The CEO's Surprise Family

by Teresa Carpenter

  “Except for a monthly payment.”

  “Put it in a trust if that makes you happy.”

  “It does actually.” Ryan nodded his approval. “With a bank as trustee it takes you out of it.”

  “Glad you’re happy. Just know this, the more Lexi protests, the more I intend to add.”

  Suspicion filled Ryan’s eyes. “Maybe that’s her game.”

  The corner of Jethro’s mouth quirked up. “No. She’s a dancer not an actress. She’s made it clear she doesn’t want anything from me, but I didn’t sign up to be a sperm donor. I intend to make sure my daughter never wants for anything. Ms. Malone will just have to deal with it.”

  Already imagining Lexi’s arguments, he handed the amended document across the desk to Ryan. She’d just have to get over it.

  Providing financial stability was the least he could do for his daughter.

  * * *

  Lexi found that both her and Jazi’s things were already unpacked. Wow, she could get used to this hotel life. Except it left her nothing to do.

  So, of course, she snooped.

  She started in her room. Designed in muted greens and beige, the furnishings had the quality and comfort she’d expect in a luxury hotel. No sense wasting time there, she headed straight for the books in the shelves. And discovered Jethro either bought the books for appearances or had a broad taste in literature. The financial books and periodicals were obviously his. There were also mysteries, biographies, nonfiction history books and some poetry.

  The poetry had to be for show. Or maybe a gift from some hopeful woman? Lexi just couldn’t picture Jethro reading poetry.

  Now this book, yes. She pulled out The Art of War, by Sun Tzu, and thumbed through the pages. Did he use it for game play or the boardroom? Probably both. A quote popped out at her.

  It talked about subduing the enemy without fighting, about evading the enemy if she lacked strength.

  Yeah, she could get behind that.

  Yep, evade and avoid, that was her plan. Except seeing it put like this made her feel itchy. She didn’t care for the concept of being too weak to engage. She dropped the book on her bedside table. Maybe she’d glean a few tips on how to handle the book’s owner.

  Next she checked on Jazi. No surprise she’d kicked off the blanket Lexi had draped over her. The child hated to be restricted and always had. It was a struggle to keep her properly covered. Blankets, shoes, socks and jacket constantly got tossed aside. Pants and shirts, too, if she had her way.

  Except for the child, there was nothing of Jethro’s in the room. Totally pink, the staff had taken the time to unpack all the wall art, blankets, lamps, rugs and put the full nursery together. A nice gesture for a temporary situation. Jazi should feel right at home. In this room if none of the others. She’d adapt as she’d already had to do so many times in her short life.

  Lexi looked forward to the time when it was just the two of them and they could build a stable life together.

  She wandered down the hall to Jethro’s room. Maybe she should look for a house during these three months, consider putting down real roots. She hesitated with her hand on the knob knowing he’d see her snooping as a violation of his privacy.

  Knowledge was power. Even the few verses she’d read of battles and war had shown her that. Just a peek, she promised herself.

  Wow. Where her room was understated luxury, this room shouted penthouse. From the custom king-size bed, to the sunken conversation area with the fireplace, to the glass-and-crystal bar complete with mini fridge and wine cooler, the room offered decadent comfort. The earthy greens and browns grounded the space and offset the futuristic elements to the art and accessories.

  Impressive—oh, yeah—but if she hoped to find insight into Jethro she was doomed to disappointment. The art was interesting but similar to pieces in her room. Which meant it came with the room.

  He knew his wines; she’d give him that. Okay, that was something. Reading a few more labels she’d even say he was a bit of a connoisseur.

  The mini fridge held cola, some nice cheeses, stuffed olives and dark chocolate ice cream. Humming her approval, she closed the door and rounded the corner into the closet. Female to her core, she just slipped down the wall and sat staring. Envy curled her toes.

  A new life goal bloomed inside her. Someday she wanted a closet like this.

  Forget the bedroom, she’d just move in here. It was nearly as big as her room and included a lounge for her to sleep on. And a chair if she desired company. Racks, shelves, hooks and nooks ringed the room as well as a three-way mirror. In the middle a marble-topped island with a small sink housed drawers.

  The beautiful space was wasted on Jethro’s black suits and white shirts. Oh, the color she could bring to this room. Shoes there, purses in those slots. Her jackets on that wall, dance gear in the drawers—

  Stop. Focus.

  At first she didn’t think there was any evidence of Jethro in here either.

  But she couldn’t be more wrong. The order, neatness and overall preciseness of everything broadcast Jethro’s need for dominance and control. She pushed to her feet and prowled down the line of black suits and white shirts. Seriously, someone needed to tell him gray was the new black when it came to power suits.

  Then again, maybe it was his way of staying in the background. If so, he was deluding himself. His sheer presence radiated power. So she supposed it didn’t matter what he wore.

  A picture frame caught her eye. On the marble counter close to the far end were two frames standing back to back so a picture could be seen from either side of the island. A ratty crocheted cap rested between the two photos. The first shot was of a younger Jethro, in his late teens, and a petite woman with short blond hair and some well-earned wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. She had her hand on his shoulder and he wore a huge grin and the crochet cap. In the other picture the Fabulous Four surrounded the dainty woman.

  The woman must be Harman, the foster mother who brought the four boys together and made them a family, one of Jethro’s foster brother’s had told her, Lexi would bet money the woman crocheted the cap. It said a lot that Jethro had kept it all these years and that he kept her picture not just where only he would see it, but where he would see it daily.

  It revealed a capacity to care deeply, something his dispassionate facade belied.

  She felt him before she saw him. Jethro. With no thought at all she dropped to her hands and knees. As if she could hide.

  “Ms. Malone.” Shiny black loafers appeared in her view.

  “I lost an earring.” She felt her ear, removing the gold hoop. She held it out. “Look at that it rolled all the way in here.” Popping to her feet she smiled innocently.

  He lifted one dark brow. Nope, not buying it.

  His strong features were marble hard, his stance set, quite intimidating. She half expected to see steam coming out of his ears. But his eyes were remarkably calm.

  He knew he’d caught her snooping, probably came back early for that very purpose.

  She hated to be predictable.

  “Okay, you caught me. I was snooping through your rooms. But it’s your fault.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “Why? Because I brought you here?”

  “Yes.”

  “And I thought it was a given we’d respect each other’s privacy. Perhaps we need to discuss the rules of common courtesy.”

  Heat flooded into her cheeks. “That won’t be necessary, no.”

  “Then explain to me why you’re in my closet.”

  “I was just trying to get to know you. We’re going to be living together for three months yet I know so little about you. I was hoping a peek at your private space would give me some insight.”

  “And what did you deduce?”

  “Not
much. You have a wide interest in reading, good taste in wine, and this closet is a physical manifestation of your need for control and order. So you needn’t worry, your secrets are safe.” She stormed past him into the bedroom. “I don’t get it. You’re a patron of the arts, but you don’t even have anything personal on the walls.”

  “When you have all your possessions stripped from you, you learn not to invest yourself in them.”

  What a heartbreaking revelation. One he regretted as soon as he said it. She saw it in his eyes and the stiffness in his shoulders. Even she’d had things, in fact, after her dad died, things took the place of affection in her household.

  “That had to be a long time ago.”

  “Some lessons are hard to unlearn.”

  “I know you grew up in foster care. I’m sorry. It must have been a difficult childhood.” She kept her tone matter-of-fact because—

  “I don’t need your pity, Ms. Malone.”

  Because of that.

  “And you don’t have it, Mr. Calder.” Leaving the intimacy of the bedroom, she led the way to the living room, checking on a sleeping Jazi, as she walked by. “I feel for the child you were. You aren’t that child anymore. You’re a powerful man, Jethro. Nobody’s going to take anything from you that you don’t willingly give up.”

  “Indeed. I’m glad we understand each other. There will be no repeat visits to my closet.”

  “No.”

  “Good.”

  “So why are you here?” She planted her hands on her hips. “Checking up on me already?”

  He mimicked her. “You mean to see if you were messing in things you shouldn’t?”

  Okay, her insecurities were showing. She so walked into that one, especially when she suspected he’d known she was snooping.

  “You didn’t answer your phone,” he said.

  “Oh.” She looked around for her purse, which held her phone. She collected it from where she’d dropped it in an armchair. Neither of them sat. “I didn’t hear it. What did you need?”

  “I’ve made two appointments for you tomorrow morning. One with the nursery services and one with security.”

  Definitely hoping to catch her snooping. The message so could have waited.

  “I was concerned when you didn’t answer. This is a new place to you and Jasmine. Something could have happened.”

  “Oh.” That took the defiance from her sails. The sincerity in his voice too real to be a ploy. “Thanks for checking on us.”

  “How’s Jasmine settling?”

  “Fine. She’s been asleep, which is a good sign. She tends to have an internal radar that wakes her when things are uneasy.”

  “Good. I’ll get back to work.” He turned into the foyer. “Stay out of my room.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “I saw that.”

  “Liar.”

  He glanced at her over his shoulder as he opened the door. “I never lie, Ms. Malone. I don’t have to.”

  * * *

  Shortly after Jethro made his exit, a sound drew her from her contemplations. Jazi.

  Lexi jumped up and rushed to her girl. Sleepy-eyed and clutching Rainbow she stood in the middle of her room. When she spotted Lexi, her little face lit up with a big smile and she reached out her arms to be held.

  Heart squeezed tight, Lexi lifted the toddler into her arms. Sweet, sweet moment. “Hello, sleepy girl.”

  “Lexi! Hi!” Little arms ringed her neck and a tiny bow mouth bussed her cheek. “Love you.”

  “I love you, too, pumpkin. Uh-oh, you’re a wet little girl. Let’s get you changed.” Lexi made quick work of changing Jazi, listening to her chatter all the while. Lexi only understood the odd word here and there. Didn’t matter, she drank in every syllable. Too soon to get Jazi ready for dinner so Lexi put clean pants on her and set her on her feet. “Do you like your new room?”

  “Yes.”

  “Shall we check it out? Find where everything is?”

  “Yes.” Jazi ran to the bookshelf and began pulling out books.

  “Whoa, pumpkin.” Lexi smiled at the toddler’s enthusiasm. “Let’s do this one at a time.”

  For the next hour, she patiently helped Jazi explore her new environment and unpack the bag Diana sent with the girl. To Jazi’s joy she found the fish book tucked into the bag. Of course they needed to read the book right now. Jazi hunted up Rainbow and climbed into Lexi’s lap.

  After a while it was time to put the book aside and get ready for dinner. For Jazi that meant a yellow dress with black piping. For Lexi it was a royal blue sheath dress.

  To keep her occupied until Jethro arrived, Lexi carried Jazi to the media room. Snuggled into a plush recliner with the girl curled on her lap, Lexi giggled to the outrageous antics of a sponge and his starfish friend when Jethro strolled into the room.

  Jazi popped up and clapped her hands. “Daddy.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  DADDY. THE WORD ROARED through him like fire destroying all resolve in its path. Everything in him longed to claim this child as his. Daughter. Family. Continuity. All he’d ever wanted sat within his reach, cuddled in the arms of the woman who drew him in ways he’d never imagined.

  Terror replaced the want. Except for Mama Harman, he’d managed to sabotage every relationship he’d begun, and that one lasted only because she’d refused to give up on him. He didn’t know how to let them in, to share. In order to survive, he’d built up walls he found impossible to let down.

  Emotionally deficient, Kimberly had called him. And he couldn’t refute it.

  Though the Lord knew he’d shared more with this impossible woman Lexi than anyone else.

  As emotions warred within him, Lexi’s raced over her expressive features. Shock, horror, sympathy came and went as she corrected the child. “No, no pumpkin. Remember, this is Mr. Calder. He’s the nice man who is helping us.”

  Clearly Jasmine had not learned the word from her.

  “Man,” Jazi said.

  “Jethro,” he stated, his voice huskier than usual as resolve settled in him. He’d given his word and he’d keep it. There was no denying the love between these two. He wouldn’t take that from his daughter. “Mr. Calder is a bit of a mouthful.”

  “Jethro.” Jazi mimicked and smiled.

  His heart cracked. He cleared his throat. “We should go or we’ll be late for our reservations.”

  “Jethro.” Lexi made a step toward him.

  He shook his head and stepped back, refusing her pity. “I’ll meet you at the door.”

  * * *

  Jethro took them to The Beacon where they sat at the chef’s table in the kitchen. It was quite the show, loud and chaotic, a dance of creativity and control and heavenly scents.

  The noise made up for Jethro’s silence. He was quiet during dinner and who could blame him? Lexi knew this was proving more difficult for him than he’d expected. Something flashed in his dark blue eyes and she feared the additional exposure to Jazi had him questioning his decision.

  Dang it. He’d brought this on himself by demanding they live with him.

  She prayed he didn’t change his mind. This was only the first day and Jazi was so sweet, so beautiful, so clever, she made it impossible not to love her. How would he feel three months from now?

  Lexi could only trust he’d keep his word. Otherwise she’d drive herself nuts over the next ninety days.

  She kept up a constant chatter through the awkward meal, entertaining Jazi and including Jethro, though he added little to the conversation. Lexi wanted to apologize for Jazi’s blunder.

  She totally should have anticipated something like that would happen. As far as the rest of the world was concerned, Jethro would be raising the child. Someone may well have called him Jazi’s fat
her. But there was no way to address the topic in front of the child, so it would wait.

  The chef came over to make sure they were enjoying their meal. Jethro unbent long enough to compliment his steak and lobster. And she praised her lamb in cabernet sauce as the best meal she’d ever eaten, a truth belied only by the tenseness at the table that made it hard to concentrate on food. He frowned at the uneaten food on her plate but seemed appeased when she asked to take the leftovers with her.

  Back in the penthouse, she took Jazi off for a bath and to get her ready for bed. Jazi loved the water and played gleefully in the tub. Lexi enjoyed the time and allowed the toddler her fun until her knees protested.

  “Time to get out,” she told Jazi.

  “No.” The little girl shook her head and dunked her yellow rubber ducky.

  “Yep. Stand up now and let me lift you out.”

  “No.” Jazi continued to play.

  “Okay. One more minute.” Being smarter than a twenty-three-month-old Lexi found the plug and pulled it. Water and bubbles disappeared down the drain and Lexi lifted Jazi out of the tub and wrapped her in a soft towel. Jazi pointed to the ducky and Lexi reached into the tub to grab it.

  Jazi took the opportunity to run off giggling as she went.

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” Lexi made a grab for her but caught only towel. And then there was a naked little girl on the loose.

  Lexi pushed to her feet and dashed after her. She entered the bedroom in time to see Jazi running out the door. Lexi gave chase, thrilling Jazi. Her shrieks of glee echoed down the halls.

  “Got you.” Lexi swept her up and swaddled her in the towel. “Wicked child.” She tickled her causing her to laugh and scream.

  The door at the end of the hall opened and Jethro stood there. “Everything okay?”

  “Bath time escapee.” Lexi advised. “I have it under control. Say good night Jethro.”

  “Night, Jethro.”

  “Good night.”

  She felt the weight of his regard until she cleared the bedroom door. She sighed her relief but it was short-lived as he came to lean against the doorjamb and watched as she diapered Jazi and dressed her in warm pajamas.