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I’m sure Rick’s just feeling sentimental, since I’m about to have the baby, I decide. Right? Anyone would be a little mushy in these circumstances.
After all, my life has taken a one eighty, and it’s because of the handsome billionaire. After we had our date at the Vietnamese restaurant, I basically moved into Rick’s penthouse. He insisted, although I also insisted on keeping my own apartment.
“What’s the use?” he growled, those blue eyes flashing. “There’s no need to pay rent on that shitty East Harlem place.”
I put my hands on my hips, bristling at his assumptions.
“For your information, I happen to love my neighborhood, and East Harlem has a lot of charm,” I say in a stiff voice. “Just because it’s not fancy doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to live.”
My lover immediately looked contrite and lifted both hands in apology.
“I’m sorry baby, you’re right,” he growled. “Keep your apartment, but at the very least, let me pay the rent on it. Again, money’s not an issue and it’ll be a big weight off your back.”
With that, it was settled. I moved in with my man, and not only that, but he pays the rent on my old place. It’s a little crazy because I hardly ever go back, but it comforts me knowing that once this is done, I still have a place to live.
Meanwhile, I spend all my time in Rick’s luxurious penthouse these days. He goes off to work in the mornings, and I basically entertain myself in the hours before he comes home. It’s nice living in the lap of luxury because the building has a private pool just for its residents, so I float around in the heated water every morning, idly splashing and playing around. I’ve also taken up cooking, and love to surprise Rick with different cuisines from around the world when he gets home. Then after dinner, we make love every night, and most mornings too. My man adores having my pregnant curves at his fingertips any time he wants, and I have to admit that I’ve never been so happy before either. After all, when I signed up for City Girls, I never expected this. I figured I’d have some hot flings with a few men, and that would be it. I certainly never expected to be living the life of a kept woman, especially with a man I love.
My eyes fly open at that thought. Love? Since when did that happen? But heart palpitating, I realize it’s true. I’ve fallen in love with the handsome billionaire, and the realization shouldn’t be startling, and yet it is. At that moment, Rick squeezes my hand.
“Are you okay, baby?” he murmurs, those beautiful eyes full of emotion.
I nod slowly. “I just dozed off is all,” I murmur, deciding to keep my feelings to myself for the time being. OMG, what am I doing? This is so crazy, and I need to get myself in hand. But Rick merely leans forward to press his lips against my damp forehead.
“Get some rest,” he murmurs. “You deserve it.”
But soon enough, I’m clutching at my belly once more. “Oh Rick, it’s happening again,” I wail. “Owwwww! Oh!”
The handsome billionaire holds me while I work through the contraction.
“You can do it,” he murmurs. “Steady, steady, that’s a good girl.”
When the contraction ends, I weep softly, feeling every inch of my body.
“That hurt,” I whimper, crying again. “Oh god.”
He merely leans forward to kiss me before pressing his forehead against mine.
“You’re so strong, baby. And god, you just look beautiful right now, in the middle of labor. I’ve never seen you look more stunning.”
I glare at Rick, about to say something, but then agony crosses my face.
“Rick,” I say breathlessly. “Another one.”
“Stephanie,” he shouts loudly to the midwife across the room. The older woman patters over and locks eyes with me. All three of us breathe together, in and out, out and in as waves of pain roil my insides. My cries are loud enough to wake the dead, but I just don’t care at this point.
“Very good, Hannah,” Stephanie encourages with a warm squeeze of my hand. “You are strong and you’re doing great.” She sits back on her heels and looks at her watch. “The contractions are coming in fast now. It’s almost time. You’re going to meet the new member of your family soon.”
OMG, are we a family? I turn my eyes to Rick but before I can speak, another contraction comes and I scream again.
“Ooooh!” I howl. “I’m not ready, I’m not ready!” Meanwhile, the billionaire holds me tight, his huge form tense.
“You are ready, Hannah,” he whispers fiercely in my ear. “You can do this.”
Another contraction washes over me, but I hang on to Rick’s words. I am ready, I repeat to myself over and over again. We are a family.
