Perfect Stranger (Novella) by Carly Phillips Page A

Erin, and her husband, Cole.
    â€œLooks like it’s family night,” Sam said, calling them over. “How did you two get away?”
    Erin had had a baby six months ago and rarely left her daughter’s side.
    His sister greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. “Mom showed up and practically shoved us out the door. She said we needed a break and she needed time with Angel.” The hazel eyes she shared with Sam lit up when she mentioned her baby daughter.
    Cole slipped an arm around Erin’s waist, greeting Sam with a nod. “She’s already called home twice to remind your mother about the time of her next bottle and what to do if she cries.”
    â€œLike she didn’t raise three of us?” Sam teased his sister.
    â€œFunny,” Erin said to her brother. “And
he
”—she poked her husband with her elbow—“already called Mom to make sure she had our cell phones on speed dial.”
    Sam still couldn’t believe they’d gone from his sister getting pregnant after a one-night stand with Cole Sanders, undercover cop with no intention of remaining in town, to being a happily married couple and overly concerned parents.
    â€œAll my favorite people are here!” Sam turned at the sound of Macy’s voice.
    Erin spun and gave her best friend a hug.
    â€œHow is that adorable goddaughter of mine?” Macy asked.
    â€œCute as ever.” Erin beamed.
    â€œHon, want to go get a drink?” Cole asked her.
    Erin nodded.
    â€œAnyone else want anything?” Cole asked.
    â€œI’m good,” Macy said.
    â€œMe too,” Sam added.
    Erin and Cole walked toward the bar, leaving Sam alone with Macy. She was his sister’s best friend, so he was used to her being around.
    â€œHi, Macy. How are you?”
    â€œHi yourself.” Her smile, as usual, was infectious. “I’m good. Busy as usual. You?”
    He shrugged. “Same old.”
    She shook her head, her long dark hair falling over one shoulder, and sighed. “You so need to get laid.”
    Sam rolled his eyes, not surprised by her outgoing ways. In addition to her blunt manner, she was beautiful, sort of exotic, her Italian heritage showing through. If she hadn’t been like family, he might have looked twice—until she started busting his balls, that is. She wasn’t for him, but no doubt she’d give some guy a run for his money.
    She glanced around, a frown furrowing her eyebrows. “Where’s Nicole?”
    Sam whipped his head around to meet her gaze. “Who?” He had to have heard wrong. That or it could be another Nicole. It was a common enough name.
    Macy scanned the crowds before refocusing on Sam. “You probably know her? Nicole Farnsworth, the stalker’s sister? She’s new in town and renting the room over Joe’s. I invited her to meet me here tonight.” Macy glanced at her watch, and her concerned expression turned to a frown. “She’s late. You haven’t seen her, have you?”
    Sam expelled a harsh breath. Nicole had moved here? Months of thinking about her and she was now as close as upstairs?
    â€œMaybe she’s uncomfortable, not knowing anyone . . . and considering I mistook her for her crazy sister at first . . . I should go check on her.” She shoved her glass at Sam. “Hold this for me?”
    Sam shook his head. “I’ll go.”
    Macy narrowed her gaze and stepped into Sam’s direct path. “So you do know her.”
    He nodded, his heart racing at the thought of seeing her again. No woman had ever made him feel so many things in such a short time. Protective, aroused, attracted . . .
    â€œAnd you’re interested,” Macy concluded in the wake of his silence.
    â€œNo comment. I’m going upstairs. You can hold down the fort here.” This time he handed her his beer bottle.
    Macy watched him, her stare too perceptive for his