Billionaire Baby Daddy: A Second Chance Romance

by Lara Swann

  “You have a problem with me being happy, Barkley? Because that’s sure as hell what it sounds like.”

  “Contentment breeds complacency, Alistair. You used to be driven - hungry—”

  “Unsatisfied and chasing after a diminishing thrill? Yeah, I know.” I snap, frustrated. “You were the one that reminded me only last week - we’ve made it now. New York City’s elite. You told me to enjoy some of it.”

  “I meant go fuck a load of girls, drink too much booze - not start a daddy-daycare, for fuck’s sake.”

  “We’ve always had very different ideas of what we like, Barkley. And we’ve always stayed the hell out of each others’ private lives.” I match his heated gaze with my own, stepping closer. “The business is good. Don’t fuck it up by pissing me the hell off and making this partnership untenable.”

  “Is that a threat of some kind?” He sneers at me.

  It wasn’t, but if he’s going to go there…

  I give him a slow smile. “I’m sure you remember what happened last time we played that game, Barkley. If you want to come in here throwing your weight around, you better be ready to deal with the fallout.”

  “Yeah. That was when you still had balls, though.” He shoots me another look, then picks himself up out of my chair. “Shape up, Alistair. This was the friendly warning. Fix your shit and we can forget all about this - but if not…you won’t get another one.”

  He saunters out without a backwards glance, and I’m left seething.

  Fucking asshole.

  We haven’t clashed like this for a long time, but that doesn’t mean I don’t remember every little altercation. There was more than one occasion we almost called it quits altogether - but so far, being in business together has been too advantageous to give up entirely. And we have the same clients, the same suppliers, the same contacts all over town. Breaking up the business to feud with each other externally wouldn’t be good for either of us. So we’ve always kept those feuds internal instead.

  But there are times…

  I shake my head, then eventually flop down into my chair.

  Going soft.

  It’s a ridiculous accusation. He’s just pissed because for some reason, the idea that I have a kid - and that maybe I want to spend a bit of time with her - aggravates him. Not that it’s hard to get him riled up.

  And he was talking shit.

  You would’ve fired him a month ago.

  That’s the only thing he’d said that had the slightest element of truth to it, and I consider it for a moment - consider the accountant, Johnson. He’s been good for us, for years. It was a simple mistake. Sure, the consequences of it were quite dramatic, but it would’ve been caught by someone else even if I hadn’t investigated. Everyone makes mistakes at some point.

  I pick up a pen from my desk, spinning it between my fingers as I think.

  He also has two kids.

  I sigh.

  Did that change my decision? Did Maddie - or, hell, Leah - change my decision?

  I’m not sure what the answer is, but…since she’s come back, some things have been a little blurred. I’ll give Barkley that. I’ve been a bastard in business for years - and I know what she thinks of that. She made it very clear when she left.

  But is it really a bad thing to be a little more tolerant?

  I would’ve fired him a month ago. But if I’d thought it was truly a bad thing for the business to keep him around, I would’ve fired him now, too. As it is, I’m not sure it makes much difference to us. But it’ll make a hell of a lot of difference to him.

  The rest, though…

  Yeah, I’m happy. I’m enjoying myself. I’m enjoying the work we’re doing - and the downtime with my kid. But if he thinks that’s a bad thing, it’s only because he’s never known it.

  I feel sharper and more focused - and I meant what I said about how many deals I’ve made in the last month. It turns out, cracking jokes and whistling seems to be a good way to make friends - and inspire confidence in how well things are going for you.

  I consider it all for a good while - despite the way his attitude makes my blood boil sometimes, it’s always worth giving his words enough weight to judge them for myself.

  And then I dismiss it.

  Business is going well. I don’t regret anything I’ve done - or my attitude while doing it. And I know I’m performing well. I’ve always been my own harshest critic, and I didn’t come this far by letting myself get away with shit. If I can accept the effort I’m putting in, it’s good enough to take on the whole damn world.

  If Barkley wants to challenge me on it…he’ll have a fight on his hands. It’s fucking bad timing, because the last thing I want to spend my time doing right now is dealing with his shit - but he knows how badly it’s gone for him in the past.

  I nod to myself.

  Suddenly discovering I have a kid is a shock - it changes things. But he’s not stupid - he never has been.

  He’ll come around. He’ll adjust.

  And until then…we’ll continue stepping carefully around each other.

  I turn back to what I’d intended to spend my afternoon working on, and I’m surprised that the irritation I’d felt around Barkley disappears almost as soon as I stop thinking about him. It’s not nearly as hard to concentrate as I was expecting, and by the time I look up from it, most of the day has passed.

  Unfocused, my ass.

  I give a short laugh and get up to stretch - then head down to the private bathroom I have and shower, changing before I head out to meet Leah and Maddie. I finally bought something other than suits and shirts - after ruining every outfit I’ve tried wearing around her so far - and as I walk out of the office, I see Barkley glowering at me.

  I give him a slow smile, enjoying his irritation, then wave as I leave. I doubt he’s ever seen me in anything but a suit.

  But I’m meeting them at a craft place I found that I thought Maddie would like - and I just know I’ll end up leaving with paint all over me. I grin at the thought.

  I haven’t seen them since the weekend, and I’m already missing Maddie’s sweet little face, her expressions and demands and childish imagination. And Leah…

  Leah’s…well…everything about her, if I’m honest.

  The evening goes exactly how I expected - a complete mess, a serious of giggles and laughter and childish glee, and Leah’s joyful expression as she encourages our little girl.

  The way she looked at me when I walked into the place was enough to stop my heart, too - a surge of lust as she looked me up and down, not quite covered up. Enough to give me another reason entirely to consider changing my wardrobe.

  It was all I could do not to greet her with a kiss, but I’d promised to take this slowly. At her pace. Even if I know she wanted that kiss - I could tell by the way her head tilted as I approached, by the slight tightening of her breath and moistening of her lips. So fucking sexy.

  Even more so for being so out of reach. Damn it.

  But there was Maddie to think of, anyway. And we had fun - the three of us, the way we have done every time I’ve seen them. And if Leah and I ended up leaning into each other a little more than was necessary - if my hand brushed hers a couple of times as I was reaching for things - well, that was all innocent enough.

  Innocent enough, apart from the way it had my cock straining against my jeans a couple of times. Another advantage of not wearing suit pants, as it turns out - boners are far less noticeable.

  I think she noticed anyway, though.

  I grin at the thought.

  I certainly noticed the way she was shifting on her chair a couple of times. And when I went under the table to pick up something Maddie had dropped…oh god, I wasn’t expecting to be confronted with that.

  I could see right up her skirt - I have no idea whether that was even deliberate - and the tempting wet patch on her cotton panties made me desperate to crawl right up there. To taste her. Smell her.

  As it was, all I could smell wa
s paint. And there were far too many innocent souls around. But…god damn it. I wanted her.

  I still do. Every moment and every breath. And as much as we’re talking about maybe and waiting to see and taking it slow…it’s none of those things. It’s an intense, building heat that feels like it might explode at any minute.

  Technically, we’re still just friends. Except we were never friends. Co-parents. Except we still haven’t told Maddie who I am.

  But we’re not lovers. Not yet, anyway.

  We’re in a holding pattern, waiting for Leah to wake up and realize what’s right in front of her eyes.

  But if she’s feeling even half of what I am right now…that won’t be long. Even she can’t have this much god-damned self control.

  At least, at the end of the night, she finally accepted something from me.

  “This is for you.” I’d said, for the second time.

  And she’d looked at me - gaze full of suspicion again, not even taking the envelope. So I took it out for her - pressed it into her hand. A standard, run-of-the-mill, blue bank card.

  “There’s $24,000 in that account. I worked it out. Four years of very average, mediocre child support payments. Not even close to what I actually would’ve given you if I’d known - or what any court would’ve required at my income level, but maybe something you’ll accept.” I’d given her a playful smile, and watched the rueful expression appear on her face. “Take it - it’s for Maddie.”

  “You just don’t give up, do you?” She’d asked, but with one last hesitation, she’d taken the damn card.

  I’d smiled and leaned in to murmur in her ear. “And I never will.”

  She’d blushed, and I’d caught Maddie giving us some strange looks, so I’d stepped back and caught her hand, bowing over it in the extravagant, old-fashioned style.

  “My lady.” I said, and that hadn’t helped with her blush at all.

  Then I’d bent down and done the same with Maddie’s little hand. She’d giggled and looked up at me with the wonder only a little girl can show.

  And then I’d said goodbye to them - and watched them walk away.

  It seems like every time that happens, it gets harder. Like my heart is walking away with them.

  Soppy and romantic, maybe - but hey, my little girl is bringing that out of me, it seems. And I’m not the slightest bit ashamed.

  Not much longer. Then they won’t be walking away at all.

  I tell myself as I walk home in the opposite direction. With the way things are building between Leah and me…I doubt either of us will be able to resist for much longer. And then…we can start the family that I can’t stop thinking of.

  And in the meantime, I can’t think of anything better than this.

  Spending my days in the office doing what I’ve always loved, and my evenings with Leah and Maddie - actually having something to look forward to outside of the business empire that is rapidly taking off.

  I think of Barkley’s comments again, and this time I actually chuckle. After an evening with Leah and Maddie, our internal politics just seems ridiculous.

  For once in my life, I feel content - not a rush of adrenaline, or a sharp thrill, or the high from closing some deal or buying some new toy. Just…like everything is finally starting to feel right.

  Life is good. I’m doing exactly what I always have - getting everything I damn well want.

  And not even Barkley can touch that.

  Chapter Twelve

  Leah

  “I like vacations, Mommy.”

  I glance up from where I’m setting out food on the picnic blanket to see her paused in thought - her head tilted adorably to the side, and that soft toy horse she takes around everywhere still in mid-bounce.

  “It’s fun, isn’t it?” I agree.

  That seemed the only way to explain it to her - why we’ve been here for a couple of weeks now. Why I’m not working, and we’re not…really…doing anything. It took some explaining too, since it’s the first vacation she’s ever known. And I still have no clue exactly when it’s going to end…or how.

  I can’t stay with Emma forever, even if I have insisted on giving her some contribution for food and bills - and I’ve probably left a mess behind me in Pittsburgh, but…for now, I’m not thinking about that. I want to give all of this some time.

  Maddie nods, and the horse jumps up and down with her.

  “Can we be on vacation for eeever? I don’t want it to end, Mommy.” She announces, flopping down on the picnic rug and spreading her arms and legs out.

  She seems to hit the nail right on the head anyway, and I give a rueful smile as I watch her sigh in exaggerated contentment.

  “I don’t either, sweetie.”

  It’s been bliss. Okay, yes, maybe I’m infringing on my friend’s hospitality a little bit.

  But for once, I’ve had no money issues to worry about. No miserable, intolerant assholes to work for. No frantic rush to get from one place to another. And the feeling that I might be letting Maddie down has all but disappeared.

  I’ve finally had a chance to spend some time with her - real time. Playing and laughing and just being silly. I’ve been happier, and less tired, and…just a much nicer Mom for my little girl.

  She seems to be blossoming with it, too - that serious expression rarely comes out anymore, I don’t see as many shadows or too-premature knowledge in her eyes, and she’s openly curious now, interested in everything around her.

  Not to mention, it’s so much better to see her in some new clothes as well. And with some new things that she should have had all along - toys, better food than she’s used to having, and a nice place to stay for once.

  So, yes, I took the money. I could hardly refuse it when Alistair put it the way he did. And I can’t say I’m upset about it, either.

  I didn’t want an unlimited spending card, or to go from being penniless and struggling to some insane lifestyle. But I had wanted more than I was providing for Maddie myself…and, with four years of back payments - that finally seems possible.

  She doesn’t quite understand what’s changed - I know she doesn’t. Maybe she thinks this is just what vacation means - suddenly all your worries disappear. But she’s not asking too many questions about it, and I’m grateful that she’s just accepting and enjoying our change in fortune.

  Fun events, new kinds of activities, other kids her age…and lazy days in the park like this. Having picnics and living this strange lifestyle where I don’t really have any responsibilities. Other than my little girl, anyway.

  When the food is all set out, Maddie starts helping me put a few nibbles on her plate - and Alistair appears a few minutes later. I watch as my daughter jumps up and runs over to him, to be picked up and spun around until she’s dizzy and giggling - yelling for him to put her down. When he finally obliges, she staggers around a little, and he helps her back over to the blanket.

  “Hey, Leah.” He says, with that same smoldering smile that’s greeted me every time we’ve gotten together recently.

  “You’re going to make her sick before we’ve even started eating.” I say, deliberately ignoring the way he’s looking at me.

  I’m not sure quite why, either. Everything has been going well between us - and it couldn’t be better between him and Maddie. It’s becoming more and more obvious that he was right - things are different. And whatever might have happened in the past…we have a chance together now. A chance as a family.

  Enough that I almost feel ready to jump off that terrifying ledge and risk it all. And it’s been like that for a while now. So…I don’t know why I’m suddenly avoiding his advances.

  Except maybe it’s more scary now that it seems oh-so-real and possible. I’m so close to throwing caution to the wind and trying - really trying - that I know if I get too close to him, if I let those scorching looks or charming gestures affect me…I’ll be gone.

  And we’ll really be doing it.

  I swallow down that thought, and watch
from behind the safety of my picnic basket instead - letting him lavish attention and interest on Maddie, as he’s done every time he’s seen her.

  And it’s obvious that she absolutely adores him. Not hard to understand why, either.

  I romanticized her as some long-lost princess when I considered bringing her here, simply because of how filthy rich Alistair is - but it’s clear now that she’s a princess just from the way he treats her. No money needed.

  She’s turning into a right little daddy’s girl, too.

  Except we haven’t quite broached that either - and the longer it goes, the worse I feel about it. Alistair hasn’t mentioned a thing, but I can sense how much he wants it. Everything he does screams daddy.

  He’s just waiting for me.

  And I’m being a bitch. I know I am. I don’t even know why I haven’t mentioned it - why I haven’t started discussing how we’re going to tell her.

  I always thought I was strong - mentally, at least. But it turns out, maybe I’m a fucking chicken. Running scared from all the major changes that I brought into my life in the first place. The changes that should be nothing but a good thing.

  And I want them to be a good thing. I really do. I want to give in and let go and surrender to the infuriating lust that’s been building in me for far too fucking long. I want to have a family - the kind of family most people dream of, and imagine, and believe they’ll have when they’re older.

  I am older. I have all the ingredients. And I want it so badly that I can almost taste it.

  But whenever I look at him, I still feel confused. It still feels like there’s so much between us - and the moment we take that next step, it will all come crashing down on us. All those things we haven’t said to each other because we’re being nice and civil and making an effort to get along…

  Once you’re in a relationship with someone, those things disappear. There’s no careful and easy respect for each others’ barriers. No, you discuss all that crap you really don’t want to talk about. Suddenly, you can hurt each other - you have hurt each other, already, and all that needs to be resolved. All those unspoken things - and all the emotional volatility that feels like it might explode at any time.