The Baby Contract (The Billionaire Bachelor Series) (11 page)

“I’m curious if you’d like to go out there? The telescope in the library works. We could do some stargazing. You’d be amazed what you can see up here.”

She nibbled her bottom lip. “What about bears?”

“I’ll take my father’s hunting rifle. If any show up, I’ll fire a couple of shots in the air and scare them off.”

A smile tugged the corner of her lips and passed to her eyes. “Sounds nice. Sure, we can go.”

She returned to her meal with a more earnest appetite. He leaned back in his chair, looking toward the windows. They needed to break the ice, and he couldn’t think of a better way than by the lake, his favorite childhood place. He’d lived for the summers he and his mother escaped to the cabin. They’d spend all day and many nights by the lake. He’d fish, gaze through his telescope, and daydream about an exciting future.

Then his father had taken a firmer hand in his education and those childish musings went to the wayside. In their place, he learned of the business he’d have to take over some day. He ignored the unsettled feeling in his gut he always got when he remembered the simpler days of his early youth.

When they finished their meals, she loaded the dishwasher, though he’d offered to do it. He sat back down to his laptop for another futile attempt to do his job. He weeded out the most essential emails to answer. Abigail had settled on the living room sofa with a book, the fact that she hadn’t retreated to the library once more a small victory.

Sunset came early in the mountains, and when the last rays of sunlight began to dim, he rose and collected what they’d need to hike to the lake. Several thick blankets, the telescope, and a couple of thermoses of hot cocoa, laced with liberal amounts of Irish crème.

“Did you bring a heavy coat?” he asked.

“No.”

He walked to the bedroom and grabbed one of his down-filled parkas and a pair of his wool socks. He grabbed a coat for himself, and they were ready to go. His coat swallowed her up, but she definitely wouldn’t feel a hint of cold. He tucked a blanket under one arm, the telescope under the other, and had the rifle strap slung over his shoulder. She took the hot cocoa, a flashlight, and a couple more blankets.

The hike wasn’t too strenuous for him, though Abigail sounded winded so he kept his pace slow. When they arrived, the mirrored surface of the lake reflected the stunning rays of red, orange, pinks, and purples of the setting sun. The yellowed aspen leaves shimmered in the dying sunlight, making them look like flickering flames against the charcoal-gray of the mountain slopes. In his youth he would’ve wanted to paint the scene, but he hadn’t touched a paintbrush in over a decade.

Abigail gasped. “This is the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.”

It felt good that she appreciated his childhood haunt. Her awe-filled eyes took in every inch of land as he set up the telescope. Further away he laid the blankets out, forming a thick pallet to protect them from the ground. He piled up dried timber for a fire later, after they’d tired of looking at planets.

He planned a slow seduction to get Abigail comfortable to his nearness, then his touch. Romance her beneath the stars—something he’d never done with a woman. Usually a couple dozen roses and glittering jewelry sufficed. This new avenue intrigued him, and he was eager to pursue it.

Abigail explored the edges of the lake, picking up rocks and skipping them across the surface. She seemed fascinated by the nature surrounding her, tracing her fingers along aspen leaves and smiling toward a squirrel scampering through tree limbs. It seemed odd a woman like her wouldn’t have married long ago. Articulate, intelligent, and attractive—he couldn’t help but wonder why a man hadn’t snatched her up. Perhaps she had high standards, which he couldn’t fault her for. He had high standards, but a man with his money had to be careful who he chose to date.

The sun sank until it disappeared behind the peaks. Abigail rejoined him while he aimed the telescope toward the crescent moon overhead. A new moon would’ve been best for observing the planets, but this would do. He adjusted the dials and invited Abigail to take a peek.

“Oh, this is incredible. I’ve never looked through a telescope that worked this well.”

He stood close; close enough to smell the faint apple scent of her shampoo. He wanted to dig his fingers through her hair, feel its silky texture. Instead, he shoved his hands inside his pockets.

“It was a Christmas present when I was five. Mom bought it for me just for the cabin. We used to spend hours star gazing up here.”

She looked toward him, a smile on her face; an honest expression of almost childlike delight. Though the full effect of it was obscured by the darkness, he felt its warmth to his marrow. His body responded, his cock stiffened, and he was grateful to have his erection hidden by his coat. It took so little for her to arouse him.

“My brother and I used to sneak out of the house when we were kids.” She turned back to the telescope. “We had this secret spot on top of one of the barns. We’d name the constellations and talk about aliens until we scared ourselves silly.”

“I don’t have siblings. It must’ve been nice.”

“Sometimes, other times we hated each other and wished we were only children.”

“Are you close now?”

“Yeah. After our mother died, we drifted apart then realized how much we needed one another.”

Her tone took on a listless quality, not the direction he wanted. He’d already done a background search on her and knew about her mother’s car accident. She’d skidded on wet pavement and slammed into an oncoming tractor trailer.

“Tell me what it was like being raised on a ranch.”

“You did some homework on my past.” She sounded uncomfortable. He didn’t want to dig a hole he couldn’t get out of since he’d started making ground.

“My mother mentioned it.” It was the truth, she spoke often of Abigail.

Abigail told him of the hard work in her childhood—early mornings, no lazy Saturdays parked in front of cartoons. Though it sounded harsh at times, she didn’t seem the least bit regretful. He respected the background she came from. He shared a bit of his own childhood, the happier parts spent with his mother.

The night wrapped around the two of them like a security blanket. He delved further, sharing bits and pieces of the fights he’d had with his old man. Having to come to terms with his future at Whitmore, things he kept a tight lid on. Abigail listened to every word, not offering any comment or judgment. He appreciated her silence, since he wasn’t accustomed to opening up to others.

He returned to the telescope, and after a few tries, managed to bring Saturn into view, the planet’s rings just visible against the black velvet of space. Abigail peeped through the viewfinder and made a happy little squeal.

“My brother and I would’ve loved this as kids. He’d probably like it now. Maybe I’ll get him a telescope for Christmas. It’d be good to take his mind off things.”

His curiosity sparked. “Off what things?”

She shrugged. “Can we see any other planets?”

Liam took her on a tour of the sky, pulling Venus and Jupiter into view. He quizzed Abigail on constellations, and she surprised him by naming them all. When they tired of the telescope, he got a small bonfire going. He took a spot on the blankets and she joined him. Though they didn’t quite touch, her nearness heated his blood. They sipped the cocoa and watched the fire.

“I hadn’t expected this,” she said.

“Expected what?”

She kept her attention straight ahead. “This. I assumed…it’d be more clinical.”

“I’m not following.” How could he, when her mouth looked so inviting?

“How we’d approach the conception. I mean, this is really lovely, and almost feels like a real date. I know it’s not, but I appreciate the effort.”

“Who says it can’t be a date? I’m not opposed to the idea.” He smiled, wanting to see one of hers in return.

Instead she yawned and snuggled further into his borrowed coat. “I don’t know how much Irish cheer you put in this hot cocoa, but it’s making me relax. I’m enjoying myself.”

She leaned against him, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her tight to his side. Expectation strummed his nerve endings, making him hard. He imagined how her lips would taste—sweet chocolate and crème. How she’d feel in his arms—soft, willing, and ready for him. He nuzzled her hair, inhaling her apple-scented shampoo, no sexier perfume existed.

The seduction had worked. He could take her here, beneath the stars, where nothing of the outside world could touch them. He dropped his lips near her earlobe. “Abigail?”

She murmured an incoherent sound and sank further against him. He tightened his hold.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked.

She didn’t respond. When he peered into her face, her eyes were closed, her face relaxed in sleep. He sighed and adjusted his cock, cursing the spiked drink. He turned his attention to the fire, watching it burn low, until only hot coals glowed.

Chapter 12

When Abby awoke, confusion muddled her thoughts. Bright shafts of light streamed through the french doors of the bedroom. She looked to the side of the bed opposite her and noticed it was undisturbed.

Memories of the campfire tugged at her, and being nestled next to Liam. Outside of that...nothing. She must’ve fallen asleep. She groaned and slipped out of bed, still dressed in the clothes she’d arrived in the day before.

She found Liam at the table by the window, working on his laptop. The aroma of coffee drew her toward the kitchen. A dull headache throbbed in her temples thanks to the hot cocoa.

“Good morning,” Liam greeted with a neutral voice. He didn’t look up from his work.

“Morning,” she mumbled, pouring coffee into a mug. She dosed the brew with cream and sugar before taking a sip. “Sorry about last night.”

He glanced to her. “Why are you sorry?”

“I fell asleep on you, and we’re on a deadline.”

“We’ll make up for it later today.”

Awareness shot through her blood, heating her to her toes. Snapping her more awake than five cups of coffee would have. “Have you eaten breakfast? I could throw together a couple of omelets or something.”

“I’ve already eaten, but feel free to make yourself something. You won’t disturb me.”

The odor of wood smoke clung to her from the campfire. She desperately needed a shower but her stomach growled, she felt famished. She dug out eggs, cheese, and spinach and set to work. After cooking her meal, she took it to the breakfast bar, eating quickly.

Abby looked to Liam, considering things. He didn’t seem upset about last night, a big relief. Though to be fair, he’d been the one to make the spiked hot cocoa. She studied his profile. Beard growth shadowed his jawline, giving him a rugged appearance. He’d dressed in a dark blue t-shirt and dark colored jeans, and his feet were bare beneath the table.

Outside of his suit, he looked more youthful and approachable. Like a normal man she’d meet at the grocery store, and not a super-wealthy socialite. One of his hands rested on his thigh, and she stared at his long fingers with clean, blunt nails. The other hand hovered over the touchpad on his laptop, the tip of his finger tracing over it. She became fixated on the action. The fluttering of arousal teased between her thighs, leaving her wet, as she imagined it doing the same over her clit.

An idea took root, though if she could actually pull it off remained to be seen. Abby’s face heated and she jumped up before her bravery failed her. She put her dirty dishes in the dishwasher, went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth and scrubbed her face. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, noting her paleness.
It’s now or never. I’m not a freakin’ virgin, I can do this. It’s not like he’s going to reject me. After the first time it won’t feel as awkward.

After the mental pep talk she stripped out of her clothes, did a quick sniff test, and swiped a bit of deodorant beneath her arms.

“Okay, I can do this.” She inhaled a fortifying breath for courage and marched out of the bathroom butt naked. Liam didn’t look up when she paused just inside the living room. The sound of the keyboard clicking under his fingers filled her ears.
After the first time it won’t be so awkward. It’s like learning to draw blood from a patient—it’s terrifying the first try.

“Liam.” Her voice came out a hoarse croak and she cleared her throat.

“Hmm?” He stared at the laptop, his eyebrows drawn together as he read something.

“Do you need a shower?”

“I took one when we came back this morning. It’s all yours.”

She frowned, her trepidation turning to impatience. The bravest moment of her life was being ignored. She stared at him, willing him to look away from the stupid laptop.

Liam finally glanced up then did a double take. His eyes widened, his gaze taking her in head to toe. His lips parted as if to say something, but only a grunting sound came out.

Her face burned. “Do you need a shower?” she asked again, unsure if he looked pleased or appalled.

He stood up so fast his chair toppled backward, landing with a loud bang on the tile. Liam’s long legs carried him toward her. She backed away, tripping over her own feet, groping for the wall for balance, suddenly reconsidering her brazenness. She hadn’t expected him to charge like a bull in rut.

He was on her before she could retreat. He grabbed her arm, his mouth was on hers, hot, demanding, his fingers digging into the flesh of her backside. His tongue shoved between her teeth, taking hers in a rough caress.

Her body’s response was immediate, already wet and ready. Abby clutched his shoulders as he half carried her to the bedroom. Liam deposited her on the mattress and pulled away long enough to yank his shirt over his head and discard his jeans and briefs. His cock bobbed free, thick and tempting, precum glistening at its tip.

Gone was the timid woman from moments before. Abby’s wild hormones took over, leaving no room for shame. She reached for his cock. No foreplay, she needed him inside her. Fast.

He jerked back from her grasp and dropped to his knees at the bedside. He grabbed her hips, his strong fingers bruising muscle as he yanked her forward and buried his face in her pussy. Abby hadn’t expected the oral; she’d never been quite comfortable with oral sex, and tried to push his head away, but he wouldn’t budge. He took her with his lips and tongue. Rough and uncoordinated, but
God
, everything she hadn’t realized she craved.