The Baby Contract

“Who is it? Do I know him?” Harper knew just about every rich family in California, so this was going to be tricky.

“I can’t tell you. That’s part of his eccentricity. I had to sign an NDA including not divulging who I work for.” When I thought this idea up, I was sure it was brilliant, but it was hard to lie to them.

Harper’s face scrunched up. “Weird. And no fun.” Then her eyes narrowed. “He’s old, isn’t he? Men can get really weird in old age.”

“He could be young,” Lane offered. “Sometimes young rich men want to ensure their privacy.”

Harper’s head see-sawed. “I suppose if they’re a playboy.” She zeroed in on me. “Is he a playboy?”

I thought of Bran giving me multiple orgasms on his couch. “I’m not at liberty to tell.”

“I’m just glad you found something. I know you were having a hard time.” Lane’s smile was genuine, and I was happy to have a new friend.

“At least it pays well,” I said, sitting back so the waiter could put my lunch, a spinach salad and cup of vegetable soup, in front of me.

While I didn’t like Bran dictating my dietary habits, I knew good eating was important for getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.

“What do you do exactly?” Lane asked, putting ketchup on her French fries.

“I do a little bit of everything. The truth is my schedule can be unpredictable. There might be times when you won’t be able to reach me or I won’t be able to meet with you. Luckily, he’s paying enough to put up with his demands.”

“Is there travel involved?” Harper asked. “You should be careful with that. Some billionaires include extracurricular activities as part of what they think they’re paying for.”

I shook my head. “That won’t be a problem.” Bran agreed to my terms about no sex, so as long as our hormones didn’t get the best of us again, it shouldn’t be a concern.

“I’m glad you’re finally getting paid what you’re worth. And you didn’t have to sell a kidney or something.” Harper waved to the waitress and then pointed to her martini to indicate she wanted another one.

I flinched at her kidney comment. I wasn’t selling an organ; I was selling a baby.

“You’re not driving, are you?” Lane asked Harper.

“Nope. I have a driver today.”

“How are things with Bran?”

I was glad Lane asked it. I was curious if Bran had told her anything about his plans to have a child. But I had to be anti-Bran around Harper so as not to give away my deal with him.

Harper made a face. “The doofus showed up at my favorite coffee shop the other day acting like it was a coincidence.”

“He probably misses you.” I blew on a spoonful of soup. The quiet at the table had me looking up. “What?”

“You almost sound like you’re worried about him.” Harper was looking at me with suspicion.

I made a face. “Bran? No. I’m just saying. Without you, he’s all alone.”

“For all his faults, he does seem to care about you, Harper.”

Again, I was glad Lane was saying the words I was thinking.

“He should get a dog then.” Harper wasn’t having any of it. “I’m looking to buy a new home. After the stalker and Bran’s craziness, I need to find a place less exposed. I need some privacy and time to myself.”

I nodded. “I don’t blame you. Have you found a place?”

“Not yet. I’m a little worried that Bran is still following me and he’s the one I’m trying to get away from.”

Bran hadn’t said anything about having her followed, but I wouldn’t put it past him. Still, based on my conversations with him, it sounded like he was trying to give her space. “Maybe he’s moved on to new projects.”

Harper arched a brow. “Like what? He already owns a ton of businesses and still finds the time to follow me.”