Secret Millionaire for the Surrogate

His suite was gorgeous. She’d been in Cascade rooms before, doing before-the-wedding photos and the like, but she’d never been in this one. A massive sitting area was flanked by a dining table and chairs. Off to the left was the bedroom, and she took a few steps toward it, as if drawn by a magnet. The king-size bed was the centerpiece, covered with a fluffy gold duvet. Throw pillows in jewel tones were placed strategically on the bed. The view from the window was staggering

in its beauty.

She was here. In his hotel room. The Presidential Suite, wasn’t it?

The door shut with a quiet click, and then he was there behind her, his hands on her shoulders as he leaned forward and kissed her hair.

Her entire body went into high alert. When a man like Drew Brimicombe put his full attention on a woman, it was an intoxicating feeling.

“Hi,” she said, knowing it sounded stupid, unsure of what else to say.

“Hi.” His breath was warm on her neck and goose bumps broke out over her skin. “How are you?”

She bit down on her lip. “Nervous. Afraid of doing the wrong thing.”

He turned her to face him. “Nothing you say or do will be the wrong thing.”

“Really?” She ran her hands over the soft fabric of her skirt. “I’m pretty sure I can be an idiot very easily. Like today, when you told me you were rich. I felt pretty stupid. This is the Presidential Suite, isn’t it?”

That sexy grin crawled up his cheek once more. “I told you I was able to snag a cancellation. It was the only room available.”

She shook her head but laughed a little. This whole thing was surreal.

He took her fingers in his. “Harper, I just want you to know that tonight is entirely up to you and what you want. You’re in control.”

When he said it, she realized exactly how much she’d felt out of control the last few months. Once she’d taken the pregnancy test, her life hadn’t really been her own. But this decision was, and it felt good.

Her heart pounded so hard she could feel it against her ribs. Her breath shortened; she had never been one to take the lead in sexual situations. But this time he was waiting, leaving it up to her, giving her complete autonomy. It was a dizzying thought. She reached out and put her hand against his chest, touching him but still keeping him a few inches away. Her heart pounded, from excitement but also fear. “I do want this,” she said on a breath. “So much it hurts.”

“Then tell me.” His thumbs were hooked in his front pockets, and she saw them close tighter over the fabric. “Show me.”

She stood on tiptoe and kissed him, softly, slowly, as if they had all the time in the world. When she’d tasted her fill—for the time being—she stood back away from him.

And knew this wasn’t the right time, or the right place. She was so close to giving her heart away. If they made love, it would only make things worse. She knew he was leaving. But she was conveniently ignoring the depth of her feelings. Right now, looking up at him, she was perilously close to losing herself.

“It’s not the right time, is it?” he asked, as if reading her thoughts.

She shook her head.

He took a big breath and then let it out. “Then let’s just hang out. Watch a movie and raid the mini bar for snacks.”

Relief flooded through her. “Oh, I’ve always wanted to do that!”

He laughed, and squeezed her hand. “I just want to spend time with you. In bed, out of it...it doesn’t matter. Look at the pay-per-view and pick something out.” He gave her a stern look. “No porn. I’m already going to need a few minutes to, uh...”

She burst out laughing. Oh, she could love him so very easily. He was sexy and kind and made her smile all the time.

And when they started the movie and she lay on the bed curled up in his arms, it was the best feeling in the world.

* * *

When Harper woke, it was twilight.

She carefully rolled to her side and watched him sleep, his lips slightly parted and his eyelashes on the crests of his cheeks. They were on top of the covers, and the TV was shut off. She must have fallen asleep first. She didn’t remember watching the end of the movie. It had been so cozy in Drew’s arms.

It had been a perfect day, better than any she could ever remember. Her heart caught. She couldn’t fall in love with him. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t. And yet now, watching him sleep, there was an expansive feeling in her chest that told her she was dangerously close to losing her heart.

To the one man who didn’t want it. Who wasn’t looking for love. It’s okay, she told herself. I knew all along he was going. I’m going to cherish this time as a special memory.