The Billionaire’s Risky Pregnancy

Chapter 4

“Not like that,” she told him. “You really do have a high opinion of yourself.”

“Comes from years of experience,” he said. “The ladies seem to like what they see.” He was on the verge of tipsy. Probably wouldn’t take more than another glass or two to turn the corner to a full on buzz, and she wanted to see where that would lead as she grabbed his glass and walked back to the fridge.

“I would have done that, Miss Finn,” he said. The man did not make a move and simply watched her top off the glasses. Tasha paused in the narrow archway before resuming her seat.

“I’m the host,” she said. “You’re on my turf now.”

“Better watch out or I might try to buy it out from under you,” he teased. Perched on the arm of the couch, she briefly considered flinging another drink in his face. But the wine tasted too good to pass up, to say nothing of how she would get rid of the stain.

“That’s not happening,” she said. “Besides, you’d have to deal with the landlord. And he is not the most agreeable of men.”

“Hence the faulty oven,” he said. “Are you going to give me my drink or what?”

“In a minute,” she said. “Let’s play questions and answers first.” Smith groaned and let his long legs cover the surface of her cushions. What would they look like without the slacks? Tasha imagined rippling muscles and thought of adding a striptease element to her game. Too soon and too late for that all at once.

But where might her questions lead?

“I want… no. I need you to be completely honest with me.”

“Think I can handle that,” he assured her as he seemed to resign himself to a parched mouth as he folded his fingers behind his head. “Fire away.”

“Why?” she asked.

“That’s kind of… vague,” he answered.

“No it’s not,” she said. “And don’t avoid the issue.” He glanced over his shoulder, and she could see the wheels turning in his mind as he groaned before looking back at her.

“It’s just business,” he said. “The property is viable. You know that school is going to get a kickback, right?”

“All your cash will buy all kinds of toys for the kids,” she said.

“And the school board. Don’t be naïve, Tasha.”

“Fair enough,” she said as she slipped to his feet and he made room for her to sit. “But then make a donation or something. You don’t have to ruin a hundred childhoods.”

“Are you talking from experience?” he asked.

“All I’m saying is that I grew up with a blacktop and a basketball hoop when it came to recess. And when you can’t make a jump shot, that’s a sad memory.”

“How about that,” he marveled. “And here I thought you could do anything.”

“Sweet,” she said. “You’re not going to budge on this?”

“Not in the middle of the night,” he said. “You want to try your luck with another line of questioning?” It seemed like the only thing to do. But who was he really?

“Was your playground plated in gold?” Tasha asked. That got a laugh out of him, and shifted up to his elbows and just shook his head.

“You do realize that I grew up on Earth, right?” he shot back. “But in the interest of fair play, my old man traveled so much that I hardly had the time to make friends. Only really had my Dad’s valet to hang out with.”

“A wonder that you didn’t literally try to become Batman,” she said. They shared a laugh, and she was almost ready to hand over his wine when one final question nagged at her brain.

“The blonde,” she said. “Did you really think the view was better with her?” Sitting up slowly, he pressed his elbows to his knees, his smirk falling way as he shook his head.

“Of course not,” he said. “Really just wanted to make you jealous.”

“Me?” she asked. “Was that before or after I ruined your suit?”

“Definitely before,” he said. “And think of how much better the night might have gone if you had just given me a chance to explain before you found me out.” Should she lay the revelation on George? No way he could have known that the man could make like a real hero and even seem sweet. Smith turned his legs to the floor, and she sat closer to him as she finally granted him his reward.

“We can’t turn back time,” she said. “But I am thinking that maybe I’ve misjudged you.”

“Progress,” he said as he downed the warm wine in one swallow. The food was getting cold, and she started for the plate when he grabbed her arm.

“Aren’t you hungry anymore?” she asked.

“Not really,” he said. “Are you giving me a second chance?”

“I don’t… yes. Maybe, Mr. Heller.” He kissed her brow, and she started to grow drowsy as he folded her into his arms. Her head was on his chest as he stroked her back, and she longed for his kiss again when nothing but his sigh washed over her hair.

“I’m glad that we fixed things,” he said. “I like you, Tasha. Maybe one day I’ll show you how much.”

She started to speak when the feel of his body next to hers was more than enough for the moment. Her eyes drifted toward the world outside that should still be dark, and she gasped when she saw the gray light pouring through the sliding doors at her balcony.

“Look at that,” he said.

“I know,” she said. “I love first light. Maybe we can’t turn back time, but we get a fresh start each day.”

“Listen to the poet,” he said. “But I was actually looking over there.” Her eyes followed his fingers to the box resting below her TV set.

“5:23,” she said. “I can believe it.”

“Same here,” Smith said. “You and I have literally talked until the sun came up.”

Strangely she wasn’t tired. Maybe she would still go for her run, make some coffee. Or maybe she would crash. Friday leading into Saturday meant that she had nothing to do first thing. Except maybe to hold Smith’s hand.

“You want some coffee?” she asked. He smiled through a yawn and scratched the back of his head.

“Sure thing,” he said. “Love what you did in the way of dinner. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for breakfast.” Tasha was ready to call him out for teasing when he stood tall and took her hands in his.

“I can help you now,” he said. Tasha started to give in to the green of his eyes and wanted take a swim with no thought for fresh air when she eased him away and patted his wrist. He was almost back in her kitchen when his phone buzzed.

“Problem?” she asked.