Then Preston would be ready to ask Amie to marry him.
* * *
The next day passed in a blur for Amie. She couldn’t get a read on Preston. He’d been the perfect gentleman, but it was all so...perfect. Too perfect. He’d closed himself off from her in a way she couldn’t explain but couldn’t miss.
Technically, he’d done nothing wrong. They’d shared breakfast in the hotel dining room with Alex, Nina and Cody, then attended a Broadway matinee together. In fact, they’d spent the entire day together, leaving not one free moment alone to talk about the baby.
In another half hour, they would be leaving for the Diamonds in the Rough gala being held at the Waldorf Astoria. For now, Preston sprawled on the floor with Cody, playing with action figures from the children’s performance they’d seen today. They were watching her future nephew while Alex and Nina got dressed. The sitter would be arriving soon—one of the camp counselors Cody had met and grown fond of. She was from home being flown in so Cody would have a familiar face to care for him.
Meanwhile, Preston looked too damn enticing playing in tuxedo pants and his shirt. No jacket or tie yet, just his suspenders and cummerbund. His broad hands moved the little lions, marching them over a mountain they’d built from throw pillows.
He was clearly at ease with children. But then, he’d told her he’d been a father and that his daughter had died. This new baby had to be bringing up old memories—good and painful ones. She should have thought of that before now.
The elevator door opened and Amie glanced over to see Nina walking through, wearing a floor-length black dress, simple other than the plunging neckline with a long yellow diamond pendant. Her red curly hair was upswept in a riot of spirals.
Amie rose from her chair and greeted Nina, grasping her hands. “You look amazing. I’m sorry if Alex caused you any trouble dragging you here to check up on me.”
“A woman’s never too old to play dress up. This is a fun break.” She grinned, twirling, her silky dress swirling around her feet, a flash of gorgeous Jimmy Choo heels beneath. “And you, oh my, you do have a way of making a statement.”
“This old rag?” Amie winked, but she couldn’t deny she’d dressed to the nines, too. It was a kind of armor, a way to stabilize herself. The Grecian-style red dress was gathered on one shoulder, leaving the other bare, exposed. The gown was cinched on one hip with a brass medallion, a long slit up one leg. She hooked arms with her future sister-in-law and walked to the window seat where they could talk without Cody overhearing. And where she could gain a little distance from the appeal of Preston.
Amie sat in the window seat, cars below moving at the typical New York snail’s pace. “How’s Cody adjusting to your decision to stay at the ranch?”
“It’s a love-hate thing.” She smoothed her dress over her knees, her eyes lingering affectionately on her blond son. “He likes that we’re going to live there now that Alex and I are engaged. He adores being around horses all the time. He gets along so well with Alex. Your brother is wonderful at getting through to him—and willing to learn more every day. He wants to go with me to interview new doctors and therapists for Cody. But it’s all happened so fast, which makes it tough, because new routines upset Cody tremendously.”
Amie chewed her lip before asking, “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but why choose to come to New York now?”
“Alex is worried about you, and Cody was upset over him leaving, so we came along. Your brother says you haven’t been yourself lately. I don’t know you well enough to compare, but you do seem very...stressed.”
Having someone to confide in felt good, but she didn’t know how much she could tell her brother’s fiancée, a woman none of them had known for very long at all, given the whirlwind romance. She needed to share the news with her grandmother first. And before she did that, she wanted to have things in order with Preston, to have a plan in place. Amie settled for a general—and still truthful—answer. “Gran’s cancer progressing has us all worried.”
“I can understand that. I mentioned the same to Alex, but he says it’s different. He can sense it because of the twin connection.”
Amie glanced down at her hands, anxiously twisting the four gold and topaz rings she’d chosen to go with her dress. “Things have been difficult at work.”
Nina glanced at Preston, then back at her. “It’s clear there’s a chemistry, but I can see how that would be complicated. I’m here if you ever need someone to talk to.”
She clasped Nina’s hands, noticing they both wore one of the newest Diamonds in the Rough pieces, a sun and moon facing each other in silver and gold. “Thank you. I appreciate it and am sure I’ll be taking you up on that soon.”
“Just not today?”
Amie shook her head, smiling warmly. “Soon.”
The elevator slid open again and her twin strode into the suite. Cody shot to his feet, carrying one of the lions to show him, chattering about the imaginary game he’d been playing with Preston.
Amie rose quickly. Too quickly. Her head started swimming and the room spun. Oh God. She reached for the wall, but her line of sight was narrowing to a pinpoint. Damn it, damn it, she was going to pass out.
Dimly, she realized Preston was rushing toward her. “Amie? Are you okay?” He caught her under the arms as her legs gave way. “Is it the baby?”
“Baby?” Alex barked.
“Baby?” Nina whispered.
“Baby, baby, baby,” Cody chanted.
Preston swept her up as she fought back the dizziness. He settled her onto the sofa. “Amie?”
“I’m fine,” she said, the room already stabilizing. “I just stood up too fast, and I could use some supper.”
“Baby,” Alex said again in a menacing tone, walking closer. “What the hell is going on here?”
Preston shot him a dagger glare. “Do not upset Amie.”
Still, Alex walked closer. “My sister is pregnant?”
Nina gripped his arm. “Alex, I don’t think this is the time or the place. When Amie’s ready to talk, we can have a civil discussion. Maybe we should give them some space?”
Alex kept walking toward Preston as if Nina hadn’t spoken. “I’m asking you now. Is my sister pregnant and is the baby yours?”
Preston stood, his shoulders broad and braced, staring down her angry twin. “Yes, the baby is mine.”
Oh God. Her twin was the quiet one in the family, but fiercely protective. So it was no surprise when he drew back his fist.
And punched Preston in the jaw.
Nine
Amie launched forward, shouting at her brother, tugging on his arm as he pulled back for another hit. “Alex, what the hell are you doing?”
Preston stumbled a step but stayed on his feet. His eyes went steely as he stared down Alex but pointed to her. “Amie, step out of the way.” He zeroed in on Alex, that same alertness in Preston’s body that she’d witnessed right before he took down a criminal on an LA street corner. “McNair, get yourself under control. Think about how this is upsetting your fiancée and Cody.”
The young boy with autism was sitting on the floor with wide eyes, hugging his knees while rocking back and forth. Alex cursed softly, then kneeled beside his future stepson, all his focus shifting. “It’s okay, Cody. I just lost my temper. Grown-ups do that sometimes. I’m sorry, buddy. Would you like to go back to our room with your mom?”
Cody nodded, standing, moving over to his mom. Nina cast a cautious look over her shoulder before shuttling her son out of the suite.
Alex took a deep breath, but his tense face said he wasn’t backing down as he stared at Preston. “You knocked up my sister.”
Amie gasped, stepping between them, hands raised. “Excuse me, but I am an adult. I make my own choices, and while I am expecting a baby, I take offen
se at the phrase ‘knocked up.’ I would also appreciate it if you didn’t shout the pregnancy to the world. This is my business. I don’t know why you’re going all Cro-Magnon.”
“Seriously? It doesn’t take a math whiz to realize that since you haven’t been around very long, the kid was conceived before you even had a chance to really get to know my—”
Preston growled, “Watch where you’re headed with what you’re saying. I let you have that first punch free and clear. But push me or say anything to Amie and I’m taking you down.”
Alex’s jaw jutted. “You can try.”
Amie pressed a hand on each man’s chest. “Stop. Both of you. You’re both stressing me out and that’s not good for the baby.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed, but she felt him ease a fraction. “Sister, you’re manipulating me. I don’t like that.”
She patted her twin and looked into his familiar eyes, finally seeing more love than anger. “But I’m right. Thank you for your concern, but I’m okay. Go see Nina and Cody before you say something you’ll regret. Your family needs you.”
With a tight nod, Alex hugged her quickly. “Love you, Amie.” He leveled a look toward Preston before backing away. “Be good to her or there will be hell to pay.”
He stalked away and the elevator doors slid closed, leaving her alone with Preston. She reached to touch his jaw carefully along the red mark turning light purple. “Are you hurt?”
Her gaze ran all over him, taking in the powerful shoulders and chest. But his hands were impossibly gentle as they landed on her arms.
“It’s nothing. I’ve taken worse. I just need to know you’re all right.”
Was she? Not really. Her heart pounded double time and she just wanted life to settle down. But there was nothing she could do about that. “I’m fine, and we have the party to attend.”
His hand brushed her cheek, smoothing away a tendril that had slid out of place.
“We’ll talk later,” he promised.
A good thing or bad? She honestly didn’t know. His expression was impossible to read. Cool despite his warm touch, and that worried her. Life had been so much simpler when they were in a coat closet and shower.
* * *
Five hours later, Amie put together an ice pack from the limo minifridge. The gala had been a success from a business standpoint, with the displays echoed by edible-desert versions the guests feasted on with relish. But the event hadn’t been nearly as pleasant from a personal perspective. Nina and Alex had opted to stay at the hotel with Cody. And Preston had been distant and remote but utterly in control. He’d done his job impeccably. He’d been a consummate gentleman and efficient CEO as he chose a few key people to speak with, applying just the right amount of charisma on a night that called for a personal touch. He’d even laughed off questions about his bruised face, saying he’d run into a street light while jogging.
But even so, there was still no sign of the tender lover, the man she’d started to think she could have a relationship with. He’d shut down on her ever since the baby news. She needed to get past that polite wall again, for her child’s sake—and yes, for her own peace of mind.
Preston sat in the plush leather limo seat, collar unbuttoned, looking handsomely disheveled. Clutching the ice pack, Amie inched next to him, closing the space between them.
She pressed the bag of ice against his jaw and the light purple bruise. “I’m so sorry my brother hit you.”
“He loves you. He didn’t break anything. It’s okay.” He seemed to have turned the explosive moment into a simple math equation, reducing it to a balance sheet with a measurable figure. Always a businessman. Calculating.
“It’s not okay. It was awful.” She shivered thinking of the moment her brother had taken a swing at Preston. She dabbed the ice pack along his jaw while the limo slowed for a red light. “Can we at least talk honestly here instead of this cool and distant approach? If you’ve decided you’re not okay with the baby, after all, just tell me. I can’t take living in limbo.” Her heart slammed as she waited for his response. In what way had he decided to coolly solve this complicated equation?
“I’ve already told you I’m going to be a part of the baby’s life.” He smiled, then winced, his jaw clearly sore. “I want to be in your life, too.”
“I hear the words, but your eyes are not the same.” He was still closed off. She could see it in the way he refused to really look at her. “Something’s wrong and you’re not telling me. I know this has happened fast, but we don’t have the luxury of unlimited time. Not with a baby on the way.”
He tugged the ice pack from her hand and tossed it aside in irritation. “I’m giving you everything I have.”
“Giving me?”
“Everything I have. Yes,” he said, his voice clipped. “This is all there is.”
“What does that mean?” she pressed, not even sure what she was searching for from him, but certainly not this. “You either want to be with me or you don’t.”
His jaw flexed, his stormy eyes darting back and forth for an instant before he finally exhaled, his head falling back against the leather seat. “I told you I had a daughter and that she died. This new baby has brought up a lot of memories. Tough memories to deal with.”
Her heart softened. She’d suspected this, but to hear him say it—it took the fight right out of her. She smoothed a hand down his arm, the fine fabric of his tuxedo warm from his body. “Tell me, Preston, please. Let me know what’s going on inside you. Your daughter is my baby’s sister. I want to know—I need to know.”
The car started forward, the tinted windows muting the headlights and street lamps on Park Avenue, past an older residential section of the city. She saw the lights reflect on Preston’s face while he seemed to debate what to tell her.
Finally, his throat moved in a long hard swallow. “Leslie was just eighteen when she died.”
So young, so tragic. And at the same time, Amie realized he’d lived a whole other life before walking into hers just two months ago. He’d told her more than once he considered himself too old for her. She didn’t agree but could see right now why he felt that way.
Hoping he wouldn’t close her out again, she kept rubbing his arm. “You said she had an accident. I can only imagine how that must still hurt.” Her voice was soft, gentle. She brimmed with the ache to be someone he could trust. The car slowed to a stop again, and this time, the flood of red brake lights nearby created a crimson glow inside the limo.
He shook his head. “I don’t think anyone gets over losing a child. And the fact that Leslie’s death was preventable eats me alive every day.”
Preventable? He’d said it was an accident, but clearly he’d said so to brush people—her—off. But not tonight. They’d moved past that. They were tied together for life through this baby. “What happened?”
“It’s a long story without a simple answer.” He turned his head toward her, his eyes full of pain.
“I’m listening.” A sympathetic, encouraging smile brushed her lips as she squeezed his hand.
“Her mother and I split when Leslie was just finishing elementary school. They both hated me for leaving.” He winced over that part, the pain flashing again. “And Leslie hated her mother for staying. There was no reasoning with her. She became an out-of-control teenager. Some say she would have been that way regardless, but I worked too much and missed so many of my scheduled visitations. Time I can never get back.” He rested his elbow on his knee, dropping his head into his hands.
“I’m sure you did the best you could.” She rubbed circles along his broad back, their car stuck in gridlock just a few minutes from their hotel.
She suspected they wouldn’t be moving anywhere for a while. And this time, she had no intention of leaving the limo.
“How can you be so certain?” he asked softly.
>
“You’re a perfectionist. You hold yourself to a standard so high most would be crushed.”
His laugh was bitter as he sat up again. “That’s my business persona. My parenting skills were sorely lacking. I thought by giving her nice things I didn’t have as a kid, I was being a good dad. Trust me, I see how screwed up that is now.”
“How did she die?” she pressed again.
“She ran away from home at seventeen with her loser boyfriend,” he said, the bitterness in his voice unmistakable. “She got pregnant, didn’t get proper prenatal care. She died and the baby didn’t make it. Something called placenta previa. She went into premature labor and by the time she got to the ER...it was too late.”
Amie stifled a gasp, the story so much worse than she’d expected, so painful. So terribly tragic. “No wonder you’re worried about becoming a parent again.”
Losing his daughter through a pregnancy added a whole other layer to his emotions where Amie’s baby was concerned. It made sense now that he’d looked so rattled when she’d told him. The lines of worry that etched in his jaw all evening made more sense. Seemed more reasonable.
“It’s tough not to worry about your health and the baby. It’s all I can think about sometimes, all the things that could go wrong.” His eyes sheened over. He stared out in front of them.
An ambulance honked nearby, lights flashing while it went up on the sidewalk to get through the jam.
“I’m taking care of myself and am absolutely getting the best care available.” Clasping his hands in both of hers, she pressed his to her stomach.
He froze again, his palm broad and warm through her silky dress. Preston stared at her stomach before meeting her gaze. His face was contorted with a sadness she could not quite comprehend. “That’s not what’s scaring me most.”
Pregnant by the Cowboy CEO Page 11