Her Festive Baby Bombshell

With Holly out of sight and his clothes straightened, he opened the door. “Sorry I’m running late. I had something come up at the last minute. You know how it is.”

The man clapped him on the shoulder. “You work too hard. Come on. The guys are waiting.”

“I don’t think so. I really need to finish this—”

“Work can wait, your guests can’t.” Mr. Caruso reached out, grabbed his arm and pulled him into the hallway. “After all, you’re the host.”

Finn glanced back in his suite longingly, knowing the exquisite night he’d be missing. Playing cards had never looked so dull and tedious before.

“You coming?”

With a sigh, Finn pulled the door shut. “Sure. The work can wait till later.”

“Try the morning. I have a feeling this game is going to last most of the night. Should we invite your assistant?”

“I passed her in the hallway earlier. Holly—um, Ms. Abrams called it a night already.”

“That’s too bad. I like her.”

He liked her, too—perhaps far more than was wise. Or perhaps he was blowing everything out of proportion since it’d been a while since he’d been dating. In fact, he hadn’t dated anyone since his evening with Holly. No other woman had even tempted him after her. He wasn’t sure what to make of that.

CHAPTER SIX

THE NEXT MORNING Holly awoke late. But she didn’t feel too guilty. It was work that had her burning the midnight oil—not Finn.

She ran her fingers over her lips, recalling Finn’s kiss before he’d left her for the card game. If there hadn’t been a knock at his door, she knew where things would have led. Part of her knew it was for the best, but another part ached for the missed opportunity.

What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she be immune to his charms? It was like once his lips touched hers any logic disengaged and her impulses took over. She wondered if he had this effect over all women or just her.

She knew this thing between them couldn’t go anywhere. Her experience with men should be proof enough. First, her father walked out on her and her mother. And then while she was earning her paralegal degree, she’d met Josh. He was good-looking and charming. Deciding all men couldn’t be like her father, she let herself fall for him.

Holly felt ill as the memories washed over her. Everything between her and Josh had been great for a while. In fact, it was the happiest she’d ever been. And then she’d learned Josh had a gambling problem that led to him stealing from her—the person he was supposed to love. She’d arranged to get him help and he’d sworn he would complete the twelve-step program.

She’d wanted to believe him, but after what her father had done to her mother, Holly had to be sure. And that was when she’d caught Josh in a web of lies with another woman. Holly’s stomach soured at the memory.

The depth of his betrayal had cut her deep. After Josh, she’d sworn off relationships. Her independence gave her a much-needed sense of security. And with her full attention focused on her work, she didn’t have time to be lonely. Guys just weren’t worth the heartache. And she’d stuck by her pledge until now. Finn had her questioning everything—

Knock-knock-knock.

She had a feeling there’d only be one person who’d come calling at her door this early in the morning. Still, she asked, “Who is it?”

“It’s me.” The voice was very distinct. “Finn.”

“Hang on.” She scrambled out of bed and rushed to grab her robe. It was then that she noticed her stomach didn’t feel right. It was way more than being upset about the unpleasant memories. She took a calming breath, willing the queasiness away.

She moved to the door and pulled it open. Finn stood there freshly showered and shaved, looking like he was ready to tackle the world. “Good morning.”

His gaze narrowed in on her. “Everything okay?”

She ran a hand over her hair. “Sorry. I slept in.” Her stomach lurched. She pressed a hand to her midsection, willing it to stop. “I’ll, ah, take a quick shower and be right with you.”

“You know, you don’t look so good.”