Chapter 20
Adam
I watched Beth practically pace a hole in the rug in front of the bed. I couldn’t believe she’d reacted with so much horror because I told her I trusted her. Maybe it was a good thing I hadn’t told her I love her then.
Chin resting on my palm, I said, “I thought you had something to tell me.”
She froze and spun around to face me.
“I do. I was just trying to gather my thoughts.”
“Now you’re scaring me.”
We’d had such a great evening―a great few days actually. I felt closer to her than ever and I wondered if she felt the same way. We felt like a real couple and I didn’t hate it.
What had I been running from all these years? I felt foolish having the idea that my parent’s relationship would define my own. Beth was incredible to be with. Once she stopped despising the very air I breathed, she was pretty easy going, like me. She was smart, funny, and sexy as sin.
I was worried about what she had to tell me but that didn’t stop me from checking her out. I really wish she’d put something more than that flimsy robe on so I could focus on whatever she had to say. The swell of her breasts were on display and her skin still glistened from our bath.
I never thought the day would come when I sat in a tub and soaked in a freaking girly bath fragrance. Yet, I did it for Beth. She suggested it and I had tripped over myself to prepare it for her in an effort to be romantic. Boy, I really had it bad. I couldn’t complain about the sex that followed though. It was worth smelling like a woman.
“ Beth ,” I sighed, tired of the suspense, “Come on.”
“I want you to know that this was in no way deliberate. I’d like to think you know me better than that.”
I sat taller in the arm chair and studied her with growing suspicion. “Alright, woman, spill .”
That hot tempered spitfire I’d known almost all my life surfaced.
“First of all, just because we have incredible sex, don’t think you can get away with calling me woman in that tone. You’re risking bodily harm.”
My lips twitched but I valiantly fought back the smile.
“I’m sorry. What was I thinking?”
Just because we didn’t bicker at every turn anymore, didn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the hell out of watching her eyes spark with annoyance...and that pout. So sexy .
Her eyes narrowed at my sarcasm but she deflated before my eyes. Shoulders drooping, she groaned, “Adam, please don’t hate me for this. I’m pregnant.”
Scratching my chin, I studied her with amusement. That was the big revelation? What a relief. For a moment, I thought she wanted to tell me she was done with me. “You really thought I didn’t know?”
Her gasp was loud enough to wake the dead. “You knew? How?”
“I suspected .” Scowling, I said, “Come on Beth, give me some credit. A man doesn’t explore and get to know every dip and curve of a woman’s body and not notice even the slightest change. Not this man anyway.”
I gave her a once over. I’d perved her out enough to realize that her breasts had gotten just a little fuller and her middle slightly thicker.
She blew out a breath and covered her face. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“And risk getting kicked in the balls for commenting on your body?” I snorted, “I’ve had enough experience with women to know better.”
Peeking through her fingers, she noted, “You’re taking this extremely well.”
Before I fell head over heels for Beth, I probably would have jumped out of my penthouse window after news about a baby. Now, I was relieved. It was something more to tie her to me until I won her heart. It was safe to assume it happened the first time we had sex. It was the only other time before today that we hadn’t used protection. Fate was on my side it seemed.
I shrugged. “I’ve grown a lot over the last few months. I’ve realized that situations I once avoided aren’t so bad. Starting a family isn’t a bad thing.”
If it’s with you.
Beth’s face flushed.
“I can’t believe I spent weeks wallowing in guilt and afraid to tell you when you already knew. I feel so stupid.”
I stood up and strolled to her, taking her hands in mine. “I can’t believe you thought I’d hate you.”
Wide, tear filled eyes found mine and I almost dropped her hands and backed away. An annoyed Beth lecturing me, I could handle. Beth in tears, not so much.
“You hated me before.”
“That wasn’t hate. That was…” Unidentified attraction and sexual frustration. “I’ve never hated you, Beth.”
She sniffed. “I was worried you’d think I got pregnant deliberately to get more out of our deal or something.”
I gritted my teeth. That wretched deal. It was the first business deal I hadn’t fully thought through, and wanted out of so badly. I wanted us to be together without the damn arrangement hanging over our heads.
“You were right. I do know you. You’d never do that.”
Beth exhaled, relief evident on her face. “Thank you.”
“The only thing I’m pissed about is using condoms the entire time when we could have gone without.”
Her lower lip quivered and my horror mounted.
“Shit, that was a joke. Please, don’t start crying,” I begged.
Her laughter was a relief to hear.
“You find out we’re having a baby in the middle of an arranged marriage and you’re only worried about dealing with a weepy woman. I hate to break it to you but you’re probably in for a lot of tears when my hormones start raging.”
I couldn’t share her amusement. I was too busy staring dumbly at her, at war with myself about jumping the gun and doing what I’d been planning for days. No, I wanted it to be done properly―the grand romantic gesture. I’d bide my time until everything was perfect.
Beth’s amusement disappeared when she realized I hadn’t shared her joke. “Are you sure you’re okay with this, Adam?”
“Of course,” I answered quickly.
******
“We need to speed things up, Janine.”
“How much?”
“I need everything done by next month.”
The woman uncrossed her legs and sat up in her chair.
“ Next month ? Mr. Thorne, that’s impossible.”
“The amount of money I’m paying you, you should be able to arrange everything on the goddamn moon for tomorrow, Janine.”
She huffed and gave me a disapproving scowl while she tapped something out on her phone.
“I’ll see what I can do. I’m good but I’m not a miracle worker.”
“I believe in you,” I grinned.
Janine and I went way back. Well, not us per se, her and the Thorne clan. She’d been planning most of our major events for years now.
“I need everything to be perfect,” I reminded her.
“Do I ever disappoint?” she drawled, relaxing back in her chair.
“You don’t. Don’t worry, I’ll throw in a little extra for the rush.”
“May I ask why the change in schedule?”
My eyes flew to hers. I knew her to be discrete and I needed some advice so, what the hell? Rolling my chair around my desk, I leaned in.
“You’re the only one I’m telling for now so if it gets out…”
“You insult me, Mr. Thorne,” she scoffed. “I’ve worked with your mother for years.”
Despite us being alone in my office, I still glanced around suspiciously. I wanted to laugh at myself. I was acting like I was seeing through some top secret government mission.
“Alright, I’m having a baby.”
Janine’s blonde brows shot up.
“Not me, my...wife. We’re having a baby.”
“I know what you meant,” she laughed. Her face lit up. “That’s wonderful!”
It really was. I’d warmed up to the idea when I had my suspicions, before Beth confirmed. There had been a moment of fear when it hit me that I’d be responsible for another human. Considering how much I tended to fuck up―well, not so much anymore―I wondered if I’d be a good parent. Beth has had her shit all the way together since we were kids so I had the best partner to work with.
“Beth is going on the fourth month. After she confirmed, I started thinking that maybe I should go through with my plan sooner rather than later. You know, to show her how much I love her.”
Janine had no idea that my marriage to Beth had been a business arrangement. I’d created a story about wanting to surprise her with the intimate family ceremony she’d wanted. It was crazy to want to recreate a wedding only five months in but the event planner hadn’t asked any questions. The part about wanting to give Beth her dream honeymoon because we didn’t have one was true at least.
“And you say you’re not romantic. You are ,” Janine gushed.
“I try,” I sighed. “I need your advice. I’ve been reading about push presents. I had no idea that was a thing. I mean, isn't having a kid enough?”
Laughter filled my office.
“ Men . Carrying a child and giving birth is hard work. I should know, I’ve done it three times. A woman wants to feel appreciated.”
Being romantic sure was starting to look harder than running a conglomerate. “Right. So, what do you think is a good gift for a woman who isn’t materialistic and is a little bit of a nerd―a hot one might I add?”
That sent her into another fit of giggles.
“Well, jewelry is a norm but if she isn’t materialistic, maybe a nice spa treatment. A professional photoshoot would be nice also, to capture your new family as it begins.”
I shook my head, taking in everything.
“Another great idea is a luxurious getaway. Aside from the honeymoon you’re planning, maybe a nice cruise or something.” Janine tapped her chin. “There’s always the keepsake route such as a baby book or journal.”
I blew out a breath.
“Wow. Well, it’s a good thing I have another six months to come up with that perfect gift, huh?”
She smiled and gave me a friendly pat on the knee. “You’re doing great with recreating this wedding. Coming up with a gift will be a piece of cake.”
“Thanks. I appreciate all of your help.”
“You’re very welcome, Mr. Thorne.” She glanced at her watch. “I should get going, I have another appointment.”
“Sure thing. Let me know if you need anything more for planning. This needs to be―”
“Perfect, I know,” she smiled and patted my cheek. “You’ve grown into a fine young man, Adam.”
I couldn’t help laughing at the motherly gesture and words. Janine worked with my family long enough to have witnessed my numerous hiccups over the years. “Thanks. It was touch and go for a while, wasn’t it?”
She laughed, and grabbed her handbag.
“Oh, I knew you’d come around.”
On my way back from walking Janine to the elevator, I was stopped by to see my assistant.
“Mr. Thorne, Beth stopped by while you were in your meeting, but she left.”
I frowned. “Did she tell you what she wanted?”
“No. I told her you’d be out in a few but she just took off.”
It was my first time having a pregnant wife so naturally, I panicked. My first thought was that something was wrong. Beth never just showed up at my office. She hadn’t even called first.
“Cancel my two o’clock and reschedule for tomorrow if possible.”
Diane’s eyes widened. “Are you sure? Mr. ―”
“Just do it, Diane.”
Her mouth clamped shut and she reached for the phone. It could have been a meeting with the President of the country for all I cared. I had to make sure Beth was alright.