#Babymaker (Baby Crazy 2)

The hard truth was that I couldn’t, and I would never be able to. Even if I got a promotion and a raise, I’d still be struggling to make a dent in my student loans. I’d still be eating beans and rice by candlelight in my little walk-up in Hell’s Kitchen. So the ugly reality was that I was a kid in a candy store with no money in my pocket. I could look long and hard at all these expensive solutions, but there was no way to access them.

I was about to get up and leave when Dr. Roman spoke again without moving from behind his desk.

“If you like,” he said offhandedly. “We do have a discount available.”

I shook my head miserably. What would it be? Fifteen percent off? Twenty? Even fifty percent wasn’t going to solve my problems.

“I’m so sorry,” I said stiffly. “I should have done more research before approaching your office because I can’t afford your services. Even with a discount, I don’t think it would be possible.”

The doctor didn’t look surprised at all.

“Sweetheart, don’t look so down,” he said, blue eyes gleaming now. “Hear me out when I say we have a discount that’s especially for you.”

For me? But I shook my head again. That’s what all good salespeople say. They make you feel special in order to lure you into the lair.

“I’m sorry,” was my second apology, “but this just isn’t going to be possible.” Taking a deep breath, I launched into my explanation. “I just graduated from college a couple years back, and have a lot of student debt to re-pay. Plus, the economy’s been down so I haven’t been able to find the kind of job that I want yet. I’m a secretary at an accounting firm and it’s a good job, but nothing to brag about monetarily.”

Dr. Roman’s brows quirked for a moment.

“So what is it that you want to do? You’re a smart girl. I’m sure you’ll find your way.”

I flushed for a moment at the praise before forcing myself to get a grip.

You can’t melt every time he talks, the voice in my head scolded. Keep your wits about you.

So I took another deep breath, summoning my courage.

“Well, unfortunately, you won’t find me very interesting,” I said slowly. “I want to be an accountant. I know CPAs have a reputation of being really dry and boring, but I see beauty in the numbers. I like making everything add up in the end, and finding order in chaos.”

Chase’s eyebrows almost shot off his forehead then.

“So you’re a smart one,” he drawled. “What are you doing working as a secretary?”

I nodded ruefully.

“Well, that’s the thing. I couldn’t find a job as an accountant after graduation so I figured working as an admin assistant at a CPA firm would be the next best thing. Maybe if they liked me, they’d let me move to the business side and work with clients. But it’s been three years now,” I said. “And I’ve yet to do anything other than file papers and make copies.”

The alpha frowned.

“Really? Good managers see talent wherever they go and I’m surprised they’re not utilizing you to your full extent. Especially because you’re obviously young and intelligent.”

My smile was small.

“I’m glad you see me that way,” was my soft reply. “But my boss definitely doesn’t think like you. I think he wants to promote his nephew, so I’m nothing but an assistant in the meantime. Making peanuts, I might add.”

Chase nodded with understanding.

“Well then, maybe you’d be interested in our discount. As I said before, it’s especially for you.”

I sighed, sighing a little with exasperation. There was no way I could afford Sunset Medical, even if they dramatically cut the price. But why not hear his pitch? This might be the last time I ever saw the handsome doctor, so I nodded agreeably.

“Sure,” came my soft voice, meeting those piercing blue eyes once again. “Tell me all about it.”

He smiled and collected his thoughts before beginning.

“Well as I said before, I have a lot of admiration for a young, intelligent woman like yourself. It took a lot to get through school and to bootstrap yourself to where you are now.”

Yes, that was definitely true, even if he hadn’t heard the gory details of eating canned beans by candlelight yet.

“Anyways,” the alpha continued. “Believe it or not, once upon a time, I was in a similar situation. All this that you see,” he said, gesturing to the lavish office, “only came after years of hard work. I used to be a penniless resident working long hours for low pay, so I understand what it’s like to walk in your shoes.”

I gulped then, an ache in my throat. It felt so good to have someone who could empathize, especially since Chase Roman was obviously at the pinnacle of his profession now.