Unexpected: A Billionaire Secret Baby Romance

by Ford, Aria

  “I just don’t know where to go from here,” I said softly. “I knew I would be on my own for a while but deep down, I always thought I would have them there to help if things got bad. Like, if I really needed the money, they would provide it. Now that comfort is gone, and all that’s left is me. Just me.”

  “You can do this,” Brad said quickly, squeezing my hand. “I know you can.”

  “How?” I asked, looking from him to Carla and back again.

  “You rely on your talent,” Carla said simply. “You paint with everything you have, and then we’ll display those paintings here. Plus, there’s a local farmer’s market that will let you set up a booth. I’ve sold there a few times myself. You can make pretty good money in just one afternoon.”

  “Do you really think I can do that?” I asked. “That I can make a living off my art?”

  Carla nodded, and Brad did the same. They both looked at me with a confidence I’d never seen before. No one had ever supported or encouraged me the way they were now. I felt my chest grow warm as I took in their faces, wanting to remember this moment forever.

  Whatever else happened, at least I had two people in my corner. That was more than most people had and I felt lucky.

  Chapter 19

  Brad

  That weekend, Olivia and I went to the farmer’s market first thing in the morning. The place wasn’t open yet, and very few people were around. Olivia’s hands were shaking as she set up her booth, laying out her paintings with precision. I could tell she was nervous, but as I looked at her work, I knew she didn’t need to be. Her paintings were amazing. They were incredible, and I knew everyone would see that. She wouldn’t have any trouble making enough money for an apartment.

  As the morning progressed, people began to filter into the market. Other booths had opened up all around us, but Olivia’s was by far the favorite. People came by, stopping to stare and often ask questions about different pieces. Olivia looked nervous the entire time but when she talked about her art, a calm spread over her face that made her look even more beautiful. She was in her element, doing exactly what she loved to do. Watching her was an incredible experience for me. Her eyes lit up, and her smile was radiant. When she got her first sale, she squealed with delight and wrapped her arms around my neck.

  The happiness that radiated off her was contagious, and soon I found myself laughing and talking with all the patrons as well. I bragged around different paintings, pointing out my favorites and pushing people to buy more. I didn’t know anything about art but I knew what I liked, and Olivia’s paintings were it. Each new one I saw, impressed me. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from them, and when the day finally ended, very few were left on the table.

  Turning to face Olivia, I saw that she was still smiling. She packed up her remaining paintings and tucked all her money in her purse. She hadn’t yet counted it, and I knew she would want to get back to the hotel before she did. Her nerves were still fried after everything with her dad. I didn’t blame her. Just thinking about that man sent a white-hot rage flooding through my veins that I couldn’t control. I hated him more than I’d ever hated anyone in my life, including my own father. I knew if I ever saw him again, I wouldn’t be able to control myself.

  Once everything was packed away, Olivia and I jumped in my truck and headed back to the hotel. She was silent on the ride, pulling out her money and counting it quickly. Her eyes lit up the more she counted, and soon she was laughing softly to herself. When she finished, she rolled up the cash and tucked it safely in her purse. She glanced out the window with a strange look on her face.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  “I just can’t believe this is real,” she said softly. “That I did it. I actually sold my paintings.”

  “You kicked serious ass today,” I said.

  “I did, didn’t I?” She laughed. “I made more than enough to get settled. I can definitely afford first and last on that apartment we saw yesterday.”

  “Yeah.” I nodded, but my mind was spinning. I knew Olivia wanted to get her own place. She needed somewhere to stay, and it only made sense for her to move in somewhere near Carla’s gallery. Still, the idea of her leaving the hotel for a random apartment made my stomach tighten.

  An idea popped into my head that surprised me, but once it took root, I couldn’t shake it. I thought about it all the way back to Olivia’s hotel room. As I helped her unload her paintings, I realized I didn’t want to unload them. Instead, I wanted to grab the rest of her things and throw them in my truck. I wanted to drive her back to my apartment and get her settled there, with me.

  “Listen,” I said as we climbed the stairs. “I know you liked that apartment we saw yesterday, but I’ve been thinking… I have an extra room at my place.”

  Olivia stopped walking and turned to face me. Her eyes were wide, and I laughed at her shock because, just minutes before, I’d shocked myself just as much.

  “I know it sounds crazy, but I just… I like the idea of having you around more often. I’d love it if you moved in with me. My bed is big enough for two, but if you aren’t comfortable with that, I do have a spare bedroom,” I said.

  “Are you sure about this?” Olivia asked.

  “I am,” I said without hesitation. “I really am.”

  “Then my answer is yes,” Olivia said with excitement. “Of course, yes.”

  I grinned and picked her up, hugging her tightly and spinning her in a quick circle. We were both laughing as we hurried up the stairs to her room. Together, we packed up her things and loaded them into my truck. After Olivia checked out of the hotel, we drove through town toward my apartment. It wasn’t far, just five minutes from the shop and even closer to Carla’s gallery. I knew it was the perfect place for Olivia to be.

  Once we got there, we unloaded Olivia’s things, and she took a look around. I forgot she hadn’t been to my place yet. I worried she might not like it, but the smile on her face eased my concerns.

  “So where should I put these? My room or the spare room?” I asked.

  I held up her bags. She looked at me and then at them, a coy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She didn’t answer. Instead, she walked slowly over to me and pulled the bags from my hands, letting them fall to the floor with a soft thud. Before I knew it, her lips were on mine, and I couldn’t think. My hands grasped at her body, holding her to with desperation.

  Everything about that night was a blur of naked passion. I led Olivia to my bedroom, tearing her clothes off as we moved. Her hands tore at my body, ripping away my own clothes and throwing them to the floor. We fell on to my bed and ravished each other’s bodies without pause. I kissed every inch of her I could reach while she bit and clawed at my skin. We were animals at that moment, not caring about anything but our frantic need for one another.

  Olivia writhed and moaned while I kissed my way down her body, licking her nipples and sliding my fingers between her soft, wet folds. I brought her to orgasm with my fingers, watching her gorgeous face contort with pleasure. When a rush of pleasure pooled between her legs, I slid my cock inside of her, eager to fill her up.

  She moaned and cried out, clinging to me and kissed my lips with abandon. She rolled us over, pinning me to the bed and riding me hard and fast. I watched her perfect tits bounce, and the sight was more than I could take. I came so hard that I flipped Olivia over, crawling on top of her and thrusting a few more times before my pleasure overtook me.

  We weren’t done. The rest of the night was spent worshipping each other’s bodies. We took short breaks, kissing and holding each other before our bodies reignited and we slammed into each other with passion and lust. I’d never felt more connected to another person, and I thought I never would be.

  That night seemed to go on forever, and yet I never wanted it to end. We made love and held each other, made love again and then held each other again. I kissed and licked every inch of her sweet skin, lapping my tongue between her legs. She caressed my body and nibbled
my skin, sucking my cock in her mouth and lightly trailing her tongue over my balls.

  By the time the night ended, we were like one body, permanently fused together by our shared desire and emotions. I held her close that night, playing with her hair and placing gentle kisses on her head. Exhaustion overwhelmed us both, but we didn’t sleep. It was as if our energy was endless that night. While I held her, I felt a surge of emotions I’d never felt before.

  “I’m glad you decided to move in here,” I said softly. “I can’t imagine not seeing you every day.”

  “Me neither,” she said. “It’s strange. We just met but already I—”

  “I know,” I said. “I feel the same way.”

  She smiled and nestled into my chest, kissing me softly and sighing. We held on to each other into the early hours of the morning, not moving or speaking. We didn’t need to. That night, our feelings were written in on our skin, and we poured them into each other again and again. I’d fallen in love with Olivia without realizing it, and that night I knew I could never lose her.

  Chapter 20

  Five Months Later

  Olivia

  It took five months, but I finally felt like I was doing something right here in Santa Fe. After moving in with Brad, everything sort of fell into place. I painted and sketched more than ever, constantly drawing inspiration from my love for him. This place, Santa Fe, inspired me in a way nothing else ever had. I felt at home here and with Brad. It didn’t take long for me to decide I’d never leave. This was home. This was where I belonged.

  For the first few months, I painted like crazy and sold everything I could. I worked tirelessly at Carla’s shop, trying to save up extra money and make a name for myself. Eventually, my paintings became a local hit. Everyone came out to Carla and to the farmer’s market to request one. Business was insane. I never imagined I would become so successful so soon. It wasn’t long before Carla realized I needed a place of my own. She found a few shops nearby that I could rent out for very little money. I worried about getting into business on my own, but with Carla’s help, I managed to do so successfully.

  Brad helped me design and organize my gallery, and now, a month later, it was fully up and running. I’d sold a few high-dollar items and countless smaller ones. People came from inside the city of Santa Fe to check out my work and reserve future pieces. The local businesses all bought a few paintings to hang in their stores. It was crazy how quickly my life turned around. Just a few months ago, I felt helpless and lost. I never thought I would make it as an artist, and now I owned my own gallery.

  As I locked up the gallery one evening, my mother called me. I stared down at my phone, nervous and breathless. We hadn’t spoken in months. I didn’t know why she was calling and for a split second, I worried something might have happened to my dad.

  “Mom,” I said as I answered the phone. “Is everything okay?”

  “Everything is fine,” she said, her voice guarded but kind. “I’m just calling to see how you are.”

  “Um…” I said, confusion setting in. “I’m fine. I actually opened my own art gallery about a month ago. Business has been good.”

  “From what I’ve heard, it’s been more than good,” my mom said.

  I blinked. What was she talking about? How did she know anything about my work or my gallery?

  “What do you mean?” I asked nervously.

  “Well, I got an interesting phone call a couple of days ago,” Mom said. “From Brad Jones?”

  “Yeah,” I said. “And what did he say?”

  “He just told me all about your gallery and how successful you’ve been,” she said. “He spent almost an hour gushing about how amazing you are and how you’re an inspiration to him. He’s very proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and he thought I would be too.”

  “Oh,” I said, unsure of what else to say.

  I never imagined Brad to be reserved or standoffish. Brad would call my mother to talk about me. It was crazy and yet, I believed it. Brad would do anything for me. He’d proven that time and time again since I moved in with him.

  “Well,” my mom said. “I won’t keep you. I just thought I would call and say congratulations on your success.”

  “Thank you, Mom,” I said.

  “And…” she hesitated. “I’m sorry about everything, Olivia. I was wrong. We, your father and I, were wrong. You obviously have a talent for this that we didn’t see before.”

  “It’s okay,” I said, though it wasn’t.

  “Maybe you can come home for a visit soon,” she said softly, “with your friend Brad.”

  “Sure,” I said. “That sounds nice.”

  We said our goodbyes and hung up. I stared at my phone in shock, unable to believe what just happened. It wasn’t like my mother to admit she was wrong. In fact, I’d never once heard her utter an apology in my entire life. Not to me or anyone. I felt like I was living in a dream as I locked up the gallery and climbed into my car.

  My little car wasn’t new. It was a rundown little thing that Brad fixed up for me, but I loved it. It was perfect, and it was all mine. As I drove it toward Brad’s shop, I tried to make sense of my conversation with my mom. She was kind, nice, and supportive. Three things she’d never been before. She even wanted me to visit and she wanted me to bring Brad. I wasn’t sure what to make of that, but I knew it was a good thing.

  As I pulled into the parking lot of the auto shop, I saw Brad working in the garage. I grinned and let myself into the lobby, pouring a cup of coffee and admiring my paintings on the wall. Brad insisted on buying them for the shop and the apartment. I tried to give them to him for free, but he refused. I loved seeing them hanging on the walls of this shop, the place we first met.

  I walked around the counter and let myself into the garage. Brad saw me and stood up straight, grinning widely and opening his arms for a greasy hug. I hugged him tightly and leaned up to press my lips to his. I sighed against his lips, melting into his chest. No matter how many times I kissed him, I never got used to it.

  When we pulled away, I saw a woman standing just outside the garage. She was glaring at me with earnest. I just grinned at her and waved, making her storm off in a huff. Rolling my eyes, I turned back to Brad.

  “Still hanging around, huh?” I asked, gesturing toward where the woman disappeared.

  “I didn’t even notice,” Brad said, shrugging.

  “Which is why I love you,” I said.

  It wasn’t anything new, these women hanging around Brad. They’d always done so, and now that we were together, they were even more persistent. They hated me for taking him off the market, but I didn’t care. Brad was mine, and I loved him for it.

  “I love you too.” He grinned and kissed me again.

  “So,” I said. “I got an interesting phone call from my mother today.”

  Brad’s face fell for a split second. He flashed me a guilty smile, and I just laughed, taking his hand and pulling him into the office. We each fell into a chair so we could talk freely.

  “I can’t believe you called her,” I said.

  “Are you mad?” he asked, worry crossing his face.

  “No,” I said. “I’m just surprised. Why did you do it?”

  “I thought she should know how you’re doing,” he said, shrugging. “She’s your mother. I know your parents have been terrible to you, but I don’t know. I just wanted them to know they made a mistake. I wanted them to know that your talent is undeniable.”

  I smiled and sighed. “Well, she was nice about it.”

  “She was?” He raised his eyebrows in surprise.

  “Yup,” I said. “She even said she was sorry for everything. She congratulated me on opening the gallery. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised. I didn’t know what to say. It was crazy.”

  “That’s amazing!” Brad said. “She finally sees the mistake she made.”

  I nodded. “She wants me to come home for a visit,” I said. “She said I should bring
you along with me. I guess she wants to meet you.”

  “She does?” Brad asked. “Wow, I thought for sure she would hate me after I called her out of the blue like that.”

  “Nope, I think she actually kind of likes you already,” I said.

  Brad laughed, making my stomach fill with butterflies. I could never get used to being with him. From his cobalt eyes to his big belly laughs to his soft kisses. He was everything I always dreamed of and more. I never imagine the sexy, bad boy mechanic I met on my first day in town would become the love of my life. Now I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

  “I think we should do it,” Brad said firmly. “We should go to New York.”

  “You do?” I asked, surprised. Brad always talked about New York like it was hell on earth.

  “I do,” he said. “I mean, I don’t want to live there. God no. Never. But a visit wouldn’t hurt.”

  “No.” I smiled. “It wouldn’t.”

  “Especially now that your parents are being nice,” Brad said, shrugging. “Maybe you guys can finally have a good relationship, you know?”

  “I hope so,” I said.

  Brad smiled and pulled me into his lap. He kissed me softly, wrapping his arms around my waist. Whatever happened with my parents, I knew it didn’t matter. As long as I had Brad, I’d have everything I need.

  The End

  My Hot Stepbrother

  A Second Chance Romance

  CHAPTER ONE

  Ryan

  Darkness enveloped us. Bradley and I moved side by side, silently trekking a path through the wilderness. Our footsteps were quiet, but leaves crunched beneath our boots, making us hold our breath. My nerves were calm and my heartbeat steady. Nothing about this mission was simple, but I knew my team had my back.

  Bradley and I slowly entered the compound from the north, while Jacob and Drew came from the east. The southern and western sides were covered by a deep, murky swamp.