Chapter 9 (Tanya)

Christmas Ball. December 23rd. A Saturday.

Today was the day. Not only was I about to go to an important social event with my boss – a billionaire CEO – but I needed to tell him my decision.

Just thinking about it made me anxious.

I had thought about his offer a million and one different ways, trying to weigh the pros and cons so I’d make the right decision but every time I thought I had settled my mind, some new thought would pop up, destroying everything.

What was I supposed to do?

I couldn’t possibly have Everett’s baby… could I?

What kind of woman would I be?

Yet, the money was enticing. It would be more than enough to follow my dreams.

Ugh, this was impossible.

I paced around my kitchen as if doing so would give me more time but the clock kept ticking and ticking. Soon enough, Everett would arrive, and I’d still be dressed in my pajamas, trying to make a decision.

With a sigh, I ventured into the bathroom. On the sink was a box. It had arrived yesterday with a note from Everett. It was my outfit for the ball. I hadn’t opened it yet.

Biting my lip, I ripped through the tape, flipping open the flaps.

Cautiously, I reached inside.

I gasped, pulling out a gorgeous red gown. Even in the dull bathroom lighting, the sequins glittered like a million stars. The silk fabric felt too luxurious for someone like me and yet, Everett expected me to wear this.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered the courage to finally try it on.

It settled into place as it belonged on my body. I couldn’t believe it. I had never had a dress fit me so well. My every curve was accentuated. The cleavage was low but still tasteful. The slit was just the right length to show off my shapely leg. It was perfect.

When I looked in the mirror, I felt a bout of nerves wrap around my spine. What if Everett didn’t like what he saw? I fretted over the tiniest wrinkles, picking out all my imperfections.

Why did he want me to bear his baby?

I was just some normal, run of the mill girl. He could have paid anyone and yet he wanted me. Why? It was the question that had haunted me for the last 48 hours. I just couldn’t understand it. What was so special about me?

As I walked into my bedroom, I contemplated calling the whole thing off. I could just tell Everett I was indisposed and couldn’t make it. He would understand. Besides, he could get a replacement date in a heartbeat. There were tons of girls that flocked over him. I wouldn’t be missed.

I picked up my phone, looking through my contacts, finger hovering over his name. I hesitated.

What was I supposed to do?

It didn’t feel right to accept his offer and yet the money could make an enormous difference in my life. Would it be worth throwing away my decency? I didn’t know anymore…

But, in the back of my mind, that wasn’t even what bothered me the most.

Did Everett like me?

When he kissed me, there was a fire burning between his lips. Everything pointed to the fact that he was attracted to me, but I didn’t know if it was only lust or if there was something else. I yearned for more. I wanted him to like me just as much as I liked him. But, who was I kidding? He was way out of my league. It would never work – even if the feelings were there.

Suddenly, before I could work through the turmoil in my mind, there was a knock on the door.

Crap! It was him.

I didn’t even have makeup on yet. He couldn’t see me like this…

Panic bubbled up inside of me.

What was I supposed to do?

Maybe, if I pretended no one was home, he’d leave.

Knock. Knock.

Shit.

What was I supposed to do?

Knock. Knock.

Eventually, my guilt took hold. I couldn’t just leave him to stand out there. He had gone through all the trouble to get me this beautiful dress.

Taking a deep breath, I approached the door, swinging it open.

As soon as I did, my heart seemed to stop.

Everett was gorgeous. Like, drop dead gorgeous. I stared at him, mouth agape, heart pounding.

“You look stunning.” He said with a breathtaking smile before he took my hand, squeezing it a moment. As his smile deepened, he leaned down, planting a small kiss on the back of my hand like a storybook gentleman.

At this point, it felt like my heart would explode out of my chest.

How could this be real? I had to be dreaming.

Without an ounce of hesitation, his arm snaked around my waist, pinning me to his body like a proper escort. “Shall we?” He asked, voice deep and husky.

Despite all the turmoil I had felt, I knew, deep down, that I’d never be able to resist this man. His charm alone was enough to entice any woman – and I was no exception.

I would bare this man’s baby.