Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Connie took a deep breath, avoiding my eyes for a moment.
“I have to think about it,” she said slowly. “I just don’t know. I want a baby, but this offer is … um, well unconventional.”
I nodded.
“Sure, take your time. But the offer expires at midnight tonight.”
“What?” she asked, eyes snapping my way in shock. “So soon?”
“Sorry sweetheart,” I said apologetically. “I just can’t have something like this hanging over my head as I try to go about my life. So it expires at midnight. Deal or no deal, it’s up to you.”
And with that her cheeks flushed.
“I need more time to think,” she protested. “This is all so sudden.”
My head nodded.
“I get it, but sometimes it’s better not to think,” I said persuasively, taking one soft hand in mine. “Sometimes it’s better just to go with the flow. After all, you’ve put a lot of time and planning into your life, and things haven’t gone perfectly. So why not try a different method? Why not let your life follow a path that’s a little unorthodox, and see what happens? Maybe you’ll like it,” I suggested.
And I could see that that hit home because Connie jerked a little, the girl sitting up straight.
“Okay, I’ll think about it,” she said slowly. “I’ll let you know before midnight tonight.”
“Sure,” I replied, leaning back like I didn’t have a care in the world. “Ask reception for my personal phone number as you leave, and sweetheart, one last thing I forgot to mention. You and the baby will never need anything financially if everything works out. I’m a generous man, and can provide for all your material comforts easily. That includes rent, food, the baby’s education, and anything else that might come up. So think about it, sweetheart. New York City is expensive, and with me, you’ll be taken care of for life.”
The brunette’s cheeks colored prettily as she stood. I could tell my offer had knocked her socks off, but at the same time, I was completely serious. After all, money means nothing to me now. I easily make enough to support a dozen kids, and if I had my way, the sweet female would become a mom over and over again … accepting my sperm in the best way possible.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Connie
What in the world was I thinking? I found myself on Dr. Roman’s doorstep later that night after getting his address from the receptionist.
Kathy had a knowing look in her eye when I asked for his contact information.
“Here’s Dr. Roman’s cell number,” she said in a business-like fashion, handing over a small piece of notepaper. I looked down dumbly, about to speak, but then my mouth snapped shut because she’d written down his home address as well. Evidently, the receptionist knew more than she let on.
So now I stood outside his building, completely intimidated by the giant granite structure. The building’s spire disappeared into the night and the gold lobby extravagant and intimidating at once. But there was no sense in beating around the bush. I was here to reject his offer, and at least I had the cojones to tell him in person.
With a deep breath, I pushed open the revolving door and stepped into the lavish lobby. Ornate woodwork decorated the ceilings, and what looked like hand-painted wallpaper lined the hallways. A huge spray of flowers decorated the front desk, behind which there was an elderly man in a bellhop uniform.
“Hello,” I said in a meek voice. Uck, that sounded terrible. So I straightened and try again. “Hello. Connie Newman to see Dr. Chase Roman.”
The bellhop nodded, gesturing to the elevator.
“Go right up Miss.”
I strode across the marble entryway and waited for the bell to ding. On the outside, I looked like perfection. I’d taken especial care with my hair and make-up, even putting on a deep ruby lipstick to emphasize my full lips.
But inside, I was a mess because I was going to see Dr. Roman again. True, I was here to throw his offer back into his face and to tell him what an ass he was, but my heart still fluttered like a butterfly at the thought of seeing the handsome male again.
Because I have to admit that the offer had sounded tempting. He’d made it clear that he was financially, emotionally, and legally ready to enter into a transaction with me. Nor was he looking to box me out of the baby’s life. Instead, he wanted me to be a mother in full, taking care of the child and spending time with him as he grew.
But there was something missing from the picture-perfect scene he painted, and that was love. A romantic partner isn’t necessary anymore to have a child, but at the same time, I couldn’t stomach the reality of the so-called relationship he proposed. My child would be passed back and forth between two households like a chess piece, and that wasn’t what I wanted. The ache in my heart would be unbearable, knowing that there was no possibility of more.