The Baby Contract

“Oh yes. We have two kids already. We don’t want anymore, but I’m still young and healthy and figured I could help other families not as blessed as mine. My husband is supportive. It’s not like I’m having an affair or anything.”

“No, I guess not.”

Still, it seemed weird. I imagined Anne round with another man’s child, and it didn’t sit well in my stomach.

We chatted a bit longer until our questions were answered. I rose from my desk to escort her out.

“It was nice meeting you, Mr. Erickson. I look forward to hearing from you.”

I opened the door for her. “You too. I’ll be in touch.”

I don’t know why I said it. Despite the fact that she seemed perfect, I still had reservations.

She stepped out, giving me a big smile, and then heading to the elevator.

“Did you fuck her too?”

My head whipped to my secretary’s desk where Anne stood glaring at me.

I shrugged and crossed my arms. “What if I did? Would you be jealous?”

My secretary watched the exchange with a mixture of concern and amusement.

“Ha! No.”

“Liar.” I turned to go into my office. It was rude since I was sure Anne was here to see me, but if she wanted to snipe and play petty games, I could too.

I walked in, pushing the door to close it.

I’d nearly made it to my desk, when Anne said, “Who was that woman?”

I turned and leaned against my deck. “None of your business.”

She glared at me, and I smiled, liking how I had the upper hand. I was sure it wouldn’t be long before I lost it, but that was the fun in sparring with Anne.

“Why are you here?” I asked. I was smart enough not to ask if she wanted another fuck on my couch. I could be uncouth, but I always tried not to be vulgar.

“Maybe it doesn’t matter anymore.”

I rolled my eyes. “I take it you’re here to finish our agreement.”

“With some changes, yes.”

My heart did a full loop in my chest. I did my best not to show it. “Okay.” I walked around my desk and sat. “What sort of changes?”

“I’ll move in with you, but you have to pay a full year's rent on my apartment.”

I shook my head. I sometimes threw away money, but I wasn’t going to waste any on her place. “I’m not giving that dump one single cent.”

“Then a new apartment. I need to maintain appearances. No one can know I’m doing this.”

“If I’m that revolting to you—”

“I don’t want people to know what I’m doing.”

I studied her and realized that she saw this plan as something to be embarrassed about. It occurred to me that she was at a low in her life and this was her only lifeline out.

Perhaps I needed to be more sensitive to that.