Beauty and the Billionaire

I hear the shower running. “I’m coming in,” I announce, not wanting to startle her.

“I’m naked.” My lips twitch at her response.

“I figured since you’re in the shower.” I tease her. “Nothing I haven't seen before.” I put everything down on the counter. “I got some stuff for you. There is more on the bed.”

I walk over to the shower, pulling open the door. She turns her head, looking at me over her shoulder. She looks fucking perfect. It takes everything in me not to get into the shower with her.

“Your shampoo and soap.” I hold it out for her. She actually turns to face me, giving me a spectacular view of her wet, naked body.

“Thanks.” She takes them from my hands. “You look like you want to eat me.”

“You have no idea.” My fingers grip the door. I want to strip off my clothes and join her, to wash every inch of her perfection, but my phone starts to ring.

“Be careful,” I tell her. “Bathrooms can be dangerous.” She gives me a smile as I close the door. Not seeing a mat in front of the shower, I quickly lay a towel down on the floor so she doesn’t slip when she gets out before I answer my phone.

“Hey,” my brother Ryan says when I answer. “Heard you found your girl.”

“Mom told you?”

“Yep. She’s not too happy about it.”

“Not surprising.” I run my hand down my face. I have no clue what I’m going to do with my mother at this point. I can only hope she’s not involved in this whole freaking mess. I know she can be cold at times, but this would be extreme even for her.

“Where are you at?”

“New Hope.”

“Damn. That’s not too far from home. What did she have to say for herself?” he asks.

I give him a quick rundown of everything that happened. He didn’t even know about Kennedy and me until she went missing. He offered to come home and help me in my search for her. While I appreciated his offer, I declined because I already had trained professionals on the search. I didn’t want to distract him from college. He needed to stay in his classes. He’s finally starting to get his head on straight, and I didn’t want to jeopardize that in any way.

“Do you really think Mom is wrapped up in this?”

“I don’t know, but right now I don’t trust anyone,” I admit.

“I don’t blame you. This is all fucking nuts. At least you found her.” Isn't that the damn truth.

“Yeah, but I don’t like the idea of someone being out there that wants to hurt her. I won’t stop until I figure this out. She’s made a few comments that have me thinking she might be remembering things. I’m sure that would help a shit ton.”

“If you need anything, let me know. I can catch a plane anytime.”

“I’m good for now, but if Mom tells you anything—"

“I’ve got you, bro,” he says before we end the call.

My phone goes off again as Kennedy walks into the living room area of the suite. She’s dressed in the clothes I laid out for her.

I check my phone to see it’s a text from Carter.

Carter: Think I found something

“I love the clothes you got me. I’m starting to think I’m a bit spoiled.” I pocket my phone for now, making my way over to her.

“I try. Sometimes you give me a hard time.” I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her into me. She comes easily to me. I love the way her little bump feels pressed up against me.

“Is everything okay?” she asks. Her brows furrow together in concern.

“Right now everything is as it should be.” The look of concern she was wearing melts away. I don’t need her worrying about any of this. I’m going to handle it. “Let’s get you fed and go see our little one.”

Her whole face lights up with excitement, and I plan on keeping it that way.

9

KENNEDY

I stare out the window as we drive to the obstetrician’s office. A weight has been lifted off of me now that Dane has come back into my life. I no longer feel lost. For the last few months I’ve struggled with thoughts of how I was going to raise my little jelly bean all by myself. But with Dane here, I know I no longer have to worry about any of that. I may not remember a whole lot, but I know I can trust him to take care of us.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Dane says, breaking me from my thoughts. I turn to face him. The man is so handsome that I’m surprised I was able to forget him at all.

“I’m happy,” I admit. He reaches over with one of his hands, tangling our fingers together.