"And I think I'm taking mine for a walk," India added, giving my hand a squeeze before heading for the front door. "You two hardly need me in the way right now." She leaned down and whispered in my ear, "He likes you, I can tell." A moment later, she was gone and Jack and I were alone. He walked over to the sofa opposite mine slowly and sat down.
"Are you comfortable?" he asked, settling in. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"No. Thanks. This is great…," I said. I took a sip from the sweaty glass he handed me and put it down on the coffee table. "India's told me a lot about you, of course," I began. "And about the kind of person you're looking for…" He was the kind of guy women would line up for a crack at, but I knew he wasn't looking for a relationship. What he wanted was a professional…
"She's told me a great deal about you, as well," he answered softly. "It takes a lot to impress my sister. She says she can't imagine anyone more perfect for me." His velvety brown eyes blinked. "For this position," he added quickly. "For the surrogacy, that is."
"She and I hit it right off," I said, shifting slightly. "When she brought up the idea that this might be the right solution to both of our problems…" My sentence trailed off as his eyes blazed into mine. They were dark as sin and so warm they made me damp in some very sinful places. What the hell was I thinking? I was here for a job interview. There wasn't any room for the kind of feelings I was having.
"I have questions," he said, in a deep voice that made me think of whispers in the dark. "You must as well." I nodded, unable for a moment to think of a single one. "We could go out on the deck, if you like. Get to know each other… go over the contract." The word contract snapped my ovaries back to reality and I nodded, following him outside.
The sun was starting to set and long, wavy stripes of color moved slowly from the water just beyond us all the way to the horizon. "It's beautiful," I said, without thinking. "This is where you actually live, like, all the time?"
"This is home," he said easily. "Would you like to go down?"
The blush had just started to heat my cheeks when I realized he'd gestured to the stairs leading to his own private beach. I nodded and followed him, aware of how tall and lean he was. He had the body of an athlete, even though I knew he was the CEO of Mason Steel Corporation. He was the man in charge, although his entire family was heavily involved as well. India too.
He ran a hand through his hair and his broad chest expanded with his deep breath. I felt that warm, unsettling sensation low in my belly again and looked away. The next thing I knew, his hand was at the small of my back, just above the curve of my overly generous ass and I inhaled sharply. Yeah, I'm sort of in hormonal overdrive these days. Hesitancy to get too close to people also has the unfortunate consequence of very little sex. I couldn't remember the last time I'd seen, let alone been so close to such an attractive man.
"We can sit in the gazebo, if you'd like," he gestured. "Or on the sand, if you prefer."
I walked to the edge of the water and kicked off my boots. "Here," I answered with a sigh, the cold water lapping my toes. "This is perfect."
He walked up behind me and I could feel the warmth coming off him. "You go first," I said. "You can ask me anything you want. Nothing's off limits. I get it, that this won't work if I'm not an open book." I turned to look up… way up, into his eyes. "I know this is business for you. And India's told me how important it is for you to have a child. I can see for myself the kind of life you can offer." I didn't blink, or look away as those sexy eyes burned into mine. "So ask away, Jack. I'll answer you as honestly as I know how." He looked into my face for a long, long time without speaking. Instinct told me that somehow he'd already made his decision. I'd already made mine, even before I'd met him.
My choice was easy. It was this, or face an uncertain future, going from one acquaintance's house to another, my artistic career permanently on hold. Or have the baby my body was screaming to have anyway, and give it to a good man who desperately wanted to be a dad. And who came from a fine family and had money in truckloads. Just because I never wanted to be anyone's mom didn't mean I didn't want to experience the creation of another human being. I did. I just wasn't convinced I could ever be the kind of mother a baby deserved…
Jack put his hand under my chin, lifting it, tilting my face. The warmth of his hand, and the clean, woodsy male scent of him had my whole body tingling. He was quiet, thoughtful. Examining me in a way that made me both uncomfortable and aroused all at once. He exuded a sense of power, and yet he had a quiet gentleness about him at the same time… He was like no man I'd ever met before…
"Can you share the most intimate experience a man and a woman can share, Libby?"
The words made my breath catch.
"Can you let me put my seed inside you, let my child grow in your belly?" He let his hand fall from my chin and it nearly, very nearly grazed my stomach. "Can you live here… with me, for the next year… with your belly swelling? Will you let me watch you bring my child into the world and hear him cry for the very first time? Let me put my child to your breast for the first time…?"
I felt my mouth soften, my lips fall open. His words painted the picture in my head as he spoke. A tiny baby, wrinkled and red. His huge hands bringing her closer to my bare, aching breast. For just a moment, I felt a flicker… a question deep inside me I couldn't answer.
"Can you do all that for me, Libby?
And then walk away?"
5
Jack
Three weeks later
I'd put the final touches on the studio myself. I stepped back, pleased with the results. I'd had the guest house gutted and remodeled into an artist's studio, with enormous windows to capture the light, work tables and shelving for supplies. But I'd done the stocking myself. It had taken some work to be sure I'd bought everything Libby could need. And to be sure all the products were safe and non-toxic. I took one last look around and carefully locked the door behind me. I pocketed the key, anticipating the look on her lovely face when I surprised her.
We'd both signed the contract a week after our first meeting here at the lake. Since then, life had been a hectic schedule of business meetings and doctor appointments. Being constantly busy with all the practical details of our arrangement had thankfully gone a long way toward clearing my head about Libby.
She was just the right woman for the job, and that was all. The physical reaction I'd had to her when we'd first met had just been the result of the long stretch of celibacy I'd endured over the last year. That, and general excitement that I was finally on my way to becoming a dad. I was back in control, back in business, so to speak. And thank god for my brothers stepping up. Even Mom and Dad had worked overtime at Mason to keep the company on track. And India, as always, had been amazing.
The Mason family has been an institution in this part of the South for generations. We're known for being traditional, conservative. Old fashioned. Our people do things the way they've always been done, without question, for the last two hundred years. We're close knit, loving supportive and loyal. And no Mason, aside from my sister, would ever accept that I'd hired a woman to bear the next generation.
So India had created the cover story we would tell my family tomorrow night at dinner. That she'd introduced us at a party and we'd instantly hit it off. Introductions would be made all around and my parents and brothers would meet my new girlfriend for the first time. That I'd moved her in with me so quickly would come as a hell of a shock to everyone, but India assured me she'd smooth the ruffled feathers. For now, that would just have to be enough. Libby would be living here where I could watch over her, before the insemination appointment on Friday. And once we knew for sure that she was pregnant… well… I was pretty sure how I'd tell my family about that. I just hadn't run the plan by Libby yet…
I headed back toward the cabin just in time to hear India's tires crunching gravel. I'd been excited, living on adrenaline for days anticipating this. The last few weeks of spending ev
ery spare minute getting to know Libby better had solidified the feeling I'd had from the first moment I'd laid eyes on her. That she was the one. The future mother of my baby.
"Libby, I can't tell you how happy I am you're here." I took her hands and kissed her cheek. As always, my cock leapt with enthusiasm I had to work hard to quell. It hadn't quite gotten the message yet, that the only thing it was going to be filling to the brim was a paper cup in the doctor's office…
"I can't believe it's all really happening," Libby said, putting her hands on her hips and stretching her spine. The result pushed her generous breasts up and apart, the swell of her round little ass creating a curve in her back that made my cock painful in the confinement of my jeans. It's okay to be attracted to the mother of your baby, right? Hadn't I read somewhere that it increased the odds of conception?
Only if you're doing it the old-fashioned way, I corrected myself grimly, lifting Libby's suitcase out of the trunk.
"I'm heading straight back into the city, Jack," India said over the noise of the engine. She'd brought Libby out to the house because the beetle had finally given out, but she had a dinner meeting with Spencer. He's my right hand at the corporation, ingenious and invaluable regarding the takeover of an aluminum company that Mason Steel had been working on. He was a good man to have on your side. I sure as hell wouldn't want him on the other.
With a smile and a wave, India was gone and Libby and I were alone. In all these weeks, I always had the same sense when we were alone together. It was something halfway between total comfort and complete awkwardness. Ever since meeting her, it was something I couldn't seem to shake. There was certainly no question, this situation was utterly unique for both of us.
"Sooo… here we are…" She twisted her hands together.
"Yes… here we are." I smiled down at her, a riot of emotions going off inside me despite our calm exteriors. "Should we get you settled in your room before dinner?"
I led her up the stairs and into the room next to mine. It was the brightest room in the cabin, with one long wall of windows and a huge sugar maple leaning close. The leaves were just starting to turn their brilliant colors.
I put her case on the huge bed and watched her react to the view of the lake. "I've never seen such beauty," she breathed. "Thank you, for this. All of this, Jack. The second chance you're giving me with this job… and letting me stay here…"
"Little enough, compared to what you've agreed to do for me," I answered. The fact was, I'd asked her to move in for my sake, as much as for hers. I wanted her close, where I could be sure she was safe and healthy. Close, so that I wouldn't miss a single day of my child's life… from the very minute of conception.
"You're giving me the future I've always wanted," I added honestly. "I'm going to make sure you and the baby have everything you need."
She turned from the window to face me. "I can't believe Friday's nearly here," she said softly. "All these weeks of blood tests and vitamins, poking and prodding. And now it's actually going to happen…"
I took her hands in mine, ignoring how the feeling of her skin affected me. "No doubts, Libby? You're sure this is what you want?" The next words came out painfully. "If you're not fully committed, this is the time to tell me. You can still back out, even with the contract in place." I took a steadying breath. "But once we're pregnant, there's no changing your mind. You will give birth… and the child will be mine."
"We're on the same page, Jack." she answered after a thoughtful pause. Her brilliant eyes were clear and sincere. "I don't have any doubts about the kind of father you'll be, and I'm completely sure that what we're doing is the right thing for both of us." She smiled and I felt a lump form in my throat. "I want to experience pregnancy and birth. It's a huge and important part of life." She shrugged. "I'm just not the mothering type." She smiled wider.
"You, on the other hand, are more than equipped to be both mom and dad." She looked around the beautiful room. "This baby will be so lucky to have you as her father."
"Not even pregnant yet, and you're already sure it's going to be a girl?"
Libby smiled inscrutably and headed for hallway. "Were you just teasing me, or did you mean it?"
"I'm sorry…?"
She'd already disappeared around the corner.
"Dinner, Jack," she tossed back carelessly. "Momma's hungry."
6
Libby
Jack was watching me intently as I spooned another helping of chicken onto my plate. I blinked at him and he leaned back in his chair, smiling.
"Don't be self-conscious," he said. "I like that you have a healthy appetite. I'm just not used to that in a woman."
"And I'm not used to a man who can cook like this." I licked the back of my spoon, aware of his impeccable table manners and my somewhat more casual approach. "Did you take classes, or does this kind of skill come naturally in your kind of world?" I took a sip of water and wiped my lips with my napkin.
"As a matter of fact, I did take a class. And I burned my final project." He sipped his white wine while I tried not to be jealous. "And my kind of world is probably not quite so different as you think, really. Not so different in a lot of ways." He paused. "I've worked fucking hard to find my way here today. You have too." He put his hand over mine. I knew it was just a friendly gesture, but the wave that that moved up my arm and made my breasts tingle didn't have a clue.
"I'm glad you have security… and a big, supportive family," I replied, trying to shift my focus. I knew that my hormones were in full sail, what with the insemination planned for the day after tomorrow. Maybe that was why my body wanted to move in a little closer. He was so warm, so kind to me. And he was looking into my eyes in a way that made me want to reach out and touch him back. We were about to embark on one of life's most intimate adventures together. It was probably natural to like each other. And normal to respond to one another…
"I have to work tomorrow," he said, "but I'll be home by three at the latest. Mom and Dad are expecting us at five-thirty. Dinner won't be until seven. Plenty of time for the whole crowd to arrive." He stroked my palm absent-mindedly with his thumb and my lips parted. "Are you nervous?"
"I'm… uh… I'm," I stammered. "No, I'm fine. I'll be fine." Except my heart was beating too fast. "I'll be on best behavior and let you do most of the talking, just like we planned. That we met through India and things are moving quickly."
"And that you're my girlfriend," he added. "We'll present the picture-perfect couple. Two people wrapped up in the excitement and attraction of a new relationship." His hand moved up my arm until his fingers reached the tender skin at the back of my neck. "Lovers," he said quietly. "Who know each other's habits and preferences… who touch each other easily, comfortably…"
"So that it's not too big a shock when you tell them I'm pregnant," I said, a little breathlessly. "And the fact that you paid me to carry your baby stays our secret…" His hand cupped the side of my face and I had to bite my lip to silence the moan waiting under the surface. God, I'd never responded to a man the way I did with him. And from only a touch of his hand…
"Can you keep the secret, Libby? For me, for the baby? To let my parents keep believing that their first grandchild came from love?"
At that moment I couldn't think of one single thing I was capable of denying this man. As long as those long, strong fingers kept moving against my cheek. I imagined what tomorrow evening might bring. His arm around my waist… his hand on the curve of my hip… And what if he kissed me too? All for the sake of appearances…
I nodded my head, not trusting the words that might come out. He smiled, and his thumb brushed against my mouth.
Maybe it was just my hormones. Maybe it was that in a few days time, I'd have this gorgeous man's seed me. Or maybe I was just fucking horny. But I swear to god, in that moment, I thought I saw pure, carnal desire flame in those brown velvet eyes.
7
Jack
What the hell did I think I was playing at?
I knew that circumstances demanded we both play the roles of a loving couple. And that we needed to be comfortable touching each other, showing physical affection. With the family introductions only one night away, it had hardly seemed too early to start practicing. Libby seemed to take to it naturally, to understand the necessity. But I wasn't sure how the fuck I was going to manage any of this. One touch and I was rock hard in my jeans and already wet with precum. It struck me as overselling our story, to spend the evening with my parents, my new girlfriend, and a hugely obvious erection.
I broke the moment abruptly, awkwardly, by taking her hand and pulling her onto her tiny feet.
"Come on," I said too loudly. "I've got something to show you… a surprise."
I kept her hand tight in mine, pulling her along with me, out to the deck and down the stairs to the where the guest house sat. It was behind the main house, but unshadowed by the larger trees. I'd planned to wait until morning to show her, when the light inside would be clean, perfect. I wasn't an artist myself, but I understood the importance of light to someone who was.
"Close your eyes," I said, feeling excitement like I hadn't felt in years. It was almost like Christmas morning and I got to be Santa. "Don't open them until I tell you. You'll have to imagine it in daylight… I just couldn't wait any longer."
I unlocked the door and then placed the key in her hand. Standing behind her with my hands on her waist, I guided her inside and turned her toward the windows. My heart was beating fast. I could tell hers was too.
"It's my gift to you, Libby. A place just for you." I lifted her fist that held the key and gave it a kiss. "Open."
Best Friend's Little Sister Page 64
