~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