The Billionaire's Baby Arrangement Read Free

now. Not yet. She needed to get Aunt Lucy’s place up and running and making money before she’d tell Dan about his child. She needed all the ammunition she could get to retain full custody of Leah. That’s if Dan would even want his daughter. But Brooke couldn’t take any chances. She’d inherited her aunt’s eight-bedroom home in Napa Valley and with a little ingenuity she planned to make the place a shining bed-and-breakfast for tourists.
    â€œSo, you’re visiting your aunt?” Nick asked matter-of-factly, as if he’d already come to that conclusion.
    â€œMy aunt passed on three months ago. I inherited her home.”
    When Nick was ready to pose another question, Leah fidgeted in his arms and made sweet little waking-upsounds. Nick stiffened, appearing confused as to what to do with her.
    â€œShe’s hungry and probably wet.”
    On impulse, Nick moved her away from his body, looking at her bottom through the blanket. “You think so?”
    â€œHas she been in the same diaper all night?”
    â€œYes, no. I think one of the nurses changed her late last night and fed her.” He pointed to her suitcases at the other end of the room. “She found what she needed in there.”
    â€œOh, I hadn’t even thought about my things. Did you bring them here last night?”
    He nodded and stood. She moved her eyes up the length of him and inhaled a steady breath of air. His day-old stubble and wrinkled clothes made Nick look even more appealing, sexier than she’d remembered. She found that he’d filled out his boyish frame to one of a man who could sustain every woman’s fantasy.
    Good thing he was leaving. “I’ll take Leah now. I’m sure I’ll be on my way soon,” she said.
    The doctor walked in at that very moment with a chart in his hands. “I wouldn’t be too sure of that.” He introduced himself as Dr. Maynard.
    Blood drained from her face and her insides knotted. “Why not?”
    â€œWhile your tests show no damage, you took one nasty bump to the head. You’re going to have bouts of dizziness. You won’t be able to drive and it’s better that you rest for at least two days.”
    The doctor did a cursory exam, removing the bandage on her head, nodding that it looked better. He checked her eyes with a probing light and used his stethoscope to listen to her heart. “I can release you today into someone’s care, though. Do you have help for your baby?”
    She shook her head. “I just arrived in town last night.”And what an entrance she’d made. “I can call a friend.” She’d kept in contact with Molly Thornton for several years after she’d graduated from high school. Though she hadn’t spoken with Molly in two years, she knew she’d lend a hand if needed. Molly was the nurturing type and wouldn’t let a friend down.
    â€œOkay, I’ll get your release ready. I’m writing you a prescription for pain relievers. Nothing too strong. Are you still nursing the baby?”
    Brooke nodded. “Yes.”
    He glanced at Leah, who was kicking up more of a fuss now in Nick’s arms. “She’s cute. I have a daughter a few months older than her.” Then he glanced at Nick. “I never thought I’d see a baby in your arms, Carlino.” The doctor glanced back at Brooke. “Next time you come to Napa, I wouldn’t suggest you crash into Nick.” He winked at her. “It’s safer to steer clear when you see him coming.”
    Brooke had already come to that conclusion, years ago.
    Nick twisted his lips. “Funny, Maynard. But you won’t be laughing when I kick your butt on the court Friday.”
    â€œKeep dreaming.” Dr. Maynard turned back to Brooke, his serious face on. “Be sure to have someone pick you up today and stay with you. Take it easy for a few days.”
    â€œOkay, thank you,