His Billion Dollar Baby

by Lea Nolan

  Carter’s back stiffened at the mention of the stockpile of infant paraphernalia she and his mother had purchased. Why did she have to bring that up now, just as he was beginning to relax and enjoy himself? “I’m surprised you could find anything amid that mound.”

  A nervous chuckle escaped her lips. “Yeah, it really was decadent, wasn’t it?” Her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink. He ignored how alluring she was and focused instead on how much she’d taken from his mother. She continued. “It took us hours to get through. If it wasn’t for Loretta we couldn’t have hauled all that stuff up to the nursery. She’s stronger than she looks.”

  “Anything for the Anderson heir, I suppose.” His tone was flat and dismissive. Why attempt to hide his feelings? She might as well know he was on to her. It would save them from further uncomfortable encounters in the future. Because no matter how fetching she was, there was no way he’d allow himself to lose control with her again.

  She tilted her head and blinked, as if trying to read him. Warily, she extended the bag. “I saw these and thought of you. I hope you don’t mind.”

  He took it, not wanting to look like a complete heel. It was surprisingly heavy. Resting it on the carpet between his feet, he pulled back the multi-colored tissue paper that spilled out from the top, and lifted one of the wrapped, narrow rectangles from the bag. He placed it on his lap and tore away the paper. It was a fine wooden box with two brass latches on the front that locked shut. His pulse thrummed. He knew exactly what it was. Unhooking the fasteners, he lifted the lid. Inside were forty tubes of the best oil paints money could buy, along with a variety of brushes.

  His throat clenched with emotion. “This is…” He ran his fingers over the oil-based rainbow. “I can’t believe you knew the right kind to get.”

  She heaved a relieved sigh. “The salesman helped. Evidently I don’t know the difference between tempura and acrylics.” She chuckled. “But he said these were the kind that serious artists used and I couldn’t imagine getting you anything but.”

  “Thank you.” A mixture of gratitude and sadness welled in his core. They were beautiful. And ungodly expensive. How in the world could she possibly afford these? Unless of course, she thought she’d be coming into a veritable fortune soon. Forcing the cynical thoughts aside, he set the box down and reached for the next package. Ripping off the paper confirmed his assumption. It was a set of pre-treated canvas boards. Their pearly texture felt good and surprisingly familiar under his fingertips. “I can’t remember the last time I had a set like this.” He swallowed hard as his rib cage seemed to tighten.

  “I figured if you had a complete set, you wouldn’t have any excuse not to find something to paint.”

  “I can’t tell you how much this means. Really. I’m very touched.” Slipping them back into the bag, Carter’s eyes stung. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had given him anything out-of-the blue. It had been years. Maybe even decades. And yet it was Gwen, of all people, who’d found the perfect gift.

  How did she do it? How did she manage to be so generous to everyone around her, giving them exactly what they needed while taking virtually nothing for herself? She’d poured her heart and soul into healing his father, bringing him back from the brink; offered his mother companionship in the midst of her isolation; and recognized that he needed to reconnect with lost parts of himself. And what had he given her in return?

  Doubt, mistrust, and suspicion.

  Perhaps he’d been wrong about her. Maybe she really was as kind and magnanimous as she seemed to be. But a paint set and swelling emotions weren’t enough to convince him to change his mind. Not yet. He had to know for sure. But there was something he could give her in return to express his appreciation.

  He slipped his hand into his back pants pocket, pulled out his wallet, and withdrew a slender white envelope. When the invitation arrived late last week in the office, he’d considered tossing it like so many others over the past couple months, but then he thought twice. If anyone would appreciate this event, it was Gwen. Initially he planned to give her both tickets so she could take a friend, but then the metric ton of baby supplies had knocked it from his mind. Maybe that was a good thing. Because now he wanted to keep one of the tickets for himself.

  “How would you feel about accompanying me to a gala?” he asked.

  Her brow crinkled. “A gala? Me?” She looked around the room. “Are you sure you’re talking to the right person? Because I bet there’s at least one socialite who’ll be free.”

  He grinned. “I’m very sure. So long as you’re still a fan of Mary Poppins.” He handed her the envelope.

  “What?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she pried open the flap and pulled out two tickets to a special benefit performance at the Kennedy Center. She scanned the gold embossed card stock. “Is this for real?”

  “One hundred percent. The show officially opens in three weeks, but they’re doing a couple previews for various children’s charities.” He pointed to the card. “This one will benefit the Children’s National Medical Center. I can’t think of a better cause, can you?”

  Her jaw dropped. “Oh my gosh, are you sure? I mean, I don’t exactly look like the benefit-going type.” She glanced down at her workout clothes and rubbed her round belly.

  He couldn’t help but eye her midsection. It was adorably plump, not too big, but perfectly spherical. His breath caught remembering what it had been like to feel the baby inside. “What are you talking about? You look fantastic.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Obviously you need your eyes checked.” Then she winced. “I don’t have anything to wear. I’ll have to go shopping.”

  “No problem. I’m sure my mother would love to take you out again.” He felt a sudden urge to be as generous as she’d been. “Only this time it’s on me. If it helps, think of it as a thank you for all you’ve done for my dad.” He nodded toward his father on the other side of the room. “So what do you say? Are we going to see Mary Poppins?”

  Biting her lip, Gwen glanced at Rocky for a moment, then turned back to Carter, beaming with joy. “Yes. Yes,” she said, giddy. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Throwing her arms around his neck, she planted a kiss on his lips.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  A week later, Gwen stood before the mirror in her room, peering at her reflection. She hardly recognized herself in full make up, up do, and the sleeveless, silk crepe dress with an empire waist.

  Judith was right. The dark emerald hue was the perfect complement to her hair and skin and set off her spearmint eyes. The halter top drew the eye toward Gwen’s newly ample cleavage and away from her baby bump which was partially camouflaged by the high, flowing skirt.

  She had to agree with the pushy salesgirl who had insisted that she purchase fancy “foundationals.” The satin undergarments did in fact boost her confidence, making her feel as if she had a special secret no one else knew.

  Gwen wondered whether Carter would notice how different she looked.

  Carter. Just thinking about him made her heart flutter. She was head over heels for him. And though she knew the feeling wasn’t mutual—he’d remained stone straight when she’d lost her mind and kissed him for inviting her to the play—it didn’t matter. They were friends. And he liked her enough to take her out in public, a feat in itself. Overwhelmed with work, he hadn’t been out in months, much to Emerson and the society photographer’s chagrin. Tonight he’d reemerge, with her on his arm. It was a start. And maybe one day, after the baby was born and she’d proven once and for all that she was trustworthy, it could lead to something more. If she was lucky.

  Squinting, she leaned in and peered at the expertly applied cosmetics. The pregnancy and the fifteen new pounds it brought with it had made her face slightly puffy, but overall, she looked pretty good. Reapplying then blotting her lipstick, she drew a deep breath. “Here goes nothing.”

  …

  Carter couldn’t believe the vision that floated before him wa
s real. He’d already thought Gwen was beautiful, but this evening, gliding down the staircase in her gauzy green gown, she looked like a resplendent Celtic princess descending from her throne. His breath caught as the filmy fabric swept behind her.

  Desire fired in his chest, stoking his passion and squelching any well-laid plan to stay away from her. On Sunday, he’d managed to restrain himself when she kissed him. Though he’d wanted to embrace her, caress her with all the suppressed passion he’d locked away, he’d summoned an unknown strength to curb his need. But that was then, when she was wearing a work-out outfit and in the same room with his father. Now, they were alone and she looked delectable.

  His hunger raged. He wanted her, needed her, and desperately yearned to take her into his arms and whisk her away to someplace quiet and private where they could be together forever. By the time she finally made it to the bottom of the grand marble staircase, he’d barely regained control of his urges.

  “You look amazing.” She beamed.

  Prying his eyes away from her cleavage, Carter laughed. “Not nearly as good as you.” The scent of peaches and cream made his mouth water.

  She reached her hand up to brush the lapel on his jacket. “Emerson was right. You should wear a tux every day.”

  “Only if you dress like that, too.” He resisted the urge to run his fingers through the soft, intricate curls pinned to her head.

  “What, you don’t like my Work It Gear uniform?” She giggled.

  “I don’t mind your brand loyalty, but seeing you like this makes me want to branch out and design a line of evening wear.”

  Gwen’s cheeks flushed pink, rushing heat through his core. Her clutch purse slipped from her grip and spilled open on the floor. “Ooops.” She rolled her eyes. “I can’t seem to keep a hold on anything these days.”

  She went to bend down for it, but he stopped her. “Please, allow me.”

  Kneeling, he scooped up her lipstick, keys, tiny pillbox, and license, then tucked them into her purse. As he handed it back to her, he found himself face-to-face with her swollen midsection. Suddenly, he had the strangest need to embrace her. To run his hand over her supple, silky skin and feel the life within her. But that would be wrong. Wouldn’t it?

  Get a hold of yourself, Carter. It’s going to be a long night. You don’t want to screw this up.

  Swallowing his desire, he stood up and held out his arm. “Shall we? We’ve got dinner reservations.”

  “Dinner, too? I thought they were serving food at the gala.”

  He smiled. “Oh they are, but you deserve better than a handful of hors d’oeuvres.”

  …

  The Jaguar roared up to the Kennedy Center’s valet parking stand. A few minutes later, Carter and Gwen were seated at a waterfront table in the Roof Terrace, the Kennedy Center’s fine dining restaurant. From her seat, she had a panoramic view of the Potomac, Roosevelt Island, Georgetown University, and the Lincoln Memorial. It was breathtaking, second only to the four-course dinner they enjoyed by candlelight. The conversation was easy and light, punctuated with lots of laughter and smiles. Gwen had never had such a wonderful time. Although he acted like he didn’t notice, she couldn’t ignore the fellow diners who gawked at Carter. Clearly, he’d been missed on the social circuit.

  After dinner, they made their way down to the expansive main level and into the throng of gala attendees. Gwen tried not to waddle in her shiny gold heels. At twenty-six weeks she was well past walking with any degree of elegance. Now she tended to sway back and forth with each stride. Not that she was huge. On the contrary, according to her doctors, she was carrying small compared to other women. Luckily, she was only showing from the front, as if she’d swallowed a junior-sized soccer ball.

  A gorgeous blonde sauntered up to them, blocking their way. “Carter, it’s been ages,” she said, then turned toward Gwen, giving her the once over. “Where have you been hiding?” Her gaze clung to Gwen’s tummy.

  “You know how it goes, Brie, a CEO’s work is never done.” He stepped closer to Gwen and gently placed his arm around her bare shoulders, allowing her to drink in the scent of his lime and sandalwood infused aftershave. “I’d like to introduce you to Gwen Radley.”

  Brie pried her lips into a smile. “It’s a pleasure.” She turned to Carter. “I suppose you won’t be making it to St. Bart’s this spring?”

  He shook his head. “It’s not on my agenda.”

  She tilted her head. “That’s too bad. Well, I’ve got to get back to my friends. It was nice meeting you.” Spinning on her heels, she headed straight for a gaggle of look-a-likes.

  Gwen’s stomach dropped. “You know what she thinks, now? That we’re together and you’re responsible for the bulge protruding from my dress.” From the corner of her eye, she could see Brie and her platinum-posse titter and stare. She was sure the buzz grew louder as they shared their revelation with the rest of their friends.

  Grinning, he leaned in to her ear. “I don’t care what she thinks. Or her friends, for that matter.”

  His warm breath sent shivers over her neck. Swaying, she fought to keep from melting into the bright red carpet. “O-okay. So long as you know what you’re doing.”

  His eyes shone. “For once in my life, I’m flying by the seat of my pants.” As the chimes rang, indicating the show was about to begin, he laced his fingers in hers and guided her into the theater.

  To say the show was spectacular would be an understatement. True to her reputation, Mary Poppins was practically perfect in every way. The actors were amazing, the flying scenes breathtaking, and the songs and dances exactly as Gwen had remembered, only this time they were live, not encapsulated behind the grainy screen of a crummy T.V.

  The show—in fact the entire evening—was everything Gwen had hoped for and more. Especially because Carter kept hold of her hand for nearly the entire time. During intermission, he escorted her through the main hall and bid on a few silent auction items to benefit the hospital. At one table, after he made a particularly impressive donation to the hospital in Work It Gear’s name, the director of fundraising and development handed him a token of the hospital’s appreciation, a replica of the hospital’s mascot, a soft fuzzy teddy bear with a bright red bow.

  “Do you think she’ll like this?” Carter asked as he tucked in under his arm.

  “Who?” Gwen laughed, wondering just who he meant. Blond Brie didn’t look the teddy bear type.

  He looked at her as if she’d just spoken a foreign language. “The baby, of course.” Placing his palm on her tummy, he leaned down and whispered. “You just got your first teddy bear, baby.”

  Her heart soared. Besides his close proximity and the shivers it sent down her spine, this was the first time he had ever done anything overtly generous toward the baby. Sure, he seemed to finally accept she was coming, and that she was an Anderson, but he’d never displayed any excitement about her impending arrival.

  “She’ll love it.” Her throat tightened with emotion. “I love it, too.”

  He beamed. “Great.” He threaded her arm through his and guided her back to their seats for the second half of the show.

  When it was over, Gwen felt like she was floating on air. The entire ride home, she held the teddy bear and thought about how perfect the night had been. Carter Anderson might not be in love with her, but if her intuition was right, he was definitely in ‘like.’ And maybe, given enough time, his feelings could grow to something more.

  When they pulled into River View’s circular driveway, a twinge of sadness pricked her heart. The night was over. In a few minutes, she’d be upstairs in her room, her dress on its hanger and her make up cleansed. Then she’d slip into her bed wearing her striped flannel pajamas. Anticlimactic, but all fairy tales had to end sometime, didn’t they?

  He came around to her side and opened her door. Extending his hand, he offered, “Let me help you out.”

  “Thanks.” Gathering her purse and the bear in one arm, she grasped his fin
gers with her free hand, grateful for the assistance. As soon as she got to her feet, the purse slipped once again, but this time Carter was ready and snatched it midway to the ground.

  “Butterfingers,” he said with a smile as he stepped close to place it in her hand.

  Chuckling, she looked up into his navy blue eyes. “Occupational hazard. I never realized how much the pregnancy would give me the dropsies.”

  Their gazes met. The air crackled with energy. Shivers rushed over Gwen’s skin as warmth swelled in her core. Memories of their kiss on the porch flooded back, kindling her desire. She wanted his lips on her again, and this time she wanted it to last.

  “I don’t want the night to end,” Carter whispered as he inched closer and laced his fingers in hers.

  She swallowed hard, hoping to God that meant what she thought it did. “It doesn’t have to.”

  As if an answer to her prayers, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Gwen tossed her purse and the bear into the still open car then reached to grasp Carter’s broad shoulders and pulled herself to him. His strong arms encircled her back, drawing her even closer. His lips were soft and tender. He leaned in, deepening the kiss as his tongue darted into her mouth. Sucking her bottom lip, his hands slid up her back to her neck where he threaded his fingers through her tendrils. Tilting her head to allow him deeper access, she was sure her legs would give out from under her.

  Please, God, don’t let him end this. She wanted this, needed it—and him—so much more than she ever imagined.

  His lips slipped away from hers but it wasn’t to break the kiss. Instead, he trailed tiny nibbles up her jaw and down her neck, stopping in that exquisite spot behind her ear that threatened to shatter her into a billion pieces. Heat swelled, filling her with want. As if reading her mind, he pressed himself close, allowing her to feel the evidence of his desire.