Son of Scandal

by Dani Wade

He shrugged, a desperate light in his eyes. “For now, it’s the perfect excuse for you quitting, then coming back full time. No one would guess who the father was.” He glanced away, as if realizing how dismissive that might sound. After a moment, he looked back. “I realize this is selfish of me to ask. But I promise, we will work out the details. You know my family...they aren’t the most observant of—”

  “The help?” She supplied the word for him, only letting a little of her judgment seep into her tone.

  He grinned. “Yeah. I’m not saying it’s right. It’s just who they are. Even if they notice your pregnancy, they wouldn’t be interested enough to ask.”

  Ivy knew that was the truth, from her own experience of them. But that didn’t keep her unease at bay. Just to clarify, she asked, “Is she really that bad?”

  “Not really. But I just...I like how we worked together. You ran my office smoothly. I had absolutely no complaints. And I just want that back.”

  Ivy never thought she’d be so tempted by a job offer. But was it really wise? Were there complications besides the obvious that she was missing?

  “I know I’m putting you in an awkward position,” Paxton said. “And I don’t mean to. But desperate times...” He shook his phone at her. “Please, Ivy. We worked so well together. Let’s just try it. There’s plenty of time to figure the rest out. We’ll tackle that when it becomes an issue.”

  Again, the best laid plans...

  There were probably some parameters she should put into place, but her brain wouldn’t comprehend what they were at this moment. She simply knew that she herself would love to return to the rhythm of her days from before that fateful night three months ago. She couldn’t resist. But would she find later that she’d made a deal with the devil?

  Nine

  This was not going according to Paxton’s perfect plan.

  He watched from the doorway as Ivy handled a phone call at the desk that she had occupied for so long before her pregnancy. Simultaneously she input information into his schedule with smooth key strokes. After a few moments, he felt the vibration of his phone in his pocket as he was automatically notified of the change.

  It sure was good to see her there. But not in the way that he had expected. She was great at her job, but he was seeing so much more that he hadn’t when they had worked together before—the small curling tendrils that brushed her neck when her hair was up, the electricity that accompanied every accidental touch or the way she nibbled at her lips when she was concentrating.

  Why had he never noticed how red and kissable that made her mouth?

  Her poise, her ability to defuse potential problems, even how she handled things with a calm facade when he could tell she wasn’t really feeling well remained the same.

  But she seemed to be better lately. The morning commute was a little iffy, and occasionally he would notice her slipping one of the little ginger lozenges into her mouth during the day. She was only working part-time...three quarters of the time when she felt up to it, but it was enough for him to start relying on her again.

  He was grateful that she was doing so well, but they hadn’t addressed the baby lately. Maybe tonight, though. He needed to ask about her next doctor’s appointment. Even though they’d returned to being boss and assistant, he wanted her to remember that he was first and foremost there for her and the baby.

  Things between them had changed more than he’d wanted to admit. Before he’d seen her exclusively as an employee. Well...maybe not. He’d tried. He’d known there had been an attraction there, but they’d both steadfastly avoided it.

  Somehow the knowledge that his assistant was pregnant with his baby added a feeling of intimacy to their time here together, no matter how focused they were on business. He was grateful that she was so good at her job, but the atmosphere between them was completely different. He liked that.

  More than he wanted to admit.

  Watching her hands, her mouth, reminded him of that night together so long ago. It seemed like forever since he’d touched her. But he wished that he could touch her again. More than just the briefest of brushes that he experienced here. Even more than the intimacy of washing her hair in the bathtub.

  He even found himself wondering if there was a way he could make it work outside of the office. For real.

  The temptation grew with every day they were together. He knew he should run away fast. But he simply couldn’t. Neither his feeling of obligation as the baby’s father nor the fact that he actually cared what happened to Ivy, and that she not feel her life had been waylaid, would let him get too far away.

  The phone in his pocket buzzed again, this time announcing that he had a phone call. Which meant it was family...

  With a last long look at Ivy, he turned back into his office. Then he swiped to answer the call from his mother.

  “Hello,” he greeted her simply, wondering why she would call him during the day on his cell.

  She didn’t make him wait for long.

  “Well, if it isn’t my long-lost son,” she said, sarcasm heavy in her words. “I was beginning to wonder if you would answer the phone if I called.”

  Paxton felt the unexpected urge to snap at her, but reined himself in. “What can I do for you, Mother?” His tight control couldn’t stop the formality from creeping into his voice.

  “For starters you could tell me if you’re coming to Sunday dinner. Or are you going to skip again this week...with no excuse?”

  “I have every intention of being there,” Paxton assured her.

  And he did. Things had been kind of hectic until he had gotten Ivy settled in. But he’d kept his promise, and hadn’t mentioned her to his family. They had too much to decide first.

  Still he couldn’t keep ignoring them. So Sunday dinner was the minimum he could do.

  “See that you are,” she said. “Otherwise we might start to think that you have a secret that you’re hiding from us.”

  The muscles along Paxton’s back tensed up, creating an ache at the base of his skull. That was the last thing he needed them thinking.

  “I don’t know why you would think that, Mother,” he said, anxious to deflect her attention from anything that might lead to snooping. “You know things have been hectic since I was out of town for so long. It’s just taking a lot to get back on track.”

  “And that’s why I’ve tried not to bug you,” she said. “But I can only put this on hold for so long.”

  “Put what on hold?”

  “Why, dinner with the Baxters.” Her tone indicated she expected praise for this announcement.

  Paxton frowned. The name sounded vaguely familiar. “I’m not sure I follow.” Socializing was a regular requirement for both their business progress and social standing, but what was so important about this particular family?

  “I can’t believe you don’t remember me mentioning this before you left. Where is your brain, Paxton? I would think you of all people would be excited.”

  “About what?” He glanced out the window of his office to see Ivy studying a file. Guilt and need mingled inside his gut. He wished his mother would just spit it out. But sometimes she truly enjoyed stringing the conversation along. It made her feel more in control.

  “I told you that the Baxters’ daughter has moved home. She was off at one of those fancy colleges, getting another degree, and now she’s back here, interviewing for jobs. Not that she would need to work if she got herself a successful wealthy, business-minded husband. Goodness knows all that learning is a bit much.”

  Oh man. He could not handle matchmaking right now. It was the last thing he needed. “Mom, I’m not sure—”

  “She would be perfect for you. Pretty, poised and able to handle the circles that you socialize with, network with. Obviously she’s smart, so she should have plenty to talk about. You should at least give it one dinner.” Her tone bro
oked no argument.

  Thankfully she wasn’t there to see him roll his eyes. How could he admit to his mother that the last thing he wanted was another woman in his life right now? He had enough going on at the moment, and he had enough conflicts over this thing with Ivy to keep his psyche occupied for quite a while.

  “We can talk about it later, Mother.”

  “We can talk about it at Sunday dinner. I even have pictures.”

  At least Paxton got his stubbornness honestly. He and his mom had clashed throughout the years, but he still loved her. She reminded him of his grandmother in force of personality, even though she was a daughter-in-law, and she’d be a solid leader for their family once his grandmother was gone. He loved her, but sometimes her desire to lead her children where she wanted them to go was more than a little heavy-handed.

  But after he rang off, Paxton felt guilt settle into his gut. His family had always come first in his life, business second. They were often intertwined. He hated lying to his family, even when he knew his mother was trying to manipulate him.

  He should be thrilled that his mother wanted to introduce him to a woman who fit into the plan he’d talked about for so long. A wife raised in his own social circles, able to understand the subtleties of high-society conversations and interactions, a woman able to step into high-pressure situations with poise and ease. A woman who already knew many of the people he dealt with on Savannah’s social landscape.

  As his office door opened and Ivy came through, Paxton felt that conflict build. Ivy could do many of those things with a little training, but he couldn’t change the circumstances of her birth, her upbringing. He might want to overlook her station, explain away her occupation by saying that she would soon have a high-profile brother-in-law. But he knew the truth.

  His family would never accept her...and neither would she fit into the plan he’d laid out for his life.

  His thoughts were interrupted by the big smile she offered him as she reached his desk. “Thank you,” she said.

  Her comment caught him off guard. “For what?”

  “For giving me this chance. It’s so good to be back. Thank you for overlooking the issues...” She gestured between them. “I’d been trying to find another job, but deep down I knew that I really enjoyed working here and I missed it.”

  “I didn’t know you’d been looking for work.”

  “Well, I was, between bouts of morning sickness.” She shot him a rueful grin. “I’ve always had a big need to support myself. You know, it’s one of those control things.”

  They shared a glance full of knowledge.

  “Anyway,” she went on, “I know it will be complicated later. But I do love my job. I think I’m damn good at my job. I just wanted you to know that this means a lot to me.”

  In a rush, Ivy put her arms around him for an all-too-brief moment, then hurried back to her desk.

  Paxton wanted to follow her. Her happiness and enthusiasm drew him. She was passionate about her work, and he could have all that passion directed toward him—he remembered that experience all too well. All he had to do was give up his perfect plans for his future.

  And his family’s support.

  * * *

  “You seem awfully calm for a man about to babysit a toddler,” Ivy said as Paxton drove them to Jasmine and Royce’s place near the historic district of Savannah.

  “I have plenty of experience,” he said, utter confidence in his words and body.

  It was the same confidence with which he drove his luxury sports car, which still had that new-car smell despite being several years old. Paxton’s grip on the steering wheel was loose and easy.

  Ivy wished she felt the same. She loved her niece and had always enjoyed spending time with her...before. Now between the thankfully still-rare toddler tantrums and her own impending motherhood, Ivy was beginning to wonder if she was cut out for the day in, day out stresses of being a mother. It just all seemed so complicated, with every little decision fraught with the potential to scar her child for life. Something she became more aware of with each passing day.

  How in the world had she gotten signed up for that?

  They rode the elevator to the top floor of Royce’s building in silence, with Ivy still feeling jealous of Paxton’s quiet confidence. She tried not to show her nerves as Jasmine let them in, holding a little girl with dark curly hair who had a cherubic smile that could turn to tears at the least sign of resistance.

  Sure enough, her birthday was right around the corner, and she’d be two.

  “Thank you so much,” her sister rushed to say. “With Auntie sick and Willow restricted from lifting anything, I was in a panic about tonight.”

  “Not a problem,” Paxton said.

  Jasmine sent him a questioning look, but didn’t say anything as Royce made an appearance. They looked like the perfect high-society couple—Royce in his black tux, Jasmine in a sparkling floor-length gown and heels.

  Ivy felt grubby beside them in her jeans and T-shirt, even though she knew it was the most practical choice for playing with a toddler.

  Rosie came straight to Ivy when she held out her arms to the little girl, settling comfortably against her while eyeing the stranger in her house with suspicion. Rosie was more used to being around girls than guys, and it definitely showed. Jasmine pulled them both into a hug as Royce shook Paxton’s hand.

  “I’m so glad you’re feeling better,” she whispered against Ivy’s ear.

  Then off they went, glamour personified. The opposite of all the nights Ivy hung out at home in her sweats these days.

  Not that she was jealous or anything. She settled the toddler onto her feet. “Rosie, let’s show Paxton your toys.”

  She led him into the gorgeous main room of the suite, which constituted half the floor of the renovated building. Royce still had the brown suede furniture from when this had been his bachelor pad. A large flat-screen television and entertainment center sat in one corner. Several oversize rugs were strategically placed to help soften the polished plank floor for Rosie’s tender feet, and one corner now held a play kitchen and shelves of toys for her. Toys and children’s DVDs were something Ivy would never have imagined seeing in this room the first time she’d walked into it.

  But the main attraction and focus of the room was still the glass walls that looked out over the city of Savannah. It was absolutely gorgeous, especially on a night like this, when soft lights decorated the dark panoramic view.

  The view gave the room an air of sophistication despite the new family-style touches.

  Paxton was obviously impressed, but quickly turned his attention back to Rosie and her toys.

  “Whatcha got, pretty girl?”

  In the way that only children can, Rosie went from giving Paxton the side-eye to being his best buddy in record time. Ivy found herself relegated to helper status throughout dinner and Rosie’s bath, but it was Rosie’s insistence that Paxton alone put her to bed that was the kicker for her fragile self-image.

  Left alone, Ivy stared out the window as she waited in the living area, worries whirling around in her brain. Without thinking, she crossed her arms tightly over her stomach, as if hugging her body to comfort herself. Maybe the stance would hold in all the stupid emotions that kept washing over her, but Ivy couldn’t hold back the few tears that slipped down her cheeks. Disgusted, she wiped her face to erase the evidence of her weakness.

  “Are you okay?”

  Ivy jumped. Of course Paxton would come back into the room at right that moment, instead of granting her the dignity to hide her emotional response to something that shouldn’t affect her at all. She mumbled about stupid hormones to brush it off as easily as the tears from her cheeks.

  “They are the bane of a woman’s existence, from what I’ve been told,” Paxton joked.

  Ivy couldn’t help giving a tired laugh. “You smo
oth talker, you.”

  She watched his approach in the reflection from the windows until he walked into the shadows directly behind her.

  “I do my best,” he said. “But I wouldn’t mind knowing what’s going on with you. You’ve been awfully quiet tonight.”

  “I’ve been replaced, apparently,” she said, then instantly felt embarrassed by the confession. Her niece was just a toddler, after all.

  Paxton moved in close, as if he wanted to hug her but was afraid to... Would he reject her if she leaned back against his chest? Would he welcome that kind of intimacy these days? Or would he turn away from her, embarrassed that she’d presumed too much?

  “Toddlers are fickle creatures,” Paxton said.

  Ivy tightened her arms around her torso. If no one else would hug her, that’s the only comfort she had. She knew her fears were unfounded, but still... “What if I’m not a good mother?” she mumbled.

  Paxton was silent for a moment, as if he hadn’t heard her clearly, then he asked, “Why would you think that?”

  More than anything, Ivy wanted to pace back and forth before the windows, to expend the energy driving her emotions, but she also didn’t want to face Paxton. Or move away from him. Instead the energy went into tapping her foot against the plank floor.

  Her stomach cramped, but it wasn’t nausea this time. It was stupid nerves. “I’m not one of those women who has spent a lifetime dreaming of marriage and family.”

  At least, not the family part. All of Ivy’s daydreams had focused on the romance leading up to the happily ever after. She shrugged. “What if I’m just not good at it? The chores I can handle. But what if I do something really stupid and screw him or her up?”

  Paxton chuckled, finally moving in close and wrapping his arms around her this time. She went still with shock, her foot going quiet. He was heated comfort, with that edge of sizzle.

  “Don’t worry,” Paxton said. “I have plenty of money for therapy if they need it.”

  Ivy jolted. They?

  Paxton squeezed a little tighter, bringing the front of his body into delicious alignment with her back. It should’ve been a platonic move, but it wasn’t. Not for Ivy.