6
Olivia
I must be crazy for considering his request.
He wants me to be a surrogate for his child.
That’s insane.
I should have told him no. Flat out refused on the spot. I’m not a baby-making factory for some billionaire who wants a kid.
But the pay is more than I could earn in a year and that’s for just one month. Nine months pregnant is a lot of money for a temporary gig. Maybe if I start thinking about it as a temporary job, it’ll be easier to unravel in my head.
The minute I step outside of the building, I dig out my cell phone and dial Harper.
I haven’t spoken with her in a few weeks. We used to be best friends as kids. She moved to Breckenridge to be with the hot bodyguard she met while filming a feature film. They settled down and started a family.
I’ve neglected to keep in touch with her. Plus, she’s been busy with her famous Hollywood lifestyle. But we always call on each other’s birthdays and Christmas.
If she knew the trouble I was in with the mafia and living out of my car, she’d fly into Los Angeles and save my ass.
But I don’t need saving, and I’m not looking for a handout.
Jace Barone didn’t say that I had to keep his offer a secret. I mean, even if he did, someone would inevitably find out that he has a kid.
It will be front-page news.
He’s always on the news, constantly being bombarded by the media.
My stomach somersaults.
Is that what I have to look forward to if I say yes? Jace is famous, and the spotlight seems to follow him around. Both good and bad.
I ring Harper, but she doesn’t answer. I leave her a brief message, demanding that she call me back ASAP. I don’t indicate why. It’s not like I think the phones are tapped, but how would I tell her that one of the world’s richest men asked me to carry his child as a surrogate? That’s a mouthful and likely to give her a heart attack.
Walking toward my car, I flip over the business card, staring at his name in gold letters glittering under the afternoon sun.
“You really want me to have your kid?” I mutter to myself.
Am I crazy for thinking that I might go through with it?
There’s a lot of money involved, and I’ve been living in my car. I’d be crazy to say no. Of course, it’s even more insane for me to agree.
I unlock my car and sit in the front seat. I turn the business card over and dial his number. I haven’t even been gone ten minutes, but I can’t take the chance he’ll change his mind.
I need the money, and this is the best opportunity for a fresh start. After I’m done, I can take the cash and leave this city behind. Then, I’ll drive to Breckenridge and see my old high school friend. We were practically inseparable. Houses have to be cheaper in the middle of nowhere, Montana.
Life must be simpler, too.
It’ll be perfect.
I dial his phone number and expect it to go to voice mail. He’s the CEO of a billionaire dollar enterprise. I doubt he has time to take my call.
He answers on the first ring. “This is Jace.”
I can’t lose my nerve. I’m ready to hang up. My stomach sinks and my heart leaps out of my chest. I might vomit.
“Hello?” he says, met with my silence.