Ryan's Obsession

by Zena Wynn

  To learn more about Zena Wynn, visit her website: www.zenawynn.com. Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenawynn. Subscribe to her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-XfstUTbbeNLAAmG4Cl4pw. Or contact her by email: zenawynn@yahoo.com.

  Books by Zena Wynn

  *True Mates

  *Mary and the Bear

  Nikolai’s Wolf

  Tameka’s Smile

  *Carol’s Mate

  Claiming Shayla

  Rome’s Pride

  *Nina Chronicles 1: Nina’s Dilemma

  *Nina Chronicles 2: Worth Fighting For?

  *Nina Chronicles 3: Loves Many Challenges

  Nina Chronicles 4: Full and Overflowing

  Beyond the Breaking Point

  Broken

  *The Question

  After The Question

  *Seduced by a Lycan

  *Possessed by the Lycan

  *Fantasy Island: Mya’s Werewolf

  *Fantasy Island: Cyn’s Dragon

  *Fantasy Island: Fantasy Man

  *Fantasy Island: Moxie’s Vampire

  *Fantasy Island: Zero Regrets

  Fantasy Island: Star Fantasy

  *To Jon, With Love

  *The Contract

  *Illicit Attraction

  *Trust Me Tonight

  *Reclaiming Angelica

  Naughty Seductions: The Naughty Student

  Reyna’s Vampyr

  * Available in audiobook

  THE QUESTION excerpt

  What would you do for a friend? What sacrifice would you make? This is the issue facing Gail Henderson when her best friend, Crystal Al Jabbar, asks her to be a surrogate for her and her husband, Rashid, using Gail's own eggs. Further complicating her decision is the loss of Gail’s husband and toddler son in a fatal car accident, two years earlier. After much contemplation, Gail reluctantly agrees. Her decision sets off a chain of events none of them could have anticipated.

  Chapter One

  “Will you have my baby?”

  Gail Henderson abruptly began to loudly choke on her iced tea. All around her conversations ceased as they became the center of attention. As she coughed and wheezed with tears streaming down her eyes, she squinted at her best friend. Crystal Jabbar sat, calm as you please, as though she hadn’t just dropped what amounted to a nuclear bomb into the conversation.

  They were seated at a table in Golden Corral, sharing lunch after a hectic morning of Christmas shopping. The holiday was only a few weeks away. The place was packed as usual. The other diners slowly turned their attention to their own tables when Gail glared. Since no one had offered their assistance, she knew they were just being nosey.

  “I’ve given this a lot of thought. You know I can’t have children. If you had one for me, I would have the best of both worlds—a child created by the man I love more than anything, and my best friend, who is like a sister to me,” her friend continued.

  Crystal had been pregnant several times. Each one had ended in miscarriage, the last almost taking her life. Afterwards her husband, Rashid, put his foot down. No more pregnancies. Crystal told Gail he’d threatened to get a vasectomy before allowing her to risk her life again in another pregnancy attempt, and she’d reluctantly complied with his decree. Gail thought Crystal had resigned herself to her barren state, but apparently not.

  “What do you mean, have a baby for you?” she cautiously asked, blotting the tears from her eyes and face.

  Crystal leaned forward in her chair, her gaze intent. “I want you to be my surrogate. I’ve been looking into it. Rashid would be its father, and we’d use your eggs. Once the baby was born, I’d adopt it, making me its legal mother. As my best friend, you’d naturally be its godmother.”

  Gail pushed back a few inches from the table, unconsciously trying to place more distance between them. “Isn’t this kind of drastic? I thought you were considering adoption,” she asked a bit desperately.

  Crystal frowned. “I did, but that’s not for me. I want a child of my own. At the very least, I want a child fathered by Rashid. You know how important family is to him. Do you really think he’d be satisfied with an adopted child?”

  Rashid Al Jabbar was an Arab-American whose behavior was strongly influenced by the male-dominated culture in which he grew up. Because of his heritage, family and children meant a great deal to him. “Crystal, you know that’s not fair to Rashid. He loves you. If you wanted to adopt, he would go along with it just because it made you happy.”

  A brilliant smile lit Crystal’s face. “Yes, he does love me, doesn’t he? That’s why I want this so much. I need to give him the child he so desperately desires. Hopefully, it will be a son to carry on his family name.” Crystal reached out and gripped Gail’s hand. “Gail, please. You’re my best friend in the world. There’s no one else I would trust to do this for me.”

  Gail pulled her hand free and motioned between the two of them. “Crystal, look at us. We look nothing alike. Don’t you at least want someone who is similar in appearance to you?”

  Crystal was a short, curvy, natural blonde with pretty brown eyes. Gail was tall and slender with skin the color of nutmeg. Not only did they not resemble each other, they were from two different ethnic groups. Crystal was Caucasian, while Gail was African-American.

  Her friend airily waved her hand. “Pshh. You know I don’t care about things like that. Besides, who would know? Rashid is almost as dark as you.”

  It was true. Rashid had the dark, olive-brown complexion of a Middle Eastern man.

  Gail could feel herself caving. It’s not that she didn’t want to help her friend. She just had a bad feeling about it, and over the years, she’d learned to trust her instincts. She took in Crystal’s pleading expression. “Have you discussed this with Rashid?” It was a last ditch effort to avoid the inevitable. She’d never been able to say no to Crystal, and Crystal knew it.

  Crystal leaned forward again, determination showing in her eyes. “He’ll agree. Don’t worry. How could he not? This is a win-win situation.”

  Win-win for whom? Gail wondered. Then she sighed, knowing Crystal was right about Rashid. Her friend had him wrapped around her little pinky. “I’m not saying yes, but I’m not saying no. Let me look into it. Do a little research. This is too big of a decision to make on the spur of the moment.”

  Crystal squealed, causing the other diners to turn and stare—again. She got up from her seat and ran around to hug Gail. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

  Gail returned her hug but inwardly a feeling of dread grew. She was going to say yes. She always did, but she sensed this time, the results would be disastrous.

  

  As promised, Gail spent the next few weeks researching Artificial Insemination and surrogate mothers. She had a much better understanding of what she’d be getting herself into if she proved crazy enough to agree to Crystal’s scheme.

  The problem was she and Crystal had a long history together. It went all the way back to junior high school, when they’d first met in Mr. Peterson’s third period gym class. They’d clicked, despite their obvious differences.

  Gail had been the serious, studious one. The straight-A student who always had a book in her hands and sat in the corner reading. She’d been on the debate team and the student council, and had even spent time working on the student newspaper.

  Crystal had been a social butterfly who’d coasted through life on her looks and charm. She’d been a cheerleader and had won prom queen two years straight. She’d studied and kept her grades just high enough to prevent being placed on academic suspension.

  Being so different, they should have never become friends. Yet those very differences are what held them together. Gail had caused Crystal to be more serious, and Crystal had help Gail be more lighthearted. Somehow they’d maintained their close friendship, despite attending two different colleges, several hours away from each other. It was happenstance that they’d both ended up relocating to the
same city after graduation. Crystal had married first, having met Rashid in college. Gail had met and married Jason a couple of years later. The two couples had interacted frequently, mainly due to the close friendship of the women.

  Crystal had rejoiced with her when Gail discovered she was pregnant, and cried with her three years later when she’d lost both her husband and their son, Marcus, in a fatal car accident. That had been two years ago. She and Crystal had supported each other through every crisis, sharing the laughter and the tears. Crystal had always been there for Gail in her time of need. How could she do any less for Crystal now?

  

  Gail traveled home to Alabama to spend Christmas with her parents, still no closer to a decision. The holidays were always rough. She couldn’t help thinking about Jason and Marcus, and what Christmas morning would have been like if they were still alive. Having family around helped her get through the season without depression overwhelming her.

  Christmas day was boisterous as usual. All of her brothers managed to make it home with their wives, the last one arriving early that morning just in time to exchange gifts. Later in the evening when everyone had finally left, her father pulled her into his study. “So, you want to tell me what’s bothering you, baby girl? You’ve been mighty quiet all day.”

  She debated for all of a second the wisdom of saying anything, but her father had always been her confidant. “Crystal asked me to be a surrogate for her and Rashid, using my eggs.”

  “Well, now…” Her father settled his large, burly frame into his leather recliner and stroked his chin. “That’s quite a favor to be asking. Which way you leaning?”

  Gail settled on the floor next to him and laid her head on his knee. He immediately began stroking her hair. “I don’t know. I feel for her, Dad, wanting a child so desperately, but I’m not sure this is the way. My gut tells me doing this would be a terrible mistake.”

  “But…?”

  “We’ve been friends for so long. She’s always been there for me. Can I honestly deny her?” Gail looked up at him.

  Her father brushed her bangs off her forehead. “True, you two go way back, but sometimes, you have to trust your instincts and look out for number one. You’ve already lost one child. Can you handle losing two?”

  “But this baby wouldn’t really be mine,” she protested, not knowing whom she tried to convince—her father or herself.

  He arched one single eyebrow. “Blood will tell. It will grow in your body and have your DNA. And what about your mother and I? You weren’t the only one affected by the loss of Marcus. He was our first, and only, grandchild. Now you’re considering giving away another?”

  She hadn’t factored her parents’ feelings into her decision. Gail thought for a minute and bit her lower lip. “So you’re saying I shouldn’t do this?”

  “I’m saying it takes a strong woman to give away her own flesh and blood. Maybe your love for Crystal will carry you through. I don’t know, but think very carefully before committing to do this. Some decisions, once made, can’t be undone.”

  His words stayed with her a long time.

  

  The first of the year arrived, and Gail knew she had to make up her mind. A month had passed, and it really wasn’t fair to Crystal to put it off any longer. So, having made her decision, she invited Crystal and Rashid over to her apartment for dinner. For food, she’d gone with the basics—steak, baked potatoes, and salad, knowing from experience neither Rashid nor Crystal ate pork.

  When they arrived, she opened the door and invited them in. Crystal searched her face anxiously, trying to see if the answer to her question was imprinted there. Gail kept her expression as impassive as possible. Though she had decided, there were still questions to be asked and details to be worked out. Crystal floated past in a floral chiffon dress that emphasized her femininity. Rashid looked as debonair as ever in a pair of black dress slacks and a black dress shirt.

  After a quick glance at his face, Gail looked away from him and focused her attention on Crystal. Though she’d known the man for almost ten years now, something about him still made her uncomfortable. She was considered tall for a female, standing five-nine in her stocking feet, but Rashid towered over her by a good six inches. He was starkly handsome with features that were rugged, harsh even, bringing to mind desert sheiks and tales of Arabian Nights. His hair was the blue-black of the deepest, darkest black, thick with a glossy sheen evident even with his short cut.

  “You want to eat first and then talk, or talk and then eat?” Gail left the choice up to them.

  “Oh, talk definitely. What you’re cooking smells heavenly, but I won’t be able to eat a bite until I know,” Crystal said decisively.

  Rashid, as usual, said nothing, willing to go along with whatever pleased his wife.

  Gail led them into the living room and sat in the recliner while motioning them to the couch. After they were all seated, she turned to Rashid. “I’ve given it a lot of thought, but I have a few questions to ask before finalizing my decision.”

  Crystal sat rigid on the edge of her seat, hands fisted on her lap. Rashid was a bit more relaxed, but just as intent in his focus on Gail. “What would you like to know?”

  “The first thing I need to know is, are you in total agreement with this plan? Is this something you really want to do? Because once we start, there will be no going back.” She linked her fingers together and lowered her hands onto her lap, in an effort not to betray her nervousness.

  Rashid gave her question the serious thought it deserved. “I have reservations, naturally, but I’ve given it careful consideration. If you two ladies are willing, I’ll go along. I know Crystal has her heart set on this course of action.”

  “You know what’s involved? All the testing that needs to be done to both of us and the legalities to be ironed out?” Gail wanted to be absolutely sure he knew what he was getting into.

  “Yes, I’ve researched everything and spoken to both my lawyers and personal physician. I know what’s involved. Do you?” He continued to watch her closely.

  Gail nodded. “As much as I can without having actually gone through the experience myself. Crystal, are you sure this is what you want to do? A child is serious business. You can’t change your mind midstream and decide you made a mistake once I’m pregnant. This is going to have a tremendous impact upon all of our lives.”

  Crystal nodded emphatically. “Yes, I know what I want. I’ve given it a lot of thought and research. I won’t change my mind.”

  Gail heaved a big sigh and swiped her bangs out of her eyes. She prayed she was doing the right thing. Crystal could be flighty at times, but she seemed to genuinely have considered all of the ramifications and still wanted to proceed. “If you’re sure, then I’ll do it.”

  Crystal bounded off the couch, rushed over to Gail, pulled her out of the seat, and hugged her tight. Then she began dancing around, so excited she couldn’t contain herself. “I’m gonna have a baby. I’m gonna have a baby,” she sang. Her happiness was contagious.

  Gail couldn’t help but smile at her antics despite her personal misgivings. She happened to glance at Rashid to see what his reaction was to all this. He was looking directly at her, not his wife, and the expression on his face sent a frisson of nerves tingling down her spine. Feeling like a specimen under a microscope, she quickly returned her attention to her friend.

  When Crystal calmed down, they went into the dining room to eat. The meal was a lighthearted affair with the food being well received. As they were leaving, Rashid told her he would make all the arrangements, and call her when it was time to meet with the lawyer. She agreed and closed the door behind them as they left, feeling like she’d just made the biggest mistake of her life.

  

  Rashid listened with half an ear to his wife’s ramblings about her plans for the baby, his thoughts centered on Gail. Though she’d agreed to Crystal’s request, he sensed she had as many reservatio
ns as he about the whole deal. It was nothing he could put his finger on, just a feeling no good would come of this.

  He’d resigned himself to being childless. He loved Crystal and hated seeing how her desire to make a family with him ate at her. He’d agreed with this plan because he wanted to see her happy again. After the last miscarriage, she’d sunken into a depression from which she’d never fully recovered. He knew she felt defective, as though she was less of a woman because she couldn’t bear him the children they so desired.

  Watching her almost bleed out had killed any wish he had lurking in his heart for a child birthed with his DNA. His wife was more important to him than any baby she could ever produce, but she didn’t seem to understand. Hence, this plan of hers.

  He had nothing against Gail. She was a good woman who had been through a lot. Her husband, Jason, had been a good friend, and Rashid still mourned his loss. He had made it a point to keep an eye out for Gail’s wellbeing, just as he knew Jason would have done for him had their situation been reversed. He knew his wife well. She wasn’t the most sensitive of beings. It would be up to him to make sure Gail didn’t get hurt and was well taken care of during this process. She’d been through enough.

  

  After their meeting, things proceeded rather quickly. They met with the lawyer, and the terms of the agreement shocked Gail so much she almost backed out. In addition to covering all legal and medical fees, which she expected, Rashid would pay all of her living expenses for the duration of her pregnancy, and the eight week recovery period after the delivery. Plus, he’d promised to invest an amount equal to her yearly salary into her stock portfolio, which his firm handled.