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I couldn’t argue with his logic, though it was heavy-handed. After Trevor’s advances at the Lollipop mixer, staying with Sophie would’ve been awkward to say the least.
“The place is temporary or permanent based on your decision.”
“About what?” I asked.
He didn’t answer, but gestured for me to come over and sit down on the couch. When I stood, the nightshirt hung down to my knees, but I still felt naked. I was apprehensive about sitting next to him with me dressed this way. A door opened, and a breakfast tray with fresh fruit slices, muffins, juice, and water was placed on the coffee table.
“I don’t have X-ray vision, and I’ve proven that I can control myself. Now come sit next to me.” He patted the cushion next to him on the couch. This time, his voice contained a confident demand that I imagined made others fall in line. It worked on me. I surrendered and sat down on the leather couch next to him, pulling the nightshirt down to cover my knees.
Paul’s satisfaction radiated, and my shoulders dropped. He poured me a glass of water, and on his wrist was a rare AndersenGenève Automaton Joker watch. I’d always studied design styles and fashion trends, even those I couldn’t afford. It was exquisite in design, and even though it was luxurious, the moving eyes and tongue revealed a playfulness I hadn’t expected to find in such a distinguished man. Paul Crane kept surprising me. He was also so alluring. Being this close to him and so turned on became more difficult by the second. It was a challenge to focus on something else. My eyes darted around the master bedroom, lingering on the framed photo of Paul with his late wife.
“We never shared this room. I don’t sleep here.”
“The room’s design is like what I imagine you’d see if you traveled. I think it’s beautiful, romantic,” I enthused.
Paul’s silence had me turning my head toward him. His gaze was hollow and distant. “It’s overly indulgent and a surprise that never was….” He took out his phone and spoke softly into it before putting it away. “I thought I’d archived all our photos.”
“It’s a lovely photo. You both look happy.”
“We…we were. The picture was one of my favorites from our first trip to Prague. Aubrey and I were playing as street performers in Old Town Square. She fell in love with the city and proclaimed she was an old soul returning home. I have never seen her so happy and carefree….”
The emotion infused his words, and my heart ached for him. Impulsively, I reached for his hand and squeezed it. The electricity I felt before when I touched him flared in our connected hands. It felt warm, sensual, and out of place after sharing such a private part of his life.
“Sorry.” I lifted my hand, but Paul closed his hand over it and gave me a rueful smile. “I haven’t had someone naturally touch me in a while. It’s sweet.” He casually let my hand go, yet a tingle in my skin remained.
I didn’t know what to make of it. But in my confusion, I remembered something else I wanted to discuss with him. “Ispoke to my mom. You paid Dad’s huge hospital bill. It’s too much, and I can’t repay you. I don’t understand why you’ve decided to help me.”
“After learning your story, I always intended to help you, but I underestimated the urgency,” Paul replied.
“I am thankful. Hearing Mom’s joy and relief today was the best thing you could have given me. But you’re way too generous to someone you don’t know, and I’m not as naïve as you think. I know you want something from me,” I said and held my breath.
A knock sounded on the door, and I tugged at the end of my shirt.
“You’re covered,” Paul whispered. “Come in.”
Laurence came into the room with a couple of housekeepers and a ladder.
Paul poured me more water, and we ate a pastry as they removed the hanging picture.
“You didn’t have to remove your photo.”
“I removed the photo for my own sake. I need to move forward.” His words sounded like an affirmation that I accepted as best for him. I didn’t want him in pain from memories of their past together.
Paul took a deep breath, then tilted his head toward me. “You’re right, Nadia. What I want from you cannot be decided by money and desperation. I want you to base your decision on what you want.”
I peered at him. “What do you want, Paul?”
“I want you, Nadia.”
“For surrogacy?” I asked and chewed my bottom lip.
“No, not for my surrogate,” he answered. “And I believe you agree that surrogacy isn’t right for you at this time. I understand your motivation was for money, but your impulsivity and desperation led you to take serious risks by getting involved with Lollipop Sugar Babies.”
“It’s a legitimate dating website, not a prostitution ring, as you put it,” I said, crossing my arms.
“On the surface, it seems legitimate. But let me clue you in on most men who frequent that app. They know your financial situation, but they will never pay for you to rise above it. Sure, you’ll receive a few pretentious gifts. However, they only want to use and share you, pass you around like a piece of sweet candy.” His tone dripped with vitriol and disgust.
I chewed my bottom lip and thought about what he said. “Sophie’s done it for a while….”
