The CEO's Surprise Family by Teresa Carpenter Page B

If you adopted a child and were trying to raise her would you want a monthly reminder going to the child’s mother? Wouldn’t it make you worry that someday she might decide she wants to be a part of the child’s life?”
    â€œThat’s not going to happen.”
    â€œAre you sure? You seem pretty involved.”
    â€œOf course I’m involved. They’re in my home. But it’s temporary.” He tossed his pen down on his desk. “When the three months are up, I’ll be out of the picture.”
    â€œExcept for a monthly payment.”
    â€œPut it in a trust if that makes you happy.”
    â€œIt does actually.” Ryan nodded his approval. “With a bank as trustee it takes you out of it.”
    â€œGlad 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