The Billionaire's Baby Arrangement Read Free Page B

that he evenremembered that night. To her it was a mind-sucking, punched-in-the-gut experience, but she presumed it was business as usual for Nick. He’d probably left dozens of humiliated girls in his wake during his lifetime. “I’m not holding a grudge.” It had been so much more than that for her. “I barely know you.”
    â€œYou know me well enough to accept my help when you need it.”
    â€œI don’t need it.” Even to her ears she sounded contrary. “Why do you care anyway?”
    Nick ran a hand through his dark hair and shook his head. “It’s no big deal, Brooke. I live in a huge house, practically by myself. You’ll stay a night or two and my conscience will be clear.”
    â€œYou’re worried about your conscience?” That sounded like the Nick Carlino she’d known, the one who watched out for Numero Uno first and foremost.
    â€œI promised to take care of Leah last night. And her mother needs a quiet place to rest. Dammit, maybe I’m just sorry I didn’t swerve outta your way faster.”
    Brooke was losing this argument fast and that made her nervous. “You weren’t the one in the wrong lane. It’s my fault. Besides, who’s going to look after us, you?”
    Nick shrugged. “I’ll hire a nurse for a few days. We’d probably never see each other.”
    â€œI can’t afford that.”
    â€œI can,” Nick said point-blank. Not in the cocky way he had about him either. He seemed sincere.
    The idea sounded better and better to her, yet how could she accept his charity?
    He was right about one thing—she was out of options. With the exception of Molly, she’d broken all ties with her friends from Napa Valley when her mother moved them away right after graduation.
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    Brooke had never felt like she fit in with the sons and daughters of wealthy winegrowers, landowners and old Napa money. She was one of a handful of students at the school that wasn't of the privileged class. Her mother managed the Cabernet Café down the street from the high school and Brooke had worked there after school and on weekends. It had started out being a wine-tasting room, but after it failed the owner changed the place into a burger and shake joint. The kids at school called it the Cab Café and the name stuck.
    When Brooke didn't answer, Nick landed the final blow. “Think about what your daughter needs.”
    She squeezed her eyes shut momentarily. God. He was right. Leah needed a healthy mother. Having a nurse on duty meant that Leah would be cared for and Brooke would get the rest she needed. Waves of light-headedness had come and gone all morning long. It was barely eleven and she was already exhausted. Every bone in her body seemed to ache at one time or another when she moved. The soreness she could handle, but she needed to be fully alert in caring for Leah.
    Damn Nick. While she should be thanking him for his generous offer, she resented that he had the means to provide exactly what she needed. Why did it have to be Nick? It seemed like a very bad, cruel joke.
    â€œWell?” he asked.
    The idea of spending one minute under Nick Carlino's roof made her cringe.
    â€œJust let me try calling Molly one more time.”

Two
    N ick glanced at Brooke sitting there on the passenger side of his Cadillac Escalade SUV. The only indication of the crash that took her to the hospital last night was the bandage on her forehead. “All set?” He leaned over to give an extra tug on her seat belt and met with her cautious eyes.
    â€œYes,” she said, averting her gaze. After a moment of hesitation, she asked, “How did you get the car seat for Leah?”
    Nick looked in the back seat where the baby lay resting against a lambswool cushion. “My mechanic, Randy, has two kids. He installed it for me.”
    â€œI think I’m supposed to get a new one now. After a crash, a car seat needs