Page 8 of One Hot Deal

When I go to sleep, I experience steamy dreams of Derek yet again.

That also has no bearing on my decision.

I spend twenty-three minutes choosing which outfit to wear today, though I have never taken so long to do that before.It means nothing.I want to look good today because Hugh and I will be opening our new factory in Camden this afternoon, and of course, Avery will be there as well to support Hugh.The man once known as Lord Steamy and ridiculed for one indiscretion has become a successful and respected businessman once again.I'm proud of Hugh, for the way he picked himself up and got back to work.Together, we have done more than save Sommerleigh Sweets.We have turned it into an international success.

Hugh Parrish has become almost like a son to me, though I doubt I will ever tell him that.I'm not the effusive sort.Other people are more likely to call me a dragon lady or a robot.

When I head downstairs to the living room, I see Derek standing guard near the door to my flat.Geoffrey is on the balcony, and Ellie will be waiting for us in the limousine, I'm sure.They take turns driving.But Derek always rides with me in the backseat.

Though I invite Derek and Geoffrey to join me for breakfast, they both assure me they've already eaten.Derek won't even look at me today.He stares across the living room from his position at the door, and when I made my breakfast offer, he simply shook his head.

I shocked him with my proposition yesterday.I must have done.He's uncomfortable around me now, and he must think I'm a lunatic.But I want him to say yes.I want it badly.Why?I can't answer that question.It's not because I'm attracted to him, though I am.And it's not because I know he will keep the secret.If he rejects my offer, I will give up on the idea altogether.

But that also means nothing.

In the limousine, Derek does not sit beside me with his body turned slightly toward me and his arm on the seat's back, as he usually does.Today, he faces forward and rests his elbow on the window frame, bracing his chin on his raised hand while he stares out at the streets rushing past us.

And I experience a strange impulse to comfort him.But I restrain myself.

I can't resist watching him, though, with furtive glances that I hope he doesn't notice.He seems pensive, which is probably because of what I asked him to do for me.Perhaps I should have suggested we try dating instead, but I've been down that road too many times and been severely disappointed.I once wasted years on a man who only pretended to love and respect me, then tore my heart to shreds.The risk of another heartbreak is too high.That's why I decided a few years ago that I would never date again.The only prudent choice for having a baby is to convince Derek Hahn to become my donor.

No one will ever know.

Derek helps me out of the car, but he doesn't speak or look directly at me.Once we're inside the building, Derek, Ellie, and Geoffrey go to the security office to handle their daily duties at Sommerleigh Sweets.Derek does walk me to the door to my office, but he leaves immediately after that.

He's going to turn down my offer, isn't he?I wish he would go on and do that so I can get it over with.Waiting is torture.

In the afternoon, we all climb into the limousine for the trip to Camden, which will take half an hour, where we will officiate the grand opening of the new factory.Avery and Hugh try to engage Derek and me in conversation, but Avery winds up chatting to Hugh because we can't manage to speak to either of them, much less each other.

Hugh gives an excellent speech for the grand opening, then he and I cut a ribbon with an enormous pair of scissors.I hadn't wanted to do that since it's a silly tradition, but Hugh talked me into it.The man might not be Lord Steamy anymore, but he hasn't lost his ability to sweet talk anyone he chooses, male or female, old or young.If he ever met Pippa, she would develop an instant crush on Hugh.Teenage girls are very susceptible to his charms.

While Hugh chats to the employees, Avery snags my arm and leads me over to a secluded corner."Are you okay, Diana?You seem kind of anxious today."

"Anxious?Good lord, no.I never feel that way."

She leans closer to whisper, "You can tell me, whatever it is.I won't say a word to Hugh about it."

It's not my business partner who has me feeling…on edge."I am not anxious, dear, but I appreciate your concern."

"Okay, if you say so."

I glance at the factory floor, where Hugh is charming the trousers off everyone he meets.Then movement just past Avery's shoulder catches my attention."I think your brother wants to speak to you."

She glances back at Derek, who stands a short distance behind her.

Derek looks at me, then turns his head away and adjusts his tie.

Avery gives me a knowing smile."So, how long have you been dating my brother?I don't mind.You two make a perfect couple."

Perfect?She's barmy.

I lift my brows at Avery."You are mistaken, dear.I am not involved with Derek."

No, I only want him to be my donor.Perhaps I should consider the turkey baster idea that Derek mentioned.Then he could provide what I need without the necessity of having sex.That would be the cleanest, fastest way to get it done, though it might be somewhat tricky.Intercourse is the only surefire method for me to, um, receive his donation.

Bloody hell.Now I'm refusing to use the S-word.

Avery is still smiling at me as if she's positive she knows a brilliant secret.

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