She didn’t think such measures were called for now.
In her heart, she knew Daniel would be devastated to lose his baby. He’d already potentially lost his partner. When Esme looked closely at his face, she could see the dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. Though the man looked far from his actual age, fatigue and stress were slowly taking their toll.
Far be it from her to add to the man’s list of issues.
There wasn’t a doubt in Esme’s mind that Daniel would be a good father – and she wanted nothing more than to reassure him that she was aware of the fact.
“I’m definitely still on board.” She sipped at her coffee, allowing the caffeine to seep into her senses as she calmed her nerves. This was just a minor setback. It was more than likely that Alyssa would be back in a few weeks, max, and everything would be back to normal. “As long as you are.”
Daniel’s brilliant smile was akin to the sun piercing the clouds after a rainstorm. His brow immediately cleared, his full mouth curving upward in a gesture that made Esme’s knees weak and her heart race. Her overly hormonal body immediately began to ache in almost painful longing and she had to take a deep breath to center herself. “Wonderful, Esme. Thank you so much. I know this can’t be the easiest for you and I don’t mean to make things harder. I just want to be honest. Honesty is important to me.” The man’s eyes suddenly darkened as he lost himself in a memory beyond Esme’s reckoning. “So I just want to make sure I maintain transparency.”
“It’s your baby.” Esme provided, her own lips curving slightly as she took a bite of one of the croissants from the basket provided to them. The flavor was absolutely heavenly, and she suppressed a moan of delight.
“It’s your body. Which is why I also have a few other things I’d like to discuss with you…involving certain matters over the course of your pregnancy.”
Esme arched a brow as Daniel signaled to the waiter. When he asked if he could order for her, she let him, impressed with his choices of crème brulee brioche French toast and Maryland crab cake eggs benedict. It was easy to forget that the man was filthy rich upon merely talking to him. He seemed incredibly down to earth. Once their breakfast was ordered, Daniel poured them another round of coffee before speaking once more. “Esme, you live on the east side of Enid, correct?”
She nodded, buttering another decadent croissant. “That’s about two hours away from my estate in the foothills, and almost an hour and a half away from the clinic for you?” The young woman repeated the gesture. It was the only downside to being involved in the surrogacy program so far. Every time she managed to make it out to the clinic and back home, it cost her an entire tank of gas. Of course, that was no problem now, with her stipend.
“You’ve also said you work now,” the beef baron continued, taking up a croissant of his own to spread with strawberry jelly before popping a bite into his sumptuous mouth. “May I ask where?”
Esme was immediately embarrassed. It was always difficult to talk to anyone about her attempts at a career. She was nowhere near the place she wanted to be, and until she was, she’d always feel like she’d fallen a little short.
“Oh…just a Brazilian restaurant downtown. The new place.”
“I see.” She tried not to create disapproval in the man’s gaze that wasn’t there, looking away as shame curdled in her gut. “Well, Esme, what I want to ask is: how you would feel about coming to live on the estate for the course of your pregnancy?”
Esme’s dark eyes widened as she gazed at the man in shock. Come to…live on his estate? Of course, everyone in town knew about the expansive Hartsford Ranch about a hundred miles outside the city, but few had ever visited it. The two-hundred acre rolling property was very private affair, completely closed off from the outside world. This was, press representatives stated, to ensure that the cattle lived in the greatest comfort and produced the highest quality beef.
Excitement filled her chest at the prospect of being allowed on the ranch, even as her rational mind protested against it. Hartsford was already giving her five thousand dollars month for her own expenses. Now, he wanted her to come live on his property free of charge? It all seemed like a bit much. Atop that, whenever Alyssa decided to stroll back onto the scene, Esme was sure the Hispanic beauty wouldn’t be too happy about another woman so close to her man.
Esme swallowed her excitement, forcing herself to remove her personal feelings from the equation. “That’s an amazing offer, Mr. Hartsford.”
“Call me Daniel.”
The interjection caught her off guard, sending warmth curling through her belly as his brilliant blue eyes pierced through her. “Daniel. But I’m afraid there’s no way I can accept. The stipend you’re giving me is already immense. It’s more than enough for me to make sure I have everything I need to keep your baby healthy.”
“In my opinion, it’s nowhere near enough.” Daniel added more coffee to his cup his expression completely sincere. “If I had my way, Esme, I’d make sure you had every comfort available. The ranch is closer to the surrogate center and we also have our own private doctor on for emergencies. You wouldn’t have to work…everything would be provided for you….and…” He hesitated, clearly fighting some inner battle with himself as he decided how to continue. Esme waited on his words with bated breath. “It would help my peace of mind. I’m…I’m not certain if Alyssa is coming back. Ever. If it’s at all feasible for you…I’d like to be close to my child.”
For a moment, Esme just stared at him, a storm of emotions churning inside her. Alyssa had walked out on the man permanently? They’d only just decided to have a child together? What kind of woman walked out on her own child? While it was evident to her that Daniel had the resources to handle himself and a baby, what he didn’t have was a mother’s touch; and all thanks to his half-cocked partner, whose sanity the young woman was very much beginning to doubt.
How was she supposed to say no to this request?
While it would be difficult for her not to work – she’d always supported herself - perhaps the time off would give her the opportunity she needed to fine tune some recipes she’d been working on. She was sure that wherever she stayed on the ranch would have a decent kitchen. She’d just have to find something to do with all her spare time. Maybe she could even save the bit of her stipend she might have used otherwise – she fully intended on returning at least fifty percent of it to Daniel to add to the already hefty trust fund he must be building for his child. She wouldn’t feel right taking so much money for her own personal use.
Daniel wanted her on the ranch. He wanted to be close to his developing child and he wanted the peace of mind that came from quick access to medical care. Could she really be so cruel as to deny him? The man was obviously hurting from the loss of his partner. She had no intention of adding to the quagmire of complications he currently faced.
Taking a deep breath, she forced a tentative smile. “Well…if it will help your peace of mind…how can I say no?”
Immediately, it was as if a visible weight had been lifted from the man’s shoulders. He straightened, a warm smile lighting his devastatingly handsome features as his eyes shown with relief. “Really? You wouldn’t mind?”
Oh, she’d mind. How couldn’t she, when it meant she’d be living on the same estate with a man whose baby she carried? While she hadn’t been impregnated in the traditional sense, there was still something rather…intimate about carrying someone else’s child. Esme had tried to ignore any such feelings she might have, telling herself that she was her own person, in an entirely different household, far away from the drama and prestige of Daniel Hartsford.
But all of that was about to change
She was about to be in the thick of everything, including her innate attraction to the man – which had only been enhanced by the hormones raging through her body.
“I wouldn’t mind.” Her reply was saccharine sweet. “There are a few stipulations though.”
“Anything. Name the
m.” A shiver travelled down her spine as his low baritone thrummed through her. Blatantly ignoring her libido’s demands that she seek sexual compensation, Esme tried to stick to the basics.
“Well, I’d like to have access to the kitchen. Full access, if possible. Also, I’d need my own dedicated phone line.” Better not to have her friends, and more importantly, her mother, finding out exactly who she’d donated her body to for the next nine months. “Also,” She went on, hesitating slightly before continuing, “I’d like someone to teach me how to ride a horse. Before I get too big, that is.”
At the incredulous look on Daniel’s face, she flushed slightly. “I’d be completely safe. It’s just…I’ve always wanted to learn, and if I’m going to be on a huge ranch with a lot of free time…” She trailed off, feeling acutely embarrassed. She didn’t think she’d ever told anyone about her secret desire to learn how to ride horses.
Not even her mother.
Coming from Southern Cali, she’d always see beach bums riding along the beach against the backdrop of beautiful sunsets and been painfully jealous. It wasn’t as if she wanted to be an equestrian or anything. She just wanted a basic skill set.
She could only hope Daniel wouldn’t refuse her. “You don’t know how to ride a horse?” His brow was arched in surprise.
“Cali girl.” She shrugged. “I never had a chance to take lessons.”
The man’s face split into a grin so wide Esme thought his cheeks must be ache from its breadth. However, the gesture was infectious and she soon found all her apprehension melting away as her own smile retuned. “I’ll teach you myself.” Daniel’s words made her heart light with anticipation as she felt a laugh of joy bubbling past her lips. “As to your other demands, they sound quite reasonable to me. I’ll see to them this afternoon. Would you be ready to move in tomorrow?”
Jesus. So quickly. Her head spun with the prospect of quitting yet another job, packing up, and trying to figure out everything she would need for the next nine months. “I’ll send men to your house to help you with anything you might need. And a car, of course. We can always have yours brought up later.”
Was this what it was like to have money? People at your beck and call, able to come to your aid at your slightest whim?
Interesting. The idea of so many people watching her every move was slightly intimidating, but this, she could definitely appreciate.
“Tomorrow’s fine.”
“Wonderful.”
The waitress chose that moment to deliver their breakfast and they fell into a companionable silence over their meal. Esme tucked into her French Toast heartily, telling herself to enjoy her luxury while she could. After all, in nine months, her dealings with Hartsford, his absent partner, and his vast empire would be over.
And she’d be back to being plain old Esme – struggling in the kitchen and in life.
***
Chapter Four: Complications
The look on her face was absolutely priceless.
By now, Daniel thought himself relatively used to the expressions of awe worn by those coming into the ranch for the first time. It was an immense property, with thousands of animals. When it came to Esme, however, he was entranced by the look of pleased surprise she wore.
There was no scheme that he could read behind her eyes – no self-interest and no ego. In fact, Daniel had a strong suspicion that if he’d never asked her to the ranch, she’d have been perfectly content never to go.
That, however, wasn’t an option.
Not after Alyssa had stormed out on him the way she had.
It had quickly become apparent to him that whatever he had believed his former partner capable of, that capability had been rendered moot by her volatile emotions. He knew that Alyssa was prone to mood swings, but there was a part of him that had believed that the prospect of a child would sober her in that respect.
When he remembered how she’d told him that she’d never even wanted a child…that she’d been doing him a favor by giving into his whim – his chest tightened in pain. He was still in disbelief that she had lied to him so completely before walking away from him entirely.
He hadn’t heard from her in the week since she’d left, and any attempt to contact her had been utterly useless. Her mother hung up in his face and her friends refused to answer the phone entirely.
Having Esme on the ranch would serve to keep him busy – give him something with which to occupy his thoughts.
As the gleaming black SUV in which they were seated glided up the long drive to the main house, Daniel chanced a glance over at the woman seated beside him, swallowing thickly. He had brought her here for the baby, he reminded himself – not because he wanted to imagine her slender form in next to nothing, spread out over the sheets of his immense four-poster bed.
Today she was dressed casually, in a pair of jeans and a dark velour hoodie with converse, her hair pulled into a high ponytail. He was reminded that she was a good ten years younger than him – a bit more, actually, and tried to use the fact to drum up some sort of guilt. When he found he couldn’t, a low sigh of frustration escaped him.
All he could concentrate on was the alluring slant of her almond eyes, her full mouth, and the way she pressed herself to the window – almost childlike – in an attempt to see as much of the ranch as she could as they drove through it.
The rolling green hills were impeccably groomed, thanks, not to any gardener, but to the constant, carefully controlled grazing of cattle and horses. They were, for the most part, allowed to wander where they would throughout the property. The leaves of trees were appropriately pruned to be beyond their reach, and they were kept away from plants that served to enhance the scenery, but might be harmful to the livestock.
His mother, in particular, liked white roses, and so the last time she’d come up to visit, he’d had over two hundred rosebushes planted on the property. Now, they were all in full bloom, setting off the intense greenery of their surroundings with their stark contrast.
A large fenced yard isolated the main house in the center of the estate and, at the sight of it, and audible gasp escaped Esme.
Daniel had designed the five bedroom manor to be reminiscent of the large country houses he’d grown up in down south. It was a charming building – all brick with a freshly tiled roof and wraparound porch. Two acres of land surrounding the house were landscaped, including the addition of a year-round swimming pool and ample gardens – which his mother loved tending when she came to visit.
“It’s huge.” Esme breathed in appreciation next to him, before fixing him with her excited brown gaze. “And gorgeous.”
Her enthusiasm drew a chuckle from him. “I’m glad you approve.” When they pulled to a stop in the driveway, however, Esme’s face took on a more confused expression. “I’m…going to be living in your house? In the same building as you?”
He arched a brow at her tentative tone, hoping the living arrangements wouldn’t make her change her mind. “You’ll have your own bedroom and bathroom – it’s really almost a separate wing of the house. And I swear to give you your privacy. It’s just…the guest houses are so spread out, and this one has the most amenities…being the main house. I thought you might like it more?”
Despite the constant temptation he faced, he spoke truthfully. This was less about him and more about his unborn child, whose life he would never gamble with. Happy surrogate equaled happy child, and he was more than willing to go the distance. So far, Esme didn’t prove terribly fussy, which, in all honesty, surprised him. In his experience, women offered the world usually took it and ran with it before demanding more.
“I’m sure I’ll like it, Mr. Hartsford…”
“Daniel.” For some reason, he couldn’t stand her calling him by a title. It only served to remind him of the responsibilities he had beyond seeing his only child into the world.
Esme’s response was a slow, small smile. “Daniel. Look, can I be honest with you for a second?”
“We
ll, I’d hope you would be honest with me all the time.” His low drawl was meant to be teasing and he was relieved when, instead of blowing up, Esme only laughed softly.
“Of course….but what I want to say is…” She sobered quickly, “I don’t want to cause any problems…rifts…between you and Alyssa. If she comes back and finds me in the house..” The young woman bit her lip in consternation before blowing out a breath. For a moment, Daniel was transfixed by the way she drew her lower lip between her teeth before releasing it.
Absolutely intoxicating.
Then, he realized she was worried about Alyssa’s possible return.
He hurried to reassure her. “Let me deal with that. If Alyssa comes back, I’ll speak with her. Don’t you worry. I promise, there will be no trouble for you, Esme.”
And he meant to keep his promise too. While he wasn’t happy that Alyssa had gone, he found himself hoping, for the first time, that she might stay away for long enough for him to actually enjoy watching Esme’s belly swell with the life inside her. The last thing the young woman would need to hear were snide comments and insults.
It could even strain her temperament and harm the baby.
The young woman eyed him skeptically a moment before the door to her side of the car was opened. “If you tell me so, I’ll believe you.” When she finally spoke, her answer filled him with enough relief to leave the car in her wake, gathering some of her personal affects. There were, he noticed, a large number of pots and pans of which he’d never seen the like. But, then again, he never spent much time in the kitchen.
Trying not to fixate on the curve of Esme’s behind, Daniel followed her up the front walk of the house, his lips curving as she gently ran her fingertips over the tulips in their planters, before unlocking the door.
They were greeted by the huge foyer, which ran into the family room with its immense fireplace and sixty four inch plasma screen TV. Beyond was the full kitchen, to which Esme had requested full access, and on the other end of the dining room was the section of the house that was to be hers for the next nine months.
The Cowboy's Baby: A BWWM Billionaire Cowboy Pregnancy Romance Page 5