Mr. September: A Single Parent Romance (Calendar Boys Book 9) Read online

  COPYRIGHT

  Mr. September

  Published by Nicole S. Goodin

  Digital edition

  ISBN: 978-0-9951276-0-9

  Copyright 2019 by Nicole S. Goodin

  All rights reserved. ©

  This ebook is 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 ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to your favourite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Mr. September

  First published September 2019

  All rights reserved. ©

  Cover design by Nicole Goodin

  Images purchased from Shutterstock

  Editing by Spell Bound

  DISCLAIMER

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to events, places, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  The author acknowledges all song titles, song lyrics, film titles, film characters, trademarked statuses and brands mentioned in this book are the property of, and belong to, their respective owners.

  Nicole S. Goodin is in no way affiliated with any of the brands, songs, musicians or artists mentioned in this book.

  CONTENTS

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  EPILOGUE

  THANK YOU!

  MR. OCTOBER

  OTHER TITLES

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  PLAYLIST

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  UPCOMING TITLES

  DEDICATION

  For all the babes born in September

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  This book has been written using UK English and may contain euphemisms and slang words that form part of the New Zealand spoken word.

  Please remember that the words are not misspelled. They are slang terms and form part of everyday, New Zealand vernacular.

  I.e: I’m from New Zealand and sometimes we say weird things down here… please try and be cool about it.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Brody

  “Do you think you could stop staring at that blonde chick for maybe… thirty seconds so we can finish our conversation?”

  Snapped.

  “Sorry,” I mutter as I reluctantly pull my eyes from the stunning blonde at the bar.

  “No, you’re not,” she grumbles.

  “I am.” I nudge her hand with mine. “Carry on.”

  She starts talking again about some woman at her yoga class, and I zone out after a few minutes, my gaze drifting to the blonde in the red dress yet again.

  I know I shouldn’t be looking when I’m sitting here with Olivia, but I can’t help it, it’s like a gravitational pull. I can’t take my eyes off her for long – not since the moment she walked in.

  I glance back at Olivia, and she’s still talking, about someone at work this time, and she hasn’t noticed that my gaze has drifted once more.

  I nod and smile when she does, but I’m not really paying the slightest bit of attention.

  The blonde woman is talking to a guy at the bar. I’ve seen him in here before, hitting on women and, more often than not, taking them home – a different woman every time.

  I get a bad vibe from the guy.

  I don’t know this woman from Eve, but I don’t like her talking to that sleaze. It just doesn’t sit right with me.

  “How’s the new job going?” Olivia asks, and I’m forced to focus on her again.

  I shrug. “So far, so good. I haven’t met the team in person yet, but we’ve made all of our selections from the pre-season games.”

  “That’s good.” She smiles warmly at me, and I feel bad for ignoring her for half of our conversation. “You’re going to kill it, B.”

  I risk one more glance at the blonde, deciding that it will be my last.

  She turns away from the bar to look at something over her shoulder, and I see the guy she’s talking to move his hand; the movement is so fast I almost don’t catch it.

  “Did you see that?” I hiss, even though Olivia couldn’t possibly have seen what just happened over her shoulder.

  “See what?” She frowns at me.

  “Over there.” I point to where the two are talking again, the pretty blonde with a smile on her face.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  The blonde reaches for her drink, and I know I can’t sit here and do nothing.

  “I’ll be back.” I jump to my feet and stride across the room, heading directly for the woman who has captured my attention from the minute she set foot in the room.

  “Brody!” Olivia calls after me, but I ignore her.

  I get to the woman as her wine glass touches her mouth, and I shove past the guy she’s talking to, to reach her.

  “Don’t drink that,” I blurt out, my heart thumping.

  Her eyes narrow in confusion at me, but the glass lowers slightly from her plump lips.

  “And why not?” she asks, her voice just as sexy as I expected it to be.

  “I think he just spiked your drink.”

  I turn my attention to the douche she’s with, but his face gives nothing away.

  “Me?” he questions, his tone full of cocky outrage. “Don’t be stupid.”

  He’s good, I’ll give him that, but I know what I saw.

  “When she turned away, you put something in her glass.”

  He stands up from his stool, his posture staunch.

  He’s a tall guy, but I’m taller. I’m broader too, and he knows it as I watch him size me up.

  “That’s a big accusation.”

  It certainly is, and I could be wrong, but I really, really don’t think I am.

  “Please don’t drink it, I’ll buy you another one, just… don’t, please?”

  She eyes me curiously before shifting her gaze to the man she’s been talking with for the past hour.

  “Did you put something in my drink?” she questions him, holding the glass up in his direction.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Mandy.”

  “It’s Morgan,” she bites back swiftly.

  “Morgan, sorry.” He grimaces and, if I’m not mistaken, he’s starting to look a little hot under the collar. There’s a fine layer of sweat over his forehead. “You don’t believe this clown, do you?” He glares at me.

  She looks between the guy who has been working hard to literally charm the pants off her, and me, a complete and total stranger.

  I might not know her, but at least I’d never forget her name. What a fucking idiot.

  “I saw him put something in there, I swear,” I tell her softly. “I’ve got no reason to lie.”

  She watches me carefully for a few beats, before her gaze set
tles on her suitor. “You promise you didn’t?”

  He nods furiously.

  She raises the glass to her lips, and I’m contemplating knocking it from her hand when she shoves it abruptly in his direction. “You drink it then.”

  “Wha… what?” he stutters.

  She shrugs, her eyes gleaming. “If you didn’t try to drug me, then you drink it.”

  “I ah… I don’t like wine.”

  He tugs on his tie, his expression starting to look panicked.

  “Pretend you do,” she insists.

  We’ve drawn the attention of half the bar now. Even the bartenders have stopped what they’re doing to take notice.

  He glances around nervously, all too aware that he’s being watched.

  She raises a brow at him as she waits for him to take the glass from her.

  He reaches his hand out, and I don’t miss the slight tremor in his fingers.

  He’s panicking.

  He definitely tried to drug her. He looks guilty as hell now that he’s being faced with putting that shit in his own body.

  “Bottoms up,” I prompt, crossing my arms firmly across my chest.

  He tips the glass to his mouth and takes a small sip before setting it down on the bar.

  “All of it,” Morgan says without flinching.

  He winces and lifts the glass again, this time downing its entire contents.

  I don’t know what he put in that glass, but I sure hope it was fast acting; I’m going to look like a fool if he walks away from here unscathed.

  For a few beats nothing happens, and I start to wonder if my eyes were playing tricks on me, but then he speaks.

  “See? I’m fine.” He blinks slowly a few times, and it’s obvious he’s feeling hazy already.

  I meet Morgan’s eyes, and she sucks in a breath, her eyes wide. She can see it too.

  The asshole tries to take a step towards her, reaching for her arm and stumbles a fraction.

  “Fuckwit.” I sneer as I shove him backwards. “Don’t you fucking touch her.”

  I don’t want him anywhere near her. Every part of me is screaming to keep her safe.

  The crowd of people behind him move, and he falls to the floor, groaning.

  It’s not even half of what I want to do to him, but it’s clear he’s in no state. He can’t even get up off the ground.

  “Oh my god.” I hear Morgan gasp from next to me. “He really tried to roofie me.”

  “Are you okay?” I pull my attention from the prick on the floor and rest my hand on her arm.

  She nods, her green eyes wide.

  I lean across the bar and catch the attention of the bartender. “Call the police, would ya?”

  He nods quickly, his expression shocked. “Good catch, man, thank you.”

  I nod at him once before turning my attention back to the woman next to me.

  “Morgan?” I question.

  “Yeah.”

  “I’m Brody.”

  “Thanks, Brody,” she whispers, her eyes fixed on the man that is now being dragged to his feet and out of the bar by two of the security staff.

  “Anytime.” I smile.

  Olivia shoves through the crowd and tugs on the sleeve of my shirt. “Holy shit, that was insane. Are you okay?” she asks Morgan.

  “I’m fine,” Morgan replies, her voice returning.

  “I’ll be over in a minute, Liv,” I tell Olivia. She nods, and heads back towards our table.

  “Are you really okay?” I ask, my eyes travelling over her face and down to her sexy red dress. It’s probably not the most appropriate time to be checking her out, but I can’t help it. Her curves are smokin’ hot.

  “Thanks to you, I’m fine.” She reaches out and lays her hand on top of mine. “Seriously, thank you.”

  I have to restrain myself to stop from flipping my palm so I can intertwine our fingers.

  I don’t know what to do now. I don’t want her to think I’m hitting on her, but I also don’t want to leave her here alone.

  “Are you here with anyone?” I ask.

  She shakes her head. “Just me.”

  “Do you have a car?”

  She shakes again. “I took a cab.”

  “Come on.” I tip my head in the direction of the table I’ve been sitting at, watching her all evening.

  “Come where?” she questions, her expression curious.

  “You’re coming to sit with me, I’ll get you a new drink – sans drugs.”

  She giggles softly. “That’s very sweet of you, but I don’t think your girlfriend would appreciate me crashing your date.” She tips her head in the direction of Olivia who is still watching us with interest.

  “Liv?” I question with a chuckle.

  She nods.

  “Well then, I guess it’s lucky she’s my sister.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Morgan

  Oh wow. Can anyone say tall, dark and handsome?

  Seriously, I don’t know where this guy has been hiding, but I’m glad he’s here now.

  He’s utterly gorgeous.

  Deep, brown eyes, and thick dark hair, hell, even his beard is sexy.

  I can feel the warmth of his big, warm hand on the small of my back, just above my ass, even through the fabric of my dress as he guides me through the crowded bar, over to the table where his sister – not girlfriend, is waiting for him.

  I glance up at him, way up, because god he’s tall, and he smiles down at me.

  I should feel something about what just happened to me – I almost got drugged by some creep who would have taken me home and done things to me that I don’t even want to think about – but all I can think about is the knight in grey jeans who swooped in and came to my rescue. Maybe I’m in shock.

  I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay him for that, but I can think of a few ways I’d be willing to try, if I’m being honest with myself.

  We reach the table, and he pulls out a chair for me to sit down in.

  “So…” He leans down, his hands resting on the table next to me, and his muscular forearms flexing. He’s got his shirt sleeves rolled up in that way that makes guys look one hundred times hotter instantly. “What do you want to drink?” he asks me softly, his voice husky.

  “I’ll have whatever you’re having.” I reach for my bag and pull out some cash, but his hand lands on mine, stopping me.

  “I don’t want your money.”

  “But I want to buy you a drink, you just saved me from that creep doing who knows what to me.”

  He flinches, but his hand doesn’t move. It’s so big it swallows mine completely.

  “I don’t care. I’m not taking your money.” His dark eyes burn into mine, and I honestly can’t even recall what point I was trying to make.

  “Do I know you?” I ask suddenly, a feeling of familiarity washing over me that I can’t quite put my finger on.

  He shakes his head, a sly grin crossing his lips. “I think I’d remember meeting a woman like you.”

  His words make my heart beat faster and my palms sweat.

  “Is a beer okay?” he questions.

  I nod, still trying to settle my racing heart.

  “Beer for you too, Liv?” He shifts his gaze to his sister who, honestly, I’d forgotten all about.

  “Sounds good.” She nods.

  His hand lingers on mine for a moment longer and then he’s striding over to the bar, his long, lean legs carrying him quickly.

  I blow out a deep breath. I don’t think I’ve taken a proper breath since I first laid eyes on him.

  I smile at his sister. “I’m Morgan. I’m really sorry I crashed your evening.”

  She waves away my apology. “Don’t be silly, and besides, he hasn’t listened to a word I’ve said all night, he’s been… preoccupied.” She rolls her eyes.

  I don’t know what she means by that.

  “Alright… well thanks anyway.” I shrug.

  “I’m Olivia,” she tells me, and I re
ally should have seen that they were related; she’s tall too – not as tall as him, but I’m not sure anyone is as tall as him, and she’s got the same dark hair and eyes.

  “Did you know that creep?”

  I shake my head. I’m actually kind of embarrassed about it. I don’t get out much, certainly not dressed like this, and for good reason apparently. Look where it got me – being hit on by a guy that should be behind bars.

  “Just met him. He was pretty full of himself, but I just thought he was cocky, you know? I never thought something like that would happen.”

  Brody arrives back at the table then, three beers in his hands.

  It’s kind of ironic really, after what just happened, that I’m so willing to take an open drink from a stranger, but when Brody smiles and hands it to me, I don’t feel concerned in the slightest.

  He didn’t have to do anything about what he saw, but he did. He came to my rescue, and that makes me trust him, stupid as that might be.

  He slides into the chair next to me, his knee bumping the table as he tries to fit his legs under, making the whole thing shake. “Sorry,” he mutters, and I grin.

  He’s just so tall.

  I’ve always had a thing for tall guys, and Brody is proving to be no exception.

  “Thank you.” I smile before taking a sip of the cool liquid.

  I think I need this drink after what almost just happened.

  “I talked to the bartender, gave them my details to pass onto the police. They’re barring the dude for life, and I think the cops want to talk to you tomorrow, if you want to give them a call?”

  I nod. “Did they arrest him?”

  “Sure did. They might have to swing by the hospital before the cells though, not that the bastard deserves it.”

  He went down like a sack of potatoes. I shudder thinking about it. God knows what that drug was, or how much he used, but it was fast and obviously strong to take a guy his size down that way. I never would have had a chance.