“They?”
“A Mr. Ryan and Miss Chloe.”
What the hell did they want? Well, I knew what Ryan wanted—to gloat. Was that what Chloe wanted too? I knew she was pissed at me, but she’d never seemed like the vindictive type.
They walked in hand-in-hand. What a fucking sweet little package they made, I thought bitterly. “Ah, there he is. The man who stole part of my company.” I scrubbed a hand over my face, knowing I looked like shit.
Chloe smiled at Ryan and he took a step forward. “Hugh—”
I held up a hand to stop him. “Are you here to ruin me completely? It’s bad enough you bought half of my company, but now you’re here to tell me you’ve won? That you’ve gotten her pregnant and are taking all of Grandfather’s wealth?”
The guy was a good actor, as he paled slightly. “It’s not what you think.”
I huffed. “So she is pregnant with the next heir to our family’s fortune?”
“Yes, but—”
My laugh was a bitter pill I was forced to swallow. “It doesn’t matter. Money means nothing without her,” I muttered more to myself.
Seeing them both left me haunted by the memory of Molly, who should have received my letter by now.
“Cousin, Chloe is pregnant, but I’ve decided not to fight for the money. I won’t tell the lawyers anything. And the money is yours if you can produce an heir,” Ryan finished.
“Very magnanimous of you, cousin.” I rolled my eyes, done with him, and faced Chloe. “You were the best employee I had. Losing you and my company is worse than I thought possible,” I admitted. Something I should have said before she’d felt the need to resign.
“You haven’t lost her,” Ryan said.
My eyes narrowed. I knew I wouldn’t like what was said next.
“I’m your partner now,” Chloe said with a tentative grin.
Though I loved Chloe as an employee, I wasn’t ready to lose my company to her. “You gave her my company? And I’ve lost everything that matters.”
Ryan held up a hand, as if that would make everything better. “Isn’t she a better partner than your ex? You just said she was the best thing about your company. With her, you’ll have someone who wants to make a difference. It’s not like you’re losing anything except your ex meddling with your company. You’ve gained something far more.”
Though what he said made sense, I’d never seen my ex as my partner forever. I’d been trying to buy back my shares for a while now.
Chloe stepped forward. “I’d be willing to sell it back to you if you don’t want me. I don’t want bad blood between us. You will be a cousin… let’s just call you an uncle to our child.”
I glanced between them. “You’d sell me your half?” I asked, calmer now.
She nodded. “I want you at our wedding.”
Holy shit. “You’re getting married?” I looked to both of them, waiting for an answer.
“Yes, and I want you there. We don’t have much family left. I want us to mend fences. You used to be like a brother to me,” Ryan said.
Ryan had still won. I stared at Chloe’s flat stomach a second, wondering if Molly was pregnant. If she was, would she tell me?
“Hold onto her, cousin. You don’t want to know what it feels like to lose the only woman you’ve ever loved,” I said, rubbing at the ache Molly’s absence had left in my chest. I turned to Chloe. “I regret so much. I poured all the work onto you because I knew you would get it done. Maybe you are what this company needs. At least now I’ll share it with family.”
Chloe came over and wrapped me in a hug. I held on because I’d felt lost and alone. Without my parents and grandparents, I’d had no one. Molly had been that lifeline for me. Though I wanted her, I kissed the top of Chloe’s head. She was a good woman and Ryan was a lucky bastard.
I reluctantly let her go, seeing Ryan’s jaw flex. “A wedding, huh?” I asked again. They nodded. “I’ll be there. And Chloe, I expect to see you at work tomorrow. We have a lot to do.”
With my absence at work, and without Chloe there to keep things going, who knew if we were on track for our next publication?
She grinned and Ryan clasped my hands. “I hope you find someone. It’s the best thing that’s happened to me.”
Then an idea formed. “About that, I have a favor to ask.”
Thirteen
Molly
The last weeks had been miserable. I’d alternated between crying and sobbing. Work had been awful as I’d been reminded daily of what Hugh had done.
The best news, however, came from Mr. McNeill when he emailed me to tell me that Dad had been granted an appeal. It wouldn’t take place for at least a month because it had to be placed on the docket, but that was the only thing that had made me smile in days.
“Wow, it’s about time I see that frown disappear.”
I glanced up from the computer to see Joe standing there. “Oh, hey.”
“What’s been up with you lately? I’ve been afraid to approach you.”
“Nothing.”
“Come on, Molly. I know you much better than that.”
“Okay, man troubles.”
Joe gave me an odd look. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing, other than I got into it with the guy I was seeing.”
“Oh? Over what?”
“Jeez, you’re nosy.”
He held up his hands. “Sorry, didn’t mean to pry.”
“Hey, have you talked to Chloe lately?”
“No. She’s your friend. I never talk to her unless you’re around. Did something happen?”
I shrugged. “I don’t think so. I just was wondering.”
He walked away, but our conversation nagged at me for the way he was so curious. I let it drop and went back to the email from Mr. McNeill. That got me thinking about Hugh. I needed to talk to someone, namely Chloe, about things. I’d have to come clean with her about our relationship. Maybe we’d still be friends after she found out, but right now I really needed a shoulder to cry on.
That night I called and texted her but didn’t get a response. I wished she’d answer because I needed a sounding board. The phone rang and I jumped. Then a long sigh escaped past my lips as I saw it was Chloe calling me back. “Oh, Chloe, thank God. I need to talk to you.”
“I need to talk to you too.”
My stomach rolled with the worst wave of nausea. I never got sick like this. I hadn’t eaten lunch so it couldn’t be food poisoning. “Chloe, I gotta go. I’ll call you right back.” I made it to the bathroom just in time. Throwing up was one of those things I’d bargain with the devil over. What the hell had happened? I didn’t have a fever or headache so it couldn’t be a virus. Then it slammed into me like a tank. “Oh, no. Not now. Why now?”
“Hey, are you okay?” someone asked from the stall next door.
“Yeah, sorry. Must’ve been something I ate.”
“Oh, I hate that. Hope you feel better.” Then she was gone.
I wiped my mouth and then rinsed it out. How long had it been since my period? Was I due now? I couldn’t even think straight for the nausea and turmoil in my head.
I left the office early and picked up a pregnancy test on the way home. Then I did the deed. As I waited for the results, I knew in my heart what it would be. Sure enough, I was pregnant. This was a time I was supposed to be ecstatic. Instead, my heart was heavy with sadness. What should I do? I had to tell Hugh. I knew he’d be happy about the baby, but what about me? Would he still want me?
My phone rang and it was Chloe. Shit, I’d forgotten to return her call.
“Molly! What the hell is going on? You never called me back.”
“I’m sorry. Something happened.”
“I’m coming over.” The call ended.
In some ways, I needed her more than ever, but in others, I dreaded the news I had to share.
The pounding on the door matched the pounding in my head. I turned the knob and Chloe pushed her way in. Then she hugged me
. “What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure where to begin.”
“Try the beginning.” She grabbed my hand and drew me to the couch.
“Fine.” I took a deep breath and plunged in. “Please don’t hate me, but Hugh Hampton and I are a thing.”
Her hand sailed through the air. “I figured that after catching the two of you together and it’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
“You don’t hate me?”
“Of course not. I could never hate you. At first I was pissed that you hadn’t told me. That day I came over I was desperate to talk to you, but when I found Hugh there, I got angry. Anyway, all that’s old news.” She laughed. A little at first, but then harder. “You won’t believe this, but the guy I left with, Ryan, is his cousin.”
“What!”
“Yeah, we’re dating. It’s such a small world, isn’t it? I can’t believe we met them both the night at the party.”
“Seriously? The guy you texted me the pic of?”
“Yes, That’s who I disappeared with.”
“Oh, my God! I can’t believe it!”
She aimed her finger at me. “And you and Hugh. Mr. Crabbypants. If he fucks things up, I’m going to kick his ass. He explained everything and I got it.”
I scrunched up my face. “He’s not crabby with me. Well, he wasn’t until… oh, God, I screwed things up something fierce. But, Chloe, there’s something else.”
“What?”
“I, er, I’m pregnant. And now I don’t know what to do.”
“I do. You’re going to have a baby. What else?” Chloe asked. I was quiet for a second too long. “Don’t even tell me you’re thinking of getting rid of it.”
“No! I would never. It’s just that… oh, never mind.”
“Tell me.”
It wasn’t just that she wouldn’t believe me, but what kind of person would she think I was? “It’s too complicated. And now it’s worse since I screwed things up and got pissed off.”
“Well, you have to tell him about the baby. He deserves that, at least.”
She was right. But the question was how?
Later that week, I got the biggest surprise when Chloe called to tell me she and Ryan were getting married. They had decided to tie the knot since they were in love. I was very excited for my friend, but couldn’t help feeling sorry for myself.
A Few Weeks Later
“I can’t believe this is happening,” I said.
“Me either. I know it’s fast but Ryan didn’t want to wait,” Chloe said. “I’m just so glad you agreed to be my maid of honor.”
I fanned my face. “You are so going to make me cry. I’m glad you forgave me for what happened.”
She waved the matter away. “It’s water under the bridge. I get it now. You found love in the most unexpected place and he’s not that bad.”
I turned away and wiped at my eyes.
“What is it?” she asked. “You haven’t talked to him yet, have you?”
I shook my head. “This is your day. We can talk about my problems another time.”
Chloe smoothed her dress and approached me. Her brand-new custom gown had a vintage style. The ivory floral lace form-fitting dress with an extended sweeping train made her look like a princess.
“You’re going to make me cry and mess up my makeup if you don’t tell me what’s going on.”
I sat there glumly in the simple blush-pink V-neck dress I’d picked out. “I don’t want to see Hugh today, but I have no choice. He’s Ryan’s cousin. My only solace is I’ll be walking with Ian down the aisle.”
Her brow arched. “You and Hugh seemed fine at our small pre-wedding dinner. What happened or was that an act?”
I shook my head. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll tell you the sordid details when you get back from your honeymoon. Hugh’s not the man I thought he was.”
Mrs. Landon opened the door. “Honey, it’s time.”
Chloe nodded, but before getting up, she hugged me. “Are you sure you don’t want to give him a chance?”
I shook my head. “I know you two are partners now and that’s great. But if I saw the man a million days from now, it would be too soon.”
Our conversation ended as her mom hovered, waiting.
“We will talk about this tomorrow. Our plane doesn’t leave until the afternoon. There is no way I can wait two weeks to hear what happened.”
I gave her a small smile. “Sure.” My grin widened for her benefit. “Now let’s go get you married.”
We stood and got in our places at the grand church. It was packed with their friends, family and business associates. It was almost overwhelming. Marrying a powerful man came with a few drawbacks.
I walked down the aisle and watched Chloe make her procession. She gazed at Ryan, who was glorious in a classic tux, with a starry look in her eyes. The man was GQ-worthy, but he only had eyes for her.
When she reached the altar, Ryan took her hand and in front of everyone dipped his head and kissed her. I held back the sigh in my body. It was so romantic and in that moment I knew they were made for each other.
“Not yet, son,” the reverend said.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t wait a second longer,” Ryan said. “When you find the woman of your dreams, it’s hard to wait.”
And everything turned out perfect until the reception, when Hugh and I went toe to toe.
Ian and I had been dancing. “Hugh is going to blow a gasket.” Ian chuckled.
“Not my problem,” I declared, even though my heart ached.
“Is that so?” Ian’s brow arched and I had to admit the man was striking. “Does that mean I have a shot?” Ian leaned in and whispered, “Watch out, love. He’s coming.”
Then I was wrenched out of Ian’s arms. “Don’t touch her,” Hugh warned.
That had gotten the attention of all those around us. I should have walked away, but I saw red. “It’s none of your business who I dance with,” I sneered.
Hugh got in my face. “It is when you’re carrying my child.”
He couldn’t know that and before I could say anything Chloe jerked me away from Hugh as Ryan pulled him aside.
“Molly, get to talking or I’ll kick your ass.”
“In that dress?” I quipped.
“Exactly.”
I sighed heavily and began my tale of the same night she’d met Ryan. “Hugh is paying me to have his baby. Or was, anyway. Until I screwed things up and got pissed off.”
Her head tilted and all of a sudden she burst out laughing. “Holy crap. This is… oh, God. Wait until I tell you.” Then she went into this long explanation about the deal she and Ryan had made. Soon I was laughing right along with her.
“Those sneaky men. And to think we both got involved with them,” she said. “Molly, you do realize our babies will be cousins?”
“I always thought of you as a sister and now we’ll kind of be related.” I threw my arms around her. “But I still haven’t solved my Hugh problem. I don’t know what to do.”
“You have to tell him.”
“True. But I’m still angry with him. And what if he doesn’t care anymore?”
“Why are you angry?”
My explanation was long and tearful. Chloe knew I had a troubled past but had never been given the complete details about my parents until now.
“Molly, why didn’t you ever tell me? You know I would’ve been there for you.”
“Yeah, but it was something I needed to keep to myself.”
“From the way I see things, Hugh did you a huge favor and now your dad has a chance of being released.”
“Wait, so you’re siding with him?”
She wore guilt like a crown. “I guess I am. It’s not that I blame you for keeping your father’s issue a secret and not telling anyone, but you can’t blame that part on Hugh. He didn’t know. Think about it. He was only trying to help you by using his connections.”
Chloe had a valid point. Was I being too hard-h
eaded and ridiculous? Maybe. I’d kept this secret for so long, it was hard to let go. Perhaps it was time.
My head dipped up and down. “I think you might be right.”
A grin tugged at the corner of her mouth. “There’s no ‘might’ about it. All you need to do is kiss and make up.”
“He might not want me anymore.”
“Then you’ll live a wonderful, fulfilling life without him. Just you and your child. But I have a feeling that won’t happen. Why don’t you go find him and tell him now?”
“I don’t think I’m ready. There are too many things going on and my dad’s upcoming appeal too. Now I have to figure out how to pay that attorney.”
“Understood. But waiting too long isn’t fair to Hugh. Think about how you’d feel.”
She was right. I left the reception soon after and fell asleep early that night, my heart burdened with too much. When the skies turned gray, I gave up on sleeping and got up. I needed some exercise, so I put on my sneakers and took a walk. Forty-five minutes later, when I was in the parking lot of my condo, the sun was rising over the horizon. A new day and a new beginning. For starters, I needed a doctor’s appointment for my baby. And then I had to get some legit work done. The last couple of days had been a bust. The files on my desk were stacked too damn high. Maybe I’d go into the office and get an early start on the week, even though it was Sunday.
Two Weeks Later
It was early morning and I was preparing to face the dreaded Monday. My phone tweeted and I was excited to see it was Chloe. “You’re back from your honeymoon! I missed you. Was it amazing?”
“It was. Let’s meet for lunch today and I’ll tell you all about it.”
“Then I’ll see you at twelve.” She made a reservation and gave me the name of the place.
It was a good thing Chloe didn’t care about my appearance because I looked like hell today. Purple half-moons occupied the spaces beneath my eyes and my skin was sallow. Maybe it was because I’d thrown up twice after I got to the office. I needed a remedy for that. Morning sickness was no joke.
Dirty Arrogant Boss: Cocky Billionaire Duet (The Cocky Billionaire Duet Book 2) Page 7