my life that quickly. Not when I’ve spent months trying to trace you.’

There was no way she’d let him walk away now. Her gut rolled, which had absolutely nothing to do with Aimee and everything to do with the wickedly hot memories of Honolulu that touching his arm brought to mind.

‘You have?’ Shock dropped his jaw. ‘Why?’

Gulp. Not out here on the street. The man deserved some lead in before she dropped her bombshell. She shrugged, trying for nonchalance and failing miserably. ‘If we sort out the vehicles first, will you promise to give me a few minutes of your time?’ A few minutes? She’d better come up with a succinct explanation for why she’d been searching for him if that was all the time available.

‘Yeah, sure.’ Marshall’s tone lightened as though he thought he’d been granted a reprieve.

As if. How could he know that? He was very astute, remember? Said it was part of his military training to always be looking for a hidden agenda. What he hadn’t worked out yet was that it would be a very short reprieve. But first the cars. ‘Think you’ll be able to back your car away from the SUV without causing more damage?’

Then he leaned closer, traced a fingertip over her lips. ‘How have you been, Charlie? Really?’

Her stomach thrummed. Her lips opened under his finger. Just like that, she was his. Or would be if she wasn’t standing in the street with Dad watching warily. Jerking her head back, she glared up at him, saw the man who was used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it, and started to spew out two years’ worth of desperation. ‘I couldn’t be better, what with—’

Aimee interrupted, ‘Mum-mum. Up.’

Charlie spun around to find Aimee half-draped over the fence. ‘You little monkey. That fence is supposed to keep you in.’ Seemed she’d be arranging for the new, higher fence to be built sooner than she’d expected. Opening the gate, she bent to lift Aimee into her arms. ‘Come here.’

Her heart was pounding as her blood sped around her veins. She’d nearly blown it then, had been about to spill it all thoughtlessly, without due consideration for Marshall and his reaction. That would definitely not earn her any points and make it harder for Aimee in the long run.

‘Your daughter?’ Marshall stood right behind her.

‘Yes.’ She saw disappointment cloud his eyes. So he didn’t like the idea she had a child. Didn’t that fit in with his plans? Whatever those were. Tough. She had more bad news for him yet. When he heard the whole story he wouldn’t even be thinking about how he felt about her.

Charlie held Aimee tightly against her chest. A shield? Did she need protection from Marshall? Now the moment of truth had arrived she suddenly wondered how he might react to being told he was a father. He might go absolutely ballistic and deny flat out he could ever be a father. Or say there was no way in hell he wanted a part in Aimee’s life. Or he might insist they move to the States to be near him. Not a hope in Hades, Marshall. Not a hope.

‘Go sort out your car, Marshall.’ Now she sounded bossy. But what was she supposed to do? Tell him everything here and now, standing on the footpath? Hand him Aimee and say, ‘Meet your daughter’? ‘Will you stay long enough for a coffee afterwards?’

Marshall’s eyes widened. Struggling to keep up with her? ‘Sure.’ He turned towards the vehicles, turned back. ‘It’s great to see you, Charlie. Really great.’

Take my breath away, why don’t you?

Her eyes feasted on his broad back and narrow hips as he walked away. A shiver of excitement rippled through her. But there was so much she didn’t know about Marshall. Once she’d tipped his world upside down with the news he was a father, would she get the chance to find out anything? Or would he storm off, never to be seen again?

Her gaze drifted to the entangled vehicles. He wouldn’t be storming anywhere in the next few minutes. Her spirits lifted. He had to hang around for a bit. At least until a new car had been arranged, surely?

Marshall headed for his rental, still trying to collect his scattered brain cells. This tall dude was Charlie’s father. Hell, he’d nearly shouted with laughter when he’d heard that. All the disappointment gripping him since he’d spied the guy under the tree had dissipated in a flash.

You’re not in the clear yet, buddy. That cute little girl has to have a father. Kids don’t just arrive in the letterbox.

His smile slipped. True.

‘Right, let’s get this sorted,’ Brendon muttered, just as a Harley shot around the corner.

‘This your neighbour?’ He tilted his head in the direction of the bike. What a way to introduce himself to Charlie’s father. If the man had any sense he’d make sure he never went near his daughter again.

‘Yes. Come and meet John.’ Brendon seemed preoccupied. ‘Are you staying in town, son?’

Straightening his shoulders, Marshall studied the man before him. There seemed to be a lot more to that question than was apparent. Until he got a grasp on the situation he’d give away little about his intentions. Intentions? Hell, they were as clear as a sandstorm. ‘Yes, sir.’

‘For long?’

So the guy did want him gone. Wasn’t happy about his sudden appearance. Protecting his daughter? ‘Two days. Maybe three, depends on my ride out of the country.’

‘So you’re flexible?’ Was that hope lightening that steady gaze? Nothing made much sense here.

‘Depends on the air force.’ Not to mention Charlie and her situation. ‘I’d like to spend some time catching up with your daughter, if that’s at all possible.’

‘You’d better stay the night with us, then.’

I don’t think so. In the circumstances that’s way too close and personal. ‘Won’t Charlie object?’ What about the kid’s dad?

Brendon gave him a knowing smile. ‘Probably, but then she’ll calm down and see the merit in my idea. You might have to weather her temper first, though.’

‘Seems like I’ve already had a wee dose.’ Marshall shook his head. He’d never once seen her get angry back in Honolulu. ‘Let’s talk to your neighbour about his wrecked SUV first.’ And give me time to decide whether I go for broke or head for a hotel in town.

Stay in the same house as Charlie? And not be able to touch her, or to hold her, kiss her like he ached to do? Because if he did he was sure he’d be history. It would go down a treat with her old man. The guy seemed decent enough but touch his daughter and there’d be hell to pay. Marshall just knew it.

Then he was being introduced to John and they got down to the nitty-gritty of sorting out his bad steering problem.

Charlie stood at the window, peering through the trees. Spying on the men. Pinching herself. That really was Marshall out there. With Dad. Talking as though they’d always known each other. There didn’t seem to be any animosity from Dad, just his regular caution.

She grinned despite the tension gripping her. Dad must’ve just about wet himself when she’d spoken Marshall’s name. For all his saying to leave it up to the universe to sort her problem, he would never actually have thought anything would come of it. She’d better remember to tell Gemma. She’d enjoy a good laugh.

But Gemma could wait. The man the universe had delivered to her doorstep was about to take all her attention. Strange that now he was here she felt reticent about telling him about Aimee.

Once Marshall knew he was a father Aimee was no longer hers alone. Someone else would have the right to make decisions about her life. Talk about selfish. She definitely wasn’t being fair to Aimee or Marshall. There again, if Marshall wasn’t interested in being a hands-on father, nothing would have changed. Except that if her health turned to custard, Aimee would still have a parent to go to. Marshall would have to take her then.

But it had been one thing wanting to find him with the intention of explaining the whole situation. It was a completely different issue to actually front up to him and turn his day upside down, if not his life.

More than two years ago he’d been adamant he didn’t wanted commitments and she was about to ask him for the biggest one possible. Part of her felt sorry for the guy. If only she’d probed a little to learn what lay behind his statement. But every time she’d started to ask serious questions he’d leaned in and touched her, with the resulting heat turning her brain to molten desire. By the time they’d made love she’d forgotten everything else.

‘Mummy.’ Aimee tugged at the hem of Charlie’s shorts. ‘Want dink.’

‘You want a drink,’ Charlie enunciated clearly for her little miss. Hard to believe how quickly Aimee was learning to talk. Almost overnight she’d gone from saying nothing to these funny little sentences. Aimee was a gift. A joy. She had to get that message across to her daughter’s father so he wouldn’t miss out on anything else as Aimee grew up.

Male laughter filtered through the trees. Seemed everyone was getting on just fine. No surprise there, with John being so easygoing and Dad acting as middle man. Marshall could also charm anyone when he put his mind to it.

Including her. Not that he’d had to try very hard. She’d been his in a blink. Never before had she known such excitement with a man. Marshall had truly shown her past lovers to be beginners. He’d known all the buttons to push or caress or kiss, turning her into a sex addict overnight. A Marshall sex addict. There had not been even a hint of anything sexual since.

Trying to ignore the old but familiar sweet tension in her tummy, she turned away and headed for the kitchen and the juice, tidying away toys as she went. Aimee tended to spread everything far and wide when she was playing, making it a constant job to keep the floor clear enough to get from one room to another. Normally just thinking about it made Charlie feel tired but not today. Right now she felt more invigorated than she’d felt since she’d first become ill.

Must be something in the air, she hummed to herself. Or a certain American on her doorstep. Her lips twitched. Marshall Hunter was here. In Taupo. Outside her home. Unbelievable. And then the tears really started, pouring down her cheeks, dripping off her chin.

Brendon told Marshall to go on inside the house, and that he’d be along shortly. Marshall could feel his antennae twitching. It was as though Brendon was pushing him and Charlie together—for a catch-up chat? Or was there more to it? But no one had known he’d turn up this afternoon so that couldn’t be right.

Did Charlie mind him being here? Or was she about to kick him to the moon? He couldn’t decide if she’d truly been happy to see him or not. Initially she’d all but thrown herself at him, but only moments later she’d pulled back, hard.

He stepped into the warm interior and paused to suck in a breath. It had been a long haul to get here, no point in retreating now. Until today he’d never retreated—unless his life had been in danger. Or his buddy’s.

His mouth soured. Now was not the time to be recalling that bleak day in hell. Fronting up to Charlie could never be as painful as dealing with what had happened to Rod. The man after whom he’d promised to name his first son, if and when he ever got around to settling down and raising kids. Some time around when he reached fifty.

Stepping along the wide hallway, he glanced at the framed black-and-white photos on the walls. Most of them featured Lake Taupo with the mountains in the background. They were very good. ‘C Lang’ was signed across the bottom-right corner. Charlie did photography? Darn, he knew so little about her.

He found her in the kitchen with the child. Definitely thinner than he remembered. Had pregnancy done that to her? Most women put on weight, didn’t lose it. Could she have taken getting back into shape too seriously? An image of running along the beach in Honolulu with Charlie at his side sprang up and he smiled. Yes, Charlie had been a fitness fanatic. Had loved her sports almost more than anything else. Almost. Sex had been top of the pops. But that was a kind of sport too, she’d told him one day, a cheeky grin lighting up her face.

‘What did John have to say?’ the woman in question asked in a strained voice as she kept her back to him and supervised the little girl drinking juice. Most of the liquid made it into the child’s mouth but the pink tee shirt had a yellow streak down the front.

The pranged cars. Of course. Focus, man. ‘He seemed okay with it all.’ Marshall tried for a nonchalant shrug to hide these oddball emotions charging around his head. He needn’t have worried because Charlie continued focusing her attention elsewhere. He told her, ‘I’ve phoned the rental company and they’ll sort it out, including supplying me with another car.’ His eyes were stuck on the child. She was so cute. Except for the eyes, she had her mother’s colouring right down to the freckles on her button nose.

‘Bet they loved that,’ Charlie sniffed, and he knew she was crying.

Three long strides and he stood in front of her, reaching his fingers to trace the wet lines on her face. ‘Hey, babe, don’t cry. Sorry if I’ve upset you by turning up out of the blue. If you want me to disappear, I’ll go. Pronto.’

Panic flared, widened those damp eyes that flicked from him to the child and back again. ‘You can’t go. Not yet.’ She hiccupped through her tears and swiped at her face again.

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