Aunt Bebe didn’t own an apartment in the city. Instead, whenever they visited together, she booked them a room at one of the hotels near Times Square. During those visits, a luxury town car or a limo always picked them up at the airport and drove them to their hotel. Whenever they went out they either walked or another town car picked them up. Today, she was on her own. Since it was Friday, she had the entire day off, but since Scott was expected in the office, she’d booked an early afternoon flight out of Logan Airport. She’d thought by the time she landed, collected her luggage, and had a taxi drive her over, Scott would be just getting home. Considering the traffic around her, she wasn’t sure she’d make it to his apartment before tomorrow morning. She’d left JFK airport twenty minutes ago and wasn’t much closer to Scott’s building then when she got in the car.
So glad I don’t drive in this every day. The poor taxi driver must have an ulcer the size of a dinner plate after dealing with this all the time. Paige gripped the door handle and squeezed her eyes shut as a black SUV tried to cut in front of the taxi. She lurched forward when the driver braked hard. When she didn’t hear the crunching of metal, she pried her eyes open. Once again the taxi had come to a dead stop, surrounded on all sides by other vehicles.
I could walk and get there faster. If she didn’t have a large suitcase with her, she’d pay the driver and hop out. She should’ve taken Scott up on his offer and let him meet her at the airport. While they’d still be stuck in traffic, she’d be with him rather than inside this stifling taxi. She’d ridden in taxis before, and normally they had air-conditioning. Either the driver preferred not to use it or it didn’t work, because all the windows were rolled down, allowing the noise from outside to filter in along with the sweltering heat.
The taxi inched forward, but not even a slight breeze came through the open windows. If she came again and Scott offered, she’d let him get her at the airport.
Considering Scott lived in a luxury apartment building on what the media dubbed Billionaire’s Row, she shouldn’t have expected anything but the grandeur greeting her now. Perhaps because he came across as a regular Joe, she sometimes forgot which family he belonged to and just how wealthy he really was. The uniformed doorman who’d just held the door for her and the lobby reminded her of both those things well. Large, modern-looking, and in her opinion ugly chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting light across the spotless floor. Across the lobby to the left, another uniformed doorman stood beside double glass doors that led into the five-star hotel located on the first three floors of the building. She’d never stayed in the hotel and didn’t want to imagine the price tag associated with it, but Aunt Bebe had. She’d said although smaller than most of the others in Manhattan, it was one of the best.
Pulling her suitcase behind her, she headed for the other end of the lobby and the sleek looking security desk. A few people who most likely lived in the building sent glances her way, but none spoke or even smiled at her. Considering the apartment building’s elite status, residents probably knew who else lived around them. Or at least had a good idea, so they knew she didn’t belong.
Two attractive uniformed guards occupied the security desk stationed to the right of the three elevators. No one was getting upstairs without passing by them first.
“Can I help you?” A guard with a well-trimmed beard asked when she reached the desk.
“Yes, I’m visiting Scott Belmont.”
“Name please?” Mr. Beard reached for his computer keyboard.
No paper lists for this place. “Paige Foster.”
The guard typed in her name. Liking what he saw on his computer screen, he said, “You’re all set. Go on up, Ms. Foster.”
Paige thanked him and went to the elevators. After pressing the up button, she realized she had no idea what floor she needed. Embarrassed, Paige turned and pulled her suitcase back to the desk. “Excuse me. What floor is Mr. Belmont on again?” She remembered him mentioning apartment A, but nothing else.
This time the clean-shaven guard answered her. “Fiftieth. Apartment A.”
It seemed no sooner did she press the button inside the elevator than the doors were opening outside Scott’s apartment door. Honestly, she couldn’t recall ever riding in an elevator that moved so fast. It must be another perk of living in the building. And she guessed there were many.
Scott pulled open the ebony-colored door and stepped toward her. “Great timing.” Reaching down, he grabbed her suitcase while at the same time he loosened the scarlet tie around his neck. “Got here less than ten minutes ago myself. I intended to leave the office earlier, but got tied up.”
She kissed him before stepping across the threshold and onto the black hardwood floor. Unable to stop herself, she glanced around her surroundings. The apartment was unlike anything she’d seen before. While Aunt Bebe and her granddad had stunning homes, they’d all been decorated in a traditional fashion. The type of style that never went out of date regardless of the decade. There was nothing traditional about Scott’s apartment, at least not the part she saw now. Instead of outer walls, all around her were floor-to-ceiling windows and every few feet a huge white pillar caused a minor break in the view. To the left, a long dining room table stood with another ultramodern, and somewhat ugly, chandelier over it. Directly in front of her, a light gray area rug covered a section of the floor. A square marble or maybe granite coffee table had been placed in the center. Two odd-looking leather chairs and a white sofa faced each other with the coffee table between them. A white upholstered bench finalized the seating on the rug. None of it was furniture she’d put in her house.
“I feel like my plane landed yesterday. I could’ve walked and gotten here sooner.”
Scott left her suitcase near a closet. “Yeah, it’d be nice if they could do something about the traffic.” After undoing the two top two buttons of his shirt, he pulled her close. “Can I get you anything?”
She leaned closer, committing the feel of him against her to memory. After this weekend she may never be next to him like this again. “Good for now.” Paige moved her hands across his neck, Scott’s skin warm beneath her fingers, before touching his shoulders.
“Let me know if you do.” He gave her a light kiss before stepping back. “I’m going to get changed. You can keep me company or make yourself at home, babe. Either way it won’t take me long.”
She’d never pass up an opportunity to see him in any state of undress. “Tough choice. Stay by myself or see you naked. I just can’t decide.”
Much like the dining room and living room, floor-to-ceiling windows acted as outer walls for the bedroom. A large king-size bed along with light gray sofa and coffee table were the only furniture in the room. Both the bed and couch had been positioned along the only solid wall in the room, allowing Scott and anyone else to enjoy the city skyline. A few paintings hung on the wall providing some color, but otherwise, various hues of black, gray and white filled the room.
“Put anything you want in the closet.” Scott disappeared through another door and she stepped closer to the windows.
“This view is insane, Scott.” She turned away from the windows and waited.
Soon he reemerged minus his shirt, a pair of jeans and T-shirt in his hands. “I guess. Honestly, I don’t notice it much anymore.” He dropped the clothes on the bed before taking off his suit pants.
With Scott standing there in nothing but his boxer briefs, her pulse sped up, the city view forgotten. “I’m not only noticing but lovin’ the view right now.” She winked, causing him to chuckle.
“Glad you approve.” He pulled on his jeans before grabbing his T-shirt and coming around the bed to stand near her. “The master bath is in there.” He pointed to a closed door. “Unless you disagree, I think a nice relaxing soak in the hot tub is just what you need tonight after your flight.”
She couldn’t resist taking a peek inside the bathroom. This is a bathroom. Windows similar to those in the bedroom filled one wall. A hot tub large enough for three people filled the space closest to the windows, allowing people to relax and take in the view. She caught a glimpse of a toilet tucked away behind a pocket door. His and her sinks with matching vanities and a glass shower stall completed the room. She could get used to having a bathroom like this.
“Will you be joining me?” she asked, already thinking of the fun they could have together in the hot tub.
Arms circled her waist from behind, and he pulled her back against him. “What do you think?” He kissed her neck, and she closed her eyes, simply enjoying the warmth radiating through her.
“I think you better or else I’ll have to beat you.” She turned in his arms. “Or maybe just tickle you.” In Virginia Beach, she’d discovered the area just below his rib cage was extremely ticklish. Paige went for the spot now. “What’s it going to be?”
“You naked and wet next to me, or tickles. I need to think about this.” Taking a page from her book, Scott slipped a hand under her shirt and tickled her stomach. “I’ll put some serious thought into it while I cook you dinner.”
Scott set down the French bread and salad. He didn’t cook often, but he enjoyed doing it when he had the time. Plus making them dinner tonight allowed them to stay in.
Paige followed him from the kitchen to the dining room table. She’d kept him company while he prepared their meal, something he hoped she’d be doing a lot more of in the future. Unfortunately, depending on what happened with Nicole and how Paige took the news, she might not be back here again. He’d thought about telling her tonight about Nicole’s visit and the possibility he had a son. After a lot of going back and forth, he’d decided to wait. Hopefully, the test results would come back, and Jordan would be the father, making everyone concerned happy. If that happened, he wouldn’t need to get involved. He had his fingers crossed. At the same time, his conscience demanded he tell Paige everything if it came back Jordan wasn’t the father, and he had to get tested.
He should know soon. Nicole expected the results any day.
“You’re full of surprises.” Paige set down the wine she’d carried in. “Any other secrets you want to tell me about?”
Looking away, he pulled out her chair. “I play the piano.” He gestured toward the table. “Have a seat and I’ll serve.”
“Me too. And the guitar. Joe plays the drums. We used to joke about starting a rock band. Unfortunately, neither of us can sing. Not that it ever stopped me from doing it.”
Scott let thoughts of Nicole fade from his mind. Wasting time on them wouldn’t make the possible situation go away. “Can’t be any worse than me. Both my sisters have great voices though.”
Over dinner, Paige filled him in on the craziness at work. He didn’t know how she did it. He wouldn’t make it a single day as a nurse. Some people might say the same about what he did; wearing a suit and sitting behind a desk wasn’t for everyone either. His cousins Jake and Brett were both perfect examples of that. They’d opted for careers that kept them away from Sherbrooke Enterprises and corporate America.
“Did you make this too?” She eyed the dessert he carried in after he cleared away the dinner dishes.
“Baking and I don’t get along. This I ordered and picked up on my way home.” He passed her a slice of the chocolate decadence cake before setting his plate down.
She didn’t waste any time reaching for her fork. “Mom and Dad want to meet you. When I saw Mom Wednesday, I told her maybe next weekend. Does that sound okay?”
For the second time tonight, he intentionally looked at something other than her. “Sure. Maybe —” The buzz from his intercom interrupted him. The only company he expected today sat next to him. “Be right back.” He kissed her check before heading for the kitchen and the closest intercom.
Could it be a cousin downstairs, or maybe one of his sisters? None usually stopped by unannounced, but maybe one had made an unexpected trip into the city. It couldn’t be Dylan or Callie. Both had visited his apartment enough times that all the security guards recognized them. The same was true for his parents. “Yes,” he said, pressing the button on the intercom.
“Mr. Belmont, there is a Nicole Sutton here asking to come up.”
Thanks to the open floor plan the security guard’s voice carried across the apartment.
“Is it okay to allow her upstairs?” the guard asked, and Scott wished he’d used the intercom in the bedroom instead.
Paige held her fork over her plate and stared at him. Looked like he was telling her everything tonight whether he was ready to or not. Damn, why couldn’t Nicole have called instead?
“It’s fine. Send her up.” He released the button and got ready for some questions.
Scott didn’t wait long.
“We’re having company tonight?” Paige’s forehead scrunched into a frown. “Who is she? The name sounds super familiar.”
“An ex-girlfriend.” There was no point in lying. It would all come out soon anyway. “We dated for a few months last summer and fall. I broke up with her in November.”
She put down the fork, a chunk of chocolate cake still on it. Scott took that as a bad sign.
“She won’t be here long. Promise.” At least he hoped.
His doorbell rang, ending any further conversation or questions, although he expected he’d get plenty when Nicole left. Put in a similar situation, he’d have a lot to say if Paige’s ex showed up at her house unexpectedly.
Tonight’s outfit resembled the one she’d worn on her last visit, except rather than extra short shorts, Nicole wore a tight black skirt that barely reached midthigh. She’d paired it with a belly-baring cropped white top and high-heeled sandals. No one would ever guess the woman had given birth a few weeks ago.
“Hi, I hope this isn’t a bad time.” She stepped inside before he invited her in. “I was in the area when I got Jordan’s call and figured I’d stop and see if you were home. Do you have any more of the wine I had Wednesday, because I’d love a glass? If not another kind will do.” She glanced over her shoulder at him. He still stood with his hand on the door handle. “Have you been cooking again? It smells amazing in here. What did you make tonight?”
“Paige and I were having dinner,” he said, the moment Nicole paused long enough for him to speak.
Nicole spun on her heel. “Sorry, if I’d known you had company I wouldn’t have come.”
“You’re here.” Scott released the door handle. “Let me introduce you to my girlfriend,” he said, unclenching his jaw and moving it from side to side. His teeth were never going to be the same again. He walked past Nicole, assuming she’d follow him.
When he got closer though, the expression on Paige’s face made him want to keep on walking. Yes, she was curious, but she was furious too. He had a good guess why. She’d heard Nicole’s comment about being there on Wednesday, a detail he’d never shared.
“Nicole, this is my girlfriend, Paige. I told you about her the other night.” He stopped behind Paige and put his hands on her shoulders. “Paige, Nicole Sutton.” He’d already mentioned she was an ex, so no need in reminding her.
“That’s why your name sounded familiar. You stared in Time Warriors with Anderson Brady.”
Nicole nodded. “Sorry to interrupt your dinner. I won’t stay long.”
Scott walked around the table and pulled out the chair he’d vacated for Nicole. Taking the seat beside Paige instead, he wrapped his hand around one of hers. She didn’t pull away, but she didn’t curl her fingers around his. Instead, they stayed stiff.
Damn, Nicole had rotten timing. “Jordan got the test results?” Later he’d give Paige the full version of the story. For now a few quick answers from Nicole would suffice and get her out of there.
“He called while I was shopping.” She glanced at Paige and back at him. “Do you have any more of the wine? I could really use a glass, Scott.”
She needed wine? Couldn’t she spit out an answer and leave? “Yeah, sure. Paige, do you want some?” They’d finished their wine over dinner and opted for coffee with their dessert.
“No,” she answered, her voice hard.
“I’ll be right back.” He released Paige’s hand. Right away she folded her hands in her lap. He’d get himself a drink too. Something stronger than wine, though.
From the kitchen he saw Nicole lean forward and speak to Paige, her voice low so it didn’t carry into him. Whatever she was saying, he hoped it didn’t tick Paige off any further. Scott tossed back a shot of whiskey before joining the women and again reaching for Paige’s hand.
“Thank you.” Nicole accepted the glass, taking a healthy sip before she delivered the answers he needed. “Jordan got the test results from the lab this afternoon. Unfortunately, my instincts were right. Cooper’s not his son.”
Paige’s mug hit the table with a thud. Coffee sloshed over the top, filling her dessert plate and drowning her uneaten cake.
Scott raked his free hand down his face and wished he’d brought the bottle of whiskey over with him. He needed something harder than coffee on the table right now. “Not the answer we wanted, but at least we know.” While he’d hoped Jordan would turn out to be Cooper’s father, somehow he’d expected the news Nicole had just delivered.
“Will you have the test done soon?” Nicole again reached for her wine.
Paige’s hand slipped out of his. He should’ve told her everything as soon as Nicole left Wednesday night. “Monday morning.”
She took a business card from her purse and handed it to him. “This is the lab we used. They already have a sample of Cooper’s DNA.”
“I’ll call them first thing and get it taken care of.”
Nicole finished her wine in one long sip. “Thanks for not being a jerk about this, Scott. If I’d gone to Alastair before you, he would’ve made this difficult. I know he would’ve.”
Alastair Corey must be the other potential father, because he was the only big-name director in Hollywood named Alastair. It didn’t surprise him. More than once the guy’s name had been linked to some scandal or another involving women who were not his wife.
“My car’s waiting outside. Enjoy your weekend.”
Damn manners. He wanted to explain everything to Paige, not escort Nicole out. “I’ll walk you to the door.” Scott put the business card in his pocket and kissed Paige’s cheek. “Be right back.”
She’d sat through the conversation in silence. Should he take that as a good sign? Or did it simply mean she had great control over her rage? He couldn’t picture Paige angry. Yeah, everyone got upset, but he didn’t see her screaming at him. Nicole yes, Paige no.
Scoot stared at the closed door, his feet stuck to the floor. Get your ass back over there.
“She doesn’t dress like any new moms I know,” Paige said with a healthy dose of sarcasm.
Scott stopped short halfway back to the table. He’d expected Paige to demand answers, not comment on Nicole’s clothes. “We need to talk.” In business meetings, he got right to the point. This seemed like a good time to do the same.
She cocked an eyebrow and crossed her arms, sending his instincts buzzing. “You think?” The sarcasm remained in her voice.
When he reached the table, he considered his seating options before sitting next to her. “Since you heard the tail end of the situation, I’ll start at the beginning.”
“Good idea.”
Normally when they were this close, he’d hold her hand or touch her leg. As he began the explanation, he kept both hands on the tabletop, uncertain of how she’d react if he reached for her. “Before I met you in Virginia Beach last weekend, Nicole called wanting to see me. I told her it’d have to wait until I got back. Wednesday night she stopped by.”
“Yeah, I heard.”
Weeks earlier, she’d seen Nicole Sutton on a magazine cover announcing the birth of her son with her fiancé, another well-known Hollywood actor. So she’d recognized her right away. Paige had also disliked her immediately. Logically, she shouldn’t have. She’d never been in the same room with Nicole before tonight. Her heart hadn’t cared about logic. It’d only cared a gorgeous woman who’d dated and slept with Scott had intruded on their time together. Things only got worse from there.
When she heard Nicole mention a recent visit, her heart hit her lap. He’d had his ex-girlfriend—no, wait—incredibly sexy ex-girlfriend over and failed to tell her. Not what she wanted to hear.
Before she’d digested that news, Nicole dropped her next bombshell announcing Cooper wasn’t her fiancé’s son. Somehow even before Nicole asked when Scott would get the paternity test done, she’d known the reason behind Nicole’s visit.
“Nicole came to me before the third possible father.”
Yeah, she’d heard Nicole mention someone named Alastair. “Only three?” Great actress or not, the chick had rocks for brains if she’d cheated on Scott with two other men.
“She gets around,” Scott answered with disgust. “If you believe her story she started seeing Jordan in September. We were together until November. She had sex with Alastair in October too, in exchange for a movie role. Isn’t showbiz wonderful.”
People in Hollywood lived in their own crazy world. “Do you think the baby is yours?” Saying the words took all her willpower.
“I just don’t know. It’s possible. We used protection, but it’s not foolproof. And we had a condom break one night.” He rubbed his palms together, frustration written all over his face.
Were they really talking about him and his ex-girlfriend having sex? People didn’t have those kinds of conversations. Let it go. It happened. Move on.
“I should’ve told you all this Wednesday night, but I hoped Jordan would be Cooper’s father. Nicole did too. I screwed up. I’m sorry.”
“Yep, you did. Not that it makes it okay, but I kinda understand.” She didn’t want to voice the next question, but had to. Some conversations you couldn’t avoid. “What if the test comes back and you’re the father?”
He didn’t hesitate to answer. “Joint custody. If Cooper’s mine, I plan on being in his life. When she’s not filming or on vacation, Nicole lives in Manhattan. According to my lawyer that fact should make the legal aspects easier to handle.”
She’d expected no other answer from him. It was part of why she loved him.
“It won’t change anything, Paige.”
“You might want to talk to your cousins who have children or something, because becoming a father changes your entire life.”
Reaching over, he took her hand. “I meant it won’t change things between us. At least not for me. Does it for you?”
I’m not sure. He hadn’t cheated on her. If the baby was his, Nicole had gotten pregnant before they met. However, if he and Nicole shared a child, maybe they should get back together. Try to make it work for the baby’s sake. If they did, they might go on to have a good marriage and many more children. Was it fair for her to stand in the way? Especially considering she might never be able to give him the family he wanted, something she’d yet to share. She’d hoped to get up the nerve this weekend. Now she didn’t see it happening.
“Paige, I love you. And no matter how this situation turns out, I’ll love you. You know that, right?” he asked, an indication she’d kept quiet too long.
She hated to lie, but for now, she’d tell him what he needed to hear because she’d never sort out her feelings tonight. It’d have to wait until she was alone. “I love you too. And you’re right, this doesn’t change anything between us.”