Page 57 of Secret Baby for Dr. Billionaire

“Why aren’t you dressed yet?”

“What do you mean?” She stood up from the floor and picked up the toys scattered there. She wore denim shorts and a cream halter top that emphasized her curves.

“Didn’t I tell you I have dinner planned for us tonight? Just the two of us?” I was messing with her and enjoying the look of confusion on her face.

“No.” She frowned at the words.

“Well, we do, and you need to get dressed.”

“Are you okay?” She narrowed her eyes at me, perhaps wondering what I was talking about.

“I am.” I closed the gap between us, and I could smell coconut. It got me excited about what was about to happen. I kissed her lips and said, “Happy birthday.”

“That’s why.” She pursed her lips and wrapped her arms around my neck, the center of her body arching against mine. “Thank you. How did you know?”

“Billy Anne.” I should probably stop being so surprised that my daughter knew these things now. I just needed to tell Maggie to be careful what she shared because that kid hadn’t developed a filter yet. “For someone who’s shy and quiet, she can be a chatterbox. Gets it from my sister, I guess.”

“How about Sofi?”

“Sam’s coming over in a few minutes. We’ll be back before midnight.”

“Okay. Should I change into something fancy?”

“No, what you’re wearing is fine. Just grab a coat.”

“So you’re not taking me somewhere fancy, then?”

“If you want to go somewhere fancy, say the word.”

“No,” she said. “This is fine.”

We arrived at the beach thirty minutes later. And as I had requested, there was a round table by the shore adorned with hibiscus flowers and piña colada-scented candles. A bottle of champagne in an ice bucket and two empty flutes were waiting for us.

I knew I could’ve done better if I had enough time, maybe take her somewhere for the weekend. But I guess it’ll have to do.

There were lights on the path leading to the table, and string lights tied to makeshift bamboo poles that zigzagged above us illuminated the place.

“It’s beautiful here. How come I’ve never seen this place before?”

“We’ll be opening here to the public this summer.”

“You own this, too?” We started walking towards the table hand in hand, and I could see the awe in her eyes as she took in the view.

The building behind us had three hundred luxury rooms, a Zen lobby, and a pool at the back. It was perfect for the summer; it meant more tourists.

“No. I’m just one of the investors. With the other businesses I own, I’m not yet ready for a commitment like owning this one yet.”

“Well, thank you for taking me here.”

I helped her to her seat before I got settled into mine.

As I looked at Chloe, the lights dancing behind her, I thought there was nothing more perfect than this—the sound of the water kissing the shore, the salty scent in the air, and the sand tickling our feet.

She removed the silver cover from our dinner, which was lobster tail with mashed potatoes on the side, as I popped the white wine open.

I poured her a glass first and then mine before raising my glass in the air.

“To you.”

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