by Lynn, Sandi
“You have no choice, or she’ll get suspicious. She’s a smart woman. You don’t think she’ll start running scenarios in her mind if she knew her baby came from your sperm bank? Do you think she’ll think it’s a coincidence?”
“Then what am I supposed to tell her I do if she asks?”
“I don’t know. Tell her you’re a financial guy or something.”
“I hate every second of this and you know it.” He pointed at me.
“You worry too much. We’ll meet for dinner Saturday night and then you really won’t have to see her much after that.”
By the time I got home, it was nine o’clock. I told Harper that I’d call her tonight, so I poured myself a bourbon, sat down on the couch and dialed her number.
“Hello.”
“Hey there, beautiful girl.”
“Hi there, handsome. How was your dinner meeting?”
“It was good. How are you doing? Feeling any better than this afternoon?”
“Yeah. I guess. You’re right. We’ll work things out.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear that.”
“I don’t think I told you, but I had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon.”
“Why? Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. It was my monthly appointment. I had an ultrasound done, and I heard the baby’s heartbeat. I can’t wait to show you the ultrasound picture tomorrow night.”
I gulped and suddenly, I started to profusely sweat.
“That’s great. I can’t wait to see it. Did Curtis send you those projects?”
“He did and I’m working on one of them as we speak.”
“Great. You can fill me in tomorrow. Listen, I just got home, and I have a few things to do. I’ll see you tomorrow when I pick you up.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“Me too. Goodnight, Harper.”
“Goodnight, Grayson.”
A picture. She had a picture she couldn’t wait to show me of her baby; my baby. Shit. That’s the last thing I wanted to see. I sighed as I finished off my drink, went upstairs to change and then headed down to my study to check my emails.
Chapter 25
Harper
I awoke the next morning by my phone dinging with a text message from Laurel.
“I hope you’re up. I’m on my way over for a bit before I have to go to work. See you soon. If you’re not up, I’ll be pounding on your door.”
Rolling my eyes, I messaged her back.
“I’m up. I’ll unlock the door. Just walk in.”
After going to the bathroom, I was brushing my teeth when my phone dinged with a text message from Grayson. Instantly, a smile crossed my face.
“Good morning. I can’t wait to see you tonight. Have a good day.”
“Good morning. I can’t wait to see you either. I’ll have a good day only if you do.”
“I’ll have a perfect day knowing I’m going to see you later.” He sent the winking emoji.
“Me too.” I replied with the blushing smiley emoji.
I heard the door open, so I slipped on my robe and walked out of the bedroom.
“I bring gifts.” Laurel grinned as she held up a carrier containing two coffees and a brown bag from my favorite breakfast place: The Broken Yolk.
“I hope there’s a Jack’s scramble bowl in that bag.”
“Of course there is. I know it’s your favorite.”
I grabbed the coffee cup that had a “D” on it for decaf, grabbed two forks from the drawer, two napkins and took them over to the table.
“Thanks, Laurel. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. Yesterday was rough, and I wanted to give you some space. You know Charlotte means well. She’s just worried about you, especially now with the baby coming.”
“She need not worry about me. What is your feeling about everything?”
“I’m happy if you’re happy. I do think things are moving rather quickly, but for some couples it happens.”
“He sent me a text message this morning telling me he can’t wait to see me tonight. Do you know how that makes me feel? After Kevin, I questioned everything about me. What I did or didn’t do. What I could have done differently but didn’t.”
“Harper, Kevin was just a straight up asshole. There was nothing you did besides love him. He broke up with you out of his own insecurities. It had nothing to do with you.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
“I am right. I know guys like him. I am the woman version of him.” She laughed.
“True.” I laughed with her.
“Just take a piece of advice, or not. It’s up to you. Don’t rush things with Grayson. I know he pays attention to you, buys you beautiful flowers and muffins, and all that’s great, but don’t forget who you are as a person. You’re one of the strongest women I know, and you’ve been through so much since your parents died. Don’t lose that strength and become dependent on a man who may or may not ultimately stick around for the long haul. Everything is rainbows and fairy dust right now. It always is in the beginning and you know it. As soon as the red flags pop up, take a step back and really think about things. Don’t wait until all the flags are out and trying to wave some sense into you.”
“I know.” I sighed.
I’d spent the day working and getting ready for when Grayson came to pick me up. I packed a small overnight bag with a piece of sexy lingerie I wanted to wear before I couldn’t fit in it anymore. I knew tonight would be perfect because any time I’d spent with him was.
“I’ll be at your apartment in about ten minutes. Are you ready?”
“I am. See you soon.”
I smiled as I threw my phone in my purse and set my bag on the table. Running into the bedroom, I took one last look at myself in the full-length mirror and gave my hair one last brush before I heard a knock at the door. He was right on time.
“Hi.” I grinned as I saw him standing there looking as sexy as ever in his dark gray designer suit.
“Hi.” He leaned in and kissed my lips.
“Come in. I just have to grab my purse and my bag.”
“I’ll grab your bag. Is that it over on the table?” he asked.
“Yes.”
While he took my bag, I grabbed my purse and got out my keys to lock the door. My heart was racing as we took the elevator down to the lobby. I couldn’t wait to spend the night with him.
“Have a good evening, you two.” Sammy smiled as he tipped his hat.
“Thank you, Sammy. We will.” Grayson smiled.
I turned around and gave Sammy a small smile and wave. He returned my gesture with a wink.
“Hello, Damon,” I spoke as he held the door open for me.
“Hello, Harper. How are you this evening?”
“I’m great. How are you?”
“No complaints.”
I climbed into the Escalade and Grayson slid in beside me, grabbing my hand and holding it.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“It was good. I got a lot of work done. How was yours?”
“Not bad, but certainly much better now.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
Damon pulled up in front of a tall brown building in Lenox Hill. Grayson opened the door, slid out first and then extended his hand and helped me down. The best part was he didn’t let go while he held my bag in his other hand.
“Good evening, Mr. Grayson.”
“Good evening, Charles. This is Miss Harper Holland. She’s to be put on the list.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss Holland. I’ll add her now.”
“What list?” I asked as we walked to the elevator.
“My guest list of people who are allowed to come right up to my penthouse.”
“Why Mr. Rhodes, I’m feeling a little special right now.” I grinned.
“Good, because you are special.” He leaned in and kissed my lips as the elevator doors closed.
As soon as the doors opened, I was greeted by a m
agnificent foyer that consisted of white marble flooring and a beautiful oval curved staircase.
“Wow, Grayson. This is magnificent.”
“Thanks. I’ll give you a tour. We can start upstairs since I’m taking your bag up.”
I slowly walked up the stairs, noting the gray painted walls and the dark cherry wood floors that greeted me. The hallway was long with guest bedrooms and bathrooms on each side, and all the way down at the end was the master bedroom that sat behind two large wood carved white double doors.
“Wow. Look at all these windows.” I smiled. “This view must be breathtaking at night.”
“It is. You’ll be able to see it for yourself later.”
I ran my hand along the gray down comforter that made up his bed. Across from it was a large fireplace and a massive TV that hung on the wall. A large cherry wood dresser graced the other wall with an armoire that sat in the opposite corner. The curtains that housed the tall floor to ceiling windows were the same gray as the comforter was. The room was decorated to perfection. Even the artwork that hung on the walls was of taste.
“Are you an interior decorator in your spare time?” I asked.
He let out a chuckle. “No. I hired an interior designer named Adalyn Grant. Her husband, Harrison, is a friend of mine. I bought this place in a foreclosure auction for practically nothing, but it desperately needed a remodel. So, I brought Adalyn in and she worked her magic.”
“I haven’t seen the rest of the house yet, but from what I can already tell she’s fantastic at her job.”
“She’s actually the best. Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the place.” He held out his hand.
Taking it, he led me down the stairs and showed me the media room which housed two sectionals, a pool table and a large TV that took up most of the wall. When we entered the living room, the first thing my eyes noticed was the grand piano in the corner. It just wasn’t any old piano.
“Is this a Steinway Grand?” I asked as I walked over to it and ran my hand over the satin ebony finish.
“It is.” He smiled.
“These cost like fifty thousand dollars.”
“Yes. They do.”
“Do you play?” I asked as I wouldn’t take my eyes off it.
“I do play. You must know something about pianos yourself if you recognized it was a Steinway right away.”
“My mother started teaching me the piano when I was about four years old. Actually, I don’t think I was even four yet. Her grandmother was a concert pianist who traveled the world. She taught her how to play. She told me her dream was to buy a Steinway Grand and one day she’d have one where we both could sit and play. After she died, and they sent me to live with my aunt, I was lucky enough that she had a piano for me to play. But I could only play it when she wasn’t home. If I even dared to try to play it when she was sleeping or hungover, she’d scream at me for an hour.”
“Did she play?”
“No. The house came with the piano and she liked to use it for a place to throw her clothes. She never wanted to learn to play. Who taught you?” I asked.
“My grandmother. She started teaching me when I was young just like your mother taught you. What cooking is to you is what the piano is to me.”
“Wow. I can’t believe it.”
“Sit down and play something for me.”
“Oh, my God. No, Grayson, I can’t.”
“Yes, you can.” He placed his hands on my hips and made me sit down on the black tufted bench. “This is your chance to play on a Steinway Grand. Are you really going to turn it down?”
“I guess not.” I bit down on my bottom lip as I looked up at him.
I stretched out my fingers and took in a deep breath as I softly stroked a couple keys to get a feel for it and to listen to the magnificent sound it made. I started to play Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Before I knew it; I was lost in the music. I played as if I only played yesterday. Grayson stood there with his arm on the edge of the piano smiling as I unleashed my talent. I finished the song, and he slowly clapped his hands.
“Are you sure you’re not a professional in disguise?” He smiled. “I’m pretty sure you inherited your grandmother’s talent. That was phenomenal, Harper.”
“Thank you. God, it felt so good to play again. It’s been a long time. Your turn. I want to hear you play.” I smiled.
“I’ll play something for you later. Dinner should arrive any minute.”
Chapter 26
Grayson
When she said she could play, I had no idea she could play that way. Shit. Something we both had in common. Charles called up to let me know that dinner had arrived. The elevator dinged and two people dressed in black attire stepped out with large warming bags in their hands.
“Good evening, Mr. Rhodes. Would you like us to set up in the dining room?”
“Yes. It’s this way.”
I led them into the dining room. Harper took her seat, and I grabbed her a glass of water and myself a bourbon.
“What did you do?” Her face lit up with a smile.
“Not much.” I winked.
One server removed two large plates from his bag which consisted of filet and lobster tail, parmesan red potatoes and steamed green beans. The other server set the large salad in the middle of the table and a platter of fresh hot bread with honey butter.
“I’ll put the dessert in the refrigerator,” he spoke.
“Very good. Thank you.”
I reached into my pocket, pulled out some cash and handed each of them a generous tip.
“Thank you, Mr. Rhodes. Enjoy your dinner.”
“We will. Thank you.”
I took my seat across from her and picked up my fork.
“This looks delicious, Grayson. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I hope you like filet and lobster. After I ordered it, I started to have doubts and thought maybe I should have asked you first.”
“I love filet and lobster. You did good.”
“Just so you know, I had a backup plan if you didn’t like it.”
We talked over dinner about work. When we finished, she got up and started cleaning the table.
“Go sit down. You’re my guest and I’ll clean up.”
“You were my guest and still insisted on helping, so I’m doing the same thing. Plus, it’ll be quicker if we both do it. I’m eager to hear you play the piano.” She grinned.
“There’s dessert in the refrigerator,” I spoke.
She placed her hand on her belly. “I will definitely have dessert later. I’m so full. Dinner was delicious. Thank you.” She reached up and brushed her lips against mine.
“You’re welcome. I’m happy you enjoyed it.”
“Oh. I’ll be right back. I want to show you something,” she spoke with excitement.
“Okay. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
A moment later she returned.
“This is my baby.” She grinned from ear to ear as she held the ultrasound picture in front of me.
My heart started to rapidly beat, and a wave of heat took over me as I stared it.
“See. There’s the head and that right there is a little arm.”
I gulped and didn’t know what to say.
“Wow. I’ve never seen an ultrasound picture before. Do you know the sex?”
“I won’t know that until my next ultrasound in a few weeks.”
“Are you going to find out?” I casually asked.
“Yes. I want to know so I can decorate the nursery and start buying the color appropriate clothes. You know, blue for a boy and pink for a girl.”
“Sure. I don’t blame you.”
Looking at the picture was making me uncomfortable, and I needed to change the subject before she noticed.
“When are you due?”
“November 16th.”
I inhaled a sharp breath as the heat in my body consumed me.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yeah. It’s just Novemb
er 16th is my birthday.”
“Oh my God! You’re kidding. Wow. Talk about crazy.”
“It sure is.” I turned away and placed the plate in the dishwasher. “I can finish cleaning the rest up later. I want to play the piano for you.”
Truth was, I needed to sit and play for my own sanity. My baby was due on my birthday. What the fuck. I took her hand and led her over to the piano where we both sat down on the bench and I began to play Fur Elise, but a darker more intense version. When I was finished, I looked over at her and the smile she had on her face.
“That was hauntingly beautiful, Grayson. Fur Elise, right?”
“Yes. I tweaked it a little bit.”
“You’re really good.” She kissed my cheek. “May I?” She placed her hands on the keys.
“Of course, take it away.”
“I would ask you to join me but I’m not sure you’ll be able to keep up.” Her smile widened as her fingers began to move across the keys and she played Boogie Woogie.
I grinned as I sat there for a moment and let her play solo before joining in. Placing my fingers on the keys at the end, I joined in and we played together. I added in a few extra notes and she didn’t even flinch. She kept playing right in tune with me. We swayed back and forth as we laughed until we played the final note.
“I can’t believe you!” She laughed.
“I can’t believe you!”
I placed my hand on her cheek and stared into her beautiful blue eyes.
“You’re truly a terrific woman, Harper,” I spoke with seriousness.
“And you’re truly a terrific man, Grayson.”
I leaned in and kissed her soft lips. Then I stood up, picked her up from the bench and carried her up the stairs to my bedroom. I couldn’t forget how her skin trembled under my fingers and how good it felt to be buried deep inside her.
After stripping out of our clothes, I brought her on top of me and watched her beautiful body move back and forth as she rode my cock. I cupped her perky breasts in my hands and softly stroked her hardened peaks with my thumbs as her moans grew louder and she came. It took every ounce of strength I had in me to hold back. She rolled off me and laid on her belly as she tried to catch her breath. I thrust inside of her, both of us gasping at the same time. My cock was still rock hard and ready to explode as I thrust in and out of her. One final thrust and I released myself inside her, moaning at the intense pleasure.