The Billionaire’s Risky Pregnancy

“You can come to my door any time you like,” she said. “But know that I’m not going to lie down and die because you can’t hold your liquor.” That elicited a few gasps, but Smith was on his feet and gestured for the room to stay calm.

“No offense intended,” he said. “And I think that the lady must have me confused with someone else.”

Smith Heller waggled his eyebrows as he spoke. So much worse than a bully. This man was what some would deem a charmer.

“My company is all about looking ahead. Think of what you could do with this building if you had people coming and going for more than the daily drop-off. Think art shows. Guest speakers. We can make this the best primary school just west of Manhattan.”

Looking over her shoulder, Tasha saw the powers that be drooling at the proposal, and she nudged George’s ribs as she rolled her eyes.

“This is a school and not a show room,” she scoffed. George started to nod when the feedback from the microphone caught her ears and caused her to look towards the stage.

“Something else that you want to share with the class?” Smith Heller asked. A low roar of laughter rang around the room. Shrugging it off as she moved to her feet, Tasha glared into his eyes and waited for him to blink.

The man did not make a move.

“I was just saying that you don’t have a clue,” she said.

“And why is that?” he challenged.

“Because you’re too busy at the bars.” Now George was the only other body in the room to laugh, but Smith tuned him out as he leapt off the stage until he walked down the aisle and got right in her face.

“Miss Finn…” His voice fell off but his lips were at her ears. “Careful. You were there, too. Should I tell your colleagues that much? Or more?”

Not wanting to lose her job, Tasha backed off. Her nostrils continued to flare, and she wished for some other way that he might fail as the man kept speaking. But the rows of nodding heads told her that nothing would sway the majority in her direction, and Tasha started to storm off when George was at her back.

“What did he say?” George asked. “Do I need to go back in here and put him in his place?”

“You would do that for me wouldn’t you?” she said.

“Like in a heartbeat,” he promised. Her head spun around, but there was nothing but Smith Heller shaking hands. Only Miss Morris asked him if there was anything that might change his mind, and he stared up the aisle with a small smirk.

“It will take a miracle, ma’am. And trust me; they are in short supply.”

A man like him would say that. Had he ever known one moment of sadness in his life? Probably too hard to register when he was plowing over lives left and right, and she turned her head as she took George’s hand and left the school.

“I can’t believe I thought he was cute,” Tasha said.

“Man is easy on the eyes,” George conceded. “In another life we might have had some fun.”

“Does he even realize the damage that he’s doing?” Tasha continued. “Of course not. He’s all about profits and margins. Bet he doesn’t even shop for his own food.”

“Man wouldn’t know his way around the store,” George said. “But enough of him. You want to join me and Zach for some soup?”

“I can’t think about food at a time like this!” she said. “The kids… and our jobs. I’m going to be up all night on this.”

“But what’s the point, Tasha?” he said. “Some things we can’t change. Now let me get some food in you. Zach won’t mind the third wheel.”

“Thanks so much for the compliment.” George tried to dial back. He was so nice. He should spend his time with his fiancé.

“I can’t do this with you right now. I… have to go. I’ll see you on Monday.” She left his side as he kept calling after her. Heading back to her apartment, she burst through the door and seethed as she thought of her next move. Maybe she should write a letter to the parents. The teachers were of no use. Or she could try to turn the students into an army that threatened to take over the whole school. David would like that. But some things would never change, and she peeled off her clothes with a heavy sigh. How would she get through the weekend with Smith Heller’s ax hanging over her head?

Her bed was not good. She left the rumpled the sheets and flopped on the couch. Tasha tried to kill time by flipping through the channels. Settling on a movie that she had never seen, Tasha watched a woman walking through a subway station. Starting to convulse as she slammed her groceries into the wall, the milk mingled with the blood leaving her mouth as she drooled and wept and screamed words that made little to no sense. No doubt the scene was meant to be disturbing, but Tasha’s mind was still fixed on the playground and the real monster in her midst. Where was a man like that now? Probably heading into the city for a weekend of theater and drinks.

“Bet there’s lots of blondes for you there, Mr. Heller.” Was she jealous? No way. He could have his fun, and she would forget what it was to feel his helping hands.

Turning off the TV before she could learn if the woman on the screen was possessed or simply insane, Tasha paced around her apartment. She could make use of the waking hours to tidy up the clutter, but even with every window open, she still felt stifled. Should she just try to fall asleep? She would get back into her real routine at first light. A jog and a long overdue phone call to Lynette might do the trick. But even in bed with the sheets tucked close to her chin, she kept picturing the man. This wouldn’t work; she couldn’t even slip into a dream where he suddenly turned nice and kissed her sweetly.

“I’ll take a pill,” she muttered to herself as she reached for the Unisom on the bedside table. She choked the pill down but saw nothing but a long night ahead of her.

“What the hell am I supposed to do now?”