The Baby Contract (The Billionaire Bachelor Series) Read online

  His smile was quick and broad—the blasted dazzling smile that tore apart the last of her defenses. “So you’ll go with me?” he asked.

  She blew out an exasperated breath. “I guess so.”

  He reached for her but dropped his hand before making contact. “I’ll be here by six to pick you up.”

  After Liam left, Abby paced her home. Her nervousness sent her to her bedroom closet. She found a rather ghastly taffeta bridesmaid dress. Nope. Her senior year prom dress which would be impossible to zip now? Nope. And her options were spent. She’d have to dig into her savings and go find a decent sale. The shindig was the coming Saturday evening and this was the best night to go find the dress.

  She sighed over her lost night of reading, changed out of her scrubs, and grabbed her purse.

  * * * *

  Never had Abby felt so awkward and out of place. Meeting with the Queen of England would’ve left her more at ease than walking into the hotbed of socialites. She spotted several politicians and swallowed hard. People eyed her much the way they had when she’d walked into Whitmore Tower. They knew she didn’t fit into their world.

  “You look beautiful,” Liam said for the third time since picking her up.

  His unneeded platitudes did little to curb her anxiety. She considered turning her full attention to her date, but Liam’s smart black tuxedo had thrown her into a tailspin when he’d arrived to get her at her home. It was less painful to watch people frown at her than ogle Liam head to toe and deal with her raging hormones. Horny would be an understatement to what she dealt with. Abby was ready to club Liam over the head and drag him into the first available private spot. The car ride had been absolute hell, with having him so close, breathing his rich intoxicating scent, having his overwhelming masculine presence within touching distance.

  Abby exhaled and smoothed her hands over her dress. A simple purple sheath she’d found on sale at a bridal boutique—nothing even remotely designer. Abby lifted her chin and kept her face neutral.

  “Liam, so good to see you made it. Late, of course.” Charity’s laughter brought them around. She stood with an equally impossibly tall blonde woman. Both looked impeccable in their dresses.

  “And you look lovely, Miss Haden,” Charity said, eyeing her dress. “That’s a stunning color on you.”

  Abby muttered a ‘thank you’. A waiter appeared with a tray of champagne glasses. Abby reached for one, desperate for a nerve-soothing buzz, then paused. No alcohol for her in case she was pregnant. Damn it.

  “Bring our guest here something sweet and sparkling but non-alcoholic,” Charity said to the waiter. He nodded and walked away.

  Abby wasn’t sure how to take Charity’s consideration so she remained mute.

  “It’s good to see you, Megan. How have you been?” Liam asked the blonde woman. She looked familiar but Abby couldn’t place her. Then the lightbulb went off—the other woman in the photo with Liam.

  “I’ve been wonderful,” Megan said, her voice carrying a heavy Texas drawl. She and Liam fell into conversation with Charity. Jealousy laced Abby’s system. The blonde was certainly more of a fit for Liam than she was. Both ran in the same social circles, and they seemed to share a familiarity outside of acquaintances. Maybe they’d dated in the past? Another shot of jealousy rankled her, leaving her face hot.

  The waiter appeared and handed her a champagne flute. She took it, grateful to have someplace to hide her glare. She stared at her glass, guessing it contained sparkling grape juice. She sipped the liquid, discovering she’d guessed right. It was sweet, bubbly, and she downed it in just a few swallows. She could at least pretend she had a good buzz.

  They mingled, and Liam introduced her to various people whose names and faces faded from memory as soon as they’d move on. She tried not to make too much eye contact after the first few, because people seemed much too nosy over her. Abby guessed Liam’s usual dates reeked of wealth and influence while she reeked of self-sufficiency and a comfortable, albeit indebted, lower middle class life. Luckily, they were soon seated for dinner and she could stop pasting on a fake, interested smile.

  “Start from the outside and work your way in,” Liam advised of the silverware Abby stared over.

  While they dined, several speakers took the podium, going into boring monologues that left many with glazed expressions. A few times Liam’s generosity was mentioned, followed by a round of polite applause Abby joined in on.

  The food was surprisingly good, almost making the whole affair worthwhile, and she devoured everything on her plate, course after course. When a chocolate flourless cake appeared as dessert, drizzled with a red raspberry sauce, she groaned in pure bliss before she even took a bite.

  “I’m happy to see you’ve got a good appetite tonight,” Liam said low and near her ear. Goose pimples broke out over her skin as awareness flooded her system. She re-crossed her legs and squirmed in her seat.

  “I skipped lunch,” she replied, though after four courses she still felt ravenous. She chalked it up to nervous tension.

  “I hope you still have an appetite when we leave.” His voice was a baritone purr that was gasoline to an already burning libido. She felt dizzy and had to shut her eyes.

  His hand slipped under the table and rested above her knee, his thumb drawing small circles on her inner leg. Liam was a cruel man to tease her. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out—it’d take so little to make her come. If only he’d slip his hand up her dress… She caught herself and moved her leg away from Liam’s touch. He gave her a knowing grin.

  Once dinner wrapped up, a band started to play. Abby excused herself to the bathroom, needing a fast escape before she imploded or orgasmed in front of everyone. When she came back out she spotted Liam surrounded by several men. She wrinkled her nose, recognizing a senator she had some particularly strong negative feelings about. Abby bristled and considered retreating to the lady’s room once more. Too late. Liam had spotted her and was waving her over.

  Abby lifted her chin, squared her shoulders, and walked over to the group.

  “Who’s this pretty little lady here?” The senator’s voice boomed, making Abby cringe.

  Pretty little lady? Her usually tolerant mood took a sharp turn south.

  “This is Abigail,” Liam said in introduction. “Abigail, this is Senator Riley.”

  “I know who he is, Liam.” She felt the blood rush to her face.

  Senator Riley laughed. “Well, I’m always happy to meet one of my constituents.”

  Abby knew she needed to keep her mouth shut, but her anger flared too hot. She met his eyes. “Let’s get something clear, senator. I am certainly not one of your supporters. I wouldn’t have voted for you if you were the last person on earth and my only alternative was a goat. You voted repeatedly to cut funding to public health organizations that benefit children. You sided with special interest groups that were against stronger laws that would’ve protected women and children from domestic abuse. You are despicable. No, you’re beneath despicable, and I have no desire to stand in your presence.”

  She whirled on her heel and left the slack-jawed senator and the equally shocked bystanders. The only one left looking amused was Liam; his eyes twinkled when she briefly met his gaze before she stormed away.

  Abby found a chair at the back of the room and sat down. She kicked off her shoes, mindless of what proper etiquette might be, and rubbed her tired feet. It’d been years since she’d worn anything but comfortable tennis shoes or sandals, and Abby wished she hadn’t chosen three and a half inch heels tonight.

  Her foul mood shifted in a different direction in one quick movement, and tears stung her eyes. She sniffed and blinked them back as an emotion much akin to despair washed through her. Liam’s world was impossible for her, and being reminded of how misplaced she truly was caused nothing but frustration. Why had Liam bothered dragging her to the dinner?

  A pair of men’s polished loafers appeared in Abby’s line of sight and s
he peered up.

  “I couldn’t help but notice that you seem upset. Is there anything I can do?” A stranger stared down to her, a kind smile on his face. His light gray eyes were startling in the low lighting.

  “No, I’m okay. I’m just tired,” she replied.

  The stranger’s smile broadened and his chin dimpled. An attractive man if Abby were in the mood to notice such things.

  “I hear you, I don’t care for these functions,” he replied. “It’s a necessary evil though.” He took a seat several chairs down. “I’m Jonathon Breck. My father is on the hospital board of directors.”

  “I’m Abby and my…” She pursed her lips, unable to call Liam her date. “I’m here for reasons unclear to me at the moment.”

  Jonathon chuckled. “How would you like to blow this joint and go find some trouble to get in to, eh?”

  He winked. Abby’s previous anger had waned and try as she might, she couldn’t be offended with the flirtation delivered with a sweet boyish grin. Instead, she shot the man a smile of her own and shook her head. “Probably isn’t a good idea.”

  Jonathon let out a dramatic sigh. “Fine, but you’ve effectively broken my heart.” He hopped to his feet. “And I see my father waving me over. It was lovely meeting you, Abby.”

  She watched him walk away before searching the crowd for Liam. He watched Jonathon too, a look of challenge flashing in his eyes. Several older men had him cornered near the musician’s stage. He looked her direction and Abby felt her face heat to her ears. She’d done nothing wrong in speaking with the man, so she held his gaze until someone blocked her view.

  “Well, hello there.”

  Abby started. Another gentleman had appeared. She breathed out, wishing she could be left alone.

  “Hi,” she said back with little enthusiasm.

  The man sat next to her, like Jonathon, only too close, and instantly she was on edge. He faced her and gave her a big grin. Unlike Jonathon, she immediately wanted this person gone.

  “I’m Richard.” He thrust out his hand. She reluctantly shook it. He kept hold of her. “And you are?”

  She tugged her hand free and balled it with the other on her lap. “I’m Abby.”

  “I believe you arrived with Liam.”

  She met his eyes. “Yes, I did.”

  “He’s a good man.” He nodded his head. “A good man to know. How are you two acquainted?”

  “Uh, I know his mother,” she said awkwardly.

  Richard’s smile widened. “I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her. She must be one hell of a woman.”

  Unease settled in her gut, and she couldn’t shake the feeling of mistrust. “Yes, she’s a wonderful person,” she replied truthfully.

  “I’ve known Liam for years,” Richard continued. “And I knew his old man. Shame we lost ’im. He was one hell of a businessman. Did you know Liam senior?”

  Abby remained quiet and shook her head. Richard seemed to be fishing. She searched for Liam, toying with her necklace charm, wishing he’d appear to rescue her. He’d worked his way closer to her, but had been surrounded by a cluster of smiling, chatty women, including Megan who had her arm looped through his. He kept shooting Abby frustrated looks.

  “The two of them used to date,” Richard said, following her line of sight. “Megan and Liam. She was Miss Texas a few years back. They were hot and heavy there for a while.” Richard chuckled, a grating sound. “Between her and Charity, I’m not sure how Liam finds the time to work.”

  Abby’s stomach flipped over, and she swallowed over the rush of jealousy. She lifted a shoulder, feigning nonchalance. The photo she’d seen on his cellphone popped into her mind. A vivid mental image to stoke the fire of envy until her face heated to scorching. She narrowed her eyes, willing Liam to look her way. He seemed caught up in conversation with the women.

  “That’s a nice piece of jewelry,” Richard commented, breaking her concentration, and she looked over to him. He was studying her necklace.

  “Thank you,” she said more sharply than she intended. “It was my mother’s.”

  “Seems to have sentimental value.”

  She shot him a questioning look. He chuckled. “Just a guess. Yellow gold isn’t in fashion right now. All the girls want platinum.”

  Liam had broken free of the mob and was striding her direction. His eyebrows were drawn together and a storm raged across his face.

  “Well, I’ll leave you to your evening, Miss Haden.” Richard grasped her hand between his in a friendly shake. She resisted ripping it free.

  Abby frowned, not recalling giving the man her full name. He retreated just before Liam arrived.

  “What did he say to you?” Liam demanded.

  Shocked by his anger, it took a moment to collect her reply. “Nothing.”

  He didn’t appear satisfied with her answer. “Let’s get out of here.”

  “No, I’m enjoying myself,” she lied. “I’m staying.”

  She watched his jaw work as he gritted his teeth. Irked by his attitude, her stubbornness set in. “Shouldn’t you hang out a bit longer?” She stared out over the dance floor of embracing couples. “I’m sure there are a few women here who’d love a dance.” Like Charity and Miss Texas.

  “There is only one woman here I want to dance with.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. She resisted but he held tight and marched toward the dance floor. She tripped and followed along into the mass of people, her shoes still sitting by the row of chairs.

  “Liam.”

  He whirled her around to face him and pulled her close, his hand pressing against her lower back.

  She glared into his face. “Liam, for the love of God, you could’ve let me put my shoes back on.”

  “What did Richard have to say?” His voice came out a low growl near her ear. Despite her annoyance, a shiver of hot awareness raced through her muscles.

  “I told you, nothing,” she said above the music, trying to keep from tromping on his toes as he led the dance.

  He pressed her closer. “What about Breck? He’s been watching you all night.”

  She pushed at Liam’s chest, but he wouldn’t allow her space. She stared into his face. “Are you jealous?”

  A muscle in his jaw worked and he looked over her head. He is jealous! Why it should cause her such pleasure was beyond her. Especially considering his ape-ish behavior.

  “You’re mine while we’re under contract,” he ground out.

  Abby’s mouth fell open as the ugly words formed into an uglier mass in her brain. His? And he had to throw the damn contract in her face. Again. She stomped his foot with her stocking covered heel. Startled, he released her and she weaved her way through the crowd toward her shoes. Liam caught up to her and grabbed her upper arm, drawing the stares of several onlookers.

  “Let me go, Liam,” she hissed through her teeth. “Now.” Never again would she be controlled or owned by a man. She’d sworn that the night she’d left Jeff.

  “We’re leaving,” Liam snarled.

  Abby tried to wrench free of his grip. “Why?”

  “Because I said so.” Liam pulled her toward the exit. Abby dug in her heels, her shoes still lay next to the chair. She managed to break free from his steely hand. A few times Jeff had flown off the handle during social functions and done the same thing to her. The memories infuriated her, hateful old memories that squeezed her heart.

  “Like hell I’m leaving with you, you ass,” she snapped. “I’ll find my own way home.”

  Jonathon manifested as if from thin air. “Hey, Liam. Long time, eh?” He wedged between Abby and Liam. Though his words sounded lighthearted, Abby caught the menacing look on his face. “How the hell are you?”

  “Get out of my way, Breck,” Liam growled.

  “Maybe we could have a friendly conversation outside?” Jonathon replied. “Reminisce about our old fraternity days?”

  The two men stood eye to eye, equal height, but Jonathon carried a bit
more muscle and didn’t look ready to back an inch. A hush had fallen around them, wide eyes fixated on the spectacle unfolding. She watched Liam’s hands ball into fists, and felt the blood drain from her face. When he snaps...well, there isn’t much you can do but bear the brunt of his fury until it runs its course. Spencer’s words of warning rang in her ears.

  She ran to the coat check, still shoeless, retrieved her purse, and fled outside, leaving the two men behind. If there was a fight, Abby didn’t want to be there. Tears blurred her vision as she dug out her cellphone and called a taxi.

  “Abigail.”

  She spun and saw Liam striding toward her. Fear bubbled up, but she had no place to flee, so she stood her ground.

  “I’ll take you home,” he said, his voice softer than before. His face had lost part of its anger.

  “I called a taxi.” She didn’t trust him.

  “Don’t be unreasonable.”

  “Unreasonable? You behave like an absolute ass and then have the nerve to call me unreasonable? Go to hell, Mr. Whitmore.”

  “Abigail.”

  She ignored him.

  “Abigail,” Liam repeated, stepping around in front of her.

  A tight lump had formed in her throat—even if she’d had the inclination to answer him, she couldn’t have.

  “I’m sorry,” he said.

  She bit her bottom lip and stared to the ground, refusing to meet his eyes. She’d heard empty apologies before; meaningless words to manipulate her feelings. Abby was older and much wiser.

  “I really am,” Liam pressed. “Please, Abigail, at least look at me.”

  “No man owns me, Liam.” The words sounded choked. “I once dated a man who thought he did, and I’ll never put myself in that situation again.”

  The taxi appeared and she walked over to meet it. Without looking back she climbed into the backseat, her fidgeting fingers reaching for her necklace. The dam burst and tears streamed down her face. The final blow, her mother’s necklace was gone.