The Tycoon's Cupid Surprise (a Valentine's novella) (Holiday Babies) Read Online Free PDF Page A

guys have something planned?”
    Brooke said “not really” at the same time Xander said “yes.”
    He clarified. “We do now.”
    “I expect to hear more about this,” Ella said, heading for the back room. “Right now, I’m going to pack this little man’s bag and get outta here before you all change your mind.”
    Xander joined Brooke behind the counter. She never wore make-up other than a lick of gloss he had grown increasingly impatient to taste. He got the feeling she was leaning that way, too. He often caught a certain sparkle in her eyes…a breathy quality to her voice. Still, her main priority was that baby. Only made her more attractive. There was something special about Chance. He got more into that kid every day.  
    “So, what have you got in mind for tonight?” he asked, setting down the spray bottle.
    “ You’re right. We totally need a change of scenery.”
    “Consider it done.” He tore off his apron and set it down beside the spray. “Put on something pretty and I’ll pick you up at seven.”
    Her eyes were sparkling again. With a burp cloth slung over one shoulder and her ponytail mussed from where Chance had caught a handful of hair, Xander didn’t think his business partner had ever looked more beautiful.
    “ Can I ask where you’re taking me?” she said.
    “ And spoil the surprise?”
    “As long as it’s not a red carpet affair. ” A finger went to her mouth. “I’m not much into the socialite scene.”
    “I promise. ” He headed for the front door. “What I have in mind is ultra private.”
     
     

Chapter 8
     
    She might not be a princess or a movie star, but at this minute, Brooke felt as if she were the most desirable—the luckiest —woman in the world. Sitting in a private area of a quaint but tasteful restaurant, with the sound and scent of ocean waves crashing on the nearby shore…this must be heaven on earth.
    She’d known Xander a little over t wo weeks. Practically no time at all. So, why did she feel so connected? How did Xander truly feel about her? He’d said that he liked her. He had absolutely invested in her. During the day, they talked and laughed and made plans…
    W as it crazy to wonder if one day there might be more?  
    Xander was refilling her wine glass. “How do you feel about the baby being more than five seconds away?”
    “ Like I’ve lost a limb.”
    In the soft yellow glow of the candlelight, she saw his eyebrows lift. “That bad?”
    “Not bad , exactly. Different. Weird. Thing is I know he’s safe and being lathered in love.”
    This afternoon when Ella had offered again to have Chance for the night, Brooke had come to an overdue conclusion. She’d been hooked up on her promise to Tiffany: Brooke had vowed to always look after her son. Didn’t mean she had to lock Chance away until graduation. Moms were allowed to go out every now and again, weren’t they? 
    “Your sister’s quite a character ,” he said, scooping up a forkful of linguini.
    “ She can wrap anyone around her little finger. Hannah’s the oldest...a total egghead. The one with all the degrees, remember?” Toying with her salad, Brooke gave up a bit of information she hadn’t offered before. “Hannah and her husband are trying for a baby.”
    “ Good for them.”
    “Being a parent has to be the best feeling in the world. I couldn’t imagine life without Chance now.”
    Xander set down his fork. “There are questions that need to be asked though.”
    “Questions?”
    “About the birth father. You don’t want him showing up out of the blue, hiring a lawyer and demanding parental rights.”
    Brooke’s heartbeat began to race. “Could that happen? I was named in Tiffany’s will. I’ve lodged my consent . I know I’ve passed the background check.”
    “I’ve had my attorney look into it. Seems there’s a lack of uniformity between states regarding level of protection for unwed fathers. If he pops out of the woodwork, it could mean a lot of