by BWWM Club
Bryce pulled the phone from his ear for a moment until he was done his ranting.
“Are you finished?” Bryce asked with disdain, nothing he did lately felt like the right choice.
“Yes. I’m just worried about you, that’s all. Why couldn’t you get married and have a baby the traditional way?” John said, his tone less harsh.
“I don’t have time for all that. Dating takes time that I don’t have. This is easier and a way to have a child to pass my company on to,” Bryce answered with defeat. Maybe he was wrong?
“Well, as long as you’re happy with your choices, man. I can’t say anything else.” They said their goodbyes and hung up.
Bryce swigged the last of the golden liquid in the glass and slammed it onto the side table where he kept his liquor. A knock sounded at the door.
“Come in!” He bellowed with a little too much ire.
His bitchy blond assistant walked in, a faux look of being wounded on her face. Bryce had an inkling she was gunning for him because of his status in the city and his money but he wasn’t the least bit attracted to her.
“What’s wrong, Bryce?” She purred, her bottom lip poking out like he hurt her feelings.
Bryce held back the urge to roll his eyes. He hated women who played games. Lateisha didn’t play games; she just told it like it was. Angry about comparing the woman to Lateisha, Bryce frowned.
“It’s not really any of your business what’s wrong with me,” he snapped at Rachel. “What do you need?”
Rachel flinched as if he punched her, the first visibly honest thing she did since she started working for him. He felt bad for a minute until he realized she still planned on playing games.
“I’m sorry, Bryce. I was just concerned,” she pouted some more. Bryce was at the end of his patience limit.
“Rachel, just tell me what you came to say,” he barked.
“Right, the results of Ms. Aaron’s background check just came in and I thought you’d like to see them right away,” she said handing him an envelope, a smirk on her face as if she knew something he didn’t.
Shit, he forgot about that. Why did he push for the insemination before he got the results back? Not liking the answer that came to mind, Bryce pushed the thought away.
“Thanks,” he said, taking the letter from her outstretched hand. Rachel brushed her fingers with his when he grabbed it and Bryce cringed at the contract. “And Rachel,” he added as she walked from the room, “It’s Mr. Henderson to you.”
Rachel scowled but didn’t answer, instead turning with attitude and leaving the office.
Bryce shook his head at her absurdity and walked back to his desk. He tore the letter open and unfolded it, unsure of what he would do if something major showed up. Scanning the letter he frowned. Her credit was good, she had no credit card debt or was being sued by anyone or sued anyone for anything. That was good. But there was one thing that came up that was unusual. Bryce tossed the letter onto his desk angrily and snatched his cell phone from where he left it on the side table after talking to John.
He dialed the number from memory, something that concerned him but he’d address that another time, and waited for Lateisha to answer.
“Hello?” She answered, her voice sounded scratchy like she just woke up.
“Lateisha? Hello. I’m sorry, is this a bad time?” Bryce became flustered at the sexy sound of her sleep deepened voice.
Bryce heard rustling for a moment. “No, I’m sorry. Is something wrong?”
Bryce remembered the background check letter and frowned. “Yes. Well, I’m calling because I have a question. Who is Tyler Walker?”
The other end went quiet. “Ty and I are dating; well we were dating, but not seriously. Why?” Lateisha answered, her voice sounding defensive.
“How come you didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend when we started this process?” Bryce demanded, with more anger than he should have felt.
“He’s not really my ‘boyfriend’. We’ve been dating off and on since college but he’s such a slacker,” Lateisha said; the pot calling the kettle black.
“Well did you inform him that you could be carrying another man’s baby?” Bryce said with too much emotion. What was wrong with him?
“Um, no, cause it’s none of his damn business,” she answered angrily.
“I’d want to know if my girlfriend was a surrogate,” Bryce said. This conversation was really not going the way he planned.
“Like I said, he’s not my boyfriend and I don’t owe him anything. If you must know, I spoke to him about possibly going through with this when I found out and he broke it off anyway just for suggesting it. Not that I really cared. This is more important,” Lateisha stopped talking suddenly.
“Why?” Bryce asked, afraid of the answer.
“Why what?”
“Why is this more important?” He asked.
There was another long pause. “Because I need the money and you really want a kid,” she said, her voice taking on a more gentle tone.
Bryce’s chest tightened. Never through this whole process did he think she really cared about what he wanted.
“Bryce? Are you still there?” Lateisha asked.
“Yeah. I’m sorry about all that. I just didn’t want anything to compromise our deal that’s all,” Bryce lied. He knew why he was angry even if he was afraid to admit it.
“Right,” She answered, something that sounded like hurt in her voice.
This whole thing was crazy and he knew it, but why the hell couldn’t he keep his mind off of Lateisha?
*****
Lateisha waited for a moment for Bryce to say something else. Why he was so angry about her ex-boyfriend was a mystery, but the fact that he didn’t trust her hurt even more. Not that it should; this was a business deal. Lateisha sighed.
“I’m sorry to have wakened you,” he finally said.
“It’s alright,” she answered.
They said goodbye and hung up. Lateisha groaned and lay back down in her bed. This was going to be the longest nine months of her life.
*****
Two days passed and Lateisha hadn’t heard from Bryce. Not that she was waiting. That morning she woke up, around ten as usual, and got ready for work. She shrugged on her uniform shirt and frowned in the mirror. She was getting tired of working in fast food but she didn’t have the energy to look for something else. Bryce certainly didn’t think much of it. Maybe after she had this baby for Bryce and he paid her she could do something with her life. Frowning at her reflection one last time, she swept her curls into a ponytail and pushed her hat down on her head. Grabbing a quick breakfast of Pop Tarts as she headed out the door, Lateisha wondered what Bryce was up to. She shouldn’t care what he thinks or does, but she did and it made her uncomfortable.
As Lateisha walked to the bus, the morning sun rising in the sky to warm up the city just a bit, her phone vibrated alerting her that she had a call.
“Hello?” She answered, not checking to see who it was.
The bus stop was packed and the bus that usually came at ten forty-five seemed to be late. Sighing, Lateisha took a seat on the curb, hoping she wasn’t late for work again.
“Lateisha? It’s Bryce. I was wondering if you had time to meet me at my office this afternoon.” The sound of his voice made Lateisha’s heart hammer against her ribcage. Why Bryce? Why not Ty or one of the other losers she dated?
“I’m on my way to work right now. I work until seven tonight. Can I meet you after that?” She asked, doubting he would be in the office that late.
“That’s fine,” he answered to her surprise, “I should be here until nine.”
Lateisha hung up with confusion. What could Bryce probably want to see her about this time? Probably the parental rights paper she didn’t sign. Her heart sank at the realization and her hand went to her belly from instinct. No, this wasn’t her child. She didn’t want children. That’s what she had to keep
telling herself until this was all over.
Chapter 5
At seven thirty sharp Lateisha was walking into the lobby of the Henderson Building. She didn’t have time to change before coming here and she tugged self consciously at her McDonald’s uniform. At this time of night the dark haired woman who was in the booth in the lobby was long gone and a security guard took her place.
“Can I help you, miss?” He asked, standing from his swivel chair parked in front of the security cameras.
Lateisha took off her silly hat and shoved it into her purse. “I’m looking for Mr. Henderson. He’s expecting me. Lateisha Aaron.”
The security guard nodded. “I’ll call him.”
Five minutes later, Lateisha was on her way up the elevator to Bryce’s office. She was nervous but she wasn’t sure why. What could he possibly say besides ask her to sign the papers? Stepping from the elevator, Lateisha looked ahead through the glass doors, happy to see that Blond Bitch wasn’t there. She opened the doors and headed down the hall towards Bryce’s office. The whole office was deserted at this hour. Looking around as she walked down the hall, Lateisha jumped when she felt a hand rest on her arm.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to startle you,” Bryce said, coming up next to her as she turned around.
“It’s okay. I was walking to your office,” Lateisha said, slowing her breathing with a hand to her chest.
“I was coming out to meet you from the other side and saw you walking this way. Let’s head to my office.” Bryce held her by the elbow and steered her towards his office.
Lateisha jolted at his contact but didn’t pull away. If she was being honest with herself she would admit that she didn’t want to pull away; she wanted him to touch her. She ran a hand over her face in frustration. Lately, Lateisha didn’t know what she wanted. Bryce let go of her arm and she didn’t like the way him letting go made her feel.
“Have a seat,” he said, motioning towards the chair across from his desk.
Lateisha thought back to the first day she met him, over a week ago, and while she thought he was sexy, she also thought he was ridiculously prim and proper. Something changed in Bryce over the last few days but she couldn’t figure out what. He wasn’t clean shaven and his hair was messier than the first time they met. She longed to run her fingers through the hair that flopped over his eyebrow when he sat down. Lateisha suddenly had the urge to run far away because of her feelings, but knew that if she was carrying his baby she had to see this through.
Wanting to get this over with, Lateisha spoke, “What’s going on, Bryce?” She crossed her legs and tapped her foot, wringing her hands in her lap. “Is this about the parental rights paper?”
Bryce frowned as if just remembering the paper, “No, that’s not it. I wanted to talk to you about an idea I had.” He shuffled papers on his desk before pushing them aside with irritation.
“Okay,” Lateisha answered, waiting not so patiently for him to respond.
“I think, based on some things we’ve discussed recently and some information I’ve come across, that you should move into my penthouse for the duration of the pregnancy,” Bryce said, adjusting the wayward papers again.
Lateisha felt like she must be dreaming. He wanted her to move in with him? She couldn’t move in with him. That wasn’t an option. She would have to see him every day and be close to him. No, it would be too much.
“I can’t,” she answered quickly, looking at her lap so he wouldn’t see the panic in her eyes.
“Lateisha, hear me out. I think this will be better for all involved. I can watch my child grow and be involved. You won’t have to worry about a place to stay or paying rent. I won’t have to wonder what you’re doing or if you’re putting my child in danger in some way—"
“What?!” Lateisha jumped from her seat with anger.
Did he really think she would do anything to endanger an unborn child she was carrying? She may be a bit directionless and even irresponsible at the moment but she wasn’t a monster.
“Sit down please. I didn’t mean it that way,” Bryce began.
“No, you absolutely meant it that way. What kind of person do you think I am, Bryce?”
Bryce sighed, running his hands through his hair. “I honestly don’t know, Lateisha. I thought you were one thing when you came in here and offered to carry my baby. After getting to know you, I know you are kind, but I also know you have a college degree and you work at McDonald’s, you had a boyfriend you never mentioned to me, and now you have no vehicle to get around. I’m worried and I’m trying to make life easier on you because I know pregnancy can be difficult. I’m not asking you to give up your life or your job but I just want you close so I can make sure my baby is okay. That’s all.”
Lateisha stepped back from the desk, feeling physically ill at Bryce’s revelation. He thought she was an irresponsible, naïve child. What was she thinking signing up for this? Realizing she had no choice because she could possibly already be pregnant, she sighed with resignation.
“Fine,” she said defeated, flopping back down into the chair, “I’ll move in.”
Bryce sighed, with relief or defeat she wasn’t sure. He stood, moving around the desk.
“Thank you. For all of this. I know it’s difficult to give up your life and your body for another person for several months but I really appreciate it, if that means anything at all,” he said, scrubbing a hand over his face and turning from her.
Without thinking, Lateisha reached for him, her hand catching his bicep. The feel of his hard muscles under his suit made her stomach clench but she didn’t let go.
“I’m sorry I’ve made such a mess of things, Bryce. But you have to know I will keep this baby safe. It may not really be my baby, but I’m carrying it inside of me and I would never do anything to jeopardize its health.”
Bryce nodded, but instead of pulling away he continued to stare at her. “You have beautiful eyes,” he mumbled, his hazel eyes turning a forest green as he stared at her.
Lateisha swallowed hard. The look of lust in his eyes made her heart slam against her ribcage and she longed to step back but couldn’t let him go. Not yet.
“Bryce, we can’t…” Lateisha’s voice came out barely above a whisper.
Before she could protest much more she was being pulled against his chest and his mouth was slamming into hers. Lateisha gasped, but it was muffled by Bryce’s lips. His tongue pushed at the seam of her lips, forcing its way inside, making her accept him. Lateisha’s head was swimming and she didn’t want to push him away. He tasted so good and she felt safe in his embrace. She shut off her brain and just felt; otherwise she may have changed her mind. Bryce’s hands roamed over her back and down to her ass, cupping it and pulling her against him. Lateisha could feel his erection pressing against her stomach through his dress pants. She remembered holding his thick girth in her hand in the back of his limo and she moaned against his lips, her core clenching. On their own accord her hands moved over the lapels of Bryce’s jacket, pulling it down his arms and tossing it to the floor. Taking her cue, Bryce undid the buttons to Lateisha’s uniform shirt and pulled it over her head. Lateisha felt like she was on fire from his touch as he caressed her bare back and gripped the clasp of her bra to unhook it. Finally removing her bra, Bryce tossed that aside like he did her shirt while Lateisha worked on the buttons to his shirt. It was taking too long to get them off and if she didn’t feel his naked skin against hers she was going to explode so she decided to just rip the shirt off. Buttons flew everywhere and for a moment Bryce looked stunned.
“I liked that shirt,” he said with a smirk.
“Sorry, it always looks easier in the movies,” she said with a laugh.
Her laugh quickly turned to a groan when Bryce dipped his head and took her nipple into his mouth. Lateisha almost fell backwards from the sensation, which left her panting and her panties soaked. Bryce motioned to a small couch in the corner and, never breaking contac
t, they moved over to it. He laid her down on the couch and shucked his pants, stepping from them and his boxer briefs at the same time. Lateisha looked at his hard, lean body, his erection long and resting against his abdomen. She almost moaned again at the sight of him; he was beautiful. The suits didn’t do him justice. His body deserved to be seen.
Bryce unbuttoned her uniform pants and slid them off. He growled, deep in his chest. It was laundry day and the only clean underwear Lateisha had was a white lacy thong that was too uncomfortable to be worn long. Judging by Bryce’s reaction, he liked it. Bryce gently rolled the panties down her hips and legs, kissing his way back up. Lateisha arched her back the closer he moved to her center, but Bryce wasn’t done teasing and kissed up one leg and hip, across her navel and down the other side. Just when Lateisha felt like she would melt from the heat of her arousal, Bryce moved back up her leg, pushing her thighs apart and kissed the inside of her thigh.
“Bryce,” she breathed, practically begging him to move closer.
Bryce pressed a kiss to her center and Lateisha’s hips bucked forwards, wanting more. He licked up her slit and Lateisha cried out, the arousal he built with his teasing kisses making her too sensitive. Bryce didn’t stop. Pushing her legs further out, Bryce licked her clit in slow circles, the pleasure building until Lateisha was wound so tight she felt like she would snap. When she thought she couldn’t take anymore, Bryce sucked her clit between his lips, plunging two fingers inside of her and pumping slowly. Lateisha screamed his name, the orgasm hitting her hard. Bryce didn’t stop and Lateisha tried to squeeze her legs closed because she was too sensitive. Still moving his fingers in and out slowly, Bryce moved over her, removing his fingers and replacing them with his rock hard dick. Bryce teased her at first, stroking her clit with his thumb as he gently nudged her entrance with his cock. He pressed the head against the seam of her pussy and Lateisha’s hips surged forward. Bryce moved with her, plunging into her tight channel and moaning.