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by Lynn Rider

  “I’m sorry. I put my clothes in the washer.”

  “It’s fine. I’ve started. Girls gotta eat.” I laugh, running my hand over my belly. Drew positions himself behind me and puts his hand on either side of my basketball-shaped belly. It feels intimate, nice, but again has me questioning what the hell we’re doing.

  As if the baby can sense him, she kicks. “How do you do that?” I ask, craning my neck to look at him. His head turns and I feel the warmth of his breath meet mine.

  “She likes me. She’s a good judge of character already.” His lips move closer, but pause as I feel his hand lift from my belly and skirt up to my neck. He softly tilts my face further back to meet his lips. My eyes close when the featherlight feel of his lips brush against mine. My pulse quickens. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t stop it. His tongue delicately traces the seam of my lower lip and I open willingly, inviting his wayward tongue. I turn my body in his arms and he deepens the kiss. When my hands run through his hair, I hear an involuntary moan come from my throat. His hands follow my lead, weaving in my hair, fisting at the root. He pulls away with a gentle tug of my lower lip. He presses his forehead against mine.

  “If we don’t make those pancakes now, we’re not going to,” he says through a husky whisper. I nod, meeting his eyes. He presses his lips to mine chastely before releasing me. I step back, opening the refrigerator and hoping the cool air can offer some relief from the heat that’s overtaken my body. I take my time, rearranging some of the things on the shelf before pulling the milk from the door.

  We settle on the couch after our bellies are full. I instinctively rest my hand on my stomach and she begins kicking. “She’s awake,” I draw out in a singsong. Drew’s hand lifts from where he’s been holding mine and rests it palm down on my belly.

  “I think peanut is going to be a soccer player.” He laughs, following the faint kicking with his hands. I look up to his eyes and see his genuine smile watching my belly intently. I rest my head on his shoulder and slide down the couch, putting my feet on the coffee table.

  “I’m going to be in LA next week,” I say quietly.

  He pulls his body away from mine, looking down at me. “You didn’t tell me that.” He sounds surprised.

  “I didn’t know. I was only just told a couple of days ago. Mr. Yelverton was scheduled to go, but I guess something came up and he’s sending me in his place.”

  “What are you going to be doing?”

  “Meetings and more meetings.”

  “Will your nights be free?” he asks against my hair. As innocent as his question is probably meant, it sends heat coursing through my body.

  “I think so, but I need to take a closer look at the agenda. I lost interest when I saw meetings about profitability, expenses. It was like that Charlie Brown cartoon—blah, blah, blah.” I laugh.

  “Have you thought about what you’re going to do once peanut is here?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “With work. Going back after maternity leave. Where will she go?”

  “I’ve looked into a few daycare centers near the hotel and another not far from here.”

  “I’ve been thinking about it.” I lift my head and meet his eyes. Sincerity reflects back at me before he continues. “I would like to offer you a job.”

  I push away from his body entirely so that I can face him.

  “What?”

  “I own close to two dozen gyms, the apartment complex you live in, and a few other businesses. I could use your help, mainly working with the manager of the gyms. You’d be like a regional manager. It would give you a flexible schedule and allow peanut to be with you.”

  “Drew, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say you’ll strongly consider it. I’ll pay you what you make now.”

  “I don’t know, Drew. I’ve worked hard at Holt.” I lean back against the couch.

  “I would ask that you work hard for me too, Amber. I’d be looking for your input about expenses, profitability, marketing. It would be a real job, but it would allow you to work from home. It would save me a lot of work.”

  “Let me think about it…”

  “Of course. It’s your job when you’re ready.”

  Amber…

  My eyes land on Drew the second I leave the Jetway. His tall, muscular frame is hard to miss. Although not sweaty, he’s dressed for the gym in an athletic tee and gym shorts. My mouth waters at the way the smooth fabric stretches taut across his chest, showing the broadness of his wide shoulders. His tanned, toned legs flex as he anxiously rocks up and down on his heels.

  A woman stops to talk to him and I’m instantly jealous. He’s smiling and laughing. “Move on,” I mumble before scolding myself. I can’t have him. He deserves someone better than me. She’s attractive, business-like; maybe a lawyer based on the way she’s dressed.

  His smile widens when his eyes lift over her shoulder and land on me. She turns my way and her gaze drops to my belly before shock absorbs her elegant features, her perfectly plucked brows pinching in disbelief as she glances back to Drew. He touches her arm and says something to her but doesn’t take his eyes off me as he leaves her standing alone.

  “Hey, I’m glad you’re here.” He gathers me in his arms and kisses my head sweetly. I notice the woman’s mouth is agape as she watches us. Part of me wants to pull away and land my lips on his to stake my claim. But I don’t.

  “Me too.” I step back from his embrace.

  “How’d the peanut do during the flight?” he asks, touching my belly.

  “Good, she barely moved until we landed.” I say laughing.

  “Good. I was worried.” He grabs for the handle of my carry on and swings his other arm around my shoulders. When we turn, Miss Businesswoman is still staring.

  “Celeste, this is Amber West,” he explains simply as we near her.

  Her gaze drop once again to my belly before she recovers with a smile. “Good to meet you,” she says, extending her hand. I shake her hand, returning the sentiment. Her gaze flicks to Drew. “Does Mia know?” she whispers quietly, trying to exclude me.

  “It was nice seeing you again, Celeste.” Drew leads me away, leaving her standing there without answer. “So where to first?”

  “I have to get to the hotel and check in.”

  “Nope, you’re staying with me.” The authority in his voice has my eyes back on him.

  “Drew, it’s easier if I stay at the hotel. I’ll need to be there for meetings each day.”

  “I’ll take you each day or you can drive my car if you prefer.”

  “Drew, it’s really not necessary.”

  “Amber,” he says sternly.

  I sigh. “Okay, you make it just about impossible to say no.”

  “Just about?” he teases with a cocky grin.

  “Okay, impossible.” I bump his body with mine as we walk.

  The lights of an expensive looking BMW flash twice before the trunk lifts. “Do you need to go to the hotel today or are you mine until morning?” he asks before starting the car. I don’t know if he chose those words carefully or if they just rolled from his mouth, but they send a welcome shock of excitement through me.

  “We have a meet and greet cocktail hour and dinner tonight. I have to go to that,” I say with disappointment. “Are you sure you want me to stay with you? ”

  “Amber, you’re staying with me. You can take my car tonight. It has navigation. It’ll tell you how to get there,” he insists as he darts into the heavy airport traffic.

  We weave around on a curvy road talking about nothing and everything until he slows the car, turning into a long driveway that leads to a Spanish style house. The garage door lifts before he pulls in and sets the car in park.

  “We’re home.” He grins, getting out of the car and running around to my side to help me from the low leather seat.

  The house is beautiful. Terracotta tiles cover the floor, and crisp white walls and wrought iron railings help to extend the S
panish styling from outside. Minimal amounts of white puffy couches and rustic wood tables provide a clean, but homey feel. It’s comfortable and spacious, but what’s beyond the large glass doors draws my attention.

  “This is beautiful!” I say, spellbound by the view. The tall buildings of downtown LA poke above the miles of green foliage that lie beneath the elevation of his balcony.

  “I know. I bought the house for this view,” he says, stepping up next to me. The muted sound of his cell phone from in his pocket breaks my concentration. “Emma,” he says after looking at the screen.

  “Yes, she made it safely.” He greets her happily. “She said to turn on your phone,” he directs at me while pulling his mouth from the phone.

  “Oops!” I laugh before going to my purse on the couch. I power it on and see three new text messages from Rob.

  ‘Did you make it to LA?’

  ‘Are you staying at the hotel?’

  ‘Should I bring a date tonight?’

  The last one sends a thrill through me. I quickly recall his number and dial.

  “Hello, flower,” he drawls.

  “Are you in LA?”

  “What if I said yes?”

  “I’ll kiss you!” I say excitedly, getting Drew’s attention.

  “Oh, honey, I don’t exactly swing that way, but you may be my only exception.”

  “Very funny.”

  “Oh I’m not joking. I may be able to get into that little tight body of yours. Outside of that baby bump, you’re hot as hell,” he says with a quiet laugh.

  “Rob, you’re not answering my question. Are you here?”

  “Yes, flower, I am and I brought my boy toy. Please tell me you brought yours.”

  “Rob!”

  “I promise to be good, but my toy is nowhere near as shiny and nice as yours,” he teases. My eyes flick up to see Drew across the room on his phone, watching me on mine.

  “I brought him. I’m looking at him.” My voice dips subconsciously.

  “Oh baby, talk dirty to me. What’s he wearing?”

  I burst out laughing. “Rob, are you trying to have phone sex with Drew through me?”

  “Whatever works. You may get off on it too. It could be a win, win, win.”

  “You’re incorrigible. Do you know that?”

  “I try. Be there at six and meet me at the bar. I have something I want to tell you. Bring your friend.”

  I’m left with silence on the phone and a set of vibrant blue eyes watching me. His cocky grin makes me think he’s heard at least pieces of my conversation.

  My eyes immediately land on Rob as he talks animatedly to someone near the bar. As if he senses my presence, his eyes look over the shoulder of the man and find me… or maybe they find Drew.

  “There’s Rob.” I begin sliding through the crowd. Drew’s hold tightens around my hand as he follows.

  “Hey, I’m so glad you made it!” Rob says while scooping me into his arms, but looking at Drew.

  “I’m glad to be here. Rob you remember Drew, right?”

  “Of course.” His voice deepens with his short response while they shake hands. “I’ll introduce you to Zach when he returns. He had to take a call.”

  “Was this a last minute decision? You never mentioned you were coming this weekend.”

  Robs smiles bashfully. “There’s something I need to tell you. I’ve wanted to, but I was told I couldn’t tell anyone. Given the circumstances, I can tell you.”

  “Okay.” I draw out, wondering what his cryptic circle of words mean.

  “Jim Holt is my grandfather.”

  “Quit messing around, Rob,” I tease quietly, making sure no one hears us. I’d worked for Holt properties for years and knew there were no children or grandchildren.

  “It’s a long story, but he is my grandfather and so I’ve been bouncing around undercover in all his hotels for months. You only just missed me in New York. I was one of the front desk clerks there just before you came.”

  “So you were like an undercover boss?”

  “I like that,” he says with a laugh. “It was actually a crash course in the hotel industry. I wasn’t looking for bad apples, but found a few along the way.” My mind immediately goes to Arthur Yelverton.

  “So now what?”

  “I leave you and move into corporate. My grandfather is introducing me tonight. It’s a sort of a coming out, if you will.” He grins.

  “You’re leaving me with the asshole?” I whisper.

  “No, he’s gone.”

  “Gone where?”

  “Don’t know. He was terminated this morning.”

  “He’s been fired?” I say louder than I intend, and I find myself cringing when heads turn in our direction.

  “Yes, probably about the time you boarded your plane.” His face lights up. “Amber, Drew, this is Zach.” He grabs his hand proudly and pulls him in close to his side. Zach is taller than Rob and older. His dark hair is perfectly coifed and he’s nicely dressed in a designer suit. His smile is warm and his emerald green eyes sparkle as they look at Rob.

  “Nice to meet you both,” he says casually, shaking our hands.

  “I was just filling Amber in on my move from the hotel.”

  Zach cast a sympathetic grin my direction. “He hates to leave you. Of all the hotels he’s worked in the last eighteen months, working with you has been the most fun for him.”

  “Wow, that’s saying a lot considering our boss.” I turn to Rob with a smile.

  “What can I say, you grew on me?” He shrugs before laughing.

  “So when’s the baby due?” Zach asks, looking down at my large belly.

  “July tenth.”

  I don’t miss the look of surprise on Rob’s face as my gaze slides to Drew.

  “Congratulations,” Zach says. My eyes flash up to Rob’s once again and I see the subtle nudge he gives Zach, who immediately changes tact. I smile, realizing this is a practiced process between the two.

  We spend the next three hours mixing with the crowd. I mingle with managers and executives from all different areas of Holt Properties. As much as I’m enjoying myself, I’m ready to go.

  “Thank you, Drew,” I say as we wait for the valet to bring his car.

  “Thank you. I enjoyed myself.” He wraps his arm around me tighter and I nestle my head into his shoulder and close my eyes, allowing the warmth of his body to comfort mine.

  Amber…

  I’ve been in Los Angeles for three nights, tonight being my final one here. Drew and I have spent every possible minute together and I hate to admit, I’m going to miss him more than usual when I get on that plane tomorrow. He’s been breaking down my resolve for months and unknowingly become the bright light in my dark life. He’s taken up residence in my thoughts and now just maybe in my heart.

  I’m not sure what he’s thinking. I often wondered what he does when he’s not in Seattle and after these last few days, I’ve been given an idea. Each morning he’s greeted me cheerfully downstairs in his kitchen. I thought, like me, he was just getting up and starting his day, but I learned the second day here that he was just returning from a workout. He’s like a machine—at the gym each morning by four.

  Neither of us have mentioned the night of the fight and our encounter in my apartment afterward. I don’t know if it was a combination of hormones and adrenaline, but there have been no close calls since.

  “Hey!” Rob’s voice breaks my train of thought before he settles into the chair across from me.

  “Hi there, Mister Executive,” I tease.

  “Not you too,” he says dryly.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I may as well be wearing a sign that reads the son of the bastard child. Oh, and by the way, is another bastard child himself. It’s apparently a family tradition,” he snarls as he sits back.

  “Who said that to you?” I say protectively.

  “No one, it’s just been a tough week.” He rubs his temples with the tips of his fin
gers.

  “Rob, don’t let anyone get under your skin. You’re intelligent, hardworking, and one of the best people I know. People become evil when jealousy roots. They say mean, hurtful things and will sometimes do mean things to make themselves feel better. You need to stay true to you and the job you’re capable of doing and avoid the negativity.”

  “Okay, Mom.” He smirks.

  “Promise me you won’t let them in your head.”

  “It’s not that easy. I know it’s childish, but every time I walk into a room their hushed whispers leave me feeling like they’re talking about me. There’s a lot of people who’ve worked their asses off to make this company what it is. Do they think I’m going to just walk in here and screw that all up?”

  “It’s jealousy, Rob. It’s easier to believe bad things about the unknown. You’ll just prove to them how great you are.” He frowns skeptically. “Believe me, I know all about jealousy. Let them talk—who cares if they do? You can’t let them get to you.” I watch his deflated stature and know nothing I’ve said has sunk in. “Want me to tell you one of my secrets that you’ve been trying to get out of me?”

  Rob nods slowly, an intrigued look in his eyes.

  “My baby’s father is Austin Harris from Silver Knight.” Rob’s eyes widen in shock, but he doesn’t speak. “I’d been with Austin since high school, before Silver Knight ever came out of the garage it was formed in. When they started playing in some local places in St. Louis, the groupies came out in droves. I allowed their shit to get under my skin, changing me and pushing away the one person who had always been there for me. When shit was bad at home for me, Austin was there. Anything I ever needed, he was there. When those groupies got in my head, I allowed them to make me forget all that. We fought all the time because of the stories. I walked away because I couldn’t take it. It caused Austin and I a lot of pain. He’s been in rehab three times since.”

  “Fuuuck,” Rob whispers. “Austin Harris… you sure know how to do it. He’s a whole lot of hotness with a side of fuck up,” he says with awe in his voice. He studies me pensively for several long minutes. “So if it was all unfounded jealousy and you’re telling me not to let it under my skin, why aren’t you two together now?”