Unexpected: A Billionaire Secret Baby Romance

by Ford, Aria

  “Hello,” I greeted him as I forced a smile to my face. “How are you?”

  “I’m doing great, Mandy. I wanted to see how you felt about everything after a few days.” He sat down in the chair across my desk, and I smoothed my black pencil skirt down before I took my seat.

  “I am doing…I’m struggling a little learning. I’ll be honest. Nothing too disastrous at this point.” I tried to smile as he crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s like I know the software, and I can work with numbers, but something is getting lost in translation.” I looked down, worried about what he might say to me.

  “That’s normal,” Martin assured me as I stared at him. “We’re all here to help you. You’re a smart girl, and that was clear from the first meeting, Mandy. That’s why I hired you.”

  I had been nervous after the interview, thinking about how many other people wanted this job. I wasn’t sure if I was qualified or not, shocked when Martin asked me if I wanted it. “It is?” I asked as he nodded.

  “You’ll be fine. Is there anything that I can help you with right now?” he offered as I settled back into my seat with relief.

  “I am going to plug away. I’ll ask if I need anything. Thank you so much.” I grinned as he stood and started to walk out of my door.

  “Stephen is the real numbers guy around this place. Call him if you need anything.” I smiled, but the mention of his name made my heart flutter in my chest. I watched as he left and stared at the mess of lines and numbers on my screen. I could get through one of these without help. The idea of asking Stephen for help made me want to pass out.

  Lunch could not come fast enough. I headed outside to meet Vanessa, and we went for sandwiches.

  I told her all about the coffee and the invite this morning, agonizing over what it meant. “He has a son, and he’s a coworker. Double whammy.”

  “He’s gorgeous,” she reminded me as I dropped my head into my hands. “You are great with kids too. Don’t worry about any of that yet. Just get to know him.”

  “I would give it a try, but there’s a good chance that he doesn’t feel anything for me. Maybe he’s just being nice.” Stella’s words played through my mind. “Maybe I am just making this all up in my head. I’ve never felt anything remotely like this for a man before.”

  Vanessa covered my hand with hers. “Baby steps, Mandy. From what you’ve told me, I think he likes you. I also saw the look on his face last night when I picked you up. He wasn’t going anywhere until you were safe, and he barely looked at me at all. See where this goes, okay?”

  “Yeah. I might get a great friend out of the deal, and it would be smart to get to know the other people in the office,” I agreed as I reached for my sweet tea. “I am just flustered with him and the new job.”

  “I know it isn’t your dream, sweetie. But it sounds like a great place to work to me. They sound really nice there.” Vanessa smiled at me.

  “You’re staying with Matt this weekend, right?” I asked as she nodded. They both worked for the theater, and she did that a lot on show weekends.

  “Take advantage of the empty apartment,” she told me just before leaving me at my office building, making me blush furiously.

  I walked inside, embarrassed. I was intensely attracted to Stephen, but we just met. I wasn’t the kind of girl to throw herself at a man like that, especially at a new job. Vanessa was insane. I headed back to my office to finish the data for the day before we went for drinks.

  I was flustered at the idea of drinks with everyone, much less just Stephen. I was nervous about the new job, despite Martin’s praise.

  I didn’t get a lick of work done the rest of the day, finding myself on edge when I heard the knock at the door. I looked to see Stephen, letting out a long sigh. “What’s wrong?” he asked in concern, walking inside as I took in his appearance. He had rolled his sleeves up, showing off his forearms, which appeared to have some ink on them. Stephen was gorgeous.

  “I just had one of those days. I feel like I did nothing but fight with numbers today.” I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the waves and then started to wonder how I looked. With the mess of a day I’d had, I didn’t even fix my face before he came in.

  “Mandy, you are brand new here. Martin doesn’t expect you to be perfect that fast. None of us ever expect perfection for that matter. It’s clear that you’re an intelligent woman. You’ll get this.” His voice was uplifting and comforted me in a way that made my whole body warm up. “Let’s go meet everyone and leave this all behind you for the weekend. I’ll help you on Monday, and we’ll get you going next week. You’ll be a pro in no time.”

  “You will?” I asked as he nodded with a reassuring smile. “Okay. I need a drink. I have been beating myself up all day over this.”

  “It’s happy hour, and they have great prices. I’m driving so have at it. Loosen up.” I glanced at him as I shut down my computer after saving what little work I’d completed. If I loosened up too much, I’d be asking him into my bed, and that could ruin everything.

  The thought made my knees weak. I grabbed my purse and took a breath before standing, craving a little liquid courage. I would check my face in the bathroom once we got there and add some lipstick if I needed to.

  This is going to be fun.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Stephen

  I drove us to the bar, since we’d more than likely be leaving once it was dark. Mandy explained that her friend would be leaving her car at home before she had to get to the camp the following day, so I knew that she was mine for the night.

  What I might do with that remained to be seen. She turned me the hell on, but I wanted to hold back for a lot of reasons.

  Did Mandy want a man with a son in her life? Would she resent it somewhere down the line once she’d met Brandon and he became attached to her?

  I glanced over as I watched her looking into the mirror, fussing over her appearance. Mandy was gorgeous, but she probably had no idea of that fact.

  I pulled into the small parking lot of the corner sports bar, finding a spot in the back. We made our way to the door, and I held it open for her, checking out her ass as she walked inside. “I am going to use the restroom. Where will you be?” Mandy asked me as she turned around, meeting my hungry gaze.

  “There’s a couple of tables in the back that everyone sits at. What would you like to drink?” I asked her as she blushed.

  “Something sweet. You seem to guess very well.” Her gaze was hot as she walked away, and I pressed my hands to my thighs for a moment. Wow.

  I walked to the bar and ordered myself the only beer that I was going to enjoy, adding a fuzzy naval for Mandy. I stayed at the bar to wait for her, so she wouldn’t have to join the crowd at the table all alone.

  I knew that there was going to be talk about our mutual arrival, but I didn’t care. I’d never given another woman any attention before then, but I hoped they were grown up enough to get the fuck over themselves. I was one of the top workers at the company and needed the job as much as they needed me.

  I sipped the beer and glanced back toward the hallway, mesmerized as Mandy appeared. I wasn’t surprised to see a fresh layer of pink on her lips and hair fixed up a little, making me smile. She deserved to know how flawless she looked. I handed her the drink and led her to the table with my hand on the small of her back.

  Everyone was staring, and I felt her freeze for a moment. “Come on.” She walked forward, and I made the formal introductions for those that hadn’t met her. We found a spot at the table, and I noticed that Paul was looking curiously at me, his arm slung over the shoulder of one of the young receptionists. She looked a little tipsy already, and I rolled my eyes at him as his eyes drifted to Mandy.

  I felt a rush of jealousy and glanced over at her, watching her sip the drink as she looked around the table with a nervous expression. I noticed that Stella moved into the seat beside her and grinned at her. They seemed to know one another already, and I raised an eyebrow as Stella
shot me an inquiring look.

  Someone ordered shots, and the waitress brought over a big tray of them as Mandy stared at it. She’d finished her drink and asked the waitress for another one as Stella slid two shot glasses her way. “You get Stephen’s. He’s a goody-two-shoes.”

  “He has to get home to his son,” Mandy defended me as I looked down at her. She smiled at me, and I felt warmth rush over me.

  Stella convinced Mandy to join in with a shot, and everyone clanked their glasses together before slamming down the tequila. I laughed at the look on her face, and she stared at me in shock. I assumed that she wasn’t too much of a drinker, but she took an eager sip of the cocktail that the waitress brought her to wash down the harsh liquor.

  Paul let out a holler as he held up another shot and raised his hands in the air. He was the first one on the dance floor when the music started, dirty dancing with the receptionist that he’d originally been cuddling up to as well as another one. I watched him as he rocked his hips into the blonde’s ass, calling out something obnoxious as Mandy gave me a look.

  I could tell that she was getting a little drunk by the shimmer in her eyes and smiled gently at her. I would take care of her and keep her safe. More to the point, I would keep her far away from Paul. He was a handful when he was sober, but with a few shots in him, every woman in the room was soon to be in trouble.

  The others started joining him as the music kept playing, and I started laughing. I didn’t get out with everyone enough and was having a great time here tonight. Danielle always told me to do things with friends after work, but I had Brandon to think about. He was my responsibility, my obligation.

  A rush of freedom passed through me as a popular song that Brandon loved came over the speakers. I leaned close to Mandy and asked her to dance with me as she blushed and smiled shyly. “Okay,” she agreed as we stood and moved toward the group on the dance floor. I watched as she took a small breath and started to move, realizing quickly that Mandy had some moves.

  She only had one more shot, which was delivered by no other than Paul, who grinned at me. “This is for you. I have someone to warm my bed tonight.” He winked at me before returning to the girls waiting for him, and I looked down at Mandy. She didn’t seem to hear what he said and downed the shot like it was water before she smiled brightly at me.

  Fuck, she was beautiful.

  She kept dancing to the songs that played, and I was grateful when something slow came over the speakers. I took her hand and asked if I could have this dance, mesmerized by her smile when she said yes.

  “How long have you been alone with your son?” Her voice was soft in my ear as I held her close, moving to the slow beat of the ballad.

  “Six years. His mother left when Brandon was one,” I replied, oblivious to our surroundings as she slipped her arms around his neck. “We were never married, barely together really. I wasn’t as careful as I should have been then, but I love my boy more than anything.”

  “Of course you do. I can tell that you live for him.” Her eyes were clear when she gazed up at me, full of compassion and sincerity. “He’s lucky to have you.”

  “Thank you,” I told her as I pulled her body closer to me, feeling her chest against mine as I breathed her in. Her perfume was sweet and reminded me of citrus and cherries.

  We danced for an hour or so longer before I sensed that Mandy was tired. We walked out to the car, and I opened the door for her as she slid into the passenger seat. Once I was behind the wheel, I looked at her and tenderly stroked her soft cheek. “You don’t drink a lot, do you?”

  “No. Never.” She giggled. “That was a lot of fun, though.”

  “It was. I should go more.” I admitted as I pulled slowly out of the parking lot. “Where do you live?”

  She directed me to an apartment complex a few blocks away, and I pulled into the parking lot and parked in front of the door that she pointed at. It was a nice place, and I looked around before noticing how dark her unit was. “Is anyone home?” I asked her as she turned her head to stare at me. There was something needy in her eyes, and I licked my lips, imagining the things that I could do with her.

  “No. Vanessa stays with her boyfriend a lot on the weekends since they do theater together.” Mandy smiled brilliantly at me. “Want to come in? We usually have something to drink in the house.”

  I hesitated for a fleeting second. “That sounds great, Mandy.”

  I should’ve headed home to Brandon, but I knew that he was sleeping from the text I’d sent to Danielle. She was curled up watching a movie, and my son was safe, so I should enjoy myself a little bit. I would be back in time for him to wake up. I’d never spend the night away from Brandon nor would I just assume that Danielle would stay.

  I had responsibilities, but at that moment, I was just going to take her inside and pretend that this was all that I had to worry about.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Mandy

  I watched as he walked around to my side of the car, shocked at the fact I was going inside of my apartment with Stephen. Hadn’t we just met?

  My stomach had butterflies choking me as I heard the door open and slid my legs out. I was looking forward to getting out of these heels, and I allowed him to pull me to my feet, sliding my hands against his broad chest. Our eyes locked and my legs went weak as I slipped my arms around his neck.

  I wanted him. Badly. I could think of a few reasons why nothing should happen between us, but when I looked at his lips, they all faded away from my mind. “Let’s go in.”

  “Okay,” I replied as he closed the door and locked it with the push of a button. He wrapped an arm around my back and led me upstairs to our spacious, two-bedroom unit. I unlocked the door and walked inside, knowing that it was clean. Vanessa was a freak about that. Stephen followed me inside, and I caught a whiff of his intoxicating scent. It reminded me of peppermint and the ocean, with a hint of masculinity. I was obsessed with it. I walked over to the counter and dropped my keys on the counter before turning to ask him what he wanted to drink.

  “I don’t want alcohol. I can’t stay tonight and need to be careful how much I drink,” Stephen told me, his eyes apologetic before he pressed his lips to mine. I pulled him closer to me, gripping his shirt as he cupped my face and kissed me harder. He pushed me against the counter, tilting his face as he teased my lips with his tongue.

  Oh God.

  I wrapped my arms around his body and gave him entrance, groaning as he claimed my mouth. Stephen was demanding with his kiss, taking from me as I gave him everything. I knew that I was a little tipsy, but the dancing sobered me up. I knew that I was nervous. I’d never felt this way about a man in my life.

  He gripped my hips and pulled me against him as we both moaned. I was beyond logic. All need. I slid my arms around his neck, kissing him without inhibition as his hands brushed the zipper of my skirt. “I want you, Mandy.” His voice was hoarse, and I felt his teeth against my earlobe. “I need you.”

  “Take me,” I urged him, feeling his fingers unbutton the skirt and unzip it before I felt it slide down to the floor. I was wearing some lace boy shorts underneath, and I felt embarrassed, even though it was dark. The only light was from the stove, and I pulled him closer to me.

  “Take me to your room,” Stephen told me as I kicked off my heels and bravely unbuttoned my shirt. I dropped it from my shoulders and turned to lead the way to my room at the end of the long hallway. We were lucky in that we both had master suites. I reached out my hand, needing his warmth.

  Stephen turned me toward him once we were inside the room, his mouth claiming mine in a hard kiss. I reached down to release the button on his pants and slide them down, hearing him get his shoes off.

  We worked together to remove his shirt before he lifted me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and ground against him, moaning at the delicious sensation of his erection pressed against my heat.

  He carried me to my bed, lit only by the amber salt lamp that burned at a
ll hours. He lowered me to the mattress, and I felt his hard cock pressing against my damp core as I groaned against his lips. He was thick and hard, and my untouched pussy cried out with fear before he kissed me again. “Do you have anything here?” Stephen asked as I felt him pull back and work the front clasp of my bra.

  “I think that Vanessa has some condoms in her bathroom. It’s been a while for me,” I breathed as he spread the lace open and stared down at my nearly naked body. “I can go get some.”

  Stephen moved to the side, and I breathed deeply as I sat up. I slipped the bra off, dropping it to the floor with a violent shudder as I moved to stand up. My nipples were hard and breasts heavy with the need to be touched. I wrapped my arms around my waist as I walked over to Vanessa’s cracked door.

  Despite knowing the layout of our place well, my legs were still trembling as I padded across the hardwood floors to her bathroom. I grabbed a couple of silver packets and pressed my lips together, tracing my nipples with my finger as I breathed in. I knew that if I touched myself between my legs, I would be soaked with desire, and I clutched the condoms tighter in my hand before I almost ran to my bedroom.

  I slipped back inside to see Stephen sitting on my bed, his perfect body bare for me. He had his rigid cock in his hand, but his eyes were on me. “Set them down on the edge of the bed and come here.”

  He didn’t have to ask me twice.

  He was the most beautiful man that I’d ever seen, and I stilled to watch him for a moment. His eyes were heavy-lidded, and he watched for a moment as I took in his cut abdomen and muscular chest. I felt my thighs tingling and walked over to the bed to join him on it, dropping the strip onto the bed before I kissed him.

  It was as if something was unleashed between us as he pulled my face closer to him, kissing me hard and deep. I could feel the need that was pounding in my chest, making my core ache as he laid me down onto my back. He kissed me until I couldn’t breathe before moving to my jaw and then to the soft skin of my neck.