Just One Inch

That got the goat. Our one night was more than an anonymous fuck, I’d spent weeks looking for her afterwards. Maybe I hadn’t pulled out all the stops but I should have, given my miserable situation now.

“Listen honey, things aren’t what they seem,” I growled. “I’m a public figure. Don’t you read the news? Maybe you’ve heard of Manning Pharmaceuticals, we’ve been written up a lot lately.”

That got to her and I could see a flush descending over her breasts, those curves taking on the faintest tinge of pink. Hmm, insults to her intelligence really bothered her.

“For your information, I study day and night,” she said haughtily, “so excuse me if I’m not following up on every billionaire bad boy entrepreneur out there. I’ve got exams up the wazoo and a career I’m trying to get off the ground,” she bit off, her eyes tearing up a bit. “So lay off okay?”

I immediately felt bad. Okay, so she wasn’t out stalking every rich man in the Valley and I didn’t blame her for working hard. I’d worked hard to bring my company to viability, and I understood that careers have critical times – miss ‘em and you might be forever behind. I softened and took a more conciliatory tone.

“Well, what’s next then?” I queried, one eyebrow raised. “I’m engaged to your sister, and it looks like my brother Matt has the hots for you,” I rumbled, the thought of Matt on my little girl making my blood boil. Literally I could feel my blood pressure rising at the thought of her in his bed. Fuck, somehow this girl had gotten to me.

“You tell me,” she retorted. “I can’t do anything about your engagement and hey, if another Manning brother is interested, maybe I should do some research into his net worth as you’ve made so abundantly clear,” she said, slipping into her shoes.

I was momentarily distracted by those long, shapely calves, shown off to their best advantage in black patent heels. Mmm, I’ve always loved sexy lingerie paired with stilettos, bring it on any day. But she turned her back to me and flounced towards the door.

“Jake honey,” she said, throwing one last glance my way, “you’d better get dressed,” Tina smirked, unlocking the door and letting herself out.

With a growl, I covered my nakedness just as female voices congregated outside.

9

Tina

I’d gotten home that night, exhausted from the convoluted turn of events. I was obsessed … with my sister’s fiancé. We were all going to be step-siblings. And Jake’s charmer of a brother, Matt, had been flirting with me all night.

Fortunately, there wasn’t really anything there. Matt is a good-looking guy, but not quite my type. But boy, does that man have some down-home country charm that sizzles.

“Sister, your plaid dress is just my thing,” he complimented. “I’m a farm boy, you know, from rural Wyoming. Perfect if you want to take a trip out there.”

Keep in mind that this banter was taking place in front of our families. And don’t get me wrong, I was flattered. Flattered that someone obviously sexy, charming and handsome was interested in me, going so far as to jokingly act on it in front of an audience. But was I interested? No. Despite my threats, Matt just wasn’t competition for his brother. Jake was arrogant, domineering, totally controlling … and absolutely irresistible.

I knew I needed to tell Jake about the baby though. I was about four months along and still relatively normal looking, my tummy protruding slightly but not obscenely. I’m a curvy girl, and a little extra here or there isn’t going to stand out. Plus, who’s going to notice when you’re having a quickie in the restroom? There was no time to check out my body inch by inch.

But I was still freaked out about the prospect of confronting Jake because I’ve already decided that I’m going to be a mom. The baby was just too precious, and I was getting older – I might never have another chance at motherhood.

So my mind was made up but the repercussions terrifying. As I gazed at myself in the mirror, I let my mind wander to possible outcomes. On the one hand, Jake could be okay with it and he’d let me lead my own life, maybe seeing the baby once or twice a year. Although disappointing, I recognized that that was a very real possibility. Not everyone wants to bother with the pitter-patter of tiny feet.

On the other, it could be utter disaster. Jake could demand that I have a second-trimester abortion and I’d have to fight him about it. I’m not sure where the law stands on this issue, but I was almost too frightened to look it up. There were just no good outcomes in this scenario in any way, shape, or form.