Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss(19)

                 She was everyone’s younger sister, daughter, best friend or person in need of protection. It bewildered him and annoyed him in equal parts that everyone in Ashley’s family seemed to think she was incapable of taking care of herself. Nothing in his relationship with Ashley had led him to believe this was an accurate assessment.

                 Yes, she was flighty. She was too trusting, definitely. She was a bit naive. He grimaced. He supposed he could understand that in a family of business sharks she was an anomaly, and perhaps they were right to worry that she’d be swallowed up.

                 But it didn’t mean she was totally incapable of taking care of herself. It just meant she needed someone who’d look out for her best interests and occasionally protect her from herself. Someone like him.

                 Her hand feathered over his arm and she leaned up on tiptoe. He immediately lowered his head, realizing she wanted to tell him something.

                 “We can leave anytime,” she whispered. “I know my family is a lot to take.”

                 He almost laughed. Here he’d been thinking of how she needed his protection and she was busy protecting him from her overwhelming family.

                 “I’m fine. I want you to enjoy yourself. This is your night.”

                 Her brow furrowed and her eyebrows pushed together as she stared up at him. “And not yours?”

                 “Of course it is. I only meant that you’re surrounded by your family and friends and I want you to enjoy yourself.”

                 She smiled, kissed him on the cheek and then settled back at his side as they were besieged my more congratulations.

                 “Ashley! Ashley!”

                 Devon turned to see a young woman barreling through the crowd practically dragging a man in her wake. He looked a bit harried but wore an indulgent smile. Devon stared a moment and then realized that whomever the woman was, she bore a striking resemblance to Ashley and she had every appearance of sharing many of the same personality traits. Probably one of her many cousins.

                 “Brooke!” Ashley cried. She put out her hands just as Brooke careened to a halt and Brooke grabbed hold, beaming from ear to ear.

                 “Guess what, guess what?” Brooke said breathlessly.

                 “Oh, don’t make me guess. You know I’m horrible at it!” Ashley exclaimed.

                 “I’m pregnant! Paul and I are going to have a baby!”

                 Ashley’s shriek of excitement could be heard over the entire room. Devon winced then quickly glanced around as everyone stared their way.

                 “Oh, my God, Brooke! I’m so excited for you! When? How far along are you?”

                 “Just ten weeks. I had to tell you as soon as I found out, but then you’ve been so busy with Devon and then I heard you guys were getting married and I didn’t want to intrude—”

                 “You should have texted me at least,” Ashley said. “Oh, Brooke, I’m so thrilled for you. I can only imagine how excited I’ll be when I become pregnant. I hope our babies are close together and can be playmates!”

                 Ashley had grown louder and louder, her exuberance drawing the attention of the others, who cast indulgent smiles in Ashley’s direction.