The Billionaire Bachelor's Surprise Baby: A Billionaire Romance (9 page)

I
sat in the family room on Monday morning rocking Mason as I looked over the latest sales reports. Business couldn’t be better and my personal life was at an all-time high. I glanced into the kitchen as Jenna mixed bottles for the day. She lightly hummed to herself. She did that often, but I don’t think she even knew she was doing it. I found it comforting. Her presence in the house left me calm even on my most stressful days at work. Coming home to her and Mason was the highlight of my day. We were a family.

The doorbell clamored through the house.
Ah yes... the reason I decided to work from home.

“Do you want me to get that?” Jenna asked as she dried her hands.

“No.” I handed her Mason before heading to the foyer. “My mother is a force of nature. I’ll intercept her.”

“It’ll be fine.” She kissed my cheek. “You’ll see.”

Calming vibes... she was good at that.

Before I could even answer the door my mother had walked through the foyer with my father close behind her. Why had she even bothered ringing the bell?

“Where is my grandchild?” She shoved several packages in my hands. “Your father has the rest.”

“Hey, mom.”

“Oh, don’t ‘hey mom’ me.” She kissed my cheek. “I missed you but what a way to have to come home. We didn’t expect your surprise announcement.”

“Missed you too.” I nodded at my dad. “Welcome back.”

“Ky,” he said. “You’ve given us lots to talk about today.”

“I’ll bet.” I pointed to the family room. “He’s in there.”

My mom pushed passed me and headed straight for Mason.

“She’s excited.” My dad placed the packages in the foyer. “She never expected you to make her a grandma so soon.”

“Neither did I.”

Once we reached the family room, Jenna had already handed Mason to my mother who was now making the biggest fuss. There were even tears in her eyes. My mother never, and I mean never, cried.

“He looks just like you did when you were a baby,” she said. “Do you remember, James?”

“I do.” My dad took Mason’s hand. “Hey, little guy.”

When Jenna smiled at me I relaxed. My parents were going to accept Mason, but the whole situation was unexpected.

“Mom, Dad, this is Jenna Cranford. She’s been taking care of Mason almost since the day he arrived.” I stood close to Jenna, placing my hand on the small of her back. “She’s amazing with him.”

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Barton. Kyler has told me so much about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

“Hello,” my mother said. “Cranford. Is your father the pediatrician?”

“Yes,” Jenna replied.

“He’s been a huge help with Mason too.” It was fortunate to be dating a woman whose dad dealt with babies all day long. Every time I had a question or concern I called him. I had my own baby doctor hotline.

“I know your mother. She does wonderful charity work.” My mom stared into Mason’s face. “He has your eyes, Ky.”

“I know.” From the moment I saw those wide eyes there was no doubt he was mine even if I couldn’t accept it that first day.

“I made some fresh brewed iced tea.” Jenna motioned toward the kitchen. “Why don’t you all have a seat and I’ll get it?”

“That’s very kind of you,” my dad said. “Can I hold him?”

“No,” my mom told him. “I just got him.”

When I winked at Jenna I caught my mom staring at our exchange. She was going to be in for a shock when I told her Jenna wasn’t just the nanny.

“He’s healthy?” she asked.

“He’s doing really well,” I assured her.

“And his mother?” She glared at me and I could sense she was wondering how the hell I got mixed up with such a woman. “Where is she?”

“I don’t know. I told you, Tom and Paulie are working on it.”

“Tom? How could you have put him on this?” She cooed at Mason. “Such a sweet little boy.”

“You and dad weren’t around. I didn’t have many options. Your cruise was horrible timing. With Aimee dropping Mason here without a minute’s notice and the London and New York deals moving forward, I’m a bit overwhelmed. It’s been a tough few weeks.” I wasn’t sure how I’d managed to accomplish as much as I had given my new parental status.

“You’re doing a fantastic job.” Jenna reappeared with a tray of glasses and a pitcher of iced tea. “Would you like to sit on the patio?”

“That’s a great idea.” I took the tray from her. “Thank you.”

My mother shot my father a curious glance as they followed us out to the patio. I set the tray down and pulled out a chair for Jenna.

“I can leave you with your parents,” she offered. “Give you time to visit.”

“I want you here with me.” I pointed to the chair. “Please.”

“Kyler.” My mother took a seat. “We do have a few things to discuss. I’m sure your father wants to go over your latest business contracts and I certainly need to be brought up to date on this custody issue.”

“Whatever you have to say can be said in front of Jenna.” I sat down, took Jenna’s hand and placed it in my lap. “Without her I don’t know how I could have managed these past few weeks.”

When Jenna squeezed my hand, my mother’s eyes widened. “Am I missing something?” she asked. “You two seem awfully cozy.”

“Maya?” my dad scolded. “Maybe it’s none of our business.”

“No, Dad.” I looked into Jenna’s eyes. “Jenna and I are together. We’re a couple.”

“A girlfriend? What’s going on here, James? Did our ship go down and now we’re stuck in some alternate universe? Next you’re going to tell me Caden is married.”

“I don’t see that happening anytime soon.” I thought about Saturday night when we left the club. Caden couldn’t decide who he was going home with and I wondered if he just took both girls with him. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“But you have a child and a girlfriend. I never expected that.” My mom smiled at Jenna. “No offense to you. I just didn’t expect to come home and see Kyler all grown up.”

“Well, he is thirty, so...” My dad sipped his iced tea. “It was bound to happen.”

“Everything happened all of a sudden,” I told them. “Jenna showed up to solicit for her mom’s charity and I mistook her for my no-show nanny. She stepped in when I really needed her. It all worked out.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” My mother looked adoringly at Jenna and I could tell she approved. Jenna Cranford was exactly who my mother would have chosen for me if I had allowed her to run my love life. Talk about irony. “I’d love to get in touch with your mom and see if she needs any help with her latest function or perhaps a donation.”

“She’d be thrilled.” Jenna relaxed into my touch when she realized she had my mom’s approval.

“Now, let’s talk about Mason’s mother,” my mom said. “What are we going to do about her?”

“I don’t like to refer to her as that.” I clenched my jaw because the more time that went by and Aimee didn’t resurface the angrier I became.

“I’m sure the girl had her reasons, Kyler,” my mom said. “We’ll hold our judgments until we find out what they were.”

“Seriously? I thought you’d be ready to fight with everything you hand,” I challenged her. “Are you losing your touch?”

“Not sure why you didn’t pursue law.” My dad reached for one of the cookies Jenna had baked this morning. “You would have made a damn good attorney.”

“I make a better fitness mogul,” I reminded him. “You’ll see when you review the latest numbers.”

“I guess I can’t argue that. I took a peek at those numbers last night.” He gave me the thumbs up. “These cookies are delicious.”

“Thank you.” Jenna seemed to be enjoying the banter that surrounded her.

“I never said I wouldn’t fight.” My mother brought the subject back to Mason and custody. “Aimee has left the door wide open for us. I just wish we knew where she was and what she was up to.” She set Mason on her shoulder and rubbed his back as he fell asleep. “When I leave here I’ll call Tom and have him brief me. I’m sure he’s filed all the necessary paperwork. I want to make sure he’s done everything by the book. I’m leaving no room for error when it comes to this precious Barton baby. If his mother does come back I’ll make sure Mason stays right here where he clearly belongs.” She nodded at me and Jenna. “I’m impressed with the way you handled the situation.”

“What choice did I have?” I didn’t like to think about what could have happened if Aimee was having some sort of breakdown and didn’t leave him with me. “When Aimee put him in my arms there was no denying what I had to do.”

“I’m proud of you, Kyler,” my mom said. “I might not like how this boy got here.” She arched a brow at me. “But you are an adult, and you’ve proven that with your son.”

“Thanks.” I kissed Jenna’s cheek. “I owe most of this to her.”

“We’re doing it together,” she reminded me.

The only way I’d ever want to do this.

***

It had been a stressful couple of weeks, but thanks to my father and his contract negotiations, London looked like a done deal. Now I needed to figure out a way to fly there and hammer out some details. I didn’t like thinking about leaving Mason and Jenna. I knew she would take good care of him, but the thought of flying so far away gave me a whole new set of anxiety. I’d never had to think about leaving anyone behind before. I just took off at a moment’s notice and went where I wanted to go. Responsibility had taken on a whole new meaning these days.

Jenna came down the stairs to join me in the basement gym. When I looked up from my workout notes I dropped the iPad on the table and stared at her. How the hell was I supposed to work out a new routine with her dressed in those tiny black shorts and that sports bra she used as an excuse for a tank top? Was she deliberately provoking me? Even if she wasn’t she was going to have to deal with my aroused cock.

“I just got off the phone with your mom.” When she moved toward me her supple tits bounced with each step.

How the fuck am I supposed to concentrate?

“Mason is having a blast, her words.” When she smiled her whole face beamed with pride. “They want to keep him until dinner and then they want us to come over and eat with them. She’s having a chef prepare the meal.”

“Ah yes, Trevor Canton. He’s a client of my dad’s and often cooks for them on Saturday nights. If you want to go I can guarantee we’ll have a spectacular meal.”

“I told her we would.” She tied her hair into a high ponytail, accentuating her chiseled cheekbones. “Are you ready to work me hard today?”

You have no idea.

“Since moving in here I’m gaining a killer body.”

“You already had a killer body.” I pulled her toward me. “I’m just toning it for you. Showing you a few new tricks. That’s why my fitness programs are so popular. They work for every body type.”

“Whatever you’re doing, keep it up. I like being your guinea pig.”

“That’s an odd choice to describe yourself.”

“You know what I mean.” She let go of me and began stretching. “I love all these new exercises and routines you’re showing me. You’re the best personal trainer a girl could ask for.”

“Don’t let that get out.” I scanned my playlist on my phone, trying to decide what music was best for today’s set. “Alli Fortunato has called my office three times this week to get me to train her for an upcoming role.”

“The actress?”

“Yes, I helped her get in shape for a movie once.” That wasn’t all I helped prepare her for but I wasn’t going there. “I’m going to refer her to Caden.”

“Caden must love that you’re off the market now.” When she dropped into a downward dog position I forgot what I was even searching for on my phone. “He gets all the kickbacks now.”

“I didn’t always sleep with my clients.” There were a few I didn’t share my bed with.
I think...

“Because some were men.” She laughed as she held her ass in the air.

“Funny.” I moved to stand behind her, running my hand along her spine. “Press your heels into the ground. You’ll get a better stretch.”

“Thanks.”

Stepping behind her, I placed my hand on her hips, trying to focus on stretching her out, but my aroused cock had so many other ideas. All of them included her naked and screaming my name.