She’s not wrong, but I’m also not the typical guy either. Does she need a reminder of what I’m offering? Will that entice her into saying yes?
“You’re right. However, most surrogates also make twenty-five thousand dollars total. I’m offering double that amount per month.”
Did she think there’d be no strings attached to the money and that I’d pay her an exorbitant sum of money just because I’m wealthy?
Olivia sucks in a sharp breath. Her cheeks are as red as her lips, and she looks quite a bit flushed. The room isn’t overly warm or uncomfortable. “About the money. Are you expecting anything intimate to happen between us?”
I smile. Maybe the blush is from her question.
Does she want something intimate to happen between us?
I can’t deny that she is attractive, but I can refuse to act on those desires.
“No, as I explained, you will have your own bedroom. I just want you and my child under my roof. I want my son to recognize my voice.”
“Or daughter,” Olivia whispers.
“Yes, or daughter.” While I want a boy, I will be content with either. A girl will just mean that I may have to hire a surrogate again.
“I will require you to sign over your parental rights. I have a lawyer drawing up the papers.” I can’t take the chance that she’ll change her mind and decide that she wants custody of the child. “Is there anything else you want out of the arrangement?” I ask.
For a woman who previously lost custody of her child, I would assume that she’d seek legal counsel and ask for my help. I know the best lawyers in Los Angeles.
“You’re already being quite generous,” she says. “I hate even asking, but is it possible that I could have an advance, at least a partial one? My gas tank in my car is low and—”
I hold up a hand, stopping her from finishing her sentence. “Tonight, you’ll stay in the guest bedroom. Tomorrow, I will have you moved into one of the apartments that we own. We will get you a small stipend in advance to cover minor expenses until everything is finalized.”
I’m not a monster, but I also won’t be taken advantage of either.