“Yes, it would have been. I’m grateful you didn’t. But still, we should talk first. Would you be willing to come over so we can discuss it?”
“Actually, I think it would be better if we met for dinner.”
“Dinner?”
“Yes, dinner. That’s when you go to an eating establishment and order food. Are you familiar with that?” He was teasing me, which gave me hope.
“No, I don’t think I am,” I said, deciding to play along.
“Good. That’ll give me an opportunity to teach you something then. My driver will pick you up at seven. I’ll see you tonight.”
I had a decision to make when the call ended. It was made that evening when I stressed over what to wear. I’d never bothered to ask Hugh where we were going, so I didn’t know if I should dress up or not. I ended up wearing a simple, yet semi-dressy black dress with a neckline that dipped a bit low, revealing a hint of my cleavage. Maybe that would entice him a little. I also made sure to wear a sexy black lacy bra with a matching thong, just in case.
What the hell was I thinking? This was supposed to be a business arrangement. I wasn’t out to seduce the man. Or was I? Was I trying to worm my way into his good graces again through sex? Was I that desperate for money? The answer was yes.
When my doorbell rang, I was disappointed to see it wasn’t him standing there, but rather a stranger wearing a chauffeur’s uniform.
“Miss Coleman, I’m Ned, Mr. Hampton’s driver. Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent. Follow me, please.”
He ushered me to a black limo in the parking lot and I slid into the luxurious back seat. Immediately, all thoughts of how much money this man had assaulted my brain. I would have to be on my best behavior to win him over tonight.
The limousine stopped in front of one of the ritziest restaurants in town. I’d never eaten there before because it was way out of my league in price. I was immediately happy I’d chosen the black dress to wear. Ned opened the door and informed me Mr. Hampton already waited inside. My stomach fluttered, but I squelched my nerves and stiffened my spine. Nothing would deter me from my mission tonight. By the time I made it inside, the imminent anxiety eased, and I was much more in control.
“May I help you, miss?” the hostess asked.
“Yes. I’m meeting a Mr. Hampton here for dinner.”
“Ah, yes. Follow me please.”
The restaurant was an old establishment, and it was sectioned off in a multitude of private cubicles. We weaved our way around until we arrived at Hugh’s table. He stood and seated me. “You look lovely tonight, Molly.”
“Thank you. So do you.” And he did. He was wearing a navy suit, a crisp white shirt, and a patterned blue tie. “I have to admit, I didn’t know what to wear since I had no idea where we were eating tonight.”
“I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve always wanted to eat here.”
“This is your first time?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Then I’m happy I chose it. Tell me, why the change of heart? I was sure from the way you sent me away you’d never want to speak to me again.”
I cringed at his words. He was right. I had treated him poorly. I guessed there was no use beating around the bush, so I might as well jump right into my explanation. But as I was getting ready to open my mouth, a gorgeous woman walked up to our table and said, “Well, if it isn’t Hugh Hampton.”
Six
Hugh
“Claudia,” I said.
I didn’t introduce my silent partner as she eyed Molly like she was a stain on the chair before turning her attention to me.
“I see things haven’t changed,” she said to me while pretending Molly didn’t exist. The things I wanted to say were held back because the damn woman had me by the balls. I clenched my teeth and bit back cursing her to hell, where she’d come from. Claudia had been a mistake my dick hadn’t seen coming, in more ways than one. In my bid to start my business, she’d offered some capital. Things had been good between us then and that had turned out to be one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Now I shared my corporation with her.
She kept glancing at Molly as if I should introduce her. But it was better for me and especially Molly if Claudia didn’t know anything about her.
“I’m in the middle of a meeting. If you’d like to chat, I can have my assistant work with yours on a suitable time.”
“Touché,” Claudia muttered. “We do need to get together. I got a call I think you’ll be interested in hearing about.” Then, on pencil-thin heels, she clicked away.
“And that was?” Molly waited for an answer.
“An error in judgment.” The words slipped from my mouth and her brows drew up. I amended my statement. “No one you need to worry about. And trust me, it’s best you don’t know her. She’s a viper in human skin.”
Molly waved it away. “I’m not sure why I asked. What you do is your business.”
Grateful she’d given me an out, I pulled out a bound document and set it in front of her.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Our agreement.”
Something like betrayal crossed her features when our eyes met. “We need this?”
“It’s for your protection. If you have my child and something happens to me, everything I’ve promised to you is written down and will supersede a will.” I tapped it with an index finger. “In summary, I’ll give you this in good faith.” I pulled out a check and slid it across to her. Her eyes nearly bugged out when she saw the sum. “Then when you go to have tests run to check your health and the ability to conceive, I’ll give you this.” I opened up the portfolio and pointed to the summary schedule of payments. “As you see, by just doing the tests, you will have earned enough money to pay the bills I saw.”
She licked her lips and quietly said, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that won’t cover everything.”
I nodded. “Once you are confirmed pregnant by a doctor of my choosing, you will receive this amount, which should be enough to take you out of financial debt and secure your financial wellbeing for the long term.”
She glanced up with almost childlike concern. “And what if I miscarry?”
“Everything I’ve given to you up to that point is yours to keep, including the gift card. If you give birth, there is a final lump sum. Then a monthly stipend will be given to you and each child.”
“Each child?”
But then we were interrupted by the waiter. It was another ten minutes before we came back to our conversation.
“Each child?” she repeated when we were alone again.
“We’ll be going to a fertility doctor,” I said. “It’s possible they will give you hormones that could increase the chance of multiple births.” She sat back. “Don’t worry, you and any child we have together will be well taken care of, including a nanny or nannies if needed.”
She nodded. “So if we are going to a fertility doctor, does that mean they’ll artificially put your sperm into me?”