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  I gave her a small smile from across the table.

  “Listen, Lucas. We’ve already established you’re a selfish person and your work will always come before family.”

  “Really, Jenna?” I cocked my head at her.

  “Yeah. Remember that conversation we had the night this little one was conceived?” She placed her hand on her belly as a smirk crossed her lips. “Anyway, I kind of like that you don’t want to be involved. A child doesn’t have to have two parents to be raised right. One of them would just end up screwing the kid up.”

  “I don’t think that’s true.” I furrowed my brows at her.

  “True or not.” She shrugged. “I’m perfectly happy raising this baby alone. Besides, I’m a genius. How hard can it be? Anyway, thanks for dinner and I’m happy we talked and got everything out. I’m in some pain and I’m exhausted so I’m going to head to bed.”

  “Okay.” I gave her a small smile. “I’ll clean up. Good night, Jenna. And thanks again for your help. You have no idea how much it means to me.”

  “Good night, Lucas. You’re welcome. I’m happy it worked.”

  Chapter 12

  Lucas

  I didn’t know what to think. I knew she was smart based on our conversations, but I had no idea she was on a genius level. This posed a problem for me because she was exactly who I needed to work for me. But I wasn’t sure if that was such a good idea.

  After cleaning up from dinner, I decided to go to the club and talk to Danny. Before I left, I went to see if Jenna was awake

  “You’re up?” I asked as I poked my head through the door and saw her sitting up in bed watching TV.

  “Yeah. I’m just watching a movie. What’s up?”

  “I’m going to run out for a while. Are you going to be okay?”

  “I’m fine, Lucas.” She smiled. “Go have some fun and celebrate.”

  “Can I get you anything before I go?”

  “No. I’m good for now.”

  “Okay. Good night.”

  When I arrived at the club, I found Danny sitting in his office going over receipts.

  “Hey, you.” He grinned. “What are you doing here?”

  “Just dropped by for a visit. I need to talk to you.”

  “Okay. Let’s go grab a drink and sit at my special table.”

  I followed him out of his office, and he told one of waitresses to grab two scotches and bring them over to his table.

  “What’s going on, man?” he asked as we sat down.

  “The coding is done and works perfectly. I’m meeting with Giles Holloway tomorrow to finalize everything.”

  “Alright, my man!” He grinned as he held up his hand for a high-five. “How did you do it? Did it just click or what?”

  “Actually, I didn’t do it.”

  The waitress walked over and set our drinks down in front of us.

  “What? What do you mean?” His brows furrowed.

  “Jenna figured it out, rewrote the program and gave it to me.” I sipped my drink.

  “Jenna? As in your baby momma with the broken foot who’s staying at your penthouse?”

  “Yep.”

  He let out a laugh. “Dude, what is she a genius or something?”

  “Yeah. She is.” I spoke with seriousness.

  The laughter from his face fell as he stared at me.

  “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. I am. Danny, she has an IQ of 165 and she has two degrees from M.I.T.”

  “Damn, bro.” He shook his head. “Then why is she staying with you?”

  “Long story short, she doesn’t like being a genius and wants to live a simple life.”

  “Genius problems.” He rolled his eyes. “I wish I had those kinds of problems.”

  “I told her tonight that I could help her out financially, but I wasn’t ready to be a father.”

  “Shit. What did she say?” He kicked back his drink.

  “She said she knew and would prefer to raise the baby alone.”

  “Do you think she meant it or was she just saying that for your benefit?”

  “Nah, she meant it. She’s a very independent woman. But beneath all that independence, she’s broken inside.”

  “Well, you know what? Congrats to you for impregnating probably the only woman in the world who doesn’t want you around.” He smiled as he held up his glass.

  “Yeah. I got lucky.” I tipped my glass to his. “I’m thinking about offering her a job at the company.”

  “Why the hell would you do that?”

  “Because she’s smart and I could use someone like her. Plus, she’d be competition if she were to go to work for another technology company, and I would be stupid to let her do that.”

  “I guess. But then she’d be in your life every day. You already said you’re having nothing to do with the kid—wait a minute. Are you falling for her?”

  “No.” I frowned. “Of course not. This is purely a business decision.”

  “And if she doesn’t want to work for you?”

  “I’ll just have to convince her she’d be making a mistake if she didn’t.”

  By the time I got home, it was ten-thirty. After changing into a pair of pajama bottoms, I went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. When I was finished, I was surprised when I walked out of the bathroom and saw Jenna sitting on the edge of my bed.

  “Hey there. I thought you were sleeping.”

  “I can’t sleep. Listen, we need to talk.”

  “Okay. What’s wrong?” I asked as I walked to my closet.

  “I’m incredibly horny.”

  I stopped dead in my tracks and turned around and looked at her.

  “What?”

  “I’m horny, Lucas, and something needs to be done about it. I mean, come on, you’ve already impregnated me so there’s nothing to worry about. Plus, I consider us friends, and you owe me for fixing your coding problem.”

  The corners of my mouth curved upward as I walked over to her.

  “I do owe you, don’t I?” I said as I took a few strands of her hair between my fingers.

  “The one time we had sex it was amazing, right?” She looked up at me with her beautiful eyes.

  “Yes. It was amazing.” I slid one strap of her nightshirt off her shoulder.

  “Then there’s no harm in repeating that amazing night. Do you agree?”

  “I totally agree. I see no harm in it at all.” I smiled as I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers.”

  “Thank God,” she spoke as she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me on top of her.

  Chapter 13

  Jenna

  I gripped the sheets as he thrust in and out of me. Loud moans escaped my lips at the pleasure. I’d never forgotten that night we shared and neither did my body. My hormones were at an all-time high and I couldn’t stop thinking about sex. Even while we were eating dinner, I couldn’t stop thinking about his sexy body on top of mine.

  “My God. I can’t believe how wet you are,” he spoke with bated breath. “This is incredible.”

  “It’s a combination of your sexiness, skills, and my accelerated hormones. OH MY GOD! YES! YES!” I howled.

  Lucas let out sexy sounds of his own as he exploded inside me and lowered his body on mine.

  “Thank you,” I whispered in his ear.

  He lifted his head as the corners of his mouth curved upward.

  “You’re welcome. Are you good now?”

  “I’m fantastic.” I grinned.

  He rolled off me and laid on his back as he tucked his hands behind his head. Propping myself up on my elbow, I stared at him.

  “You reek of scotch,” I said.

  “I was talking to Danny at the club.”

  “Ah. Did you tell him everything worked out with the coding?”

  “I did, and I also told him you were the one who figured it out.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you deserve the credit.” He smiled.


  “That’s nice of you, but you can take the credit, Lucas. I don’t mind.”

  “Nah, I give credit where credit’s deserved. Which brings me to something I want to talk to you about?”

  “Okay.”

  “I want you to come work for me at Thorne Technology Group.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “If you’re going to say that’s not a good idea, that’s where you’re wrong. You need a job, I have one available, and I’ll pay you well with full benefits. I’m guessing right now you don’t have health insurance. Do you?”

  “No.” I sighed.

  “That little trip to the ER is going to cost you a fortune, not to mention all the medical expense you’re going to incur during your pregnancy. Now, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m pretty sure no one is going to hire you with a broken foot and being pregnant.”

  I lightly smacked his chest.

  “That’s discrimination. They can’t tell me I didn’t get the job because I’m pregnant.”

  “No. But they would use your broken foot as an excuse if they wanted to. I’d hire you just the way you are.” He grinned.

  “Thanks.” I rolled my eyes. “Let me sleep on it. I’m exhausted.” I rolled over. “You don’t mind if I sleep here, do you? I’m too tired to roll my way back to my room.”

  “I don’t mind at all. Good night, Jenna.”

  “Good night, Lucas.”

  “I expect an answer tomorrow.”

  “Uh-huh,” I spoke before drifting off to sleep.

  He was sweet for wanting me to work for him, but I wasn’t sure that was a good idea. Could he handle seeing me every day and my growing belly? My plan was to get a job somewhere else in the city, move out and move on with my life as a single parent. I was okay with that because I was independent and strong, and I didn’t need a man to take care of us. My father always took care of my mother and wouldn’t let her get a job outside the home. He said her duties as his wife was to stay home, raise the children or child, and take care of the house. She accepted that and seemed happy to do it. But I knew deep down inside a part of her wanted more out of life.

  I stirred as I heard Lucas climb out of bed and get into the shower. Sitting up, I let out a long stretch and cringed at the throbbing pain in my foot. Grabbing my scooter and scooting my way to the kitchen, I made us each a cup of coffee.

  “Hey, I thought you’d still be sleeping,” he said as he walked into the kitchen with a towel wrapped around his waist.

  “Couldn’t sleep. My foot is killing me. I made you a cup of coffee. Just the way you like it. A splash of milk and one packet of stevia.”

  “Thanks, Jenna. I appreciate it.” He smiled.

  I sat down at the table and opened my laptop.

  “What are you doing?” he asked as he walked up behind me.

  “Business, Mr. Thorne. Can’t a girl have a little privacy.”

  “Not if she’s going to look for a job when she was already offered one.”

  “You do know it’s too early to talk to me, right? Coffee first,” I held up my cup, “talk after.”

  He rolled his eyes and walked out of the kitchen. After he left and I was in-between morning sickness, I submitted my resume online to two companies who had job openings that sounded like they would be the perfect fit for me. Within forty-five minutes, I received two phone calls asking if I would be available for interviews this afternoon. I sure as hell looked good on paper with my two M.I.T. degrees.

  I was sitting out on the terrace with my foot propped up when I heard the sliding door open.

  “You’re home late,” I said as Lucas took a seat next to me.

  “I got tied up in a meeting. How was your day?”

  “Meh.”

  “Just ‘meh?’” he asked. “What did you do?”

  “I went on two job interviews today.” I glanced over at him.

  “Really?” His brow arched. “That was fast.”

  “I look good on paper. Not so much in person.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They told me it wasn’t feasible to hire me right now until my foot is completely healed, and they aren’t even sure if the position will still be available.”

  “Hmm,” he spoke.

  “Don’t say it, Thorne.” I pointed at him.

  “Well that sucks, because they lost out on an amazing employee. I, on the other hand, am willing to hire you pregnant, broken foot, and all.” He grinned. “There’s something else I need to talk to you about.”

  “What?” I sighed.

  “I have an apartment for you.”

  “What do you mean? You went and rented me an apartment without consulting me?”

  “No. I said I have an apartment for you. I own one of the apartments on the fiftieth floor. It was the apartment I lived in before I bought this one. The renters just called me today and they’re moving out within the week because Mr. Taylor got transferred to the offices in Germany, and they need him there ASAP. So, I figured I’d rent it to you to go with your new job and all the money you’ll be making.”

  “Is that so?” I arched my brow at him. “And you’re sure I’ll be able to afford the rent?”

  “Trust me. You will be able to more than afford it with what I’ll pay you in salary. It’s a 1769 square foot three bedroom and two and a half bath. It comes fully furnished with a fully stocked kitchen of cookware, plates, glasses, coffee maker, silverware, bakeware, etc.”

  “Why didn’t you sell it when you bought this place?”

  “Investment reasons. We can go down and take a look at it right now if you want. The Taylor’s are out of town but will be back tomorrow to start packing.”

  “Fine. I’ll look at it.”

  The corners of his mouth curved upward. “Great. I’ll go grab the key and we can go.”

  I walked inside the apartment on the fiftieth floor and took a look around. Beige and gray were the color scheme, and it was elegantly done. Solid oak flooring was spread throughout the apartment, except the bathrooms that were done up with a custom white Italian marble. I wouldn’t lie. I really liked it.

  “What do you think?” Lucas asked.

  “I like it. It’s nice.”

  “The views are great too.” He walked over to the large, tall windows. You also get plenty of light in here during the day. So, what do you say? The apartment is yours if you accept my job offer.”

  “If I don’t accept, you won’t rent me the apartment?” I arched my brow.

  “Nope. It’s a two for one special.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.

  “Fine. I’ll come work for you. When can I move in here?”

  “Excellent. Mr. Taylor said he’ll be out within the week. Then I need to get the painters and the cleaners in here. So, I’d say a couple weeks.”

  “Okay. I have a request.”

  “Of course. What is it?”

  “I want new sheets. Preferably silk.” I grinned.

  “Done.” He gave me a wink.

  “When do I start work?”

  “Tomorrow.” He grinned.

  Chapter 14

  Jenna

  I was in my room lying in bed and browsing the internet when Lucas walked in.

  “Do you need anything?” he asked.

  “No. I’m good. Thanks for asking.” I gave him a small smile.

  “Are you sure?” His eye steadily narrowed at me.

  “Yeah. I’m sure.”

  “You absolutely don’t need anything at all? Nothing? Not a thing?”

  “No. I’m good.” My brows furrowed at him. “Ah, wait. You’re asking if I need sex.”

  “Jenna, I was not asking that.”

  “Yes, you were! Admit it!” I threw a pillow at him.

  “Fine.” He grinned. “I just thought I’d check before I head to bed.”

  “You’re sweet for thinking about my sexual needs, but I’m good.”

  “Okay. Just so you know, I’m available if
you have a sudden hormone surge or something.”

  “Good to know. Thanks, friend.” I grinned.

  “Friend, eh? Yeah. I guess we are friends.” He smiled as he went to his room. “Oh, by the way,” he said as he walked back and stood in the doorway. “You’re only working half days at the office until your foot is fully healed. The other half of the day you’ll be spending at home resting while you’re working.”

  “You’re the boss.” I smiled.

  Three Weeks Later

  It was my first night alone in my new apartment, and I was feeling a little down. It reminded me of the first night when Bri moved out. Even though I hadn’t stayed with Lucas for very long, I grew used to him being around all the time. As much as I loved my alone time, it was still nice to know that someone would be walking through the door.

  My job at Thorne Tech was going well. I liked it, and I liked the people I worked with. I even started to make friends with some of the men and women there. Everyone knew I was the one who saved the multi-million-dollar deal, but what they didn’t know was that I was pregnant. I hadn’t told anyone yet, and it wouldn’t be too long before I started showing.

  The next morning, as I was sitting in my office, Lucas walked in and shut the door.

  “Do you have a minute?” he asked.

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  He took a seat across from my desk.

  “How was your first night in your new apartment?”

  “It was good. Those sheets are amazing. Thank you.” I smiled.

  “You’re welcome. Listen, Jenna, I’ve been thinking about something. You’re going to start showing soon and I was wondering what you’re going to tell everyone. I don’t think it’s a good—”

  “If you’re worried I’m going to tell people you’re the father, don’t be. I’ll just tell them I had a few one-night stands, and I don’t know who the father is. Let them think I’m a whore.” I gave him a smirk.

  “Jenna.” An unamused look crossed his face.

  “I’m kidding. I’ll just say things didn’t work out with the baby daddy and leave it at that. Your secret is safe with me, Mr. Thorne.” I winked.