Tymber Dalton - Love and Brimstone

To Hubby, because without him, I never would have realized my dream. To my mom and dad, for encouraging my writing when I was a kid. To Mr. B, He knows why.

To my readers for buying my scribbles, thank you all! And to my publisher, Siren-BookStrand, for having faith in me.

This was my first published book (originally bylined as Lesli Richardson). It was originally released by another publisher on August 8, 2008 (8/8/08), the opening day of the Olympics. Ive learned a lot since then, and when it was first published, the original prologue, as well as some other scenes, ended up cut. Ive always wished they had been included, because they give more insight to Tazs personality. So here is the original version, revised and expanded from the way it was first published. I hope you enjoy it.

Tim Robertson followed Eric Proctor through the kitchen, where Erics wife, Bianca, tried unsuccessfully to shovel pureed sweet potatoes into their babys mouth.

Darling, this is Tim Robertson, the chap I told you about. The one Im interviewing to be our business manager.

Hello, Tim said. The attorney held out his hand as the woman flashed him an exasperated, exhausted smile.

Bianca started to shake his hand and realized too late hers was covered with baby food. Uh, sorry. Nice to meet you, Mr. Robertson.

Robertson smiled and reached for a dish towel. Thats quite all right. Please, call me Tim. And who is this precious one?

Eric laughed. My pride and joy, Anastazia.

Shes adorable. He fixed the little girl with his blue eyes. Transfixed by his gaze, she immediately stopped finger-painting with her food and cooed at him.

Where are you from again? Eric asked Tim.

I was born and raised in Cheshire. Spent some time in London, but Ive lived most of my adult life here in the States.

I wont hold it against you, mate. Eric laughed. Bianca dragged me out of Dublin. Have to say, the weather is nicer here in LA

Oh, crap! Bianca swore. The studio car is coming in an hour, and I still need to get ready. Crap!

Anastazia burbled, still smiling at Tim. Why dont you let me feed her? Tim offered, already taking off his suit coat and rolling up his sleeves.

Oh, I couldnt possibly ask you to Tim fixed her with his blue gaze. She paused and looked from him to the baby, who was now body painting with her entree. Really?

He nodded, taking the spoon from her. I love children. He turned to the baby, who was once again entranced by her new friend. He scooped up a small spoonful. She obediently opened her mouth for him, keeping every bit of it in.

Youre hired! both parents said.

Tim winked at the baby, who flashed him a gummy grin. I can stay late tonight, if youd like. I dont have any plans.

Biancas face lit up in a dazzling smile. Fantastic! She quickly washed her hands. Eric, I dont know where you found him, but whatever he wants, give it to him. She disappeared through the doorway.

Eric watched their new manager feed the baby. She really likes you. He nodded toward his daughter. The baby, I mean. Although Bianca sure took a shine to you, too.

I have lots of nieces and nephews, Tim said. He got the rest of the babys dinner into her. She finally cooed, burped, and giggled, her round green eyes sparkling. She has her fathers eyes, Tim noted.

Eric laughed. I love her. But Im not veryyou knowparental. Tim smelled a hint of bourbon on Erics breath. Unfortunately, neither is Bianca. We love Tazzie to death, dont get me wrong, but were both busy. We need someoneyou knowresponsible around.

Tim nodded, wiping the baby clean with a damp cloth and cleaning the smeared food off the tray. I understand completely. He looked into Erics eyes. I was going apartment hunting tomorrow. Im tired of paying for a house when Im rarely there. He held Erics gaze as the baby quieted, watching them.

Erics face went blank for a moment. Then he grinned. Hey, Ive got an idea. Stay right here! He bolted from his chair and disappeared through the same door his wife had exited.

Tim smiled at the baby. You and I will be great friends, wont we, sweetheart?

She clapped her chubby hands and gave him another gummy grin. He brushed her wispy hair from her forehead. Youre going to be a beauty. Ill certainly have my hands full with you.

She reached out and took his finger in her hand and gnawed on it, making him laugh.

Gah! she babbled.

He chuckled. Gah, indeed, young lady.

Eric ranliterallyinto the kitchen. He was moving so fast he grabbed the doorway as he rounded the corner to keep from going ass over teakettle.

Youll move in here, he breathlessly exclaimed. I talked to Bianca, and shes all for it. Please say yes. Itll save us a huge hassle. Ive got racing season coming up, and shes got two movies in the pipe. If youre going to be handling all our stuff anyway, it makes sense. Tazzie really seems to like you. She hates most everyone else. Ive never seen her take to anyone the way she takes to you.

Tim looked at the baby. Would you like that?

She rewarded him with another gummy grin. Gah! She clapped.

He turned to Eric. Splendid. Let me clean her up. Then you can show me where everything is and show me my new quarters.

A puzzled look clouded Erics face. You dont mind being a babysitter? Youre an attorney.

I think a more accurate term for my position with you would be majordomo, and no, I dont mind. I am perfectly capable of handling a baby as well as your affairs. Eric blushed, which Tim didnt miss. I can hire staff to take care of cleaning and other tasks. Tim fixed Eric with his eyes again.

His face momentarily went blank before he smiled. Great! Bianca will be thrilled! He bolted out the door.

Does your father ever slow down?

Gah!

Tim lifted her out of the high chair. Yes, it is very gah. Lets get you a bath and some pajamas, shall we?

Eric left the house soon after his wife departed in the studio car. He mumbled something about a meeting. Tim said if Bianca checked in, he would tell her Eric was in the bathroom, and then call Erics cell.

Erics jaw dropped. Youre amazing, man. You know that?

He nodded. Ive been told Im efficient.

Tim checked on the baby, asleep in her crib. Hed move his things in tomorrow. But for now

He placed a call as he watched her sleep.

A male voice on the other end answered. Hello?

Its Tim. No problems at all. They were tripping over themselves.

Hired you? the other man asked.

I start tomorrow. Well, tonight, technically. He paused. I need a favor. He outlined his request.

He wont be happy about that, the other man said.

I dont care. This ones special. If he trusts me as much as he claims, he must take my word for it. Let me deal with her. And I mean hands off.

All right. Ill tell him. If you need anything, let us know.

With these two as parents, Ill need all the help I can get.

Now go play. Nicely, Tim said. He sat on the park bench. AnastaziaTazwas a five-year-old fireball. She liked wearing her reddish auburn hair loose and long. It was already to her shoulders and naturally wavy. He dressed her in jeans and sneakers, knowing shed be filthy by the time they returned home from the park.

One of the moms sat next to him. While Tim was distracted talking with the woman, Taz took a toy car away from a boy older than her, who was now crying.

Tim noticed and stood. Anastazia! She looked up, guilt on her face, and ran over to him.

Yes?

He knelt so he could talk to her privately. He lowered his voice. Where did you get this car?