The Illegitimate Heirs: Luke, Zach and Jake: Bossman Billionaire. Kathie DeNosky

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СКАЧАТЬ about that last night.”

      He smiled. The idea of waking up with her in his arms each morning was becoming more appealing with each passing second. “I didn’t think I’d have to. The last I heard, that’s what married people do.”

      Her turquoise eyes grew wide. “But the only reason for the marriage is to have a child. I thought we’d be sleeping in separate rooms and visit a doctor for some kind of medical procedure. That’s what we would be doing if we weren’t getting married.”

      “You assumed wrong.” He couldn’t stop himself from giving her a wicked grin. “I have all of the required equipment, sweetheart. And let me assure you, everything works just fine. I see no reason for us to resort to a turkey baster when I’m perfectly capable of taking care of the job myself.”

      He almost laughed out loud at the shocked expression crossing her pretty face. “But we barely even know each other outside of this office. And you’ve made it quite clear that you have no expectations of the marriage lasting for any length of time after the birth.”

      Had he heard a hint of panic in her voice?

      Interesting.

      “That’s not exactly true. I said we’d know when it was time to move on. That could be a month, a year or even ten years after the birth before that happens. But that’s not the point,” he said, shaking his head. “I can’t think of a better way to get acquainted than making love. Besides, if I have to get married to get the heir I want, you can damned well bet I’m going to enjoy all of the benefits of the marital institution. And that includes sleeping with you.” Heat began to gather in his lower belly and anticipation filled his chest. There were definite advantages to meeting her demands.

      He didn’t think it was possible, but the blush on her cheeks changed from pink to a deep rose. Was it possible that Haley found the idea of making love with him less than appealing? Or could it be that she was a bit more innocent than he’d anticipated?

      Deciding to find out, he stood up and rounding the desk, took her by the hand to help her to her feet. “While you read and sign the prenup, I’ll make the arrangements for our trip to Pigeon Forge,” he said, taking her into his arms.

      “W-what are you doing?”

      “Giving the woman I’m going to marry a hug,” he responded, drawing her a bit closer. Holding her to him increased the heat in his lower body and sent a shaft of excitement straight through him.

      At first, she stood stiffly in his arms. “We aren’t going…to be married…here in Nashville?” she asked, sounding delightfully breathless.

      “No.”

      When he drew her even closer, Luke felt a tiny tremor course through Haley and instantly knew his suspicions about her innocence were right on the mark. He normally liked his women to be a little more experienced. But for reasons he couldn’t put his finger on, he found Haley’s inexperience oddly touching.

      “I have an important meeting with the management employees of Laurel Enterprises and I want to tour my new properties and meet the construction crews,” he explained, enjoying the feel of her silky hair against his cheek. “And since there are several wedding chapels in the Pigeon Forge area where we’ll be staying, it just makes sense for us to get married while we’re there.”

      “This is a…” She paused. “…huge step. I’m not entirely certain we’re doing the right thing. Are you sure you want to go through with this?”

      “I am.”

      “Really?” She didn’t sound as if she believed him for a minute.

      He nodded. “You told me that it would take us getting married before you’d have my son and I’m complying. In some courts, a verbal agreement is as binding as any contract. And unless you’ve changed your mind about us being married, I’d say we have a solid deal, sweetheart.”

      “No, I haven’t changed my mind.”

      He smiled. “I didn’t think so.” Releasing her, before she realized just how much he looked forward to making her pregnant the old-fashioned way, he picked up the folder containing the prenuptial agreement. “This is fairly basic and straightforward. After you sign it, I want you to take the rest of the day off, as well as tomorrow.”

      “Why?” she asked, looking confused. “I thought you said we had a lot to accomplish.”

      He nodded again. “I need to review the agenda for my meeting with the Laurel employees, call the charter service to arrange our flight and reserve a wedding chapel for the ceremony.”

      “But you normally have me make those arrangements for you.”

      “You’ll be too busy.”

      She frowned. “Doing what?”

      “You’ll need to pack, inform management that you’re giving up your apartment and decide whether to store your furniture or donate it to an agency for the homeless.” He walked back around the desk and reaching for his suit jacket hanging on the back of his chair, removed his wallet. “I almost forgot. I have to attend a charity thing at one of the museums tomorrow evening and I need a date. I want you to go shopping for something new to wear,” he said, handing her one of his credit cards. “And while you’re at it, you might as well get whatever you’re going to wear for the marriage ceremony on Saturday.”

      To his amazement, she looked as if he’d offered her a poisonous snake instead of the small harmless piece of plastic. “If I want something new to wear, I’ll get it myself.” She sounded more than a little offended as she scooped up the folder containing the prenup. “For your information, Mr. Garnier, I’m not destitute. You pay me more than enough to be able to afford whatever clothes I wish to purchase.”

      As he watched her leave his office in an obvious huff, he wondered what he’d said to upset her. Didn’t men buy things for their spouses anymore?

      Of course, he and Haley weren’t married yet. Maybe she took exception to him paying for things like that before they’d made their union official.

      But the way he saw it, it was already a done deal. They had a verbal agreement, would soon have a signed prenup and within a few days a marriage certificate. End of story.

      Staring at his computer screen, Luke still couldn’t quite believe that in two days, he’d be a married man. Hell, he’d spent the better part of his adult life avoiding anything more than a casual relationship with any woman. And he’d never so much as entertained the idea of getting married. So why was he jumping into the deep end of the marital pool with both feet now?

      Haley had every trait he wanted for his heir—intelligence, a good head for business and excellent health. And for another, he couldn’t get her to have his son without the benefit of marriage. Yet, when he’d first heard her requirements to agree to his plan, he’d rejected the idea outright and given serious consideration to looking for a different woman. But the more he’d thought about it over the course of their dinner together, then later on the drive to his place after dropping her off at her apartment, the more sense it made and the more appeal it held.

      She was extremely passionate about mothering a child and that would definitely work to his benefit. He had several satellite offices throughout the south, requiring a certain amount of travel, and juggling a small child СКАЧАТЬ