First, I called Niall, who I’d learned had referred Leah to the job in California.
“Niall.”
“Sir?” I could hear the sleep in his voice.
“Do you know where Leah Hammond is staying in Los Angeles?”
“What? It’s six-thirty on a Sunday.”
“Where is Leah staying in Los Angeles?”
He gave me the name of the hotel. I hung up and then called the airport, setting up a charter flight to fly out as soon as I could get there.
I was running on adrenaline, coffee, and hope beyond all hope that I hadn’t fucked up completely with Leah.
It wasn’t until the plane was hurling across the United States at thirty thousand feet that the fear took root. But it wasn’t fear about my business. Let the board do what it will. Even if I was out, I had stock and savings. I could start a new business. One that would fit a father.
No. My fear was Henry. I knew Leah well enough to know that even if she didn’t want to risk her heart with me, she wouldn’t keep my child from me. That meant Henry was going to find out what I’d done with Leah. That I was the father of her child.
My heart broke as I thought about losing his love and respect. I had no doubt he would be civil and even supportive, but I knew it would disappoint him. He’d never look at me the same.
I inhaled a breath, knowing that I had to accept that loss if I was going to have what I really wanted. I wanted Leah. I wanted to drown in her light and sweetness. I wanted to give her everything I had to give. It wasn’t enough. She definitely deserved a better man than me, but fuck it. I was tired of trying to do the right thing. The right thing made me feel empty and lonely. This time I’d try something different. This time I’d seek out love.
I just hoped Leah was willing to forgive me and give me a chance to be a better man.
27
Leah
I liked Los Angeles, but it wasn’t New York. I was grateful that this job, if I got it, would allow me to live in New York still. Of course, I had to get the job. I was feeling good about it, but I didn’t know who I was up against to know if I had stiff competition or not.
I’d planned to sightsee today, but I was tired. It turned out growing a baby caused a lot of fatigue. Instead I decided to lounge in my sweats and bone up for my meeting tomorrow.
I was just getting ready to order lunch, when there was a knock on my door. I wondered if maybe Megan was stopping by to check in with me. She’d said she might.
I looked through the peephole and my heart stopped. Sebastian. I blinked because it couldn’t be true. My mind had to be playing tricks on me. I looked again. Yep. It was Sebastian.
I opened the door, wishing I didn’t look such a mess, and then chastising myself. I didn’t know why he was here, but nothing had changed. He was all business all the time. What did it matter that I looked like the crypt keeper?
“Leah.” His chest heaved and his eyes filled with emotion as if he hadn’t expected me to open the door.
“Sebastian. What are you doing here?”
He swallowed and simply stared for a minute. His gaze took in my face and roamed down to my stomach. I covered my belly and wondered for a minute if he knew.
When his gaze returned to mine, he gave me a tentative smile. “I’m here to see you.”
“Why?”
His smile faltered. “Can I come in?”
I nodded and held the door open. He entered but didn’t go all the way in, instead staying close to me.
“Do you want some coffee or tea? Actually, I’ll have to order tea because I’ve drunk it all.” I’d read that I should avoid caffeine, so I’d switched to herbal tea.
He shook his head.
“Well, come in. There’s a pretty view from the living area.”
He followed me and it occurred to me that he was nervous. Normally he was a take charge kind of guy.
“Is everything okay?” I sat on the couch. I’d expected him to sit in a chair or on the opposite couch but he sat on the coffee table in front of me.
“No. Nothing is okay.”
I studied him, noticing the dark circles and tired lines around his eyes. His hair looked like he’d raked his fingers through it a million times.
I rested my hand over his. “What’s wrong?”
He turned his hand over, lacing his fingers with mine. A part of me wanted to pull away, because his touch made my heart race with hope and need. I didn’t want to let that take hold if he was simply going to push me away again or ask for an affair.
“I’m a fucking mess, Leah.”
“I’m sorry. Did the board find out about us?” I was surprised my father hadn’t said anything.
He shook his head. “But I hope they do.”
“Huh? I don’t understand.”
He inhaled a deep breath. “I love you, Leah.”
I gasped and searched his eyes for the truth in his words. Then I thought I must be dreaming. All I could do was stare at him.
He clasped my hand tighter, as if he wanted to make sure I couldn’t get away. “Look, I know I don’t deserve you. I’m too old—”
“I’ve never cared about that.”
“I’m emotionally messed up, a royal asshole, and fucking coward.”
“Sebastian.” He wasn’t wrong, but I hated to see him beat himself up like that.
“But I’m tired of denying myself and I’m going to fight for what I want.”
“What do you want?”
“You, Leah.” His other hand pressed against my cheek. “Christ, I’ve never wanted anything more than I want you. And I don’t just mean sexually.”
I wanted to throw myself in his arms, but I was still reluctant to give in to my hope that he really meant what he said.
“What about the board?”
“Fuck ’em. I don’t care.”
I laughed. “Sebastian, you worked hard for your success. You’re good at what you do.”
“If they want to can me because I fell in love with my intern, fuck ’em. It’ll be their loss.”
“Yes, it would.” The joy was nearly bursting from my heart, but I held it back.
“What about my father?” I wondered if he say “fuck ‘em” to that too.
“I won’t deny that I don’t want to lose his respect, but if that’s what it takes to have you, then I’ll do it, Leah. I’m not kidding. I’m fucking dying from the inside out without you.”
Those last words crumbled most of the wall I’d been trying to shore up as he spoke.
“Tell me I get another chance. Not an affair, Leah, but a real relationship. I can’t promise I’ll be good at it because, as you know, I’ve never had that. But I promise to do my damnedest to make you happy.”
I looked down at our hands, still joined. “I’d like that but—”
“Whatever you want, Leah it’s yours. If you take this job, I’ll move to California. They can use lingerie and sex toys out here.”
I smiled. “That’s not it.”
“What is it, then?”
I bit my lip, afraid to tell him, and yet at the same time, more hopeful than I’d ever been. “I’m pregnant.”
His eyes registered with relief more than surprise.
“You knew?” How the heck did he know? Then it occurred to me. “My father told you?”
He nodded. “He let it slip. I know I’ll be seen as an asshole by him when he learns about us, but maybe you could not tell him that I told you. He made me promise I wouldn’t tell you that he’d let it slip.”
I studied him. “And… you’re okay with this?”
He let go of my hand and this time he pressed both his palms to my cheeks. “I’m fucking ecstatic, Leah. I hate that you didn’t tell me sooner, but I understand why. Fuck, you probably did it to protect me, my company. I didn’t know how badly I wanted love and family until you, Leah. Please say you’ll give me a chance to prove it to you.”
“There’s just one more thing.”
His breath hitc
hed, and I realized I was putting him through torture.
“I want a chance to prove to you that you deserve love and family.”
“Fucking Christ you undo me.” He wrapped me in his arms and held me tight. He shifted to sit on the couch, pulling me into his lap.
“Oh, one more thing.”
He laughed. “You’re killing me.”
I used my hands to bring his face to mine so I could look into his dark eyes. “I love you, too, Sebastian.”
His lips crushed mine, like a man dying of thirst and I was the elixir to quench him. Of course, it felt like that to me too. I held on to him, never wanting to let go.
He’d kissed me before, but never quite like this. I felt his love pouring into me as his tongue swept through my mouth.
When I came up for breath, I looked into those dark eyes. “No holding back now, right?”
“Right.” His gaze was intense as it stared back at me. “I want to kiss you and hold you and love you, Leah. I’m sorry I withheld that before.”
I kissed him again, wanting him to know that he was safe to give me his love.
When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine. “Were you going to tell me about the baby?”
“Yes. I was going to tell you that last day in your office.”
“Fuck. I’m such an asshole.”
“No. Don’t say that. You were protecting your company. Those who work for you. You were clear from the beginning on that.”
“But you didn’t say anything.”
“I was overwhelmed by it all and trying to get my bearings straight. It took me time to tell my dad.”
“You didn’t say it was me. Why not?”
“I was still unsure how it would all turn out—”
“You thought I wouldn’t step up?” I heard the slight edge to his tone.
“I thought you would do what was right, but I didn’t know you loved me. When I got this job and my life plan reorganized, then I was going to tell you, and whatever your response was, I’d be prepared.”
“I hate that you even thought I’d respond badly.”
“I’m sorry I underestimated you.”
He laughed. “Considering how I treated you, I don’t blame you.” He looked me intently in the eyes. “I know I said it was just sex, Leah, but it was always more. I was just being an asshole.”
I laughed. “Well, you can stop now.”
“I promise.” He pressed his hand to my belly.
“Sebastian. Did you come because you learned about the baby?” I didn’t doubt that cared for me, but I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d have come if he hadn’t found out about the baby.
“Honestly? Valerie made me come.”
“Your wife?”
“I had a dream about her and she said I was a pussy for not going after what I wanted. I think her exact words were that I should act like a man use my big ass balls get what I want.” He used the crook of my finger to turn my face up to his. “What I wanted was everything. You and the baby.”
“I like your wife.”
He rolled his eyes. “She was naked when she told me this.”
“I can hardly blame her for that. I’ve seen you naked. It makes me want to be naked too.”
“You’re amazing, you know that?”
“Because I like you naked?”
“Because you’re not petty or mean. Because you see the good in things.”
I kissed his cheek. “I confess that if she was really there, I probably would be petty and mean.”
He pulled me close again. “Do you or the baby need anything?”
“I’ve got all I need here.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “This means we have to talk to my father.”
“I know.” He rubbed my back. “I hope I’ll have time to win his respect back.”
“If he wants to be around his grandchild, he’ll have to be nice to you.”
“Being civil and having respect aren’t the same.”
My heart went out to Sebastian, as I realized just how much my father’s respect meant to him.
I kissed his neck, inhaling his masculine scent. It made my hormones jump to life. I licked his neck. “I know I’m not as well versed in sex as you, but isn’t this where we have make up sex?”
I felt his dick swell under my thighs.
“Is it okay with the baby?”
“I’m not asking it’s permission.”
He rolled his eyes. “I meant it won’t hurt the baby?”
“No.” I took his hand and pushed it between my thighs. “I’m wet for you, Sebastian.”
He groaned. “I’m helpless against you.” He stood and carried me to the bedroom. “Do you remember the last night in Paris?”
“I do.” He lay me down on the bed, laying next to me and slowly helping me take off my clothes.
“That was the first time I ever made love.”
I quirked a brow at him. That couldn’t be true.
“No really.” He took his clothes off, and laying side to side, he pulled my body flush against his.
His hot skin sizzled against mine, making me ache with need. I threw my thigh over his hip, opening to him. He grabbed my ass and pulled me until his dick rested at my entrance.
He held there, teasing my entrance. “There’s no denying I’ve had lots of sex, but I’d never made love. Not like that.”
I pushed his hair back, noticing the slight gray at its edge. “Did you like it?”
“I did. It was more than the physical. It was like my heart cracked open and you entered my soul.”
I sighed. “I never knew you could be so romantic.”
He brushed his knuckles along my cheek. “I wasn’t. I’m not. I’m just telling you what I felt.”
I smiled. “I’ve loved you for a long time Sebastian. I’m glad you caught up.”
“I am too.”
“And I’m glad you didn’t think I lied about the pill or tried to trap you with the baby. I really was on the pill.”
“That didn’t even occur to me.” He gave me wickedly charming grin. “Let’s face it, you’re too sexy and I’m too virile… a baby was inevitable.”
I laughed; my heart so full of joy it was a wonder it didn’t come right out of my chest. I reached between us and stroked his cock.
“Do you think you’re going to use this virile cock on me anytime soon?”
“Right now, sweetheart, right now.” He leaned forward and kissed me, at the same time pressing his dick slow and steady inside me. When he was all the way in, he trailed his kisses along my jaw to my ear. “I love you, Leah.”
Tears stung my eyes, and I clung to him, wanting to savor this moment until the day I died. “I love you too, Sebastian. So much.”
He lifted his head, looking me in the eyes as he slowly began to move in and out of me. I felt so alive and loved.
He rolled on his back, taking me with him. “Take what you want from me, Leah. It’s all yours.”
In my mind, it was like a surrender, not just of his pleasure, but of his heart and his soul. I rocked my hips, moving with him as he thrust up, filling me.
Soon the need to come took over, and I levered up so I could ride him, harder, deeper, faster.
“You’re so fucking beautiful.” His hands gripped my thighs as he thrust up into me. He levered up, sucking on one breast and then the other. “I love you.”
With his words, my orgasm lit up my entire body, starting from my center and shooting out like sparks to the rest of my body. I clamped down around him, my body wanting to hold him deep.
He yelled out. “Fuck, Leah…” His hips bucked wildly underneath me as his cum filled my womb.
Finally, I collapsed on him. His arms wrapped around me and held me tighter than I ever remember him holding me.
“Well, if I hadn’t already knocked you up, that would have done it.”
I laughed.
He kissed my cheek. “Thank you, Leah.”
I lifted my head and looke
d down into his handsome face. “For what?”
“For giving me a life.”
28
Sebastian
The hardest thing I’d ever done was show up on Leah’s doorstep with my heart in my hand. But Leah, being the woman she was, took it and cradled it to her.
After we made love, she fell asleep. She started to move away from me probably because that’s how I’d preferred it before. But I pulled down the sheets, and pulled her next to me, cradling her close. As she slept with her head on my shoulder, I thanked God I had the balls to come here.
She slept for an hour, waking up feeling amorous, which I was happy to respond to. When I came, pumping my seed into her, I thought about our baby growing inside her, and what a fucking miracle that was.
I ordered dinner from room service, and called the concierge for flowers, candles and sparkling cider, since champagne was out of the question.
“Sebastian, this is beautiful,” she said when she came out of the shower and saw the spread I’d organized.
“You’re beautiful.” I held the chair for her and poured her the sparkling apple juice.
I took my flute and clinked it with hers. “To you and our baby.”
She smiled. “To us.”
I sipped the bubbly. “This stuff is happy too.”
She laughed and the sound of it was like music. It made my heart sing.
“So, what’s this job about?” I asked as we ate.
“It’s not much different from what I was doing for you in the marketing department, except it’s baby clothes and accessories instead of thongs and dildos.”
I snorted. “That seems very different.”
She shrugged. “Too much thong can lead to baby clothes. We’re proof of that.”
She had a point.
“I really hope I get it. I feel good about the interview, but you never know. I’m supposed to see them again tomorrow.”
I felt uneasy about that. If she got this job, she’d need to move to Los Angeles. She gave every sign of wanting to be with me, but I wasn’t sure how that would work unless I moved to California, which at this point, I’d do in a heartbeat.
Beautiful Mistakes: Contemporary Romance Boxset Books 1-4 Page 35
