Reluctant Billionaire

by Cheryl Phipps

  That got her attention. “Who have you been speaking to?”

  “No one, but I did read your file.”

  She bristled further. “You had no right.”

  “Maybe not, but I wanted to know about the baby too. My baby.”

  She scowled. “Do you now? What’s changed in the last few hours for you to think it’s yours?”

  “The dates match, don’t they?”

  “There’s that, and the fact I hadn’t slept with anyone else. Not even my fiancé.”

  Christian could feel himself redden. He wasn’t often put in his place these days, but he certainly deserved it.

  “I can’t apologize enough. All I knew was that you were on a honeymoon, and after one night when I had been so careful, you claimed to be pregnant. Can’t you see it from my point of view?”

  Sarah looked out the window. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Having a baby should be… I don’t know. Better than this, anyway.”

  “I wouldn’t have chosen this way either, but it’s not the end of the world. People co-parent all the time.”

  Sarah snorted. “Co-parent? Is that even a word?”

  “It’s what it’s called when the parents don’t live together.”

  “How do you even know this?”

  “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you one day, but it’s more important that we get this sorted. When you go home, we should set up a day to go over what will work for us.”

  “Hang on one minute. There is no ‘us’. You can’t simply come in here and start ordering me around.”

  “I’m not trying to. I just want to be practical.”

  She didn’t look impressed by that either, but as she was about to speak, the door opened, and a swarm of Knights entered. The women might be fair and the men dark, but there was no mistaking the family resemblance. Apart from a giant of a man with sandy hair who had to be the sort-of brother she’d spoken about.

  He wore a stetson and faded jeans. He made sure Sarah was okay then he leaned against a wall and his focus turned to Christian. Without saying a word, Christian was made aware that this man knew who he was, and potentially everything about him.

  Sarah’s cough made him turn to her, and she in turn looked pointedly at the door. He would have faced them, but this was Sarah’s call. For now.

  He wasn’t trying to upset her, but neither did he want her family to do so, and they looked in danger of doing exactly that. He wouldn’t be going far.

  Chapter Eleven

  After thirty minutes, Sarah was ready for them to leave. It was too much. They were asking questions and explaining what they would do when they got her home. The jokes were fine, it was the sympathy and kindness she was struggling with. If this was how it was going to be over her accident, she would be driven mad once they knew about the baby.

  Then Christian reappeared. He took one look at her and his face darkened.

  “Would you all mind leaving while I examine Sarah? You might also like to make the visit shorter, since she needs rest. She’s had a nasty shock and she’s exhausted.”

  Her mom was the first to react. “We’ll let you rest, sweetheart. We won’t go far in case you need us.”

  Looking guilty, the siblings left. Her mother gave him an interested look, and Andy had his own brand of warning in the glare he gave Christian, before following the family.

  Christian waited until they’d gone down the hall then he closed the door. As he neared her, Sarah pushed back into the pillow.

  “There is no way you’re examining me.”

  “I have no intention of doing that.”

  “Why did you get rid of them, then?”

  “Because you wanted me to.”

  “I did not.”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “Okay, I did. Thank you.”

  He nodded. “You’ll be released this afternoon, if not earlier.”

  “I know, that’s what I’m worried about. Apparently, the extended family and all our friends saw it on the news and have contacted Mom. She’s told them they can’t visit me here, but once I get home, it will be a free for all.”

  “You could ask to stay the night, or I could organize a hotel room?”

  She sighed. “Like that would stop them.”

  Christian paced for a while, and she was nearly asleep when he pulled up a chair. “I want to throw an idea out there. You won’t like it, but please give it some thought. How about you come home with me?”

  She hadn’t expected his offer, and was now wide awake. “Not in a million years.”

  “Look, I’m not asking you to move in. I’m only saying that you need to take care of yourself. If you’re going to be stressed out, it will impact on the baby.”

  “I can take care of us.”

  “With respect, it doesn’t sound like you can.”

  She folded her arms over her chest. “You made it clear this morning that you weren’t interested in the baby, so don’t think about it, then you won’t need to worry.”

  “You know that was before I thought the baby was mine. Things have changed. I have a large place in the country, and you could have a wing all to yourself. Come and go as you please with no strings attached.”

  The conversation was surreal after all that had happened in such a short space of time and she could see he was earnest about it. But why? “I already have that at my place.”

  “But you don’t want to go home yet, do you?”

  He had her there. Even so, this was a ridiculous suggestion. “I don’t understand why you want to help me. We’re almost strangers.”

  “Hardly strangers, Sarah. It’s as simple as this—if I’m the baby’s father, I want to know him or her. I want to provide for my child, and I want to help you raise it.”

  Her mouth had dropped open, and she snapped it shut. This was getting too serious, and nothing had prepared her for an even greater wave of confusion than she’d felt earlier. “I don’t know what to say. This isn’t what I had in my head. Not after yesterday.” Although, a place to hide out for a couple of days had its merits. At least until she decided how they would do this, with or without her baby’s father.

  He got up to leave. “I get that. At least think about it?”

  “Okay. I’ll come to your place for a couple of days.”

  He stopped half way across the room, and gave her his killer smile. “That’s great. Have me paged when you’re ready.” He tilted his head, and grimaced. “I can hear the family returning.”

  They descended en masses, although they were quieter. Andy kept surreptitiously looking at her stomach, and considering as a PI he prided himself on his poker face, this was hugely disturbing. She couldn’t believe how the others were so oblivious to his behavior and the fact that her mother was over the top about how Sarah should be taken care of. In a low voice that everyone in the room could hear, she asked about what Sarah had eaten today and what she should be eating.

  After a while the pressure to be quiet was too much for the twins and they began to bicker. Mom, fortunately decided to intervene.

  “Right, the doctor said we shouldn’t stay long and Sarah needs her rest so she can come home soon. You lot go on home. Andy can drive me, in a bit.”

  Apart from Caris, they couldn’t get out of there fast enough, and suddenly the room was quiet. Her mother was watching her closely, and Sarah had a bad feeling.

  “That’s him, isn’t it?”

  “Who?”

  “Sarah,” her mother’s no-nonsense voice warned her. “The cute doctor. That’s him?”

  Sarah took a deep breath. “Yes. You’re not going to be happy, but he’s asked me to go stay with him for a few days. I said yes.”

  “Well, well, well. Things changed a lot in a few hours.” Her mother took a seat and waited.

  “Do you think I’m crazy?”

  “Do you feel safe with him?” Her mother threw back at her.

  “I do. Don’t ask me why.”

  “And what is
he getting out of this?”

  “I’m not sure. I refuse to make any promises, and he’s not offering any either, but like you say, it’s only been a few hours.”

  “Then go, if that’s what you need to do. I’ll explain to the family.”

  Sarah hesitated. “You’ll tell them about the baby?”

  “I think they have a right to know, and it’s a big secret for Andy to keep. Besides, you won’t be able to hide it for much longer.”

  Sarah nodded, feeling glad she didn’t have to tell them. Maybe she was being a coward, but there was plenty of time to deal with the fallout once she got back home.

  Her mother hugged her. “Make sure to call each day. I need to know you’re okay.”

  “That I can promise. Especially since I know if you didn’t hear from me, you’d send Andy to find out why.”

  “You know me too well. But once Ben finds out, he wouldn’t be far behind.”

  Sarah pulled a face and her mother laughed.

  “It will work out, whatever happens with the doctor. See you soon, sweetheart, and please take care.”

  “I will, Mom.” As she left, Sarah almost called her mother back and told her she’d changed her mind. Instead, she rang for the nurse to enquire about her discharge.

  A young woman came into the room, beaming at her. “Yes, Ms. Knight?”

  “Could you please locate Doctor Grayson.”

  The girl’s eyes went wide then she almost smirked at the perceived ignorance. “He’s a surgeon Ms. Knight.”

  “Yes, I’m aware of that. We have something to discuss. If he’s busy, I’ll wait.”

  The nurse smiled dreamily. “I can page him to see if he’s free. He’s so popular around here.”

  “I imagine he would be.” Sarah couldn’t argue that a handsome surgeon with an estate would be a prime target for boyfriend or husband material. Perhaps that was why he was so wary. He had nothing to fear from her. She didn’t need a man in her life, and she definitely didn’t need a cent of his money. She had the Knight family, which was certainly a big security blanket should she require it.

  Chapter Twelve

  As they drove along a country lane, it appeared in the distance. The house was as Christian had described it. Sitting back from the road, it wasn’t as impressive as Knights Stables, but it was exceptionally pretty.

  Sarah wouldn’t have imagined him in this sort of environment. He looked like an apartment type of person to her.

  He helped her out of the car and led her into the house carrying her bag as she hobbled on one crutch. It was a large place and she hadn’t thought to ask who else lived with him. That could be awkward.

  “Just through here,” he nodded down a long corridor.

  One whole wall was glass and had a view of vibrant green fields. Twenty feet away, a horse had his head through the fence, chewing on grass. It watched her as it nonchalantly continued to graze. She loved horses, and had her own mare at home. They would miss each other. Not that she’d be riding any time soon.

  Arriving at a sitting room, they crossed into a large bedroom. It was very feminine.

  “I hope I’m not taking someone’s room.”

  “No one’s slept here for some time. Will you be comfortable enough? It’s been aired and is a warm room as it gets a lot of sun.”

  “It’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll put your bag in the dressing room. Why don’t you rest up until dinner, then I’ll show you the rest of the house?”

  “I won’t disturb you or anyone else by being here?”

  “Not at all. Do you need anything?”

  “I’ve got the important stuff, thanks to my sister. I’d better call home and tell Mom I got here safely, then I’ve got some work to do.”

  “Let me know if you need a hand, and please, don’t work too hard or stress about anything.”

  “That’s easy to say, but you’re not the one hiding out from the world.”

  Christian shrugged. “If that’s your only fear, remember people will think what they will, no matter what you say.”

  “Speaking from experience?”

  He shrugged. “All anyone deserves are the facts.”

  “In a perfect world,” she said to his back.

  The first call was to her mother, and it started as she’d expected it to. Sarah told her about the room, the view, and the place as she’d viewed it driving up. Naturally, after several minutes, Ben wrangled the phone off his mother.

  “I think I should come and get you. Where is this place?” he demanded as big brother syndrome kicked in.

  “I’m fine. We’re working things out.”

  “What things?”

  “I’m not sure. There seems to be more than I had counted on.”

  “We can work on those things from here.”

  “Not yet. Let me have a few days to decide what this is going to look like.”

  “But, you don’t even know this man. It’s totally irresponsible.”

  It took a lot to keep her anger in check, then she heard their mother telling him off, which gave her reason to smile a little.

  “That’s all part of being here, away from everyone and their opinions. I love you all, but I’m not ready to be judged, when I’m not sure of anything, except having a baby.”

  There was a lengthy pause while her brother digested that she was talking about him in particular.

  “I understand your need for privacy and some space, but Sarah, he could be a serial killer for all you know.”

  Now Sarah had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. “Ben, he is not a serial killer. He’s a well-known, respected surgeon.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because Andy checked him out. That’s how I found him.”

  “He did? And he didn’t tell me?”

  Oops, she hadn’t meant to let that slip and make Ben angry. “Don’t you go badgering him. He was doing me a favor.”

  “Tell me who it is, so I can look him up and convince myself that you’re okay.”

  Sarah wavered. She had few secrets from her family, but this was different. Somehow, being the only one apart from her mother and Andy who knew about Christian made her feel less pressured. She had no idea what kind of man the father of her child was, and she wanted to be open to finding out.

  “You’ll have to trust my judgement for now. I promised Mom I’ll ring each day.”

  “I don’t understand why you can’t tell me. I know Andy’s like a brother to you, but…”

  “I’m sorry, Ben. The last thing I want is to hurt anyone. I appreciate how hard this must be for you, but it’s what I need right now. Can you give me a few days? Please.”

  “Of course. It’s not you I don’t trust. I love you, Sarah.”

  “I love you too, Ben.” She hung up quickly as the tears began to fall.

  For the first time, she let herself descend into a pool of self-pity. It was a relief and yet strange that it could take a stranger’s house to feel like she had the freedom to do so.

  Her family spoke their love, but they were not demonstrative, apart from Caris. The eldest four were all staunch and hated to show weakness. She was one of those four. It had almost been a competition during their childhood, to be the bravest and the best.

  She lay on the bed with a strategically placed box of tissues, and pondered that it hadn’t lessened as they reached adulthood. Perhaps it was the vagaries of having lots of siblings. Thinking of her family made her smile as she drifted into a much-needed sleep.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sarah woke with a start. The throb of her ankle and her wrist reminded her where she was. Her watch said it was seven o’clock. She’d been asleep for a couple of hours, and she never slept during the day, but it had been one hell of one.

  She sat up and looked around her. The dappled light enhanced the color of the light wood furniture and pastel colored furnishings. It was summer, but the day was winding down.

  Freshening up in the attached
bathroom, she then found her bag where Christian had left it in the walk-in wardrobe. She’d just opened it when there was a knock at the door.

  “Come in.”

  Christian poked his head inside. “I hope I didn’t wake you up?”

  “No, I was seeing what my sister had packed for me. Do you change for dinner?”

  “Not usually, unless we have guests, and I certainly don’t want you to feel like you are one.”

  “We?”

  “My sister, Jessica, and I.”

  “She’s here?”

  “No. She’s overseas at the moment, studying.”

  “That’s right. Winemaking, wasn’t it?”

  “You remembered.”

  “It was a great night to remember.” Embarrassed by her comment, Sarah moved the subject back to the original one. “What about your parents?”

  “My dad ran out on us when Jess and I were small. Mom worked two jobs and died when Jess was still a teenager. She was a wonderful woman who put us first.”

  “I’m sorry. So, it’s only you and me here?”

  “Yes. Does that bother you?”

  Sarah hadn’t given any thought to being in the house alone with Christian. “A little, if I’m honest.”

  Christian frowned. “I hope you’ll always be honest with me, and I can assure you that you’ll be safe here. I have a housekeeper. She doesn’t live on site, but comes to cook the main meal and to do any housework that I don’t get around to. She does a bigger clean once a week.”

  “I can take care of my room,” she said, firmly.

  He hesitated, and Sarah could tell that he wanted no such thing. To his credit, he suggested a compromise of sorts.

  “Then as long as you don’t start lifting things, or doing anything too strenuous, I’ll tell Sylvia not to bother you. You need to take care of yourself, and you haven’t been doing a good job of that lately.”

  “You sound like my mother.”

  “If that’s a compliment, then I like her already.”