Page 197 of Modern Romance Collection December 2024 Books 1-4

‘Most people don’t. London is full of exclusive clubs but this one thrives on being very much under the radar.’

‘It’s definitely more private than the room at the school.’ It was quiet and dark, with rich, old furnishings and the sort of carpets that looked as though they belonged in the age of the Tudors. The men serving food and drinks had a palpable air of expertise and discretion.

They sat back as a tray of canapés was brought for them. Frankly, Alice would have liked to carry on surreptitiously staring around her, but reluctantly she returned to Mateo, who was now looking at her with a certain amount of amusement.

But it didn’t last long. ‘I think we should both be as professional as possible in the way we approach this situation,’ he opined.

Alice focused. Of course, this was exactly the right way to deal with the situation. They’d had a fling but, beyond that, it wasn’t as though he had feelings for her. It wouldn’t do to forget that, when she had suggested carrying on with what they had to see where it would lead, he had firmly closed the conversation down and sent her on her way.

If they handled this in aprofessionalway, then they could remain friends, which was what would be necessary as time went on. They would have a bond that would never go away, whatever their changes in fortune.

And yet her heart constricted at all the consequences that lay down that road. She’d have to watch as other women came and went in his life, knowing when thatsomeonehe had talked about came along—that woman with whom he would want to share his life, who wouldn’t be under any illusions that he was going to fall in love with her—Alice would wave goodbye to their daughter or son and watch him drive away with someone else in the passenger seat.

‘Neither of us expected this to happen,’ Mateo started, ‘but I intend to pull my weight every inch of the way. First of all, there will never be any need for you to worry about money. My child will want for nothing. I knew whatwantwas whenIwas a child, and it’s a miserable hardship that I’m only grateful my own flesh and blood will not have to endure. And, as his mother, you will likewise want for nothing. You will both have the best.’

‘I’m not asking for anything for myself, Mateo,’ Alice said faintly.

‘You don’t have to. It goes without saying that you can give up your teaching job, which I imagine doesn’t pay the earth.’

‘That won’t be happening.’

‘Your thoughts on that might change. You might find that you enjoy being a hands-on mother when you no longer need to go out and earn a pittance teaching. On the subject of which, you were right—your school could do with an injection of funds from the looks of it. Before we part company, I’ll get details the name of your admin person so that I can do my civic duty.’

Alice was beginning to feel as if she had suddenly jumped on a rollercoaster and was now whizzing madly across the universe.

‘Well, I’m sure the principal would be grateful for any financial help... Fund-raising can only get so far, so thank you; and, yes, it would be nice knowing that our child will be financially secure.’

It was all so matter-of-fact. They could have been discussing a business deal, she thought sadly. The intense physical chemistry between them had been wiped out and replaced with this run-of-the-mill conversation about their future.

‘I don’t suppose this was what you’d spent your life looking forward to,’ Mateo said roughly.

‘I’d always planned on having children.’

‘But not like this—an unplanned pregnancy with a man you never banked on having a future with.’

‘And who never banked on having a future with me.’

‘Or with anyone,’ Mateo qualified. ‘But, love and marriage aside, I want you to know that you can expect one hundred percent support from me.’

Alice picked at the wonderful canapés and wondered why they tasted of cardboard. Why did she feel so miserable? He was being terrific. She couldn’t have asked for more. Was it because, for her, having a baby had always been wrapped up with love and marriage? Just something she’d always taken for granted?

Or did this businesslike approach hurt because here she was, carrying his baby, and she wanted so much more than financial support. Once upon a time, she had dimly seen Simon in this position. Now she knew that what she felt for Simon had not been love. She’d had a narrow escape but, from the frying pan she’d fallen straight into the fire, because, yes, what she felt for this wonderful, elusive, complex guy sitting within touching distance was love in all its glory—but love that wasn’t reciprocated. He was offering her emotional support, and she knew that he would be there for her, but onlybecause of the baby.

‘I appreciate that,’ Alice said politely.

‘Can I...see it?’

‘See what?’

‘The baby. Now.’ He flushed darkly. ‘A scan.’

‘Don’t tell me you still have doubts about that?’

‘I don’t. I just want to...’

‘Okay,’ Alice agreed in a husky voice. ‘I’ll get it arranged.’

‘And then we can fine-tune all the details. I don’t know where you live, Alice, but I’m guessing it’s not a palace. And before you tell me that you don’t need a palace to raise a child, you’re going to move from wherever you are to something suitable, and that is non-negotiable. Also non-negotiable is that you use the money I intend to deposit into your account. The only thing that’s negotiable there is the sum, if it’s not enough. Like I said, I intend to take care of both of you in style.’

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