The Billionaire's Embrace: A Billionaire Romance (The Hampton Billionaires Book 2)

by Erika Rose

  “Honey what happened?” Jean asked.

  “He asked me to move in with him last night Jean. Then this morning I was feeling ill, after spending about an hour getting sick I realized I hadn’t had my period for a while.”

  “Oh no.” Jean’s voice interrupted. “Did you tell him or take a test first?”

  “I told him that I think I’m pregnant. Next thing he starts shouting at me for being irresponsible for not noticing, missing it, and the next thing he’s out. Like out of the house, missing.”

  The line was quiet for a while before Jean spoke. “Fawn for any man this would be a big shock, I personally would’ve double checked before telling him. He’s in shock honey, same as you.”

  “So what you’re telling me it’s okay that he ran out cursing and fleeing for the hills?” Fawn demanded.

  “No honey, not at all. I’m saying give him time to digest it. He probably just went for a walk to clear his head.”

  “Hmm.”

  “Don’t hmm me Fawn. You phoned me obviously for advice, I’m giving it. Pull yourself together and get to a doctor. Then you start planning on what to do next.” Jean’s voice was firm as it was kind.

  “Thanks Jean.” Fawn said before hanging up.

  Fawn dressed in a hurry, she needed to find a doctor. A few minutes later she was out the door. She didn’t even bother phoning Dom to drive her; she simply got into Seth’s car and drove to the medical centre. It was barely seven, and although it wasn’t an emergency Fawn walked in straight to the nurses’ station with a big smile. For the first time in her life she decided to use her fame to get something.

  As the nurse looked up she instantly recognized Fawn. “You’re…”

  “Yes. I’m Fawn. I need to see a doctor. I don’t want the press to know about this visit so if it is at all possible can I wait somewhere besides the waiting room?” Fawn smiled sweetly at the nurse.

  The nurse smiled conspiratorially at Fawn. “Sure, we’ll make a plan. What do you need to see the doctor for?”

  Fawn took a deep breath before leaning closer to the nurse. “I need a pregnancy test.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Seth’s muscles burned from the exertion. His breath came in fast pants as his footsteps fell on the hard sand of the surf. He didn’t know how long he’d been running for; all he knew was that he needed to clear his head.

  He already knew he had a made a fucked up situation even worse by running out, but it was no use going back if he didn’t know how to fix it. He was so far down the beach he might as well keep going until he reached Garret’s place.

  Hopefully his newly married friend would have some advice that would make him think straight. His mind travelled back to the wedding. He had taken Fawn as his date, and even though the press had followed them and she had an entourage of bodyguards accompany Dom, it had been magical. Fawn had worn a flowing sky blue dress that had brought out her eyes. She had slipped a tear during the ceremony while clutching his hand. They had spent the night drinking champagne and dancing into the early morning hours until they went home and made love on the beach.

  He still couldn’t believe Garret was married; but Seth knew Garret had found the right woman in Skye.

  And now Fawn was pregnant.

  Shit! A baby? He had just asked Fawn to move in with him, what was he going to do with a baby?

  He pushed himself even harder and ran faster even though he knew he couldn’t run from the truth. He’d need to face it sooner or later.

  As Garret’s place came into view Seth could only hope he would talk some sense in him.

  “Seth?” Garret called standing up from the table on his deck where he was having coffee.

  “Hey!” Seth panted as he stepped onto the deck. He bent over resting his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath.

  “What are you doing here, this early?” Garret asked sitting down again. “Isn’t Fawn over at your place? The show was last night wasn’t it?”

  “Yes and yes.” Seth said stretching before sitting down next to Garret, sweat sparkling on his forehead. “Where’s Skye?” Seth asked.

  “Still sleeping. Long night if you know what I mean.” He winked at Garret as he spoke.

  Seth nodded not saying a word.

  Garret watched him for a while, knowing he’d talk when he was ready.

  They sat in companionable silence until Seth had caught his breath and he turned to Garret. “She’s pregnant.”

  “What?” Garret said shocked. “Skye’s pregnant?”

  “No, Fawn. She’s…”

  “Yeah, I heard you. When did you find out?” Garret asked leaning forward.

  Seth checked his watch on his arm. “About twenty minutes ago, then I berated her before cursing and running out.”

  “Shit!” Garret said shaking his head. “Are you sure she’s pregnant?”

  “Well she’s missed her period and she’s been barfing all morning.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know man, I just asked her to move in with me last night. And now this.”

  Garret watched Seth for a moment before speaking. “I’m just going to ask you one question Seth.”

  “What?” Seth barked.

  “Do you love her?”

  “Of course I love her, why else would I ask her to move in with me?” Seth said irritably.

  “Right so you love her enough to move in with her but not enough to have a baby with her?”

  “Well if you say it like that you make me sound like a dipshit.”

  “Seth, love isn’t conditional. You can’t just love someone when everything is going well and the sun is shining. You’ve gotta love them when the sky is dark and pouring as well.”

  Seth looked at his friend through new eyes. “That’s deep, but it kinda makes sense.”

  Garret laughed. “Seth forget about the baby and ask yourself this. Would you still love Fawn if she was ill, if she was fat, if she wasn’t famous? How would you feel if she left you and had another man’s child?”

  Garret’s words sobered Seth instantly. “Of course I’ll still love her and I’ll kick his ass!”

  “Well then it’s simple. The pregnancy is just unexpected. You didn’t expect Fawn to come into your life and look how well that’s going?”

  Seth frowned for a moment before Garret’s words made sense. “I’ve got to go.”

  Before Garret could say another word Seth started walking home.

  Garret’s words spinned around and around in his mind. He didn’t want to lose Fawn, he couldn’t. It didn’t matter what came across their path, he would always love her. Even when the press dissected his financial status and past, even when he was whirling from the news of a baby, his heart was still filled with love for her.

  He couldn’t imagine seeing her with another man, or having his child. She was his, so was this baby.

  He allowed his mind to roam over the idea of a baby. His mother would be ecstatic with joy over her first grandchild. Fawn would be swelling with his child in her belly. A child they had made. He thought back to the uncountable times they had made love, unconsciously trying to pin eight weeks ago. They were in Los Angeles at the time. They had made love on every surface in Fawn’s house. His heart skipped a beat as he remembered making love in her pool. How she had writhed against him before crying out his name in pleasure.

  How could he let her go, or the baby they made?

  If it was a girl he could watch her grow into her mother’s daughter with blue eyes and black hair, or if he was lucky blonde hair.

  If it was a boy he could teach him so many things. He’d like to think he’d be a cool dad.

  As a smile involuntarily spread across his face, the idea of a baby started growing on him.

  He would make the spare bedroom facing the ocean the baby’s room. He would need to make a point of seeing his parents more often, as his child would be the sole heir to th
eir hotel empire.

  As his house started coming into view, Seth checked his watch. He’d run to Garret’s place in less than thirty minutes and had spent more than an hour and a half walking back.

  His mind was calm about what he was about to do as walked into the house. He was going to make sure he was never going to lose Fawn again.

  “Fawn.” He called walking into the house.

  She didn’t answer, so Seth started searching room by room. He found her in their bedroom, sitting on the bed staring out the window her suitcase packed beside her.

  “Here you are.” He said sitting down next to her.

  “I…”

  “Don’t. Please let me talk first.” Seth pleaded as he moved in front of her and kneeled. “My reaction this morning was horrible. I deserve your anger and more for the way I acted. I’m going to admit, I was shocked.” Fawn watched him with wide blue eyes and trembling lips. “After taking a very long walk I know I was wrong. Can you ever forgive me?”

  Fawn nodded and bit her lip. “Seth…”

  “I’m not done yet.” Seth said smiling and pulled a piece of string from his pocket. “I picked this up on the beach, I know it’s not much but I’d like you to hear what I have to say. I love you, I’ve never loved someone the way I love you. I love your little quirks and habits like the way you light a scented candle before sitting down in the living room. The way you always leave the kettle empty and even the way you hog all the blankets. I don’t want to lose you, and that’s why I asked you to move in with me. But I missed one major thing when I asked you. You’re not mine, you can still leave me whenever you want, there is no commitment between us?”

  Fawn nodded with wide eyes.

  “I want more Fawn. I want to know you’re mine. I want to know you’re going to be there for years to come. I want you and I want to share a life with you. Regardless if you’re pregnant or not. If you are I’ll do anything to make the pregnancy easier for you, once the baby is here I’ll do night runs, I’ll change diapers, I’ll even start buying food for the house so we don’t have to run to the store every time we feel like cooking. I’d love to travel the world with you and a spend a little more time as just the two of us. Regardless Fawn... I want you to marry me.”

  Fawn gasped at his words. “Seth, are you in shock? You do realize you just asked me to marry you? Mr. Commitment-phobia.”

  Seth laughed as he held out the piece of string. “I know what I asked you. I asked you to spend your life with me. To let me be the only man in your heart and your bed. To carry our children either now or in future. Please Fawn, say yes.”

  Fawn smiled as she held out her hand. “Yes, Seth. I’ll marry you.”

  Seth carefully tied the piece of string around her finger before pulling her against him. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” Fawn said into his chest before pulling back.

  “I need to get you to a doctor. You’ll probably need to start taking it easier, taking vitamins and ease down on the sex.”

  Fawn giggled at his words before speaking. “No need.”

  “What do you mean?” Seth asked confused.

  “We don’t have to ease off the sex; I’ve already been to the doctor. He did the test and thorough check up. He says I missed my period due to stress.”

  “You’re not pregnant?” Seth asked neutrally.

  Fawn’s eyes twinkled with happiness. “Nope.”

  Seth breathed a huge sigh of relief before smiling. “Great! I was wondering how we were going to take a baby on our honeymoon.”

  Fawn laughed. “No baby for the honeymoon, although we could start practicing then.”

  Seth kissed her deeply, his hands cupping her rear before whispering into her ear. “How about we start practicing now?”

  ~THE END~

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  (Keep reading to see teasers for book three in the series)

  Teaser

  Teaser for The Billionaire's Devotion

  CHAPTER 1

  As he opened the front door, the memories flooded back.

  He hadn’t been here since a year ago when he left with plans to come back every other weekend. Like most things in life, that hadn’t happened.

  It was late evening as he stepped into the single story house with the blue front door in the quiet part of Tuckahoe. The house was quiet; the only movement was the dust motes that drifted in the late afternoon sun shining through the windows. They moved without purpose or direction, merely floating to remind him of his neglect in taking care of the house.

  The security guard at the entrance of the gated community didn’t even recognize him; he had to show identification as proof of residence. Another reminder of his absence in the past year.

  It wasn’t a large house, but neither could it be considered small. The single story house boasted four bedrooms, of which the fourth had been converted a year earlier into a study. As you walked in the front door, a short passage led you into the living room.

  He lived close to the beach. If you sat on the back deck at the small table that he purposely set there for that reason, you could see the Atlantic as it crushed against the shore. On quiet evenings you could hear it roar with fury, or when it was calm the soft sound of waves rolling onto the shore.

  He set his overnight bag along with the single bag of groceries down in the living room, subconsciously running a finger over the small side table. His finger came up dusty leaving a clear line on the ebony table, reminding you of its beauty underneath.

  Before he had left New York he had seen the weekend as an intrusion with his investment business, but now as he walked into his house he was suddenly grateful for the family reunion that had warranted the trip to South Hampton.

  He walked through the house thoughtlessly, more reminding himself what it looked liked than with purpose. His cleaning lady had come by after he had left last summer, and thankfully she had removed the linen on his bed and had covered it with a dust cloth.

  Moving to the linen cupboard he pulled out clean sheets and bedding and placed them on the bed, when he remembered an urgent email he needed to answer that had came through on the drive.

  Disregarding the bed and its linen’s he collected his laptop and grabbed one of the beers from the grocery bag, frowning at the meager contents of the bag.

  He had only grabbed what he deemed necessary for a two night stay, in retrospect a dozen beers, a frozen pizza and a bag of crisps might be selling it short.

  The beer was room temperature in his hand as he opened the screen door leading out onto the deck. A cool breeze slapped him in the face, almost berating him for not returning sooner and reminding him it was early fall. The breeze carried the scent of the ocean, and although he had missed it over the past year’s polluted Manhattan air, the chill it brought with it had him closing the door.

  He moved to the front door where he had a small table set on the porch that had never been used before. Normally he didn’t care for passerby’s and nosy neighbors, but the house was simply too dusty to work inside.

  He sat down at the small wooden table and opened his laptop. The front porch was secure from the cool breeze and he could see the sun setting over the horizon; a fair trade for curious neighbors. While it fired up he searched his phone for the number of the cleaning lady he had used the year before.

  “Luisa spe
aking.” Her Latina accent clear. He vaguely remembered her being in her forties with grey hair starting to pepper the once ink-black mane.

  “It’s Cole Matthewson, I don’t know if you remember me?”

  To his surprise Luisa immediately answered with his address.

  “That’s impressive. What are the chances you could come by tomorrow and whip it back into shape?”

  “Certainly sir. I’ll be there at eight thirty.”

  “Great, see you then.”

  Now the dust motes’ life expectancy had severely decreased, Cole turned to his laptop. He pulled up the email from one of his biggest clients who were concerned about the fall in stocks of a certain market.

  With two fingers he deftly answered the mail with speed and accuracy, the way he did all things. If anything he could never be faulted for being slow or inefficient. You couldn’t be when you had your own Investment Firm in a city like Manhattan. The sharks were always circling the smaller fish, and Cole had made it a priority to never be seen as one.

  He took a pull of the lukewarm beer knowing it would’ve tasted better had he waited an hour and cooled it first. Shoving the thought aside he started answering the other mails that had come through.

  As the owner of CM Investing Solutions, he had enough staff to be able to delegate most of his work, but Cole preferred keeping his hand in and loved the rush when the right investment paid off overnight.

  It was that rush that had him use his entire trust fund at the age of twenty-two to start his own firm. Many had said he needed experience working in a large firm for years before attempting to start his own. But a summer spent as an intern had given him the background he needed. Cole was a fast learner and had never performed well within others boundaries or their expectations.

  He had invested a large sum in a fund most of the big firms had said would be a non-payer, instead when the markets turned two weeks later Cole was flush, his competitors embarrassed and his phones didn’t stop ringing. They hadn’t stopped ringing since.