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“Stop.”

Gwen sat up and frowned. “What do you mean, stop?”

“Stop using this pregnancy as an excuse to push people away,” Alex said. “It won’t work on me.”

Gwen swallowed hard, her dark eyes widening slightly as she searched for meaning in his face. “I don’t know what you’re—”

“You want me,” he interrupted. “And I want you just as badly as I did all those months ago. There’s nothing wrong with that. There’s no reason to try to defuse the attraction between us just because of some artificial barrier you’ve put in place. If you want me, give in to your feelings.”

She opened her mouth to argue but his words seemed to have struck her temporarily mute.

Alex thought this might be his opportunity to finally kiss her again the way he ached to …

Dear Reader,

When I was writing the end of my first book—What Lies Beneath—something unexpected happened. The best man and the maid of honor at the wedding started making eyes at one another! Up until that moment, I hadn’t even considered that scenario, but once they hit the dance floor at the reception, it became obvious to me that my next book would have to be about Gwen and Alex.

That’s where the fun started. As an author, it is my job to make sure my characters find their “Happily Ever After,” but also to make them earn it. I’ll admit I get a bit of sick pleasure from making their lives difficult. And messing with Alex was even more enjoyable than usual. What better way to make a notorious playboy quake in his Armani loafers than to confront him with his greatest fear—a pregnant ex-lover.

I can’t wait for you to read Gwen and Alex’s story.

If you enjoy it, tell me by visiting my website at www.andrealaurence.com, like my fan page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. I love to hear from my readers!

Enjoy!

Andrea

About the Author

ANDREA LAURENCE has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned her ABCs. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her books with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted to the deep South, she’s working on her own “happily ever after” with her boyfriend and their collection of animals that shed like nobody’s business. You can contact Andrea at her website, www.andrealaurence.com.

More Than He Expected

Andrea Laurence

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To Mavens Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones—

You are more than mentors. More than friends.

You believe in me, push me and give invaluable advice

for both career and life. I only hope that one day

I can be as generous of knowledge and spirit as you are.

And to Maven Beverly Barton —

I miss your laugh. I wish I could’ve shared this

experience with you, but I like to think that wherever

you are … you’re proud of what I’ve accomplished.

Prologue

Saturday, October 20

The Wedding Reception of Will and Adrienne Taylor

It was terribly cliché for the best man to seduce the maid of honor, but damn, that was one sexy woman.

Alex had no intention of using his best friend’s wedding as an opportunity to pick up women. Usually, weddings were filled with misty-eyed romantics wanting more than Alex was willing to offer. He’d planned only to wear the tux and wave goodbye as another of his friends crossed over to the dark side.

But Gwen Wright had thrown a petite, slinky wrench into his plans the minute she had strolled into the welcome breakfast. She’d been wearing a tight brown skirt and beige blouse that made her dark brown eyes pop against peaches-and-cream skin. She’d cast a quick glance at him that morning, appraising him with a small smile curving her peach lips. When their eyes met, the light of mischievousness there had intrigued him.

Will had introduced them a few minutes later, and Alex was pleased to discover she was the maid of honor and his partner in crime for the big day. He’d politely taken her hand, marveling at how soft her skin felt against his. He’d wanted to spend more time talking to her, but he didn’t get the chance. She was swept into the wedding chaos and the moment passed.

He hadn’t had another chance to really talk to her, much less touch her, but the anticipation was building with each hour that ticked by. He tried to focus on Will and what his job as best man entailed, since that evening had been dedicated to bachelor activities with the guys.

But tonight was a different matter. When he’d stood at the rose-covered archway beside Will and watched Gwen come toward him in that clingy pink gown, he thought he might not be able to wait much longer. As he’d escorted her down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, he’d pulled her aside and whispered, “Later,” into her ear. The blush of her cheeks let him know the brief message had come across loud and clear.

And later it would be. Later than he’d planned, actually. Gwen was running the show like a seasoned professional. The first opportunity he had to talk to her was during their obligatory dance, but despite holding her in his arms, he could tell she was a million miles away—making lists, planning the cake cutting … She was a woman on a mission, and he hadn’t made an inch of real progress in his pursuit of her.

Now the bride and groom had departed and the crowd had started to thin. They were quickly closing in on a “now or never” moment. From the other side of the room, he watched her direct the few men charged with taking the wedding gifts back to the apartment. Every gesture, every smile intrigued him. Alex wished he could figure out what it was about Gwen that drew him to her. The impact of her presence had been direct and immediate. If she had some kind of sexual kryptonite that weakened him, he wanted to know it.

And there must be. She’d had his undivided attention for a good part of the last thirty-six hours, and she didn’t even know it. There was no argument that she was beautiful. He loved the way her curly ash-blond hair framed her heart-shaped face and the dark eyes that watched him beneath full lashes. Her petite frame was highlighted by her bridesmaid gown, showing off those shapely calves.

But there was something else about her. Something that drew him in and wouldn’t let him look away. And he was determined to find out what it was.

“It’s later.” Gwen had been sitting for less than forty-five seconds when she heard a man’s voice over her shoulder. Forty-five seconds were not nearly enough to make up for the hours she’d spent on her feet.

She was the maid of honor. It was her job to scurry about and ensure everything was on track. But she was tired. Dog tired. Regardless of what the man wanted from her, he could forget it. Even dancing with Prince Harry had less appeal than kicking off her shoes and face-planting in her bed right now.

Then she looked up and found herself smack-dab in the laser sights of none other than the best man, Alex Stanton. He was looking extraordinarily handsome tonight in his Armani tuxedo, his golden hair tamed for the special occasion. The hazel-eyed bachelor had been charming and friendly toward her for the last few days, but like Gwen, he’d been busy with wedding responsibilities of his own.

She’d tried to ignore the tingle of electricity she’d felt dance across her skin when he’d taken her arm to walk down the aisle. But then, in a brief moment alone, he’d leaned close to her ear and whispered the word “later.” The single utterance was laced with such heavy meaning that it was hard to breathe for a moment. How he’d managed to roll “I want you,” “I’m going to rock your world tonight,” and “I hope you’re prepared” into a single word, she’d never know. He’d followed the promise with a sly smile and wink before he’d pulled away and embraced the newlyweds.

“Miss Wright, may I have this dance?”

Gwen wasn’t sure if she had the strength to make it through another dance with Alex. During their first turn on the dance floor, the electric feeling had intensified; this pull that urged her to press inappropriately close to him while they swayed. She’d spent the song thinking of cheesy knock-knock jokes to distract herself. She didn’t want Alex to think she was throwing herself at him. Regardless of what she’d read into his words earlier, he was dancing with her because he had to. You dance with your cousin if that’s who you’re paired up with in the wedding party.

But several times over the last few hours, she had felt the prickle of awareness on the nape of her neck and caught Alex watching her from across the room. There was an unabashed appreciation in his eyes as he had looked her over, making a warm flush rise to her cheeks. But instead of approaching her, he would flash his trademark smile and disappear into the crowd like a circling shark.

The reception was virtually over now. She had pretty much given up on anything but a quiet cab ride back to her apartment, since by her estimation, “later” had come and gone a long time ago.

And yet here he was asking her to dance. His heated glance sent a shiver down her spine, a tingle of excitement overriding the pain in her toes and sending her heart racing.

Most men did not jump-start a reaction in her like this, but Alex was not most men. To say the millionaire real estate developer was out of her league was an understatement. But he didn’t seem to notice.

As he held his hand out to her, there was no denying what he was offering. He wanted to fulfill his earlier promise and then some. Alex was interested in more than a dance, and by taking his hand, she was agreeing to it all. The building ache of need low in her belly and the suddenly tight press of her breasts against the confines of her fitted gown told her she was anxious to accept his offer.

Gwen looked up at her suitor. He was handsome, charming, rich…. When would she ever have another opportunity like this? She’d had her share of lovers over the years, but few could hold a candle to Alex. His reputation set tongues wagging, and she’d be lying if she’d said she didn’t want some firsthand experience. She deserved a night of fun with a man who knew how to have a good time. She’d been working so hard at the hospital and helping Adrienne. Next year would be just as hectic and, if all went as planned, quite lonely. A no-strings liaison with the playboy might be just what she needed.

One last drink before rehab, so to speak.

Her eyes locked on his, her answer clear as she reached out to offer him her hand. With a triumphant smile, he eased her from her seat and swung her gently around to face him on the seamless, white dance floor.

Without hesitation, Alex wrapped his arm around Gwen’s waist and pressed her tight against him. His bare palm splayed across her lower back, the heat of his touch only intensifying the pulsating desire stirring just under the surface.

She was surprised by her sudden, physical reaction to his touch. It was like a floodgate had opened. She had to suck in a ragged breath to cover the shudder that accompanied the rush of adrenaline through her veins. The spicy scent of Alex’s cologne swirled in her head, mixing with the soft fragrance of roses and candle wax and making her almost light-headed. Gwen could only cling to his shoulders as they rocked back and forth to the slow, seductive music.

They stilled on the floor as the music continued but didn’t pull away from one another. Instead, Alex leaned down and kissed her. It started off soft but quickly intensified once he got a taste—his tongue invading her, his mouth and hands demanding more. And she gave it to him. Gwen arched her back to press her soft body against his hard contours. He growled low in his throat, the vibration rumbling through his chest and teasing the firm peaks of her aching nipples.

Finally, the last few notes of music silenced, breaking the seductive spell that cocooned them from the surrounding world. But Alex didn’t let go, as she had expected. He looked down at her, the gold flecks in his eyes almost glittering with arousal. His jaw was tense, his shoulders rising and falling with his own rapid breathing.

It was time to leave. The hows and wheres and whats were still up in the air, but they couldn’t stay on the dance floor forever. “I need to get my things out of the bridal room,” she said, her voice breathy.

Alex nodded, releasing her from his embrace, and Gwen headed toward the dark hallway at the back of the boathouse.

“Keep it together, girl,” she whispered to herself as she turned the knob and entered the small space. Set up for brides, the room had a vanity and mirror, a chaise lounge, a wardrobe for hanging clothes and its own bathroom. They had cleared out all of Adrienne’s things earlier, but Gwen still had a few items scattered around.

She quickly checked her hair and makeup in the mirror. Her hands trembled as she grabbed her compact and mascara, stuffing them into her purse. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or arousal rattling her composure.

Gwen was reaching for her hairbrush when she heard the soft click of the door closing, then locking, behind her. She didn’t turn. She only needed to look up to see Alex’s reflection in the vanity’s mirror, his back pressed against the door as he watched her with passion blazing in his eyes.

The where had apparently been decided. And she was glad.

One

Eight Months Later

“I’m almost there,” Alex said. “Fashionably late, as always.”

The voice of his best friend, Will Taylor, sounded through the Bluetooth-enabled sound system of his Corvette. “I’m not really worried. Just wanted to make sure you remembered how to get here.”

“I’m making the last turn now,” Alex lied. He was at least another fifteen minutes from the house in Sag Harbor, but it would soothe his friend’s concerns. This was supposed to be a vacation. The Fourth of July was one of those laid-back holidays with no obligations. There were no schedules, so he couldn’t possibly be late. “Is everyone else already there?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Alex hesitated before asking one last question. “Did Gwen end up bringing someone with her?” It was a dangerous question to ask, but he had to know. He’d rearranged his entire schedule to come out here because she would be there.

“No, she came alone. She rode up with us this morning.”

Excellent, Alex thought, although he didn’t speak the word aloud. As far as he could tell, no one, including Will and Adrienne, knew about what had happened between him and Gwen last fall. So of course they wouldn’t understand his interest in seeing her again. Or his burning desire to have her in his bed every night for the next five days of this trip.

“So what does that make? Ten of us?” Alex tried not to sound like he was fishing. “That’s a nice, round number. I’m glad she was able to take the time off. I haven’t seen her since the wedding, but I figured Adrienne would have her up for the holiday.”

Will made a thoughtful sound but didn’t elaborate. “We’ll see you shortly then.”

“Bye,” Alex said, pressing the button on his steering wheel to terminate the call. Easing back into the soft leather seat, he gripped the wheel tightly and pressed his foot down on the pedal to accelerate.

Gwen would be with them in the Hamptons this week. Alone.

He’d been hopeful, but he hadn’t let himself ask until now. The two weeks they’d spent together after Adrienne and Will’s wedding had been incredible. She was the smartest, funniest, sexiest woman he’d ever been with. It had been quite the pleasant surprise to find such an intriguing woman in such a small package. But to underestimate the spark inside that petite frame was a serious mistake. She was a firecracker in bed and out.

Their two weeks together had flown by, and before he knew it, he’d had to leave for New Orleans. Like all his relationships, it was short and without strings. Just a fun, sexy fling. But unlike most of the women he dated, Gwen hadn’t wanted any more than that. She didn’t eye his bank account or bare ring finger with burning ambition. She was just in it for a good time. He got the feeling she was busy, just as he was, and didn’t want the complication of something serious. It was perfect.

So perfect he was hoping she’d be up for another round.

Apparently their short time together had not been enough for Alex to get his fill of Gwen. He typically grew bored with a woman after a few dates. If they pushed for more, he pushed the end button on his cell phone. He was always open about it, but most women seemed to think they might be the one to tame him. None had come close.

At best, Gwen had managed to stay on his mind amid the distractions. For the last seven months, Alex had been working on a new real estate development project in New Orleans that had sucked up a lot of his free time. Despite everything, thoughts of her would occasionally sneak into his brain while he was sitting in a boring meeting or lying in his bed at night. She’d even slipped into his thoughts as he’d trolled Bourbon Street. After their time together, it seemed that none of the women he met, especially in a setting like that, were up to par. Night after night he’d slink back to his hotel, alone.

Alex just couldn’t shake the memory of Gwen. The soft caress of her hands across his stomach, the scent of her lavender shampoo, the sharp sass of her wit wrapped in the soft contrast of the Tennessee accent that came out when she was flustered …

Another week together ought to get her out of his system. Then he could get back on the prowl and reaffirm his reputation as a notorious bachelor.

Now that his project had gotten rolling, he could take a step back and let Tabitha and his management team run the show. When he and his friend Wade had started their first real estate development business, they’d been hands-on, start to finish. Now that he’d spun off and had the money to hire talented staff, he could do what he wanted and keep from getting bogged down in the details. He was looking forward to more time to play than he’d had in a long time. A few days in the Hamptons for the Fourth of July holiday was a great way to kick it off.

Alex turned onto the road that would lead to Will and Adrienne’s waterfront vacation estate. Adrienne had concluded the family’s ten-thousand-square-foot summerhouse was far too large for just the two of them and decided to make an event out of it. About eight other people would be joining them this week for some relaxation and fun.

At first, he hadn’t planned to come, but when he realized Gwen would be there, too, he’d changed his mind. Although they’d agreed not to contact each other, there was a part of him that wished she had texted him every now and then. He missed the sound of her laughter and her bright smile. A few days with her could scratch that itch.

What he hadn’t known until now was whether Gwen was bringing someone with her. He was hoping she would be up for Fling 2.0, but he couldn’t be sure. If she’d shown up with another man, this would have been a long, boring week of clambakes, pool parties and cold beds.

A small, worn wooden sign marked the circular driveway to the house. Alex slowed his Corvette and turned in, pulling behind a Range Rover and a silver Mercedes convertible.

He popped his fist against the horn to announce his arrival and climbed out of the car. His khakis and polo shirt had been a touch too warm in the city, but near the water there was a nice breeze making it cooler and much less humid. Perfect for being outside.

“Alex!” Adrienne called out from the front porch. “Will, Alex is here.”

She started down the steps to greet him, and Alex noticed that his best friend’s bride was looking as lovely as ever. She wore a pair of denim shorts with a light green sleeveless blouse tucked in, and her dark hair was pulled into a ponytail, her complexion a bit pink from the sun. To see her now, you’d never know she’d once survived a plane crash and undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries.

As Adrienne held out her arms to hug him, only the thin, white line of a scar up her left forearm remained. Alex pulled her into his embrace and gave her a tight squeeze. He’d been so busy lately he really hadn’t seen much of them, either. In his business, it was feast or famine. Either he was working almost nonstop for months at a time, or he was home, freewheeling while his manager, Tabitha, handled the rest. The project in New Orleans was a big one and sucked up more of his time than he had expected.

“Do you need help with your bags?” she asked. “Will is out back fighting with the new grill.”

The thought of Will grilling brought a smile to Alex’s face. They’d likely starve or call in a caterer before the trip was over. “Nope,” he said, pulling a duffel bag from the passenger’s seat. “This is all I have.”

“I’ll show you to your room, then.”

Alex followed Adrienne and her flip-flops into the house and up the grand, circular staircase that wrapped around the living room. They traveled down a long, white hallway with alternating doorways and artwork on each side.

“Here it is,” she said, opening the door and waving him inside.

Alex went in and tossed his bag down on the queen-size sleigh bed that dominated the room. The bed was covered in an intricately designed quilt and large, fluffy pillows. The light oak wood of the bed matched the tall dresser and bedside stand. There was a flat-screen television, an overstuffed chair and ottoman, and a ceiling fan turning gently to keep air circulating. Honestly, it was far nicer than the hotel room he’d been living in the last few months in New Orleans, and he’d paid quite a bit for the privilege.

“You have your own bathroom,” Adrienne said, gesturing toward a door on the far wall.

“Great. Where is everyone else staying?” Alex wanted to know exactly how far he might have to go in his underwear to get back from Gwen’s room before everyone woke up. If he was lucky, it was her door he could see across the way.

“Emma, Peter and Helena are staying down the hall. Sabine, Jack and Wade are in those rooms across from you. Will and I have the suite downstairs, and Gwen’s room is just off the kitchen.”

Damn. She was about as far from his room as logistically possible. Just great. That would make sneaking around quite a bit more difficult. Alex tried not to frown. He didn’t need Adrienne asking questions.

“Looks like I have everything I need, then.”

“Great. I’ll let you get settled, and we’ll see you downstairs.”

Adrienne slipped out of the room, leaving him alone. He heard the dull slap of her footsteps down the wooden staircase, then pulled back the curtains and watched for her to step out onto the patio. He could see Will out there, hovering over the stainless steel grill that was built into the L-shaped outdoor kitchen they’d added since his last visit. Adrienne kissed him on the cheek and assisted him in investigating the mysteries of the new cooktop.

With the coast clear, he unzipped his bag and pulled out a bottle of wine and a bundle of crimson roses he’d picked up for Gwen on his way out of town. His father had always taught him that a gift was never a bad way to start off on the right foot, especially with women. Alex would’ve gotten her some jewelry, but the last time he’d tried, she’d pretty much laughed in his face. To avoid a repeat, he’d opted for something a little more low-key. With Gwen, he’d learned he had to strike a balance between thoughtful, nice and too expensive.

Hiding them behind his back, he headed downstairs in search of Gwen’s room. He’d stayed in that bedroom a few years back at another summertime Taylor gathering, so now he easily found it near the laundry room and kitchen, tucked away in a remote corner. At one time, it had been the maid’s quarters.

The door was halfway open. From his vantage point, he could see an open suitcase lying on the bed. Alex approached the entry and poked his head around the corner. Gwen was putting clothes away in her dresser.

Her back was to him, so he took a moment to admire her. A strapless cotton sundress flowed in bright colors to her ankles and bare feet. Her curly, ash-blond hair was pulled up in a clip that left soft tendrils at her bare neck. He was suddenly filled with the undeniable urge to kiss her there.

Alex slipped silently into the room, creeping across the plush rug to come up behind her.

“Hello again, gorgeous,” he said, wrapping his arms around her to display the wine and roses and planting a warm kiss at the apex of her neck and shoulder. “These are for you.” He felt her tremble slightly at his touch, then stiffen beneath his hands.

She didn’t turn to him or take the gifts. Instead, a soft, hesitant voice politely replied, “Hello, Alex.”

A feeling of unease nagged at Alex’s brain and threatened to override the longing building in his gut. This wasn’t the welcome he’d expected from her at all. He’d anticipated a smile, a hug, maybe an enthusiastic “Hello, sugar” … or at the very least, a thank-you for the flowers. Perhaps he had miscalculated. Her less than enthusiastic greeting made him wonder if she was upset with him. Had she expected him to call even though they’d agreed not to? At the time, she’d seemed to understand what they had together, but she wouldn’t be the first woman to be disappointed or upset when the relationship ended as planned.

She finally took the roses and the wine, setting them on top of the dresser without really looking at them, her back still facing him. Note to self—Gwen wasn’t a fan of expensive jewelry, roses or red wine. What did she like?

“How have you been?” she asked. Her voice sounded more normal now, less timid. Perhaps he’d just startled her.

“Busy,” he said, his free hands now planting at her waist. She didn’t pull away, but she didn’t lean back against him, either. The flowers hadn’t done their magic, but he knew just how to thaw out a woman’s cold reception. The feel of his arousal pressed against her back would certainly soothe her pride and let her know how badly she’d been missed. “You?” he asked, letting his palms glide around to her stomach to pull her reluctant body into him.

At least, that was the idea. As his hands ran over a soft, rounded belly instead of the flat, firm one he remembered, Alex paused.

The realization washed over him like a tidal wave. The breath was knocked from his lungs and his muscles seized, allowing him to neither pull away nor spin her around to see the truth with his own two eyes.

“Busy,” she whispered, repeating his words. “And as you may have noticed, pregnant.”

The hands on Gwen’s rounded stomach had turned from a gentle caress to a grip of immovable stone in an instant. The pressing of his fingertips into her belly were almost painful in their intensity. She put her hands over his and pried them away so she could turn around and finally face him.

Gwen hadn’t been sure how she would feel seeing Alex again. The boyishly handsome face was just as she remembered it, sending her heart racing unexpectedly in her chest. Her fingers itched to run through his messy, blond hair. Her lips ached to leave a trail of kisses along the faint stubble of his jaw. In an instant, it was as if the last few months apart had never happened.

But at the same time, Gwen wondered if coming here had been a mistake.

The golden-hazel eyes that had once sparkled with mischievous passion were now wide with unexpressed emotions and burrowing into her stomach. Granted, it was hard to ignore. To say she’d blossomed in the last month was an understatement. She’d gone from a small pooch of a belly to full-blown second trimester almost overnight.

But it wasn’t the surprise on Alex’s face that concerned her. She expected that. It was the red blotches spreading across his skin and the hard, angry line of his jaw. He was always so laid-back and carefree. She’d never seen him upset, but she supposed when you had enough money, you could fix any problem. Now his personality had taken a one-eighty swing, and Gwen wasn’t even certain he’d taken a breath for the last two minutes.

“Breathe, honey, before you pass right out.”

His gaze darted to meet hers, the intensity of it making her chest tight. She wanted to squirm and move away from him, but she stood her ground. She hadn’t done anything wrong. Why should she run?

“Breathe?” he said at last. “You show up here pregnant without saying a word to me about it and tell me to breathe? Were you saving the news for my birthday or something?”

“It’s none of your business what I do. We aren’t an item. Why would I …?” Gwen started to argue, then stopped, realizing her mistake. She’d never thought for a minute that Alex would think this child was his. She was only five months along, but the furious set of his jaw indicated he wasn’t familiar enough with a female gestational cycle to make that distinction.

They’d slept together and now she was pregnant. He’d obviously jumped to the wrong conclusion.

“This isn’t your baby,” Gwen quickly clarified.

Alex opened his mouth to start arguing with her, but her sudden and unexpected response stopped him short.

“Are you certain?” he asked, his face almost pained by the words.

“One hundred percent. I haven’t seen you since November, and I’m only at twenty-two weeks. Unless some of your li’l swimmers decided to camp out in my apartment for the holidays and attack when I was least expecting it, you’re in the clear.”