Billionaire Boss (9 page)

M
ason calls me after work
, but I don’t answer. I don’t want to lie to him. I decided the best way to do that is to just avoid him - for as long as possible. Okay, maybe it’s not the best way, or the most mature, but it’s all I can manage right now. I can’t stay home from work much more than another day. I’m already pushing the limits as it is. I’m going to have to face the truth much sooner than I would like.

I send him a text around dinner time that I don’t feel well and will call him in the morning. He replied with ‘okay’, but even without hearing his voice, I know he’s not ‘okay’ with it. I hate doing this to him, but I need to decide the best way to tell him. As much as I want to keep it a secret, I can’t. Even if I could lie to his face every day, my body will be a dead give away soon enough.

In a weird way, I wish my ignoring Mason will make him mad enough to go out and cheat on me. Then I would know - I could be sure of who he is and just end it. I know in my heart that’s not going to happen though. I’m going to have to tell him and whatever comes of it, I will deal with.

W
hat is going
on with Samantha? She’s avoiding me. I know she’s sick - I saw her throwing up. Something just isn’t right. She’s not herself. I can tell she’s holding back. I don’t know what she’s keeping from me, but there has to be something.

The thought that there’s someone else crosses my mind, but I honestly don’t think there is. We’ve spent almost all of our free time together. I would know if there was someone at work. There would be no way to keep that a secret. With all the gossip that flies around the office, I definitely would have heard. I dismiss the whole idea.

Maybe that’s what it is. Perhaps we spend
too much
time together. Maybe Samantha feels crowded and suffocated in our relationship. That must be why she’s acting strange and went back to her mom on Long Island. She must need a break. I want to spend every minute with her - but not if it’s going to ruin the amazing relationship we’ve built. If I have to back off to make things better, as much as I don’t want to, I will.

I
wake
in the morning to a text from Mason that says, ‘hope you feel better today.’ It’s nice, but I find it strange that he didn’t call me. He didn’t yesterday either - or text last night. I wonder what’s going on?

I quickly remember my wish for him to cheat so we could just move on and kick myself. That was a terrible thought. I should have never let it cross my mind because now I feel like something is wrong.

Mason likes to stay on top of things - especially me. I mean that physically as much as mentally. It’s not like him to not call when we’re apart. It’s also unlike him to just wish me well without asking how I am. He likes to know everything. What’s up with that?

I’ve been trying as hard as I can to avoid him, and now that he’s avoiding me, I’m worried. I’m doing it because I’m hiding a secret from him. Is he hiding something from me? I really don’t believe so, but I don't know what else would have caused him to change.

Oh my God. I’m a mess. My hormones are really fucking with my head. I need to get a handle on things. I’m pregnant - it happens to women all the time. I haven’t told my boyfriend. I’m sure that’s more common than I think. He seems to be taking a break from me - that’s common enough. Put these all together though, and it’s a recipe for destruction.

I can’t let any of this get to me. Today, I work. I have to be focused and do my best. I’ve already been out for too long. I’m sure half of my department is just waiting for me to drop the ball so they can take my spot.

First thing I see when I get to my desk is a post it on my computer: ‘welcome back. Come see me -Kait’

That doesn’t sound good. Shit. I hope she’s not mad. How could she not be? She asked me to help lead her team so she can take comfort knowing I’ll be helping to run things when she takes her maternity leave, and then I just took off for days on end with no more than a quick phone call. I didn’t even call her directly - I spoke to Alex. I didn’t want to have to lie to Kait too.

I get settled in and walk to Kailyn’s office. Her door is open. She’s busily typing something up while quiet music plays in the background.

“Sam! You have no idea how happy I am to see your face!”

A wave of relief washes over me. I thought the ‘see me’ was a bad thing. I guess she just missed having me here.

“How are you feeling?” she asks, pulling off her reading glasses and looking up.

“Better, thanks,” I lie. I don’t feel much better, In fact, I feel worse. My world is crumbling around me. I just know I’m not dying or contagious now.

“Good. I need you here. Now tell me what’s going on with you.”

“Nothing?”

“Sam, I know you well enough to know you’re not the kind of person that takes off because you don’t feel good. I’ve also had Mason moping around my office asking if I know what’s up with you.”

“I don’t understand. I was sick.”

“He told me. He also told me you’ve been backing off.”

Mason was talking about me? To Kaitlyn? That kind of makes me feel good.

“Then, I started thinking. You’re symptoms sound similar to what mine were just a few weeks ago. I don’t know,” Kait says, waiting for me to answer her unasked question.

“I’m not sure what you’re implying, Kait.” I am very sure. I’m just hoping she changes her mind.

“You’re pregnant. It’s not really an implication. I think it’s a fact.”

My face turns bright red. How did she put that together all by herself? That must be why she makes the big bucks.

“Did you say anything to Mason?” I ask, confirming her conclusion.

“Oh my God, Sam! We’re going to have babies together!” Kait gets up and hugs me, “this is so awesome!”

“Yeah,” I reply without any excitement.

Kaitlyn takes a step back, “what?”

“Well, let’s see. You’re married and in love. I’m dating a guy who is a known womanizer. It’s just not the same.”

“Sam, Mason is over the moon about you. I’ve worked with him for almost ten years. I’ve seen him go through countless girlfriends,” I roll my eyes. “No. I mean, yes, he
was
a player. He’s just not anymore. Not since you came along. He’s always had this weird thing for you - since you interned with us. I’ve never seen him upset over a woman before - never. He truly loves you. I know he does.”

“Did he tell you that?” I ask defensively, “because he hasn’t told me.”

“No, but he doesn't have to. It’s obvious.”

“Not to me. Especially not now. He’s been avoiding me like the plague.”

“Did you ever think it’s because you’re pushing him away? Maybe he doesn’t want to crowd you. Remember, he doesn’t have any idea what’s going on.”

Hmm. I didn’t think of it that way. I’ve been so focussed on Mason wanting to leave me once I tell him I’m having his child, I haven’t looked at it from any other angle. Still, I just don’t know. I want this baby, but I don’t want to lose him because of it.

“I don’t know, Kait. It’s just so complicated,” I say, holding back tears.

“Nothing that’s worth while is ever easy, Sam.” Kait hugs me again, “come on! We’re going to be twinsies - big bellied twinsies!” she adds, trying to make me laugh.

I chuckle and notice Alex standing at the open door. I straighten up, as does Kaitlyn. We try to look businesslike and professional instead of like two pregnant, emotional roller coasters.

“Mrs. Redding, your ten o’clock is here,” she announces. Alex doesn’t say anything, but I’m pretty sure she heard most of our conversation. Hopefully not, Kait hasn’t told too many people yet and I’ve told exactly no one here - most importantly, Mason.

With all the work I have to catch up on, the rest of the day flies by. I receive one interoffice message from Mason, but he doesn’t bother to walk over to my side of the office. I don’t go to his either. I’m not ready to face him. I can’t until I’m ready to tell him. I can’t lie to his face.

I’ve been evading Mason at all costs, but when he doesn’t offer for me to come back to his apartment, I’m insulted. I shouldn’t be - I brought this upon myself - but I am. Like it or not, I’m going to have to tell him soon and accept whatever his reaction is. It will be better than all of this wondering anyway.

I walk slower than usual to the subway, hoping Dan will pull up with Mason in the back of his car and pick me up. I must have watched too many romance movies because that never happens.

I take the train back to my mom’s house. We eat dinner together and I go up to my room. I’m depressed. I don’t want to be without Mason. I need him. I realize I’m afraid to tell him because I’m scared he’s going to leave me.

My phone vibrates. It’s a text from Mason:

‘I miss you.’

‘I miss you too.’

‘Can we not do this anymore? I don’t like playing games.’

If only he understood, I’m not playing games - but it’s my fault he doesn’t get it.

‘Let’s talk tomorrow. I don’t want to play games either.’ There. I’ve committed to talking. Tomorrow will be the day I tell him. I have to.

‘I would love that. Good night. Sweet dreams, Samantha.’

I love you.
That’s what I want to say anyway, instead I reply with ‘goodnight.’

T
his feeling
I have right now - the wondering, the doubt, the pain at the thought of losing someone - is why I’ve never let myself get attached to a woman.

I own and operate a billion dollar company and not one problem or threat we’ve ever encountered has caused me to falter the way Samantha is right now. Whatever it is she has to say to me today, I will listen. Whatever it is she needs or wants, I will do. I’m not going to lose her.

What’s getting to me the most is the chance that there may be nothing I
can
do. There’s always the possibility that she’s just not into me. I don’t really think she feels that way - but what do I know? I’ve never felt this way about any woman - ever. For the first time ever, I might be out of my league.

My father barges in my office interrupting my chain of thought.

“Can I help you?” I ask, disgusted with him, as usual.

“No. No, you can’t help me, Mason.” He stops in front of my desk, his face red with anger, “I warned you. I tried to stop you - but no. You know best. You know what you’re doing. You know
everything
, don’t you?”

I run through some of our recent deals and discussions in my head trying to figure out what he’s talking about, but I can’t think of anything. I’ve been on top of everything - more so because he’s here - watching and waiting for me to fuck something up. I stare at him blankly.

“Do you really think you could keep it a secret from me?”

“Dad, I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Like hell you don’t. Why am I hearing about your personal business from that slutty receptionist? You may not like or trust me very much, but our employees do.”

“Kim?”

“Kim, Alex, all of them. They’re all in on your secret. I’m sure the whole office knows at this point. God, you are such a fuck up.”

“One thing I’m not is a fuck up, dad. Do I need to point out what I’ve done for this company again?”

“It has nothing to do with the company - not yet anyway. It will soon enough - just like I warned you.”

“Jesus, dad. What the fuck are you talking about?” I ask, frustrated.

My father’s face changes. He glares at me wearing a sinister grin, “holy shit. You really don’t know, do you?”

I stare at him blankly and shrug.

“Well, isn’t this special?” he says with a smirk, “I wish I had a cigar.”

“What?”

“You know, to congratulate you. You’re going to be a father.”

“What?” I repeat, but my head is spinning, “what the fuck are you talking about? Have you officially lost it?”

Garrison takes a seat, “no. I haven’t lost anything - although soon enough I’m sure I’ll be fighting to hold onto my money - our money.”

I lean back in my chair. He’s serious. Samantha’s pregnant. It has to be true. Everything makes so much sense now. Being sick. Throwing up. Avoiding me. Holy shit. The old man might be right - at least about her having my child - not about her motives.

“We haven’t discussed anything yet, but I can assure you, Samantha isn’t looking for a payout.”

“You can assure me of whatever you want, but judging at how you’re the last one to know, your word doesn’t mean shit.”

Fuck. What’s happening? Why hasn’t she told me yet? How do the office gossips know and I don’t? Once I handle my father, I’m going to have to determine what to do with Samantha. How could she not tell me? Does she not trust me?

My father stands, “Well, this didn’t go how I thought it would. I’ll let you mull this all over. I’m going to get back to work.”

“Fuck you.”

“Hey, don’t take it out on me. I’m family. You may not like me, but at least you can trust me to tell you the truth.”

I grind my teeth together. The only thing worse than listening to my father, is knowing that he’s right. I bang my fist on the desk. Fuck.

I
keep looking
over my shoulder for Mason. We’ve been so distant, but since we plan on talking today, I feel better already. I assumed he would too. I thought maybe he would sneak up and surprise me at my desk - but he hasn’t.

Just before lunch, I get an interoffice message from Mason:

‘Come by my office at the end of the day.’

‘Sure.’

That’s it. I thought he’d be excited to see me. I’m sure he’s just busy. I’ve been nervous all day just thinking about telling him. It continues to get worse as the day goes on.

By five o’clock, I’m packed and ready to go. I’m doing this. I’m going to tell Mason and he’s going to be so happy. He’s going to wrap me in his arms and let me know everything will be fine. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway. I’ll know for sure soon enough.

As I pass his reception area, Kim smirks at me. She’s never especially nice to me - she’s barely even cordial - but there’s something about the look on her face that’s extra bitchy today. Whatever. I walk passed her and continue to Mason’s office.

I knock and enter. He’s sitting in one of the leather chairs by the window poring over some portfolio. He looks up when I enter and stands. He doesn’t look very happy to see me. I stop where I am.

Mason walks passed me and closes the doors. I smile. It’s been a while since we’ve been alone. I wouldn’t mind a little affection today.

“What the fuck, Samantha?”

I inhale a deep breath. What? Mason sounds angry. This is not what I was expecting.

“What is it? Do you not trust me?”

“Mason. I don’t…what are you talking about?”

He looks me right in the eyes. He reaches his hands out and places them on my stomach, “is it true?”

The confidence I spent the whole day building up, drains from my body. I drop my hands to my sides, “how do you…”

“Fuck.” Mason drops his hands and walks back to his chair, but doesn’t sit.

“Mason, I didn’t know how to tell you,” I begin. I don’t know what to say. I’m completely unprepared for this. There is a look of distress on him that I’ve never seen.

“Right, but you knew how to tell everyone else.”

“It’s not like that.”

“Of course it’s like that, Samantha!” he yells, “how do you think I found out? Not from you - obviously.”

I start crying quietly. Mason’s hurt. I hurt him. He’s so angry. This is bad.

“How could you? Do you distrust me so much that you would rather keep it a secret? Maybe get rid of the baby before I ever knew?” He runs his hands back through his hair, “or is it like my father predicted? You’re looking for a payout.”

“Wow.” I reply. I get that he’s speaking from anger, but he’s being downright nasty.

“I fucking love you, Samantha. I would do anything for you. I would love nothing more than to have a family together - but maybe I was wrong,” he says, trying to find the right words, “if you loved me, if you trusted me, you wouldn’t keep this a secret from me.”

“You love me?” I ask. He’s never told me before, but this isn't how I thought I would hear it.

“Of course I love you.”

I begin to sob, “oh, Mason. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just…I thought…”

“You didn’t think. How could you even question if I love you? How could you not trust me?”

“You never told me, Mason. I didn’t know. I hoped - but I wasn’t sure. I was scared that if I told you, you would be angry - that you would leave me. You’re not really a guy who wants to be tied down.”

“Have you ever heard the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’?” he asks, “fuck. I have never loved anyone the way I love you. No woman has touched my soul the way you do. Judging by my past, I can see you believing I don’t want to be tied down, but don’t you feel what we have? Don’t you believe in it? In us?”

“I do.” I take a seat in one of the chairs at the conference table.

“Well, you have a funny way of showing it. Trust is important, Samantha. Without it, we will never work.”

Mason sits down in the seat next to mine and faces me. He takes my hands in his, “have I ever given you a reason to distrust me?”

“No.”

“Then why would you think I would leave you - that I wouldn’t support you?”

“I don’t know. I mean you’re pretty angry right now,” I try to smile through my tears.

“Yes - I’m angry - very fucking angry. You’re pregnant. We’re having a baby - a baby we made out of love - but you didn’t trust me enough to tell me. I had to hear it from someone else. My father of all people,” Mason rolls his eyes.

“Your father?”

“Yes. He was more than happy to be the one to tell me.”

“How does he know?” I ask in disbelief.

“I don’t know. He referred to my ‘slutty receptionist’ so that only narrows it down a little bit,” Mason jokes, “it doesn’t matter anyway.”

Now I know why Kim looked so smug. Alex must have definitely overheard Kait and I and told her work friends.

“It does matter. I wanted to be the one to tell you.”

“Yes, it would have been nice to hear it from you, but we can’t change that now, can we?”

“No.”

We sit facing each other, twirling our hands together.

“What happens now?” I ask.

“Now? We get ready to have a baby.”

Mason reaches his hands out and holds my head up. He wipes my tears away with his thumbs.

“I love you, Samantha. I’m going to take care of you - both of you - always.” He leans over and kisses me softly on the lips.

The sensation of his lips on mine is too much, though. It’s been too long since we’ve kissed or touched. I wrap my arms around him, parting his lips with my tongue. Our kiss deepens. He pulls me closer. My body comes off the chair and I sit on his lap.

“We’re having a baby,” he whispers happily.

“We are.”

He kisses me again. “Something about knowing my baby is in there,” he runs his hand over my belly, “is kind of hot.”

“Oh, yeah? Kind of?”

“No. It’s really fucking hot. You think the baby would mind?” Mason asks, sliding his hand down to the hem of my skirt.

“Not at all,” I reply, suddenly very aroused.

Mason slips his hand under my skirt and runs it up my thigh until he reaches my panty line. He pulls the material, stretching the elastic away from my skin. I draw a deep breath filled with anticipation.

“You know, you made me very angry, Samantha,” Mason says, taunting me - his fingertips purposely grazing over my sex. The sound of Mason’s voice and his playful warning cause me to exhale heavily.

“You’ve been a bad girl.” He slides one finger inside me, “but I can’t spank you, knowing you’re with child now.” He inserts one more finger, slowly moving them in and out of me, “So what am I going to do with you?”

I’m already so wet. Mason barely has to touch me. The combination of my now raging hormones, the sound of his voice, and the way he teases me, are enough to drive me wild.

Mason moves his hand faster and kisses me once more before taking his lips off mine again, “I asked you a question, Samantha,” he teases.

“What?” I ask breathlessly.

“What am I going to do with you?”

“Whatever you want.”

“Hmm, so many choices. There are so many things I want to do to you right now.” He turns me around so I’m facing the table and stands behind me.

Mason reaches his hands around and unbuttons my shirt, “I’m going to fuck you nice and slow. I don’t want to be too rough,” he explains. I hear him unbuckling his belt behind me.

“That doesn’t sound like punishment,” I say, playing along.

He grabs my hair, pulling my head back and whispers in my ear, “don’t make me change my mind then.”

He places soft kisses on my neck and gently sucks on my ear. I reach my hands back to touch him, but Mason pushes them back, “no, you don’t get to touch.”

“That’s not fair,” I say, grinning. I like this game.

“No, it’s not. Consider that part of your punishment.” Mason places a hand on each of my breasts and rubs them gently, “do you think you can trust me now, Samantha?”

“Yes,” I reply, my eyes closed.

Mason tweaks my nipples in his fingertips. My breasts are so much more sensitive now, my whole body stiffens.

“Tell me again.”

“Yes,” I say a little bit louder.

With his hands on my breasts and his lips against my neck, he speaks softly into my ear, “I love you, Samantha. I’ve never said that to anyone before.”

“I love you too, Mason.”

“Are you sure?” he asks, teasing me again.

“Yes.”

“Sure enough to let me fuck you in front of the whole city?” Mason asks. I look out across the table to the wall to wall windows in front of me. We are overlooking half of Manhattan, but no one can see us.

I hear the sound of Mason’s zipper open and feel the motion of him pulling his pants down. I begin to turn to touch him, but he pushes me away again, “I said no touching. Now be a good girl and put your hands on the table.”

I giggle, but do as he tells me. We’ve played around like this before, but never after an actual fight. It’s so much more intense.

Mason doesn’t bother removing my skirt. He lifts it up and yanks my panties down. I lean forward more onto my hands. He places his hands on my hips and without hesitating, he enters me.

He sinks his entire length inside of me, my core slick and ready for him. Mason presses himself into me, as deep as he can go, “I’m not hurting you, am I?” he asks, seriously. He’s suddenly unsure about my new body.

“No. You feel incredible.”

“Good.” He continues to thrust deeper, my body writhing against his.

Mason caresses my breasts in his hands as he moves inside of me. He gently pulls my body up and back into his. His cock is massaging my insides while his hands are doing the same to my outsides. I want to scream, but I can’t. This is his office. There are still people lurking about - which is crazy - and completely erotic.

He nuzzles himself into my neck, “tell me you love me again, Samantha.”

“I love you,” He presses himself harder into me and pulls my body against his as close as he can.

My hips buck back against his as we move together, bringing ourselves close to climax. He moves faster. I can feel his cock throbbing inside of me. I can’t hold back anymore. Silently, I climax. My warmth surrounding him. I reach around and pull Mason into me. This time he doesn’t stop me. He grabs tighter onto my hips and releases himself inside of me. We continue to move our hips together, rolling them in circles, slower and slower.

I rest my body forward onto the table, leaning on my elbows. Mason leans over me, still inside of me. We stay like that for a minute, then he pulls me back up and turns me back around.

He brushes my hair back from my face. I’m sure I look like a mess right now, but I don't care.

“Don’t ever keep anything from me again, okay?” he says softly.

“I won’t. I promise.”

Mason smiles and wraps his arms around me, “I can’t believe we’re having a baby.”

“Me either. It feels unreal.”

“Well, I think we have a lot to talk about and some celebrating to do. How about we make ourselves look presentable and go have some dinner?”

“That sounds like a perfect idea.”

I take a step back and Mason pulls me back into him again, embracing me in a warm hug, “I love you Samantha.”

“I love you too.”

We stay there, holding each other, embraced in a kiss. A wave of relief washes over me.

Mason’s happy. He’s not going anywhere. He loves me.

Mason and I spend the next couple of weeks in a euphoric kind of happiness. I’ve spent every night at his apartment and he is seeing to it that I take care of myself. I have my first ultrasound appointment this week. Mason will be joining me - and neither of us could be more elated.

Garrison hasn’t said a word to me - not that he ever really has. From what Mason has told me about him, I shouldn’t expect much. Had he not found out through the office grapevine, I don’t know when Mason would have even told him. Garrison Grant doesn’t care for much other than himself and his money. Me having a baby will mean nothing to him. I feel bad for Mason though. His father is his only family - it would be nice if he gave a shit. Maybe by the time the baby is here, he will change his mind. At least for now, we have my mother on our side.

I promised my mom that we would come and stay the weekend with her. She’s called almost every day to check on me. She’s so happy for me, which considering the circumstances, took me by surprise. I’m sure as a mother she always hoped I would be married before having a child, but she’s quite smitten with Mason, so she seems to have made an exception. The fact that he has millions of dollars, and that raising a child with him will guarantee I will be staying in New York, also plays a part I’m sure. Plus - she’s going to be a Grandmother.

I haven’t told anyone at the office other than Kaitlyn. Obviously, other people know, but I’m not acknowledging that. They can talk about me - us - all they want. Until I confirm that the rumors are true, no one is going to say anything to my face and that’s fine. No one would dare approach Mason about it anyway.

I leave my desk to go to the bathroom. I seem to spend a lot of time there lately - either from the pressure on my bladder or the occasional morning sickness, which I now know isn’t just for mornings. On my way out, I run into Mr. Grant - Garrison. Actually, it seems like he might have been waiting for me.

“Mr. Grant, how are you?” I ask in a friendly tone.

“Ms. Roberts,” he greets me. He is smiling but there is no sincerity behind it, “I was hoping you and I could talk.”

“Of course, what’s up?” I’m keeping up an amicable attitude, but I feel a little intimidated by his presence.

“Do you have a few moments? Can you come to my office?”

“Sure,” I comply. When the owner of the company asks you to talk, you do it, even if you know it’s probably not about anything office related.

I follow Garrison to his office. It’s smaller than Mason’s, but he doesn’t spend as much time in town, so he doesn’t need as much space to work and entertain clients. From what I understand, Mason takes care of most of that now anyway.