The Naughty List Bundle - Kylie Adams [280]
Sawyer started forward with a wide smile and a warm glint in his dark eyes. “Georgia?”
She nodded, staring up at him. Jordan heard her swallow. “Yes?”
Sawyer, damn him, hugged her. He put his arms right around her, as if she were a member of the family or something, and cradled her to his chest with a great show of affection.
Jordan saw red and had to struggle not to huff like a bull. Luckily Sawyer released her right away.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Sawyer said. “Casey has told me quite a bit about you.”
Her eyes were still round, her expression awed. “You’re Casey’s father?”
“Yes.” Sawyer glowed with pride whenever he spoke of Case. “I understand he’ll be doing a spot of baby-sitting today. We’re all looking forward to it. Especially my wife. Now that we have our own little one-six-month-old Shohn—and with Morgan’s daughter Amber, Honey’s finding she really adores children. She’s never had much chance to be around older children, so this’ll be a real treat for her.”
Jordan knew what his brother was doing, making it sound like a damn favor to him if Georgia didn’t hesitate to let him take the kids. He’d told Sawyer on the phone that she hadn’t quite agreed yet. But now, well…Sawyer’s performance should clinch it.
He glanced at Georgia to see how she was reacting to Sawyer’s long-winded introduction. He wasn’t really surprised to see that her mouth was still open as she stared up at him. There was an innate compassion to Sawyer that drew women; they felt safe with him.
Then Gabe sauntered forward and Jordan thought she might faint. He cursed low even as he clasped her arm to steady her. Everyone ignored him.
“Hi, there,” Gabe said, flashing her with his most engaging grin, and Georgia couldn’t even blink. When Gabe waited, still smiling, she managed to lift one hand and flit her fingers in a feeble wave of greeting.
Jordan heaved a disgusted sigh. “Why are you all here?”
Sawyer shrugged. “I came because you asked me to. Gabe tagged along so you wouldn’t have to leave Georgia here alone. He’ll drive your car and drop me off to get Georgia’s car, then we’ll both be back. Casey is going to go ahead and take the kids to meet Honey, since she’s practically bouncing with excitement.”
Sawyer spoke as if the plans had all been finalized, attempting, no doubt, to head Georgia off at the pass, so to speak.
But at the mention of her offspring, Georgia came out of her stupor. “This is ridiculous. You’re all going to so much trouble—”
“Not at all.” Gabe winked at her, rendering her mute again. He had that effect on all women, it seemed. Even his wife wasn’t yet immune. He’d ask Elizabeth if she’d like mashed potatoes, and the woman would blush scarlet. It was uncanny.
“It’s no problem at all,” Gabe assured her. “And for the record, my wife is anxious to meet the kids, too. We don’t have any of our own yet. Not that I’m above trying, you understand—”
Jordan stepped in front of him. “You know, Georgia, since Sawyer is here anyway, why don’t we let him take a peek at your mother? He’s a damn fine doctor. And that way, if she ever has any other problems, you can just give him a call. They’ll already be acquainted.”
Sawyer nodded. “I still make housecalls, if you can believe the convenience of that! But in Buckhorn, we’re all real neighborly that way.”
Jordan shook his head at the not-so-subtle suggestion that Georgia could be more neighborly herself.
She turned her back on them all, one hand to her head. “This is incredible.” She appeared to be speaking to herself.
“Where did you move from?” Gabe asked.
Distracted, she waved a hand and said, “Milwaukee.”
“Ah, that explains it. We do things differently here.”
She turned back around, her eyes intent. “Are there any other brothers I haven’t met yet?”
They said in unison, “No.”
“Thank God for small favors.” They all grinned at her, making her fall back a step before she caught herself. “All right, I want to see