Just like the first time that Alex slept with Amelia, he awakened alone. This time relief wasn't the first thing he felt. He missed her. He'd never slept with her in his bed until last night, and it was as if she'd always been there. He sighed and rubbed a hand down his face. He hadn't expected them to fall into bed after he'd kissed Amelia, but it had seemed like the logical next step. She hadn't resisted. He'd given her every chance to opt out, but she had been as eager as he was.This morning they'd have to face each other. He also had every intention of bringing her to work today to see his cybersecurity department. At the very least, as a hacker, she could show them any weakness his company had. Maybe she'd even ferret out the actual hacker. But first, they had to navigate breakfast. And Isabel, assuming his daughter was home. She would pick up on any tension between them.Alex showered and put on work clothes. He would choose a tie later. When he reached the kitchen, Amelia w
Amelia rode in the car with Alex. The driver took them through the streets to Hillen Industries. "You won't regret this. I promise," Alex said.She wasn't nearly as sure as he was. She'd never worked for a corporation because she hadn't found one whose culture she could stand. She liked working alone and wasn't interested in a cube farm. The place would be noisy and everyone would be up in her business. But Alex had given her puppy dog eyes and she couldn't resist. Who knew he would be so charming? She thought back to their night together. They could do this. Keep it light, and she figured he'd be done with her when the baby came. What man his age would want a baby around? Amelia was sure she could guard her heart until the baby came. She had no intention of falling in love with Alex. "I hope not, but I'm not so good in the corporate world.""It's not nearly as stuffy as you think it is. Look at me. I'm not your average CEO."She eyed him with his gray suit, white shirt, and conse
"His biggest mistake?" Amelia asked then realized she shouldn't have. She put up a hand. "None of my business."Henrik studied her for a moment. "I think it is, but it's probably none of my business."Alex led Tory out of the department. When she looked back at Henrik, he was still looking at her. "I hope I wasn't sprung on you."Henrik smiled and she could see his resemblance to Alex. "Not at all. I approached Alex yesterday about our hacker. I suggested someone from the outside. I didn't realize he would get someone this quickly. I would have been more ready for you."Amelia stifled a smile. Alex had found her in his bed, but that was none of Henrik's business. "I was available on short notice.""Good. We're glad to have you.""I haven't agreed to the job," Amelia said. "Then it's my job to make sure you do. The sooner we get rid of this hacker, the better. We have the game launch and we all want things to go smoothly."Amelia glanced at the door where Tory had stood then followed H
Amelia had taken a nap on Alex's couch when he told her he had to work another hour after she was done. She was still on the fence about taking the job, but she liked the culture at Hillen Enterprises. When she awakened, there was a blanket on her and she was carefully tucked in. She didn't move as she watched Alex at his deck. He'd loosened the tie he bought that day. His hair was mussed, probably from running his hands through it.She'd learned a lot about him today. He took care of his family. He took care of his teammates and never complained. What a load of responsibility he had on his shoulders and he was still a nice guy. She sat up and Alex turned her way. He smiled. "I'm ready to pack up. You hungry?""Starving."He rose and walked over to her. He settled on the coffee table next to the couch. "You were. I should have sent you home with my driver.""It's fine, Alex. I'll be okay once I get some food in me."Her nausea from a few weeks ago was gone. She'd stopped throwing up
Alex had never been a fan of shopping, but he knew they needed items for the baby. He wasn't superstitious that they were too early, so they set off after breakfast the next morning. Alex held his phone when they reached the store. He didn't know what most of this was, but he had a shopping list. "What are you looking at?" Amelia asked. "Not emails. I found a website that lists what you need for a baby."Her eyebrows shot up. "Oh. Good idea. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that. Sometimes I'm spacey these days.""That is common among pregnant women.""And you still want to hire me?" Amelia said laughing.He liked the sound of her laugh. It touched him deep in his soul. They had gone to their separate rooms last night because Alex had insisted Amelia needed her sleep. He might change his mind because he'd felt a little lost without her last night. How had she wormed her way into his life so easily?Maybe she gave him something that he hadn't known was missing in his life.Amelia
Amelia couldn't sleep. What had Isabel found out about her? Anything from before she turned eighteen had been sealed. That was the only blemish on her life.Giving up on sleep, Amelia left her room. She went to her office hoping to engulf herself in work. She was knee-deep in coding when someone knocked on the door. She'd been expecting Alex.He came into her office and sat without a word. This wasn't good. She'd been looking for a new place to live. Her mind searched for where she could land but came up with nothing. She had nowhere to go and she'd bet Alex's job offer would be rescinded. "You're going to have to help me with this, Amelia."He didn't appear to be angry, so she wasn't sure how to react. "With what?""I've had some disturbing news about you.""Okay. Tell me what you think you know," she said. She wiped her sweaty hands on the jeans that wouldn't fit her in a few months. She hadn't bought maternity clothes yet. Did thrift stores carry them? "What do I think I know? I
Alex's words flooded Amelia with hope. Hope that things would work out even if she didn't know what that meant at this moment. Alex was on her side. Not that she would have asked him to choose a side against his daughter. But his daughter was an adult who had just done something illegal to get back at Amelia. The gloves were off. Well as much as Amelia ever took off her gloves. She wanted harmony, but if she couldn't get it she could make Isabel's life miserable. She had that power even if she didn't plan on using it.Alex rested his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry I doubted you.""No. Given the information, I can understand.""But you should have been given the space to tell me in your own time."Amelia hadn't ever thought about telling anyone about her youthful mistake, but she guessed that was part of being in a relationship. If that was what she and Alex were doing. She was too ragged to have that conversation right now.No, her energy would be best spent having a talk with Isa
Amelia drove by herself to her doctor's appointment. Alex was going to meet her there. He had insisted he wanted to be present for everything. They hadn't slept together since the blow-up with Isabel, but Amelia had needed some space anyway.Isabel was probably off licking her wounds since her father had been angry with her. Amelia had tried to calm Alex, but he'd seen it as an invasion of Amelia's privacy. It was in her mind, but she was glad that any ghosts from her past had already surfaced. She wouldn't have to worry about anything else popping up.She'd been working to finish up with her current clients before taking the job at Alex's company. The customer that Isabel had sent Amelia's way was turning out to be difficult. Amelia had gotten into the system, but she was still puzzled by what she saw. A receptionist greeted Amelia at Brunswick Obstetrics. Her normal doctor didn't deliver babies but had recommenced this practice. It was clean and well-lit, so it was fine."Good morn