Unexpected Romance

Unexpected Romance

By Asrai Devin

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Epilogue

About Asrai Devin

Other books by Asrai Devin

Chapter 1

Tony Foster stared at the opulent house where she lived, shielding her eyes as she gawked. After living with Corey for two years, the size still surprised her. Just because you could buy a seven bedroom, four bath, house, didn’t mean you should, but he retired from professional hockey, so he was super rich. Super damn rich.

Growing up, it was just her and her mom. Her dad fucked off to who knew where when she was a kid so she grew up with nothing, until her formerly estranged half brother, Corey Porter, swooped into their lives. He moved them to a house, helped with bills, and promised to pay for her college education. Which left her at twenty with a world full of options available but She couldn’t decide what to study, so instead of college, she became a nanny for Corey’s friends, Kip and Mandy Turner.

After an exhausting day, she wanted to get inside and eat while she vegetated on the sofa until everyone else wandered in. Her step-niece and nephew would arrive soon, but they were close to her age and had strict rules to do their homework.

She used her key to let herself in the front door. She kicked her shoes off and stared at them laying on the floor of the entryway, one lay upside down two feet from its mate. With a sigh, she put them in the closet, wishing she lived alone and leave her shoes laying wherever she kicked them.

She headed to the kitchen and opened the fridge. Thanks to the radio, she had Justin Timberlake stuck in her head. Tony hummed the song then deciding she was alone, she sang aloud as she made her sandwich.

She tossed her knife into the sink with a clatter, then grabbed her snack and whirled into a pair of ice-blue eyes. She stumbled backward, she gasped, examining the face surrounding the blue eyes. He was tall and wide, his stance confident and relaxed under a mop of black hair and he needed to shave three days ago. As the plate wobbled in her hand, his snatched out to steady the opposite side, as her world stilled she shouted, Holy crap. Warn a person. She tugged her sandwich from his grip and tossed it on the counter.

I didn’t want to interrupt your song.

Who the fuck are you? Tony crossed her arms over her chest.

You must be Tonya. It wasn’t a question and she didn’t like how his eyes assessed her.

How do you know my name?

I guess Corey didn’t talk with you today. He said he would text you.

I forgot to charge my phone and I left my charger here. In my room. Stop changing the subject and answer my questions. She wrinkled her nose and pursed her lips, frustration clouded her thoughts. The way he invaded her space, not only her physical space, but her attention. This was her house, he interrupted her quiet, and his eyes were far too blue. His hair had fallen across his forehead, making him appear charming, instead of damn hot.

I’m Chris Boyd. The team called me from the minors, in B.C., for a game or ten. Chet Morris hurt his hip, not sure how long he’ll be out or if I’m good enough to stay. He offered his hand.

Tony’s eyes rolled back in her head. She ignored the hand and grabbed her sandwich, taking a bite she waited for him to finish and leave.

And you don’t care…

I am not a hockey fan. Okay, the game had grown on her, but she wouldn’t admit it.

So… I’m staying here until they decide what they are doing with me.

She was ready for him to disappear. Great. I had a long day so if you don’t mind, I’m going to watch TV for a half hour. Are you eating here?

Corey said it would be okay. If it’s a problem I can—?

Nope, no problem. She grabbed her plate and edge past him as the front door opened then slammed closed.

Tony, we’re home, Tanner called. "Colton too.

Colton’s presence was the norm, as Tanner’s best friend and the teenage son of Mandy Turner. Does Mandy know?

Of course, Colton said.

Jessa stared at the floor. The poor girl had a secret crush on Colton. She surprised Tony when the younger girl confided in her, she wasn’t best friend giggly material, but she supposed Jessa had to tell someone and Tony tried to be a big sister figure. Hi Jess, Tony said. Jessa flashed a half-smile.

I’m starved. You want something to eat? Tanner asked Colton.

It’s spaghetti night, Tony said.

Kip is picking me up before supper, Colton informed her over his shoulder as he followed his buddy to raid the refrigerator.

Are you hungry, Jessa? Tony said in a low voice I can bring you something.

Jessa shook her head. I’ll come back when it’s quieter.

If there’s any food left, Tony said. Get your homework done. It’s my turn to drive you tonight. Oh, Corey has a new temporary guest, Chris Boyd.

Jessa waved and Tony realized Chris stood behind her. The girl headed upstairs without another word.

She has a crush on the blond kid, hey?

Tony whirled. How d’you know that?

She can’t stop staring when she thinks he’s not looking. Lucky for her, when the brother isn’t looking, the kid stares back.

It’s a secret, so don’t point it out. She confided in me a few weeks ago.

The boys trampled back through the living room to get their backpacks. Hey, bring your plates back. This is Chris Boyd.

Hey, I’m Tanner. This is my buddy, Colton. If you’re into it, we’ll play Call of Duty.

Chris waved at them. Nice to meet you. I’d be up for CoD.

The boys disappeared and Tony shook her head, relieved they’d remove the interloper.

Tony closed her eyes and sat for the first time all day since the Turner kids were too busy coloring walls, crying over cup choices, and fighting their needed naps. Chris sat on Corey’s recliner and she wanted to ask him if he could watch TV in his room. She had one too, but eating in bed was gross. With few options, she turned on the TV and choose a talk show, not her first choice, but she hoped to bore him into leaving.

After five minutes, she couldn’t handle anymore. She grabbed the remote and looked for another show. She hazarded a glance toward Chris. His gaze remained firmly on the television. She shouldn’t even be laying here pretending to relax. She should be looking at homework, or at least, at class descriptions and schedules. It was spring; if she got her shit together, she could be in school for the fall.

Then she would be reliant on Corey for financial support. She wasn’t contributing to his bottom line, but she provided for herself. Her mother believed a man would save her, but they’d never stuck around. Only a few were abusive but Tony learned early to trust no one especially her mother. She slept with a locked door even now, although she was far away from the garbage, the poverty.

When Corey appeared on their doorstep, claiming to be her brother, she hadn’t believed a word he said until he sent money. Her mother was thrilled, but Tony told her not count on the support, until he bought them a house and introduced them to his family.

When Tonya graduated from high school, he offered to pay for college. She refused, because it was too much but a year later, he called again. His friends were looking for a full-time nanny and she was working at the same pizza place she had since she was fifteen, life passed her while she held onto her pride. She agreed to fly out and meet them.

She instantly fell in love with Kip and Mandy Turner and their four children, Colton, Lucy, Ethan, and Bethany. And she’d fallen in love with Corey’s family. Nicole, eight months pregnant with Paige, and her children, Tanner and Jessa. Even the city beautiful, close to the mountains, lots of entertainment options, and no one knew her. Leaving her her mom was difficult, but Corey and Nicole made her feel welcome.

But the sheer magnitude of the city overwhelmed her, so she’d settled in and let life pass. She didn’t go out, she didn’t have friends, or goals. Tony Foster existed, but she didn’t live. She slammed her feet to the floor and poured the remaining milk into her mouth. Chris looked at her. You okay?

Fine. She gathered her dishes and headed for the kitchen.

In the kitchen, she folded her arms on the counter top and rested her head atop them. How should she know what she wanted?

Before Corey shed live in an uncertain world, never knowing if they’d pay rent and have food. As a teenager, she hoped to have more than a crappy dead-end job, like her mother’s constant string of employment. Dreaming of something more, college, or marriage, only ended in disappointment for her mother. Tony didn’t dare dream; she was a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks with no special skills, no interests and no hope of improvement.

How could she leap into a world she never dreamed she’d touch?

* * *

Chris watched Tonya out of the corner of his eye while she threw a tantrum of unknown origins. He’d be attracted to her if she didn’t have her chin-length bob dyed midnight black with a streak of white running down either side. It was the obviously dyed look, like she tried too hard. Her eyes were a stunning shade of light brown, almost green, set in perfect almond-shaped eyes. Her nose was cute and freckled, although the weather remained more winter than spring. All surrounding a full pair of lips, that would look beautiful wrapped around his dick.

Not that he would experience her mouth. There were people he would piss off to get laid but Corey Porter, his landlord and boss, was not one. Tonya wasn’t that hot.

After she left the living room, Chris stared at the door she exited. He scratched the stubble on his chin, wondering if he should follow her. On one hand, she intrigued him, on the other she might cut his balls off. She made her disinterest in conversation clear, and he should respect her obvious desire for him to leave. And do what? Sit in his room, twiddle his thumbs, and watch shitty TV? No thanks.

Chris itched to do something: see the sights, drink, meet people who enjoyed conversation. Would the rest of the Porter family be as surly as Tonya? Corey seemed nice when he met Chris at the airport three hours ago and dropped him at the house, showing him his room and the main floor, before heading back to the office. Chris would practice with the team tomorrow morning, but until then he was at loose ends.

More than his presence was bothering her and talking about her problems would distract him, so he followed her, stopping to admire her ass while she leaned on the cupboard. He took a casual stance, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, before he spoke. He needed to ambush her before she caught him checking her out. Do you want to talk?

She whirled back and pinned him with her glare. No! Her cheeks flushed. She stomped to the fridge and flung the door open. A quick glance over her shoulder, she slammed it shut and opened the other.

The corners of his mouth twitch and pressed them tightly to avoid laughing.

She peered at him around the refrigerator door and growled when she found him looking amused at her flustered state. Did she growl? Surely, he’d imagined her grumble, but it was sexy, he imagined her growling while riding him.

Are you eating supper with us? The ice in her voice froze him.

Corey said it is included in my rent, unless it’s a problem.

Do you have any allergies?

No. What kind of question is that?

A valid one. I’m a nanny. You don’t want to be the nanny feeding peanut butter and jelly to the kid with a deadly peanut allergy.

Are you making peanut butter and jelly?

No, but you can have other allergies. God, I wish I smoked. I could use one. She tossed a package of meat on the counter and pulled out a frying pan from a cupboard, giving him another glance at her ass.

Why did you quit?

Corey. It was a condition of him paying for school.

I thought you were a nanny. Do you attend school?

Not yet. She made a face in distaste. Maybe in the fall. I don’t know what I should study. Do you understand how big the burden of decision is? I suppose not. You were groomed for hockey as a kid.

Not groomed. And not as a kid. I was clumsy but during my teen years, my body stretched, and my skills improved.

She was quiet while she dumped the meat into the frying pan, stabbing it with a spatula.

If you want to talk, I’ll listen. He probed once more.

It’s fine. Talking about your problems never solves them.

That’s exactly what talking does. Besides, I’m more likely to give you objective feedback. I don’t know you and I have no emotional investment in your choice.

I’m good. The spatula banged the pan.

Suit yourself. He shrugged and turned, deciding he should surrender if she wouldn’t talk to him like a normal human.

I grew up shit-ass poor.

He turned back to where she stabbed the meat, then he edged closer. In Calgary?

Ontario. An hour outside Toronto. Ma lives there. She put down her utensil and turned to him. It was just me and Mom until I was fifteen and Corey showed up, like the fairy godfather of money. She took what he’d give, but I didn’t want to be obligated.

But you are living in his house.

I pay rent. I cook and clean and help with the kids. She growled again, the sound was clear and less sexy standing this close, a definite warning to back off. Chris was never good at taking hints.

He held up his hands. Okay, I was only getting a feel for your situation. He sat on the opposite side of the kitchen island on a bar stool. So you started with nothing but your brother saved you and you aren’t sure what you should do with your newfound privilege?

You make it sound like I’m a spoiled brat. I’ve never been called toward anything. There’s nothing I enjoy, excel at or that interests me. I barely graduated from high school.

So don’t go to school, many people don’t and live great lives.

She put her hand on her hip. I’ll disappoint Corey.

He understood her reluctance. "As a kid, I puked before every game. I was afraid I would disappoint my parents. They