Page 7 of One Hot Deal

"Not seeing the incentive for me to do this.Abandon my own kid?That's not my style, Diana."

She gently bites the corner of her lip, and I swear I see a hint of vulnerability in her eyes.But she erases that quickly, reverting to her all-business attitude."If you do this for me, I will compensate you handsomely.You might call it a promotion."

"I don't work for you, which means you can't give me a promotion."

"Of course I can, though not in the traditional manner."She leans back in her chair, aiming those beautiful eyes at me."I can guarantee you a contract with an A-list celebrity who is in need of your services.The financial rewards will be great, and the contract will enhance your company's image far more than I could ever do."

"That's a generous offer.But I'd see our kid all the time and not be able to treat them as my child.Not sure I can pull that off.Hugh Parrish works with you, and my sister Avery is marrying him.I'd still see a lot of you and our baby."

"I'm not finished.This new job will be in America."She waves a dismissive hand."Problem solved."

For three months, I've protected this woman and gotten to know her a little bit, as much as she lets anyone know her.I've always had the feeling she had a relationship in her past that blew up in her face and now she's afraid to let anyone in.Maybe that's why she's doing this.

Or she might just be insane.But I can't believe that.Diana built a billion-dollar empire all on her own.She's amazing, not crazy.So why is she asking me to participate in her wacko scheme?Before I can give her any kind of response to her suggestion, I need to figure out a few things.

"I need time to think about it," I tell her."You kind of blindsided me, and I can't say yes or no yet."

"Of course."She nods and rises."Thank you, Mr.Hahn."

"Uh-huh."I get up and start to walk away, then realize something.I turn toward her."You never told me exactly how you plan for me to get you knocked up.If it involves a turkey baster—"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Okay.How, then?"

Her lips twitch, like she's trying not to smile."We will have sex, repeatedly, until I become pregnant."

I stare at Diana.I'm probably gaping at her, actually.Every muscle in my body refuses to work, even the ones in my eyelids.The only part of me that still functions is my dick.It jerked when she announced she wants to fuck me over and over until we hit the jackpot.Yeah, that idea turns me on.It's what happens afterward that makes me uneasy.

When I can finally speak, I manage only one word."Oh."

She raises her brows."Are you all right, Mr.Hahn?"

I blink several times rapidly, then clear my throat."I'll think about your offer, Ms.Sangster."

"Thank you."

Diana sits back down at her desk and starts rifling through papers.But I think she's pretending to focus on work.I doubt she's as calm and collected about what she suggested as she wants me to think.

I head for my office and do my job, arranging schedules for my employees, handling paperwork, and checking in with my people in the field.My company works for a lot more clients than just Diana Sangster, but she and Hugh offered to let me have an office at the headquarters of Sommerleigh Sweets and use it for all my clients, not just their business.

Hugh will be my brother-in-law in next Saturday.If I take Diana's offer, I'll move back to America, far away from my sister.Avery is the only family I've got.Well, until she marries Hugh.Then I'll technically have a brother.

This is nuts.I can't be Diana's baby donor.

For the rest of the day, I obsess over work stuff to keep from thinking about Diana and her deal.But after work, I can't avoid that anymore.It's time to escort Diana back to her flat.Ellie opens the limo door for us, and I see Geoffrey in the driver's seat.I help Diana into the car and slide in beside her, keeping a discreet distance as always.Ellie shuts the door.She will follow us in another vehicle, bringing up the rear of our little motorcade.

I watch Diana as Geoffrey pulls the limo out onto the street.She pretends she doesn't notice me watching her, but I know she does.Diana is a savvy woman.That's why I can't understand the deal she proposed.I'd love to have kids, but becoming a donor who disappears before the baby is even born… No, I don't see any way I can agree to that.

Maybe I could change her mind.And do what?Marry her?We don't really know each other.I lost my parents years ago, and my only serious relationship fell apart in the most painful way.I shouldn't get this deeply involved with anyone, much less a complicated woman like Diana.

Will I accept her offer?I have no fucking idea.

Chapter Four

Diana

Derek escorts me up to my flat, but he leaves as soon as I walk inside.Though he usually stays only if I'm going for a walk, I can't blame him for wanting to get away from me right now, considering what I suggested this morning.He must think I've lost my mind, and perhaps I have.I never wanted a baby until recently.Until I met Derek Hahn.But no, that has nothing to do with my decision.

---