Page 51 of Vegas Baby

“I propose you get a nanny. I’m sure Howler can afford one.”

“I see. You’d rather have a nanny raise your grandchild because he or she is an inconvenience.” Like I was? “Is that what you think is best for the child, or what’s best for you?”

“If you want to inherit this team, you need to put in the time. Having a kid in the office, isn’t it.”

“If I want to own the team?” Her chest was tight and she wanted to sit down. She glanced up at Howler, and he met her inquiring gaze, eyebrow raised. Her suspicions were true but the question she needed to ask herself was how much was she willing to sacrifice. “Then I don’t want to inherit the team. Unlike you, I believe there are more important things than money and power. If I can’t get the concessions I want, I quit.”

Miller shifted back and forth on his feet; jaw jutted out. She’d called him on his bluff and he didn’t like losing the upper hand. She had to hold firm; her entire future hinged on winning this battle of wills. “Fine, quit.”

“Hold on you two. Is this what either of you want?” Howler asked, concern etching his brow.

“Apparently, we’re at an impasse, so yes. I will submit my notice.” She was moving into dangerous territory and had to be willing to risk it all or go down trying. Detangling her hand from Howler’s, she pulled out her drawer and retrieved her purse. Careful to keep her face averted, she spoke to Howler. “Come on Xavier, we’d better grab some lunch before the doctor’s appointment.”

She made it out the door, her heart hammering a mile a minute. The next few seconds would determine the outcome of her life. No pressure. Exiting, she felt Howler’s fingers on the small of her back, and the soft click on the lock.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” Howler asked again.

“If that’s what it takes, yes.” Miller wanted to give her the team. Her knees felt weak and she had to force her feet to move forward.

“I’m out for a few hours. I’ll be available on my cell,” she told her assistant.

She passed the edge of the carpet, onto the marble floor, heels clicking on the tile. One more set of glass doors and she’d be in the hallway. In the next ten feet, something had to give and it wouldn’t be her.

Raina flashed Howler a tense smile, her own worry matching every line etched in his face. “I guess I’ll be a stay at home mom.”

“If that’s what you want.” Howler said, although he didn’t look convinced.

Nor was she but this was about more than her.

Her cellphone rang and Raina lifted her hand. Pressing the button on the Bluetooth still in her ear, she stopped and answered in her most professional tone.

“Fine, do whatever it takes. Call my office when you get back and we’ll hammer out the details,” Miller said.

“Are you saying you want me to take over the team?” she pushed it to the limit but didn’t care. She had to hear the words from his lips.

“I’m not ready to hand over the reins but we’ll talk about it.” he paused for a second, and she waited. “Do you know what sex my grandchild is?”

“No.” She hung up, her heart in her throat.

“Are you all right?” Howler asked, hand on her elbow.

She nodded, unexpected tears pooling in her eyes.

He rested his arm over her shoulder, the smell of linen and starch comforting. “Don’t cry, we’ll figure something out?”

Tears falling down her cheeks, she grinned. “You are looking at the future owner of the Pioneers.”

The frown disappeared from his face, the heaviness around his eyes and mouth lifting. “Son of a bitch. Was that all for show?”

“Yep, but I have to admit, I was sweating it for a moment but I knew he’d cave.”

Using his knuckle, he lifted her chin and said softly, “Proud of you.” She closed her eyes as his lips settled over hers in a long, sensual kiss she never wanted to end.

The day was definitely looking up. She was married with a baby and getting her dream job. Her life was coming together but she couldn’t help think that things were too good to be true.

Chapter Twenty

“Thank you, Lord.” Raina opened her bedroom door and stepped into the hallway. For the first morning since forever, her stomach was calm but her mind continued to spin in a never-ending loop. She’d be meeting Grams in a few short hours, her child’s family. Howler’s family.

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