Page 41 of Dante
"I thought all the store owners were all in agreement with the sale."
He went behind his desk and sat. "They had, but the people living in the surrounding neighborhood have a problem with progress."
"Perhaps they see the development as an intrusion."
He stared at her with lifted brows. "The mall will be tasteful and provide employment for thousands. The neighborhood is rundown and has become a haven for drug dealers and prostitutes."
"All I'm saying..."
"How are you?" His voice had softened, sending thrills running all over her.
"I'm fine." She looked down at her device. "You have..."
"Who's your OB?"
She sent him a frustrated look, tamping down her impatience. "No one you'd recognize."
"I have some friends. The Wellbeing Clinic a few blocks from here has benefited from the company's generosity. I could give Dr. McKenzie a call. She's an excellent OBGYN, or so I'm told."
Her eyes glittered. "I'm fine with the one I have. But thanks."
"I want to help."
Her chin lifted. "In what way?"
He shifted the paperweight between his fingers. "Financially."
Her temper spiked and she had to take a deep breath to level it down and remember that under it all, he was her boss, and she really needed this job.
"I will forget you just said that." Her voice was prim and frosty, and he had to smother the urge to chuckle. Righteous indignation was emanating off her in waves.
"I did not mean it as an insult."
"Exactly what did you mean it as? We had sex and you feel sorry for the poor pregnant employee and you what, decide to offer a handout?"
His amusement fled and switched to anger in a snap. "That wasn't what I meant, and you know it."
"What did you mean, Mr. Livingston?"
His eyes kindled dangerously as he shoved away from his desk. She had to force herself to remain where she was as he marched towards her. Reaching down, he hauled her to her feet and clamped his hands on her arms. And shook her.
"Damn you." His voice was soft and dangerous. "I'm not used to this and I'm trying to..." He shook her again. "I am attracted to you in the worst possible way and it's something I cannot shake."
"Try harder."
"I want you in my life." He continued as if she had not spoken. "And damned if I know how the hell this is going to work." He muttered as if talking to himself. "I want to be there for you and if that means taking care of you and the child..."
"Who is another man's seed."
His eyes smoldered. "Do you love him?"
"What?" She blinked.
"The bastard who left you hanging. Do you love him?" His fingers were digging into her arms, but neither of them seemed to notice.
"No." She whispered. "And I know that sounds awful. I was... my biological clock was ticking, and I thought we could be a family."She shook her head and pressed her lips together. "Anyway, none of it matters. This between us must stop."
"How?"
