The Pregnancy Contract by Yvonne Lindsay

Only a slight glow from the fireplace lent illumination, casting a golden light across the very last person he wanted to see right now. She was dressed much as she’d been this morning, in her nightgown and her father’s robe. Except the robe had fallen open as she’d dozed with her feet drawn up under her on the wingback chair, revealing smooth tanned skin and the slight swell of one breast exposed by the open buttons of her pristine white cotton nightgown.
    She must have sensed him in the room because she shifted in the chair, her eyes opening, searching for him. “Wade?”
    She sounded drugged with sleep.
    â€œYou were expecting someone else?” he countered, dryly.
    And just like that she was wide awake. “Don’t be ridiculous. I wanted to talk to you about the agreement. There’s an addition I’ve made.”
    â€œAn addition?”
    When was she going to understand that she really didn’t call the shots in this situation? He shook his head wearily.
    â€œPiper, the agreement was drawn up in accordance with our earlier discussion—including your specific conditions. You cannot keep on amending it.”
    â€œIt’s just one change.”
    â€œWell, spit it out.”
    â€œI’d rather you read it, actually.”
    Piper walked over to his desk and picked up the folder she’d obviously put there. She opened it and took out the agreement, flicking through the pages until she found what she was looking for. He reached across the desk and flipped on the lamp, the sudden illumination revealing just how sheerthe cotton of her nightgown was and how exquisitely shaped her nipples were as they pressed against the fabric.
    His mouth dried and, if he hadn’t known better, he would have thought all the blood in his body had just headed south. Wade tore his gaze from her and forced himself to accept the document. He leaned down over the desk, fighting his awareness of her standing next to him, desperately trying to ignore the alluring shadows of her form. As if she was aware of the torture she was putting him through, she grabbed the edges of her robe and wrapped them tightly across her body, tying the sash firmly at her slender waist.
    Wade felt a momentary tug of regret before forcing his mind to the matter at hand. Her closely formed handwritten notes used clear and succinct language. Very clear and succinct language, he thought with an inner smile. So she didn’t want him seeing other women. Given her response this morning it shouldn’t surprise him. She’d been prickly when she’d thought he had a booty call rather than a babysitting assignment.
    Knowing she was jealous of his other women was strangely satisfying, but the knowledge was, at the same time, a little unsettling. How did he really feel about that? Did he honestly want to pursue an exclusive relationship with Piper? Relationship should be the wrong word, but just the thought of it was enough to fill his chest with an unexpected warmth. He quelled the feeling almost immediately. This was Piper Mitchell he was talking about. He’d learned his lesson once, the hard way. He wasn’t masochistic enough to involve his emotions with her again.
    He straightened from the desk abruptly. Piper took a step back in reaction.
    â€œIs that all?” he asked quietly.
    She looked startled. Had she expected him to argue with her? To refuse to sign? Did she have no concept of what this child meant to him? Or how important it was that he regainfrom her what she’d taken? He’d have all but signed away his soul to get what should have been rightfully his all along.
    â€œY-yes,” she stammered.
    â€œFine, I’ll get my PA to witness my signature at work tomorrow and we can get down to business.”
    Even in the muted light he could see how she’d paled at his words.
    â€œBusiness?”
    â€œYes, Piper,” he said, stepping closer to her. So close he could see