Page 4 of Baby Contract

What the hell? “A girl I had a one-night stand with ended up pregnant. You know how it goes.”

No, I don't, but I keep that to myself.

“Is she here?” I’m not taking the job, but I need to play along. There is no way in hell I’d ever work for a guy like this. I may be desperate to get out of the hotel but not that desperate.

I don’t need him to report back to the agency I just landed with that I was rude. I only got in with them because the Conrads gave me a glowing recommendation. If he offers me the job, I will simply decline it, stating that it's not a suitable fit for me.

“We don’t get along. Partly why I’ll need you.” My stomach sours at the way theneed yourolls off his tongue. I’ll never understand how women find men like him attractive. I’d rather die a lonely virgin than ever be with someone like him.

“I read through the job description you gave to the agency, but why don’t you tell me a little bit more of what you’re looking for.” I want to shove the words back into my mouth when a creepy smile forms on his face. His eyes are roaming my body as though I were offering him myself.

For the next hour, I have to go back and forth with him about the position. What’s weird is that he says the baby won’t be born for another few months, but he wants me to move in so we can get comfortable with each other.

“Would you like me to show you where you’d be staying?” He makes the offer as if I had accepted the job.

“Oh, I really can’t.” I make a show of pulling out my phone. “I have an appointment.” I’m lying right through my teeth. There is no way in hell I’m going anywhere near a bedroom with this man.

“I hope not for another nanny position because you’re hired.” I want to tell him that’s not only up to him, but I don’t. I don’t want to have any sort of confrontation with him. I’m already leery of being alone with him right now.

“Nope, personal stuff.” I wish it was for another position. I need to find a job, but I’m not desperate enough for this one.

“A date?” he pushes. “I’m not sure how I’d feel about you dating while living here.”

"It's not a date, but I really need to go." I make my way to the elevator.

“I have to open it.” I swallow hard at his words, but I don’t let my nervousness show.

“Please do.” I force a playful laugh. Thankfully, he does. The second the doors open, I rush on.

“I’ll call the agency and get everything started,” he informs me. I don’t respond. The doors have closed.

I let out the breath I was holding and fall back against the elevator door, somehow knowing it’s not going to be that easy to get away from Robert Remington.

Chapter Three

CARR

“I’ve got an invitation to the LACMA charity event tonight. Everyone who is anyone goes to that. Did you see last year’s guest list? Zendaya! Gigi Hadid! The Kardashians!” My cousin Dee throws out his arms.

“And when you take the paternity test, you can leave.” I glare at Dex. The manchild can’t even look at me. His backbone is made of jelly.

“It’s not mine. I swear it.”

If he grows any more agitated, the sweat on his forehead is going to drop into the coffee cup. His condition may also be from withdrawal. He hasn’t had anything to drink in over twenty-four hours. When Dex said he was playing pickleball, he didn’t mention that it was in a gym in Los Angeles. I sent Ben on a ten-hour round-trip flight with strict orders that Dex needed to be sober. Unfortunately for us, that meant waiting around for almost an entire day since Dex was full of more than alcohol. In the meantime—while Ben finally caught some shut-eye—Errol and I learned how to make baby formula, sterilize bottles, change diapers, and swaddle. The last bit was key because making the baby into a burrito blanket is one of the only ways we could get her to stop crying.

“Then taking the test shouldn’t matter.”

I stomp out of the room and call my mom. “You wanted a grandkid, right?”

“I don’t even get a hello before you slap me across the face with an unexpected pregnancy?”

“It’s not mine. I don’t know whose it is, but it might be Dex’s.”

“Oh, dear. Let me sit down. I need a mimosa. Sheryl, get me a drink, would you? Yes, I know it’s only ten, but I need it. Sorry about that, darling. Tell me everything.”

I give her a brief rundown of my encounter with Megan. “I have Dex locked up in my guest room and the baby is sleeping, although”—I check the time—“I’m going to be on parenting duty in about thirty minutes, so we need to talk fast.”

“If you’re thinking about calling Dex’s mother, she’s in the Mediterranean right now. She met a count and is on his yacht. You may be able to touch base with her, but I highly doubt she’s going to be rushing back to help you.”

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