Page 24 of Marrying a Billionaire

“Office is the first door on the left,” she said, waving toward the hall off of the kitchen.

Three burly men stepped in, nodding in acknowledgment. They passed by Lillian, each mumbling a hello and then disappeared down the hall.

“What’s going on?” Lillian asked as she stood and made her way over to the sink. Desiree appeared next to her, taking her dish before she could set it down.

“Mr. Reed has a surprise for you,” Desiree said as she wiggled her eyebrows.

Lillian’s heart quickened. “A surprise? For me?” She let out her breath slowly. There was no need to get her hopes up. She was lying to herself if she said that she didn’t miss him. Thankfully, Cassie had kept her distracted yesterday. “Have you spoken to him?” Lillian asked, glancing sideways at Desiree.

“Yes. We spoke. He is flying in tonight.” She studied Lillian. “It’s lonely around here without him, huh?”

Lillian cleared her throat as she dropped Desiree’s gaze. She didn’t want Desiree to see her reaction at the news. Her stomached lightened to hear that Reed was on his way back. Then dread filled her chest. She still had boxes to unpack and an apartment to decorate and deep down, she wanted to surprise him with having it all done.

“What’s the matter?” Desiree asked.

Lillian steeled her nerves as she tried to shoot Desiree a confident smile. “I was hoping to surprise Reed with a few of my decor touches, but I’m not sure I can do it all.”

Desiree dropped the rag she was using to wipe off the counter and turned. “Honey, you are speaking my language. Let’s do it.”

* * *

Dusk spilled in through the windows as Lillian pulled the roast she’d been cooking out of the oven. The smell of carrots and potatoes filled the air. She placed the dish on the stovetop and turned, yelping as she pressed her hand to her heart.

The older one of the three men who had been working on a project in the office, was standing behind her with his hat in his hands. Lillian had been too busy with Desiree to notice what the men were doing all day and had completely forgotten that they were even there.

“Yes?” she asked, clearing her throat.

“I just wanted to let you know that my men and I are finished and will be getting out of your hair.”

Lillian nodded. “Well, thank you.”

He smiled and waved toward the two men behind him, who straightened. They all nodded and said “Ma’am” as they passed by.

Now, alone, Lillian glanced toward the hall. What had those men been doing back there? Just as she took a step toward the room, she heard the lock on the front door turn. Her heart picked up speed as she brushed down the apron she’d bought and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

The door opened, and Reed walked in. He paused as he glanced into the kitchen. His eyes widened. Lillian took this moment to study him. He looked worn out. His shirt was unbuttoned, and his tie hung around his neck.

Feeling awkward standing there, staring, Lillian took a step toward him. “You’re back,” she said.

Reed turned and a smile spread across his lips. “Wow,” he said, leaving his suitcase by the door and glancing around. “You did all of this?”

He was being too kind. A few pictures and couch pillows. Little splashes of color here and there. Nothing mind altering. “It wasn’t that much,” she said, feeling sheepish about how much she wanted him to like what she did.

He glanced over at her, giving her an approving look. “Well, it looks a lot less like a show room and more like a home.” He shrugged out of his suit coat and hung it on the back of the chair. “Did you cook?” he asked, walking over to the stove and dipping down to smell the roast.

“Yes,” she whispered. What had felt like an exciting surprise now seemed like a stupid mistake. What had she been thinking? Reed wasn’t her fiancé. He wasn’t hers to take care of. This was a contractual marriage. It had an expiration date. Besides, what was he going to do when he found out she’d withheld a huge secret? She wasn’t going to be able to hide this pregnancy much longer.

A sour feeling rose up from her stomach. She was such a fool. She’d allowed the excitement of potential home and a person to care for her take over.

“It really wasn’t a big deal. I was just bored.” She tried to downplay what she had done.

Reed turned and studied her with his eyebrows furrowed. “You’ve been bored? I thought Cassie was going to take you out.”

Lillian stepped forward with her hand raised. She hadn’t meant to offend Reed, just push off the feelings that were lingering in her chest. “She did. It was nice. I guess, I was just lonely here.”

He glanced around. “I understand. This isn’t your home.”

“Or life,” she whispered. Heat raced to her cheeks. Why had she said that out loud? The look on Reed’s face was hard to read. For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of hurt in his expression.

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