The Property Brokers: A Billionaire Romance Read online

  When I stepped into the office, Grant was sitting behind his desk working on his computer.

  “Hey.” He smiled. “I heard about your sale. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.” I gave him a small smile as I walked over to my desk.

  “I also heard you went off on the client.”

  “They had it coming. I won’t apologize for that.”

  “I don’t want you to apologize. Do you have lunch plans? We need to go over our sales for the West 21 building.”

  I grabbed a file from my desk and placed it in my purse.

  “Actually, I’m heading home for the day.”

  “What?” He got up from his seat and walked over to me. “Are you okay?”

  “It’s nothing to worry about. I just need some rest.”

  “Bella, why do I get the feeling you’re not being truthful with me.”

  “Grant, it really isn’t a big deal. I’m just having a little bit of cramping and spotting and the doctor said I need to stay hydrated and go home and rest for the day. Just as a precaution.”

  “How long has this been going on?”

  “A couple days for the spotting. The cramping just started this morning.”

  “You go home and lie down. Don’t worry about work or anything today. If you need anything, call me.”

  “Thank you. I will.”

  Grant and I weren’t anything but co-workers and friends. The look on his face when I told him I was pregnant told me a lot. Even though the baby wasn’t his, I could see the worry in his eyes that I would some way want him to help. When he found out, he stopped asking me out. In fact, the only time we saw each other was at the office. But that was even hit or miss because we were both busy out of the office with clients, showings and open houses. Whatever. I couldn’t deal or worry about him. He told me he never called me after Hawaii because he knew it would never work. I supposed he felt the same way again now that I was pregnant.

  When I arrived home, I changed my clothes and laid down on the couch with my feet propped up on some pillows. Duchess snuggled next to me, and we both fell asleep. I awoke a couple hours later, made some tea, talked to Cody to make sure everything was okay and then turned on The Real Housewives of New York.

  It was six o’clock when there was a knock at my door. Getting up from the couch, I looked out the peephole and saw Grant standing there.

  “Hey,” I said. “What are you doing here?”

  “I figured I’d bring dinner over and check up on you. How are you feeling?” he asked as he stepped inside.

  “Pretty much the same. You didn’t have to bring dinner. I was just going to order something.”

  “And what were you going to order?”

  “Chinese.”

  “Damn.” He grinned. “I must have read your mind.” He held up the bag and I couldn’t help but smile. “Go sit down and I’ll bring it to you.”

  I went and sat down on the couch and heard him talking to Duchess.

  “Bella, the cat is on the counter and I’m trying to get the food out of the bag.”

  “Pet her and she’ll leave.”

  “I did and she won’t leave me alone.”

  “Then pick her up and set her on the floor.”

  “Does she bite?”

  “No, she doesn’t bite! She likes you and wants your attention.”

  I heard him sigh and I couldn’t help but laugh.

  He walked over, set the cartons of food down on the coffee table and handed me a plate.

  “You’re seriously watching The Real Housewives of New York?”

  “I’ve been all day. These women are absolutely crazy.”

  “I know a couple of them, and they are a different breed. I sold Ramona her apartment. You thought your clients today were a pain in the ass? Try dealing with her.” He smirked.

  I turned the TV off while we ate dinner. It was nice of Grant to bring it over and very unexpected.

  “Have you talked to Lamar?” I asked.

  “Yeah. I just spoke to him on the way over here. He and Ami are having a great time in Colorado. Do you think it’s weird they’re a couple now?”

  “Not really. I think they’re cute together and perfect for each other. I’ve never seen Ami so happy.”

  “My dad is leaving for Chicago in a couple days and he’s taking Cassandra with him.”

  “Wow. That’s great.”

  “I guess. It’s just weird to me because he’s never done that before.”

  “Certain people have a way of changing other people.”

  He glanced over at me for a moment, gave me a small smile and continued eating. The cramping was getting worse, and I wasn’t hungry anymore. The moment I stood up, I knew something wasn’t right.

  “I need to use the bathroom.”

  “Sure. Okay.”

  I went into the bathroom and shut the door. My heart raced and my eyes filled with tears as I took down my sweatpants.

  “Grant?” I shouted.

  “What’s wrong?” He opened the door and froze when he saw me standing there with blood running down my legs.

  I stared at him and shook my head as tears flowed down my face.

  “Come on. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

  He went in my room, and I heard several drawers opening and shutting. He walked back in with a clean pair of underwear and a new pair of sweatpants.

  “We don’t have time to wait for the car. We’re going to have to take a cab,” he said.

  After he helped me change, he swooped me up in his arms and carried me out of the apartment and out of the building. The doorman quickly signaled a cab for us.

  “Where to?” the cab driver asked.

  “Mount Sinai and make it quick,” Grant spoke.

  When we pulled up to the emergency room, Grant got out, grabbed a wheelchair, helped me out of the cab, and wheeled me inside.

  “Can I help you?” A security guard asked.

  “We think she’s having a miscarriage,” Grant spoke.

  He immediately got a nurse, and they took us right back into a room. A doctor was in within minutes.

  “Hi Bella, I’m Doctor Mansfield, and I’m the OB on call. How far along are you in your pregnancy?”

  “Almost nine weeks.”

  “And you’re bleeding pretty heavy and cramping?”

  “Yes,” I spoke with tears in my eyes.

  “We’re going to do some bloodwork and I’m going to do an ultrasound. Are you the baby’s father?” he asked Grant.

  “Um. No. I’m her friend.” He grabbed hold of my hand.

  “Is it okay with you if he stays?”

  “Yes. It’s fine.”

  The nurse drew my blood while Dr. Mansfield lifted my shirt and performed an ultrasound. Several moments later he looked at me and I knew.

  “I’m sorry, Bella.” He placed his hand on my shoulder and I started sobbing.

  He gave me my options, and I chose to have the D&C.

  “I’ll give you a few minutes alone and then we’ll get you prepped for the procedure.”

  “I’m sorry,” Grant spoke as he leaned over and kissed my forehead.

  Pulling the chair up next to the bed, he sat down and continued to hold my hand. I turned away from him and stared at the stark white walls. An unbelievable sadness of loss washed over me. A feeling I’d never forget the rest of my life.

  Chapter 29

  Grant

  “I’ll be right here when you wake up,” I spoke as I pressed my lips against her forehead and gave her a hand a squeeze.

  She slowly nodded her head and they wheeled her down the hallway. My heart ached for her, and I knew the worst was yet to come. I struggled with the fact that I couldn’t call Lamar. She had told me not to tell him and Ami for she didn’t want to ruin their vacation. She was adamant about it, and I needed to respect her wishes. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed my dad.

  “Hello, son.”

  “Hey, Dad. I’m at the hospital wi
th Bella.”

  “What? Why?”

  I swallowed the lump that was in my throat.

  “She had a miscarriage. She’s in the O.R. undergoing a procedure.”

  “What? I didn’t know she was pregnant.”

  “She didn’t want anyone to know yet. The baby wasn’t mine, Dad. It was her ex-boyfriend’s from California.”

  “That’s too bad. She must be devastated.”

  “She’s really upset. I won’t be in tomorrow. I’m going to stay the night with her and make sure she’s okay.”

  “That’s good, Grant. Do what you need to do. Call me tomorrow and let me know how she’s doing.”

  “I will.”

  “Take care, son.”

  I ended the call and pulled out some cash from my wallet. Walking over to the coffee machine, I inserted the cash and selected a coffee. Sitting down in the cushioned chair, I brought the cup to my lips as I recalled our time in Hawaii.

  “What kind of teacher do you want to be and why?”

  A bright smile graced her face as we sat on a blanket in the sand.

  “I want to be an elementary school teacher because I love children. Their little brains are sponges just waiting to be filled with information. And I want to be one of the people responsible for their knowledge. I babysit for this family back home, and the kids are six and eight. They are such good kids and I love helping them with their homework. I turn it into a game, and they love it. One day, Tyler told me that when the teacher asked the class a question, he was the only one who raised his hand because he remembered what I taught him. He was so proud, and he said he felt really smart. That’s the reason I want to become a teacher.”

  I reached over and ran the back of my hand along her cheek.

  “You’re going to make a wonderful teacher and a wonderful mother someday.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Mr. Roman?” I heard my name called.

  Snapping back to the present, I stood up from my chair and Dr. Mansfield walked over to me.

  “The procedure went well, and Bella is in recovery. She may be in some pain so I’ve prescribed a pain medication she can take if she needs it. She does need to rest for the next few days. Physically she’ll be fine, but mentally, it may take a while.”

  “Any idea why this happened?” I asked.

  “No, and it’s nothing she did wrong. Sometimes, it just isn’t meant to be.”

  “Will she be able to have more children?”

  “Yes. She will. She’s a very healthy young woman. Unfortunately, sometimes these things happen.”

  “I’ll be staying with her tonight. Is there anything I need to do for her or need to know?”

  “Just make sure she’s comfortable and she rests. I can take you to the recovery room so you can sit with her, and we’ll discharge her in a couple of hours.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Mansfield.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I helped Bella to the bedroom, grabbed her nightshirt from the drawer and handed it to her. She was quiet the entire way home and she still wasn’t saying anything.

  “Do you need help putting that on?” I asked her.

  She slowly shook her head, stripped out of her clothes and slipped the nightshirt over her head. Pulling back the covers for her, she climbed into bed. I went to the kitchen and Duchess followed behind me. Grabbing a bottle of water from the refrigerator, I took it into the bedroom and set it on the nightstand next to her bed with her bottle of pain medication.

  “Do you want to take a pill?”

  She shook her head no and turned the other way.

  “I just want to be alone.”

  “Okay. They’re right here if you need one. I’ll be out in the living room. If you need anything at all, just shout for me.”

  “You’re staying?” she asked.

  “Of course, I’m staying. I’m not leaving you alone after what you’ve been through.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “Bella, I want to. Now get some rest.” I leaned over and kissed the top of her head.

  Walking out of the bedroom, Duchess followed me to the couch. I stripped out of my clothes, sat down and pushed the button on the side to a reclining position. Grabbing the soft blanket Bella was using earlier, I draped it over me. Duchess took it upon herself to jump up, climb on my chest and sit down. Her bright blue eyes stared into mine and she started purring.

  “You really need to be laying with your mom. Why are you hanging out here with me?”

  I brought my hand up to her head and started petting her soft fur.

  “There. Are we done now?” I asked as she stared at me.

  Sighing, I brought my arm over my head and closed my eyes. A few moments later, I could hear Bella sobbing. Regardless if she wanted to be alone, I couldn’t let that happen. This was one thing I couldn’t agree to. She needed me whether she believed it or not. I may not have been there for her in the last fourteen years, but I was now. Getting up from the couch, I walked into the bedroom, pulled the covers back on the other side and climbed in. Hooking my arm around her, I pulled her into me and held her tight as my lips pressed against the top of her head. She didn’t fight me, and she didn’t turn away. She cried until she didn’t have any more tears left in her and then she fell asleep. The last time I held her like this was on the beach in Hawaii. And from that point on, I’d never held another woman like I held her.

  The next morning, I opened my eyes and Bella wasn’t in bed. Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, and she walked into the bedroom.

  “Good morning. I was worried when I woke up and you weren’t here.”

  “I had to use the bathroom.”

  She looked worn out. Her eyes were red and swollen from all the crying she’d done. She picked up the bottle from the nightstand, shook a pill in her hand and chased it down with water. I held out my arm and motioned for her to get back in bed.

  “Don’t you have to get to work?” she asked as she snuggled against me.

  “I’m not going to the office today. I’m working from here.”

  “What?” Why?” She lifted her head.

  “Because I’m not leaving you. You need to let your body rest and heal and I’m going to make sure that happens.”

  “You don’t trust me?”

  “Honestly, no.” The corners of my mouth curved upward. “I’m going to make some coffee. Do you want one?”

  “Not just yet. I think I’m going to go back to sleep.”

  “When you’re ready to talk, I’m here,” I said as I tightened my grip around her.

  Chapter 30

  Bella

  I opened my eyes and wiped the crust that had formed on them while I slept. Looking at the clock it was two p.m. I had slept seven more hours since this morning. Picking up my phone from the nightstand, I had several missed calls, voicemails, and text messages from clients and brokers. Opening my voicemail, I scrolled down until I found Ami’s message and put it on speaker. As I was listening, Grant stood in the doorway.

  “Hey girl, you must be seriously busy making millions of dollars in commission right now. We’re just about to board the plane and head home. We had the best time, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Hope you and baby Marcus are doing well. I’ll touch base when we land.”

  Placing my hands over my face, I started to sob.

  “Come here,” Grant spoke in a soft voice as he sat down on the bed and wrapped his arms around me. “You’re going to get through this. I promise.”

  “I don’t know how,” I cried.

  “It’s going to take time. You’re a strong woman, Bella. One of the strongest women I’ve ever known, and you will find a way. And I’ll be right here to help you.”

  A couple hours later, I climbed out of bed, took a hot shower and changed into different pajamas. Walking out into the living area, I saw Grant was on the phone and Duchess was sitting in his lap. I couldn’t help but smile as I sat down, and Duchess came walking over t
o me.

  “That was Cody,” Grant said. “You sold another three apartments at the West 21 building. Look at that, you’re not even working right now and you’re still selling.” He gave me a wink. “You must be starving because you haven’t eaten all day. That’s not going to fly as long as I’m around. I’ll make you or order anything you want. Name it.”

  “I’m not really hungry.”

  “Then I guess I’ll have to force feed you.” His brow arched.

  “Fine. I’ll have some scrambled eggs and toast. No butter.”

  “Okay.” He jumped up from the couch. “By the way, Ami and Lamar are on their way over.”

  “What? Did you tell them?”

  “No. But Ami called me while you were in the shower because she couldn’t get a hold of you, and she was worried. She heard me tell Duchess to get off the counter and then she started grilling me with questions. She demanded to know why I was here and why you were in the shower in the middle of the afternoon. All I said was that you weren’t feeling well. She’s not stupid, Bella. I’m sure she figured it out and she’s worried. You can’t keep this from her.”

  “I don’t intend to. But they just got back, and she has her own things to do. She doesn’t need to worry about me right now.”

  “She’s your best friend, and that’s what best friends do. You would be the same way.”

  “I know.” I let out a sigh. “How did you get different clothes?” I asked as I noticed his outfit was different from yesterday.

  “I had Tom go to my penthouse and bring me a change of clothes while you were sleeping.”

  “You could have left and got them yourself.”

  “Nah. That’s what assistants are for.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.

  As I was picking at the food Grant made, there was a knock on the door.