“No, I came into your office yesterday looking for employment,” I say, reminding him how we met. The exact reason he doesn’t need, because of Luka Caruso.
He can never find out the truth.
I didn’t plan to become a surrogate. That’s for sure. But I did love my time while pregnant, carrying my son. And the money he’s offering would get rid of my problems with the Caruso’s and get me back on my feet.
“How about I get you a position with my company?” Jace asks.
“Won’t that complicate things?” I can’t tell him about Luka.
Will he expect company secrets if I work for the elusive billionaire? Or did Luka want me to carry Jace’s child?
My head hurts just thinking about it, and I can’t ask Luka, nor would I want to.
“It’s probably not ideal,” he says.
At least he’s being honest. It makes one of us. But I can’t tell him about Luka, not without putting his life in danger. As well as my own.
“But we both are adults and can be professional. And I’d know and approve of your maternity leave without any issue,” Jace says with a grin. It’s like he’s talking himself into hiring me.
I laugh under my breath. “Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no?” If Luka gets wind of the job offer and me turning it down, it won’t end well. But how would he know?
Unless one of his men works for Jace, the mafia is everywhere, and I can’t trust anyone.
“When do I start?” I ask.
I finish the last bite of my dinner and start to pack up the leftovers, and put the contents into the refrigerator. I don’t want to waste any food.
Jace stands and helps me clean up the dishes, taking them to the sink to wash. “First thing Monday morning. You can say no if you don’t want to work for me. I swear I won’t hold it against you.”
He’s giving me an out, but I can’t take it. I do need the money, and while an advance is nice, he’s not going to start paying me until I’m pregnant. I can’t expect him to keep handing me money whenever I need something.
It’ll be months until I’m pregnant, carrying his child, assuming I can conceive again.
“Would you be my boss?” I ask. I shut the fridge and come over to the sink to start on the dishes, but he’s already plugged the sink, running hot water and filling it with suds.
“I’m technically everyone’s boss,” Jace says, “but if you’re concerned, I can assign you to work in a department that I don’t deal with on a daily basis.”
Given my lack of experience, I’m not sure what Jace would have me do, but I don’t care. Getting a paycheck of my own for working would be satisfying. It would also help with my debts.
“I’m not worried. Are you? I mean, you’d have to see me every day, and I could be carrying your son or daughter.” I want to know what he’s thinking and if he can maintain professionalism in the workplace.
Because what he’s suggesting is insane.
But is it any crazier than me being a surrogate for him?