Hang Em' Up: A Bad Boy Sports Pregnancy Romance

by Ashley Stewart

  “I’m not paranoid. I just don’t want to ruin a good thing for you. Everything is okay.”

  “Why do you put it that way?” I wanted to know.

  “I know you’re frustrated with me over having to hide our relationship. Who wouldn’t be? I just want what’s best for you.”

  “So you admit that we have a relationship?”

  “You know what I mean,” he defended his words. “I need to head on home. I’ve got work to do. I hope you enjoy the chocolates.”

  He left with a forced grin but remained friendly. I sent Seth a message, hoping that he wouldn’t think anything bizarre. After all, he did ask me several questions about Ashton that day in the coffee shop, and I reassured him that there wasn’t anything going on that wasn’t professional. I didn’t know why I worried about losing his friendship, but it did.

  Hey Seth! Thank you again for the books and tea bags. I’m taking advantage of them now while I have time to myself. It’s lovely.

  I waited for his response. On the other side, I wondered if Ashton was worried about Seth exposing our fling to the public. I was beginning to have too much on my mind. Something needed to be done about it.

  The Billionaire’s Release Book 4

  Bella Rayne

  Chapter 1

  I woke up on Saturday morning to the buzzing of my phone. Opening my eyes, I reached for it with a sluggish hand. Seth had sent me a message.

  Hey, I will be at the coffee shop at 11 if you want to hang out. No prob if you have other plans.

  The clock said it was a quarter past ten. I didn’t have long to get ready. I wrote him back.

  Sure, I will be there. I don’t have anything planned.

  Stretching my arms, I sat up in bed and yawned loudly. My bedroom was bright and crisp from the warm sunlight, luring me to start my day. Jessica was still asleep, so I didn’t bother her. I wondered if Seth wanted to ask me more questions about Ashton. After his visit the other night, I halfway expected him to. I skipped on my morning coffee to save time. Quickly, I sprinkled my body with a pretty body mist, dabbed my face with some color, dressed and ran out the door.

  It was such a warm day and the streets were already flooded with smiling faces and sounds of laughter. I felt somewhat guilty for having slept in so late! After ten minutes of soaking in the beautiful day, I arrived at the infamous bright, red door of the coffee shop. I secretly hoped that Jessica’s boy toy wouldn’t be behind the counter. Yes, that was still very awkward for me after having walked in on them. A quick survey across the room cleared all reason for uncomfortable moments because the guy wasn’t there. However, Seth sat in the corner and waved me down.

  “Hey buddy. What’s happening?” I cheerfully asked while taking a seat across from him.

  He nodded. “Nothing much. Just appreciating this beautiful Saturday.”

  His face looked a little tense. I knew it was because of Ashton.

  “I was just thinking the same thing as I walked down here,” I smiled. “I think I will order a small coffee. I didn’t have time to make my own this morning.”

  “Well, you’re in the right place. They have spectacular sandwiches too. You should give them a try if you haven’t already.”

  I grinned widely. “Have you eaten already?” I didn’t want to be rude by eating in front of him.

  “I’ve had a latte.”

  “I will try their sandwiches if you eat one too,” I made a deal with him.

  “Deal.”

  I tried the Black Forest ham, and he opted for the smoked turkey surprise.

  “I have to say, I’m glad I gave this a try! This is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had,” I said out loud, taking the last bite.

  “They’ve got some decent sandwiches. I give them that,” he added. The conversation was dry. It seemed like a struggle to keep any dialogue flowing. That was very unusual for us. We became fast friends because of our ability to talk so easily. I realized I needed to take the plunge and address the issue at hand.

  “Okay Seth, what’s bothering you?” I asked bluntly.

  “What do you mean?” he tried to brush it off.

  “It’s difficult to carry on conversation, the air seems stale and you seem stiff. I mean, I can see that you’re trying to hide it, but something is seriously bothering you.” I spoke with my hands as I often did while confronting uncomfortable discussions.

  He sighed and looked down at his empty plate, wiping his hands meticulously with the napkin. I watched his actions carefully. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I’m sorry if my bluntness makes you feel uneasy. Don’t worry about answering if it’s too much for you. I understand.”

  He shook his head. “No, that’s just it. I probably should talk about it so I can let it go. After all, we are just friends, right?”

  “Right,” I affirmed. My mind began to dissect his each and every word. I reminded myself that there was no need to dissect every word because he was about to tell me the whole story.

  Leaning back into his chair, he softly looked into my eyes. “I felt like a fool after having asked you so many questions about your boss and then finding him at your apartment. It’s none of my business, and I feel stupid for even feeling like a fool.”

  “Don’t feel like a fool! You were only looking out for me. That’s it. You shouldn’t kick yourself over that.” I desperately wanted to ease his guilt.

  “I sensed something off balance before that encounter, but it multiplied after it. The way that man looked at me… he did not like me being there.” His voice became lower and more serious. “He didn’t like it that I showed up to your Yoga class. He has something for you.”

  Seth’s words made weighed heavily on me. I knew then that I had to share the secret. Frankly, if he could pick up on something between me and Ashton, other people probably could, too. It angered me because Ashton’s refusal to go public about it only gave people the impression that he was some rich freak who preyed on young women.

  “Seth, I have to tell you something,” I, murmured.

  “Oh?” he waited eagerly for my words.

  “I lied to you.” My shame made it difficult to look him in the face. “I’m the one that should feel shame and guilt, not you.”

  “What are you talking about?” he asked calmly.

  “I’ve been sleeping with Ashton. We have this private relationship, or whatever you want to call it, going on. He says that he can’t go public about it for legal reasons. It’s left me feeling awful but then he does something to make me feel wonderful again. He woos me in ways that I can’t seem to deny him sometimes.”

  Seth’s face turned red. “So my initial instinct was right. Which, if you want to date him, there’s nothing wrong with that. BUT, he has to keep you in the shadows? Has he told you what the legal issues are?”

  “No, he hasn’t. He is keeping it from me. I’ve noticed that he asks more and more if the ladies at work have told me anything. Where he once wasn’t paranoid at all, now he is. For example, he always answers phone calls in front of me, but lately if a certain person calls, he will make me leave.”

  Seth sat up straight and alert. “Alexis, there is something wrong with that.”

  I shrugged. “He is one of the richest men in the nation. I’m sure a ton of legal issues and concerns come with the territory. That’s why I’ve not fully walked away yet. Besides, we haven’t announced any type of love for each other or anything. It’s probably just a fling.”

  “I didn’t think you were the type of girl that had flings,” he said flatly. His comment hurt.

  “I’m not.” I didn’t know what else to say.

  “Well, if you’re not that type of girl, I’d say there is something in it for you. Is it feelings or money?”

  “I’m not one who cares much about money, Seth.”

  “Hmm. Okay. So there are feelings invested. Perhaps you should start examining those and determine if his secrecy is worth it. I know I would never treat you that way. No amou
nt of money can replace respect and honesty.”

  His words struck me deeply. It was certainly something to think about. “You’re right.”

  Chapter 2

  “Sir, I strictly forbid this! The rest of us are held accountable and she should be, too.” Janet was visibly upset.

  “Janet, I hold Alexis accountable just like the rest of you.”

  “Sir, she was an hour late for work, and you did absolutely nothing about it.” Her insistence was overwhelmingly powerful. Clearly, she had an issue with Alexis.

  “Are you certain that this isn’t a personal problem between you and Alexis? Should I bring her in here so you can show her your true feelings? I assure you, she has nothing but good things to ever say about you.”

  She stood in front of my desk, steaming with anger. “I don’t hold anything personal against the girl. She is a smart and respectful young lady. However, I believe that you have inappropriate feelings for her.”

  That did it. I leaned back in my swivel chair and held up my hands. “Whoa now. Is that the way to speak to your boss? I ask you a question and you turn it around on me?”

  “We all believe it,” she spoke through tightly pursed lips.

  “I’m sure that you all believe many things. I’m used to rumors and criticism because they come with my line of work. However, from your words, I believe you are envious of Alexis. I suggest that you let that nonsense go immediately. I will have a chat with her about the tardiness. Again. Keep in mind, though, that this is my company, and I shall run it as I see fit. I try to offer equal opportunities for everyone.”

  “That’s right, Mr. Jackson. Don’t forget the equal opportunity act.”

  “Was that a threat, Janet?” Her attitude was becoming a real concern for me. Unfortunately, I knew if I fired her on the spot, she would become a bigger problem for me.

  “No, sir, just a reminder.”

  “Did I write you up the first time you were tardy?” I smoothly asked.

  She thought for a moment, clearly hesitating.

  “That’s what I thought. Alexis has only been tardy once. I suggest that you stop trying to tell me how to run my company and focus on the job you’ve been given. I appreciate your willingness to open up to me, but I will not tolerate disrespect. Now, send Alexis in here. I will have a chat with her.”

  The anger in her eyes spoke volumes, but she simply muttered, “Yes sir.”

  Janet held the door open for Alexis. Her tight lips and stern facial expression clearly spelled trouble. Alexis handled it gracefully, though, and thanked Janet for opening the door. Before Janet closed the door, she gave me a sour glance. Alexis jumped at sound of the door slamming.

  “She didn’t have to shut the door that hard,” I remarked in a frustrated tone.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked timidly. She stood by the door with her hands clasped at her waistline.

  “Take a seat, gorgeous.” I pointed to the chair in front of my desk, where Janet had just released most of her frustrations.

  “If I’m in trouble, you don’t have to call me gorgeous. I understand that I screwed up royally by being an hour late this morning. I’m sure that’s what Janet was fussing to you about. She has seemed very angry toward me all day.”

  Crossing my legs, I got comfortable. Her behavior was reminding me of her first day in my office. It was sweet and alluring. “Yes, she was making a fuss about your tardiness. She feels that I give you special treatment over the others.”

  “Well, you do,” she said frankly. “But I haven’t asked for it.”

  “I don’t feel that I treat you any differently on a professional level than the others.”

  “You offer me more opportunities than you do the others. Although I am appreciative of them, sometimes it doesn’t seem right.”

  “Are you saying that because of our personal relations with one another?”

  “Perhaps,” she answered. Her face remained calm and unemotional. “I feel really guilty sometimes.”

  “Why?” I asked, concerned.

  She let out a long, drawn-out exhale. “Because we are sleeping together, Ashton! Anyone on the outside would think that I’m only doing it to get promoted or to get some of your money. I’m not that type of girl.”

  “I know you’re not that type of girl,” I tried to console her.

  “Well, others may not know that.”

  I didn’t want to admit this to her, but since she was on the subject, I felt it necessary to point it out. “Well, Janet did say that she thinks I have inappropriate feelings for you. I simply told her that the gossip and accusations didn’t bother me. I don’t want you to worry about it, either. We are two consenting adults.”

  “I don’t know about all of this, Ashton. I want to believe you, and I’m trying. It’s all just so weird. Yes, it is an awesome feeling to be with someone who is as wealthy as you. That’s not why I stay with you, though. You’re a very persuasive and attractive man, but, I would like things to be more professional between us. At least in public.”

  “Does this have anything to do with your friend, Seth, finding me at your apartment?” I had to ask. It had been on my mind for days.

  She shook her head. “It was on my mind before that. People do talk. I need to protect my reputation. I don’t want to be labeled as ‘one of those girls’. That just isn’t me.”

  “Duly noted,” I grinned in understanding. She settled down some once she saw my smile.

  “You always have such a warm smile,” she commented in a heartfelt voice. “It gets me every single time.”

  I reached for her hand and softly caressed it. Her skin was always smooth as silk. “This warm smile enjoys stealing your kisses.” I couldn’t help myself. I picked up her delicate hand and pressed my lips firmly against it.

  She blushed. “You’re doing it again,” she whispered. Her flirtatious expression only fueled my desires that much more.

  “What am I doing?” I played innocent.

  “You’re luring me with your charm, and it’s working.”

  “Mmm…well, don’t worry. I won’t cross any boundaries today. Janet may stomp in here at any moment without a warning. She would love to catch us off guard.” I rolled my eyes. Alexis walked around the desk and pulled up my chin gently with her hand.

  “I suppose I’ll return to my desk,” she muttered. To my surprise, she bent down and kissed me passionately. The feel of her tongue sent me to new heights. She was in control and owned it. It was steamy but quick. When she pulled away, it left me wanting more.

  “Wow,” I let out. “That was hot.”

  She winked at me as she walked toward the door. “I have to get back to work, boss.” Her tone was flirtatious and teasing.

  “Don’t forget to walk out looking stressed rather than confident and pleased,” I cautioned her.

  “Don’t worry. I can change my face in an instant. There’s no need to give Janet any more reason to talk.” Her flirtatious smile faded into a concerned expression. “I won’t be late again unless it’s due to circumstances out of my control. Thank you, Ashton.” She said while opening the door.

  Chapter 3

  Seth didn’t attend my class at the YMCA. I chose to not think about it too much. I expected that he didn’t feel comfortable being around Ashton after learning the truth. I couldn’t blame him. Besides, our conversation made me ponder many things. I seriously needed to figure out my feelings for Ashton and the reality of our situation. I had already been fighting the secrecy of things, but I needed make peace with it.

  Ashton really pulled at my heart strings when I saw him interact with a group of young kids. They had been waiting impatiently in the hallway for their parents. He spoke to them so lovingly and gently, getting down to their level and telling them stories of when he was their age. One child was worried that his mother had forgotten him. Ashton calmed his fears and assured him that his mother hadn’t forgotten about him. It completely melted my heart. I had never seen that side of him be
fore.

  Once the children were taken care of, I ensured that my room was clean and then turned out the lights. “I never knew you liked kids,” I mentioned to him randomly.

  He smirked. In fact, I thought I saw a tint of blush in his cheeks. “Children are people, too. They’re our future.” His reply was surprisingly sincere.

  I felt inclined to delve further into the subject. “Why have you not had any children yet?” We had never talked about it, but I assumed that he had been married before. He didn’t answer immediately. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that. That was rude.”

  “No, it wasn’t rude of you at all. You have a right to know considering our relations.” He opened the door for me as we exited the building. My car sat next to his underneath the large oak tree that lined the edge of the parking lot. The sun was steadily sinking beneath the horizon, leaving behind its streaks of bright orange, pink and purple. “I’ve never had a relationship in which I’ve purposely tried to have children. I suppose I just haven’t met the right woman.”

  I clicked the ‘unlock’ button on my car key. “You’ve never been married before, have you?” Since he gave me permission to be bold, I decided to ask the big questions.

  “Almost but no, I’ve never been married.”

  “Almost?” My curiosity was tempting me to press him for more information. I opened the passenger door and set my duffle bag and purse in the seat.

  “I was engaged once. We had a pregnancy scare, and although I was elated, it was enough to scare her away from the altar altogether. She said that it opened her eyes to how she wasn’t ready for that phase of life. Although it was painful and we broke up, I admired her honesty.”

  My heart went out to him. Once again, he showed tenderness that I had not yet seen. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea. How old were you?” I leaned against my car, crossing my arms and listening intently.

  “I was in my twenties. It was before I earned the big bucks. I was merely a small town Yoga instructor who went to the occasional casting call for commercials.”