Page 26 of Working For A Billionaire

This is my worst nightmare. People I don’t know talking about babies and being parents. I swallow the displeasure, because I know why I’m here. Because of Riley. I want to show her I’m serious about committing to this.

I see her at the opposite side of the room. A feeling of pride and contentment takes hold of me. I don’t care about any of the people here, but I care about her. I care about the baby. And it’s a frightening conclusion. It reminds me that not everything is under my control, which terrifies me.

I walk over to her, only to slip my arm around her waist and pull her close to me for a kiss before the next group of guests come to say hello. A smile spreads across her full lips as we pull away from one another, and at that moment, I hear Riley exclaim.

"Mom!"Riley’s cheeks quickly turn crimson as she gives her mother an awkward hug, "We were just...uh," she stammers, looking to me for assistance.

“Oh, don’t worry, darling,” she shrugs. “I was young once. Besides, it is healthy to express love in a physical way. Back in the day, your father and I—”

“Alright, alright,” Riley interrupts her. “We don’t need to hear about any of that now, mom.”

I chuckle, agreeing. Now is neither the time nor the place. I’d say no time or place are right to hear such stories, but I bite my tongue.

"Are you taking good care of my baby girl, Harrison Rutherford?" Riley’s mother asks, staring me straight in the eyes.

"Of course, Amy," I assure, "she is my top priority."

"Good," she responds, not batting an eye, "because if I find out that you aren't, all the money in the world isn't going to save you from me."

Her words send a shiver throughout my body as she flashes me a friendly smile, which causes me to experience a level of intimidation I have only felt around my mother. They seem so different, and yet, so alike.

"She's just joking," Riley says with a nervous laugh.

"No, I'm not," Amy insists, leaving no doubt in my mind that she means every word.

"Harrison!" Anderson exclaimed excitedly as he walked up to our table. I couldn't help but smile as I saw him approach.

"Shawn," I said in surprise. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Oh, you know me," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Gabby told me she was hosting a baby shower for a friend, and I was quite surprised to discover it was for Riley!" He turned to Riley, beaming. "Congratulations to both of you. And Riley, it's so good to see you again!"

"Thank you, Shawn," Riley replied, her cheeks turning a faint pink. "How have you been?"

"Oh, I'm doing great," he said with a chuckle. "But enough about me. You look amazing!"

I glanced at Riley and saw that she was blushing, but she seemed pleased with the compliment.

"Dad, you came!" Gabby says, giving Anderson a hug.

"Dad?" Riley repeats then looks at me confused.

"I just wanted to offer my congratulations to the happy couple," he replies, slapping me on the back.

"Thank you, Shawn," I say, feeling the stinging on my skin.

He chuckles then leans in and in a low voice tells me. "I guess, we will be seeing a lot of each other now that we will be working together."

"That's right," I reply in the same hushed tone.

Twenty minutes later, the room buzzes with excitement and joy. Plates clatter and glasses clink as Riley proudly shows off her sonogram and welcomes everyone to the baby shower. Her smile radiates warmth and a sense of belonging. I can't help but feel a deep sense of happiness within me.

Months before, I couldn’t imagine being in this situation. Now, everything has changed, and I didn’t even notice it. I watch Riley’s bump, feeling a sudden desire to caress it. I want all these people gone, so I can do exactly that.

Once everyone has eaten, Gabby announces that it's time for presents. I watch as Riley opens her gifts and thanks her guests for all the wonderful baby things. While all the presents seem practical, this isn’t my thing. I excuse myself to get some fresh air, giving Riley a kiss on her cheek before I head outside. She smiles, and I can’t help but think that I need to tell her how this all started.

Things have changed, that much is true, but I didn’t get into this because I wanted to be a father. I wanted to make Anderson see me as a different man. Now, I’ve managed to obtain that goal, but in the process, I’ve also become that new person. Only, I need to explain this to her. But this is not the right moment.

When I open the door, I feel the cool breeze on my face and take a deep breath. The commotion inside is behind me and for a second, I can relax. Over the trees, splashes of pink and orange are taking over the pale blue sky as the sun is setting. It's a beautiful sight.

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