Novels by Chandon Kay

~Nikki~I gasp.What the hell?I glare at Jameson. He stares back. Quite nonchalantly. And yet… pointedly.I shove my chair back as my brain practically explodes.“I’m sorry—what the fuck did you just say?”He shrugs and lets out a breath. “I mean, you took a solid stance, Nikki. Presented an intelligent and reasonable argument for us to be together. One I really have difficulty refuting.”“Difficulty refuting?!” I’m in an absolute uproar. Because this conversation is pure bonkers.I sink into my beautifully upholstered chair and sip my latte. Try to breathe.Jameson shoots me a contrite look and says, “Try the cornetto. It’s like a croissant.”He pushes a small, silver-domed plate toward me. “Promise you’ll like it.”I need the distraction from the crazy situation we’ve found ourselves in and I yank off the dome—only to stare at something that is decidedly not a cornetto.Rather…It’s a small box with Cartier stamped on it.My eyes bulge.Jameson chuckles. “Don’t act so surprised.”

It’s a disconcerting thought, I’m not gonna lie. I must tamp down my feelings and any sort of wild-haired ideas developing around the periphery of finding a happily ever after with Jameson Richards.Of course, I’ll experience a form of the HEA—via financial independence and a big, bright future that I will have control over sculpting.I just won’t land Prince Charming. That is a true statement, an indisputable fact that I absolutely have to accept.In addition, I have to acknowledge that there is satisfaction in providing him with something he wants, regardless of how it steals away from me a core HEA element. I can give him a child. That is my superpower.Okay, it’s not my only one. (And it actually hasn’t been proven yet, right?)My other strengths are that I’m growing professionally by leaps and bounds, on a daily basis. Having this closely knit relationship with Jameson, being mentored by him and observing him in every business aspect has offered me invaluable insight. To the p

~ Nikki ~ I love that Jameson wears one of his new ties around his neck as he struts into the bedroom (otherwise, completely naked).I laugh softly.While every fiber of my being ignites.“Had a feeling those were designed specifically for you,” I casually comment before sipping from a crystal-cut tumbler that contains a high-end Disaronno that is rife with an almond flavoring and a warm-and-fuzzy tinge that permeates my insides.He chuckles and says, “You’re not supposed to be the gift-giver.”I’m propped against a mound of pillows, so I’m sitting upright. I’m sans apparel, too, since I stripped off the nightgown while he was in the shower. Might as well cut right to the chase.I lift my chin and counter with, “Says who, exactly?”“Uhh… Me.” He stretches out on the bed and shoots a mischievous look my way.“Hmm,” I merely murmur. And take another sip.My drinking days are numbered, once I sign our contract, so I’m enjoying the last vestiges of this mellow nightcap.Admittedly, thoug

~Jameson~I’m trapped in yet another quandary related to Nikki St. Claire. She is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the perfect woman to accompany me to any business meeting and every gala. She softens my sharp edges when I’m engaged in more personal conversations, and brilliantly substantiates all of my points during professional discussions. She’s elegant, refined and savvy.Also… breathtakingly beautiful.Of course, I’m not the only one to recognize these qualities. She captivates everyone she interacts with.A pro and a con at the exact same time because, while I’m extremely proud of her, I am conversely agitated that she garners so much attention and has other executives cracking jokes about stealing her away from me that aren’t actually jokes. I’m not a fucking idiot. I know a prime commodity when I see one, and Nikki is the real deal. A significant asset is so many ways.It makes me damn glad that I insisted she accompany me on this trip. Not that I condone or are happy with the

~ Nikki ~I think of the movie Pretty Woman and immediately ask, “This is a loaner, right?”He gives me a mock-glare in the reflection of the mirror that is so sexily sardonic, I melt a little.And press my lips together.My heart rate is abnormal every moment I’m with this man, but presently… it’s ridiculously erratic.“Jameson—”“It’s not a bribe, Nik,” he’s quick to interject. “Not meant for any other reason than that I want you to have it. This necklace caught my eye, I thought of you… and… I knew you’d sparkle just a little brighter wearing it.”My lids flutter closed for a moment. Then snap open, my gaze connecting with his once more.“A little brighter? For the love of God…” I’m breathy and flabbergasted and having trouble thinking straight. But somehow manage to continue. “These diamonds put a crystal-clear, nighttime sky in the mountains to shame. Stars don’t shine this bright, Jameson.”“I got your analogy the first time,” he says with a chuckle and a wink—both of which near

~ Nikki ~Jameson places a black leather portfolio on the mahogany table, next to my linen breakfast setting. Then he rounds the table and takes a plush chair across from me.“What’s this?” I ask, in between sips of cappuccino.“CVs and professional accolades of a dozen of the best attorneys in New York City, none of whom are on my payroll; though I will foot the bill for you to meet with the one you choose and carefully review the contract, line by line, so that you are well-educated as to the arrangement we’re potentially entering into.”My brow quirks. “Potentially?” I set aside my delicate cup and eye him, curiously.“You’ve verbally consented, but you haven’t signed anything. You may elect not to sign. That is up to you, Nikki. I won’t attempt to sway you either way. You have all the power in this scenario and, at the end of the day, whatever options you do or don’t pursue are entirely up to you. With one caveat.”Now, I smirk. “Of course. What is it?”“The child will be mine. He

~NICK~I stare at her as her words cut through me and echo in my head. I am absolutely dumbfounded. Caught unawares. Instantly fucking destroyed.“Bailey!” I blurt as the shock seizes my soul. “What on earth are you talking about?”“Oh, Jesus, Nick!” She lets out a sharp groan. “Oh, my God. I’m so sorry. Let me explain!”“Well, yeah, that would be helpful,” I insist, given she’s just ripped the rug out from beneath me.We’re finally on the same page with each other, have committed to a wedding date and now… she drops a bombshell on me.“Cold feet?” I assert as my heart stammers and my pulse pounds.Obviously, I fully comprehend how much I love this woman, how much I want her in my life, in my bed—as the mother of my child. As my queen. But it’s in this precise moment that I fear she’s having doubts again regarding all she’ll be leaving behind when she marries me. If, she marries me.Christ. I drag a hand down my face and get to my feet. “What is going on?”Grayson discretely disapp

~ BAILEY ~Every time I think I can’t be more in love with this man… I fall even deeper under his spell.My arms twine around his neck and I lose myself in yet another searing kiss. His devilish tongue does wicked things to mine, sparking endless fireworks.My heart flutters and my blood sizzles through my veins.I have no clue as to how much time passes. We only briefly gasp for air here and there before we’re engaging in another scorching lip-lock. He has one hand on my ass and the other arm encircles my waist. He’s still holding the present I’ve given him, but neither of us seem to have that on our minds.My fingers thread his lush hair, and we’re pressed together so tightly, a sheath of paper couldn’t pass between us.And yet… That still doesn’t feel close enough.Damn the fact that we have to wear clothing in everyday life!I would be perfectly happy to be naked with this man twenty-four-seven. Also tangled up with him in absolute seclusion.Not a possibility at present, though.

~ BAILEY ~“I’m sorry… whhhaaat did you just say?” Claire stares at me as though I’ve grown a third eye and perhaps an extra nose.I smirk.Her expression doesn’t change. “Bailey-soon-to-be-Angelini, aka Your Majesty… With all due respect… Are. You. Shitting. Me?”Now, I laugh.She’s learned that term from me, with the correct punctuation.I snicker at her and say, “Feel free to bring the incredulity down ten notches. You and I both know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that planning a wedding in less than a month is not the hideous undertaking you’re insinuating it is, particularly for a woman of your mad skills.”The compliment does nothing to placate her.She shoots to her feet and begins to pace, partially obstructing my view of the fountain and the large pond surrounding it, which had been expeditiously “installed” while Nick and I were in California. Apparently, if I requested it, this portion of the estate—the outer perimeters of the private apartments—would be turned into a lake t

~ NICK ~How could I not request this?Other than… Well… There are the standard obstacles, of course.She’s entangled in a “should I stay, or should I go?” tug of war that involves me, a child, and a restaurant—a dream she’s had forever. One that’s significant and fulfilling, given she’s achieved it primarily on her own. What help I’ve provided is financial. She’s the true victor in this vein, with her vision, ingenuity, and initiative. With her hard work.Thus, I understand I’ve just tossed her into a new mix of uncertainty. We haven’t resolved our current situation and now I’ve gone and complicated matters to the degree that her jaw slacks, she gazes at me with wide eyes, and she’s at a complete loss for words.That’s advantageous for me, so that I can explain, “I didn’t plan that, Bailey. Not necessarily. Though… It’s been on my mind. For some time. A long time, truthfully. Even before you came here.”She blinks. I’m guessing that’s to let me know she’s heard me. She just can’t res

~ BAILEY ~Of course, I’m blown away. How can I not be?Sure, I’ve been made fully aware, at every turn, this is to be a formal event, and so I did have it in my head that no expense would be spared. However, that’s actually a vague phrase. While it’s true I can come up with some impressive dining and décor scenarios, and even went a little over-the-top with Bailey’s Clambake, I have not been sufficiently exposed to the word “excessive” in such a concentrated manner.Granted, the palace fits the term. Certainly. Though, it’s incredibly vast and spread out and not something that you take in all at once. Like, seriously, I can only process its grandeur in bits and bites.This gala, however, is in my face.There are chandeliers so beautiful, I want to weep. The one in the center of the room, hanging in the domed ceiling, is so huge, so stunning, I just can’t even… Fathom it.Coming from the gilt edges, which I have no doubt are twenty-four-karat gold (as is every fixture, I’m sure), are

~ BAILEY ~We’re trapped in some bizarre time warp where our eyes are locked and there’s an electrical current arcing between us and every second that slips by is laced with anticipation.It’s Grayson who finally breaks the ice, discreetly clearing his throat. And quietly announcing, “The limo is ready.”“Thank you, Grayson.” Nick manages to speak.He raises a hand again and his thumb skims over his bottom lip.I resist the urge to bite mine, his absent gesture being so subtly sensual. Yet I remind myself not to ruin my lipstick.He takes a couple of wide strides toward me and my breath catches. He hears it. Sees it. And there’s a spark in his grey-green irises because of it.“You picked the most striking dress of all,” he tells me.Miraculously, I’m able to reply. Albeit breathily. Like, full-on Marilyn Monroe. “It’d probably look a lot better if I wasn’t pregnant.” Not that I regret being pregnant. That’s a total no-brainer.He comprehends my unspoken sentiment and gives another sha