Billionaire's Baby - Player's Club Complete Box Set: Player's Club Series

By Roxie Odell

Billionaire's Baby Complete Collection - #1-3

Once a PLAYER, always a player?

Book 1

“It’s all about you,” he said to the little one beside him. “All I need is to take care of you…and to make lots of money for the both of us.”​

Brodie Rogan’s baby-mama only wanted one thing from Brodie: his money. Since she wanted nothing to do with his son, billionaire player Brodie must prepare to face a new role in life, single fatherhood, with a strong emphasis on single. Feeling disgruntled and abandoned by the mother of his child, the former playboy has no plans to get involved with any new bunnies anytime soon, if ever. After all, what’s the point of being rich if he has to worry all the time about being taking advantage of?

When his tiny Thomas arrives, it is that new life rather than dead presidents that now dictates the terms of Brodie’s life, at least until he meets Cara Rodriguez, a walking, talking breath of fresh air, with a scorching hot body. Brodie only lets his guard down enough for a one-night stand, but little does he know that Cara will turn out to be good for him and his precious son. As hard as he tries, he cannot fight the heat and passion he feels when he’s around her.

Just when things appear to be perfect, will Brodie’s player ways ruin the best thing he and his little Thomas could have ever hoped for, or will Cara overlook his imperfections and love the billionaire and his baby?

Book 2

What if your best chance for blistering passion is also a one-in-a-billion, unrealistic one?           

Julie Corbin is a stunning, successful nurse, but she’s all alone in the sexy city of Washington, DC. She was sure the last guy who hit on her couldn’t have possibly taken her seriously, but he certainly captured her deepest desires. In fact, he made her want more than any man ever had.

The very delicious, very single billionaire Brodie Rogan is also a new father who just so happens to be Julie’s former boss. After a tumultuous parting of ways, one thing after another leads them back to each other. Two lonely people with so much going for them, they learn they share more than just a love for dance. Their chemistry is so powerful and erotic that they can’t keep their hands off each other. In their secret moments, they’re driven to new heights to which neither has dared travel before.

While Julie can’t stop fantasizing about a future with the wealthy, powerful Brodie, it is Mr. Rogan’s shady past that she’s caught up in, and that comes at a high price. Just as she reaches the crescendo, when she is at her all-time happiest, she has devastating run-ins with the mother of Brodie’s child and his last lady love. Overcome with jealousy and insecurity, Julie begins to doubt Brodie, and he suddenly loses his Prince Charming appeal.

Will Brodie’s pesky past be enough to put an end to their fiery affair? Can Julie really bear to walk away from that romantic, magical world the dashing billionaire has to offer, or will she be seduced by those enchanting lips that beg her for one more chance? 

Book 3

Of all the reckless things that single dad and billionaire Brodie Rogan’s done in his life, giving the woman he loves a job with him is at the top of the list. 

Julie Corbin meant what she said when she said goodbye, so Brodie feels like he has no other choice than to plant a false ad for a too-good-to-be-true job and to wait for sweet Julie to take the bait. It all goes perfectly until it blows up in his face.

Can Brodie fix this one? Or maybe the billionaire’s money can’t make this one right.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark Shadow Publishing
• Release date: Apr 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386529613

Roxie Odell

Steamy Romance author Roxie Odell brings you heat, steam and romance in her stories. Be ready to sweat! Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoxieOdell/?ref=hl Follow her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b9G7JX Twitter @roxieodellauthor

Book preview

Part 1

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Billionaire’s Baby Blurb:

BRODIE ROGAN’S BABY-mama only wanted one thing from Brodie: his money. Since she wanted nothing to do with his son, billionaire player Brodie must prepare to face a new role in life, single fatherhood, with a strong emphasis on single. Feeling disgruntled and abandoned by the mother of his child, the former playboy has no plans to get involved with any new bunnies anytime soon, if ever. After all, what’s the point of being rich if he has to worry all the time about being taking advantage of?

When his tiny Thomas arrives, it is that new life rather than dead presidents that now dictates the terms of Brodie’s life, at least until he meets Cara Rodriguez, a walking, talking breath of fresh air, with a scorching hot body. Brodie only lets his guard down enough for a one-night stand, but little does he know that Cara will turn out to be good for him and his precious son. As hard as he tries, he cannot fight the heat and passion he feels when he’s around her.

Just when things appear to be perfect, will Brodie’s player ways ruin the best thing he and his little Thomas could have ever hoped for, or will Cara overlook his imperfections and love the billionaire and his baby?

Chapter One

FOR BRODIE ROGAN, THE night was a perfect storm, something a billionaire just wasn’t used to.  

Things certainly didn’t start out as a tsunami of shit. In fact, at first, his plans seemed to be perfectly falling into place. The sitter agreed to stay over, and she had her own apartment off the main house. The baby was finally sleeping all night, and even though Brodie was nervous about going on his first date since Thomas was born, the child didn’t seem to pick up on his anxiety. That surprised Brodie, because he was remarkably uneasy.

He had gone for months and months without any affection, certainly no sex, and now he had the chance to connect with a beautiful woman he’d been flirting with like crazy.

As a man who was able to afford just about anything, he made sure the sitter had a comfortable space. This way, he could enjoy some much-needed, long-awaited adult time. Finally, it seemed life might get back to normal for Brodie, right after it got incredibly hot.

Brodie met the delicious Cara Rodriguez at an event through his firm, when she attended as a representative of the nonprofit she worked for. She almost drove him to his knees right then and there when she rocked a curve-hugging slip dress. For such a petite person, she had insanely long legs, and when she slid her feet into spiky heels, she looked like a runway model. Brodie had no intentions of meeting anyone, flirting with anyone, or going out with anyone, because he was too busy learning the ropes as a single daddy, but Cara was so adorable that she snapped him out of the zombie state of new fatherhood.

He was by no means ready for love, but there was definitely something there. He’d built his fortune by being an expert at the art of the deal, and he was a man who knew when to seize an opportunity. When he saw Cara, seize he did. In no time, Cara was in his Florida room, nuzzling him, making him as hard as the slate that covered the floor, trying to see if they could share something more.

Brodie, though, was one of those worrying parents. Even with the sitter present, he made sure there were functioning baby monitors all over the house, and he was prepared to step in if the babysitter ever faltered in giving his son proper care and attention. While he was ruthless in the boardroom, he melted into a puddle of guilt when it came to his infant son. He struggled with being away from him for even a moment, and he felt a great deal of remorse when pursuing his own wants and needs, which he was just about to do in the most lustful of ways.

He could hardly believe his big, clumsy hands had the privilege of touching the incredibly soft strands of Cara’s hair. The security lights in the trees outside the picture windows looked and felt like moonlight streaming in, captured in a river of shine on the lovely locks he ran his fingers through.

Brodie removed his coat and tie and unbuttoned his starched white shirt at the neck so he could breathe. He snaked his fingers around Cara’s firm, lean thighs and draped them over his knees.

He took a moment to marvel at her shapeliness; he couldn’t believe those celebrity legs that first caught his attention were now there, in his grasp, up close and personal. He cupped her jaw, again reveling in the silkiness of her hair as his lips pressed to hers. Their breath pushed softly through their noses as their passion rose.

Brodie’s tongue explored the sweet, wet heat of her mouth. She tasted just the slightest bit of the dessert wine they’d shared, fruity and crisp. As he continued to taste her, inviting her tongue into his mouth to dance with his, his hands slipped to the zipper clasp at the neckline of her dress. Just as he pulled down the zipper, though, familiar cries rolled out of the nearest baby monitor.

The would-be lovers turned their heads in unison, breaking their kiss to stare at the source of the sound.

You have a baby? she asked, sounding almost horrified.

Brodie stiffened with panic, and his mind traveled two places at once: his son and Cara’s cold tone. Up to that point, they had only flirted with each other and hadn’t exchanged much personal information, but he did not feel that gave her any excuse to react so cruelly to the existence of a defenseless little kid.

Rather than telling Cara what he thought about that, he abruptly broke from their entanglement and trotted through the halls of his sprawling rambler, clutching the monitor and trying to talk himself out of that bitter concoction of panic and guilt. The babysitter will probably get there before me, but still. What the hell was I thinking?

He looked into the room and expected to the see the sitter, but that was not the case. Frustrated, Brodie flipped on the nursery light switch and lifted his crying little one from his crib, only to discover that Thomas was soaking wet. Since the babysitter was nowhere in sight, he carried the boy to the changing table and began pulling out all the supplies he needed.

As Brodie gently wiped his son’s bottom, he heard someone walk into the room. Behind him, the visitor began stripping the wet sheet off the mattress.

Where have you been? Brodie asked in a harsh whisper, trying to contain himself for the baby’s sake. I pay you to babysit, and—

You do? That’s funny, because I’ve been with you this whole time.

Brodie whipped around and saw Cara standing there in her $500 evening wear, casually holding an armful of urine-soaked sheets like a hospital nurse, not the least bit squeamish about it.

When she lifted the mattress, Brodie stared, shocked but then concerned. What are you doing? he asked.

Circulating the mattress. The baby needs to sleep on a clean, dry surface, she said as she did the final flip.

Brodie was impressed, but he was also touched and grateful for the help. How do you know so much about babies?

I’m one of six kids, she said with a laugh. I’m no stranger to wet sheets...or diapers!

Ah, so that’s why you don’t like kids, he said, more to himself than to her.

Excuse me? she asked, a bit taken aback.

It’s okay, he said apologetically. Babies aren’t...for everybody.

"But I love kids," she said defensively.

Didn’t sound like it earlier.

Oh, that? I-I was just surprised about yours, since you didn’t mention him before. As she spoke, she found the sheets and made up the bed.

Can I ask you for another favor? Brodie whispered, holding a freshly dressed Thomas in his arms.

Cara reached for the baby. I’d be happy to hold him for a sec, she said with a smile.

Thanks, Brodie said, feeling like a jerk for thinking poorly of her. I need to find out why the woman I hired to care for him is MIA.

Yeah, that might be a good idea. Meanwhile, we’ll just get acquainted, Cara said, then gave Thomas a playful peck on his tiny nose.

Brodie sauntered to the sitter’s door and knocked abruptly. When no one answered, he found the key above the doorframe and quickly turned it in the lock, then flicked on the lights and could not believe his eyes.

Not only was the baby monitor unplugged, but the babysitter was busy entertaining a visitor, naked as the day she was born.

What the...?

Both of them gazed at him like the proverbial deer caught in the proverbial headlights.

Out! Brodie snarled. Of course, he wanted to shout a stream of profanities, but he had to think of his son. Brodie Rogan was a big man, and before he became a father, he was quite the gym rat, working out all the time. He even flew all around the world to learn fighting styles and techniques from renowned masters, but all those world travels ended when Thomas was born. Nevertheless, he was an intimidating figure, and he hoped he put a scare into them. Also, I expect to be paid back all the money I gave you, he snapped.

The babysitter scrunched up her face and stood up, completely topless, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. You won’t see a penny of that, she challenged. You don’t need the money anyway.

Brodie stomped so hard on the floor that both lovers flinched. I paid you to watch my son, but you left him alone. You don’t get paid for services you don’t render.

You’ll spoil him! she countered.

Taking care of a baby is not spoiling him. What kind of babysitter are you anyway?

A good one. I’ve made my living at it for a long time.

I see what kind of services you render, Brodie snarked, smirking at her naked companion. "How much is he paying you?"

How dare you? she yelled, crossing her arms over her bare chest.

No, how dare you? Brodie said. Consider yourself blacklisted too. I’ll make sure you never get hired as a babysitter again.

Oh puh-leeze, scoffed the woman.

Without a word, the other man in the room snatched his clothes off the floor and slipped out the open window.

You’d better go with him, said Brodie, out the window like the rest of the garbage.

Would you mind stepping out so I can put on my clothes? she demanded, her voice suddenly devoid of all the sweetness, that caring tone that had tricked him into believing she had a heart for caring for little ones.  

I’ll give you five minutes to clear out of here, Brodie said, furious that he’d been such a bad judge of character. I have security cameras all over the place. If I find anything missing other than you and your measly belongings, your ass will be in jail by dawn.

She rolled her eyes and sighed again. If you were half as concerned about your baby as you are about your overpriced junk... she murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.

Brodie was flooded with rage, but he somehow managed to put a cap on his urge to attack her, even as the babysitter smiled in triumph. He shook his head as he waited with the phone to his ear. Good luck working again, he growled, then turned his attention back to the phone when his security director answered. Hey, Max, I need two individuals safely escorted off the property. Yeah, the babysitter...and the guy she was with.

Would that be the man climbing out her bedroom window? asked the security guard.

It would be indeed, replied Brodie, shaking his head. The guy was now trying to escape?

I’ll be right over, Boss, said Max.

Sit tight, Brodie said to the babysitter. He’s coming to fetch you.

Within moments, Max appeared at the open window. What can I do, sir?

Watch her, hissed Brodie.

Glad to, Max said with a laugh.

She interrupted my time with a beautiful woman, Brodie said. We can’t have that, now, can we?

No, we can’t, Boss. I’ll handle it, Max promised.

The babysitter wrenched her hands in her eyes, pretending to cry, but Brodie didn’t feel one ounce of compassion for her. Instead, he quickly put distance between himself and the foul woman before he ended up with an assault charge. Besides, I’ve got more important things to focus on, like my beautiful son and that gorgeous woman. Babysitters are a dime a dozen anyway, right?

Chapter Two

BRODIE RETURNED TO the nursery and found Thomas asleep in his freshly changed crib and Cara nodding in the easy chair. It wasn’t that late, and he hadn’t been gone that long, but he couldn’t help but pause to enjoy the peaceful scene. It was just the medicine he needed to calm the rage he’d felt toward the woman he just fired. Cara was as angelic as his baby son; not only was she gorgeous and smart, but she was caring and giving too.

Despite all that, Brodie felt a little empty. The woman was perfect in many ways, and that only left him in agony, because it seemed their moment had passed. He had designs on taking her to bed and wearing the both of them out, but that was it at first. Then, he didn’t want anything else from her.

Now, his opinion had changed. He knew she was too good to be used that way, that she was more than a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am kind of girl—and that was a bad thing. Brodie had no time or space in his life for a woman he cared about. He had to focus on Thomas, his son, and that was precisely why he’d worked so hard to change his playboy ways. The old Brodie Rogan wouldn’t have thought twice about seducing her, but the new Brodie, the responsible, loving father, now had to send Cara home.

He strolled over to her, as quietly as he could so he wouldn’t wake the baby, and dropped to his haunches. He stroked a lock of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. He was riveted when she stirred sweetly; he found her as enticing to watch as his son was and just as adorable, albeit in a totally different kind of way. Hey, he said softly, hoping he wouldn’t startle Thomas, you saved the day. Come on.

Cara’s eyelids fluttered as she struggled to shake off sleep. She seemed so sleepy that it occurred to Brodie for just a fleeting moment that he should offer her a guest room, but before he could mention it, she tiptoed behind him, out of the nursery and into the living room.

I’m so sorry about all this, he said. I should have told you about Thomas.

Why didn’t you? she asked groggily. I see how much you care for him. I’ve known you since, um...

Before he was born? he finished, feeling guilty once again. It was now no secret that he’d been flirting with her for months while Thomas’s mother was still pregnant with him, and never once during all that time did he mention that he was about to become a father. He felt even worse knowing that some of the people who worked at her nonprofit knew that dirty little secret he’d kept from her all along.

As Brodie thought about that, he had to admit to himself that if Carla really did mean anything to him, he would have let her know. Even more to the point, if he had shared that intimate fact with her, she would have gotten the wrong idea, and he had absolutely no intention of getting serious with her. It wasn’t even an option.

I was just afraid of how you’d react, he lied. I’m so new at this, a little overprotective probably. You’re the first person who...

He trailed off, but it was obvious that she bought his story, because she put a finger to his lips and gazed at him with total adoration. It wasn’t what he wanted, nor did he think he deserved it, but it was better than hurting her. Enough of the old Brodie was in him that he knew how to milk her crush, just in case he needed her for something.

I understand, she said sympathetically.

Brodie sat on the nearest chair and raked his finger through his hair. It wasn’t often that he was overwhelmed, with the sole exception of when it came to being a parent.

I promise, it’s totally fine, Cara said, touching his shoulder with smoldering sensitivity and sincerity.

The nicer she was to him, the guiltier he felt, but she was just acting the way he wanted her to. He was a master manipulator in business, but that same skill often carried over to his personal life. The only person he couldn’t seem to negotiate with was tiny Thomas.

It’s late, Brodie said gallantly. You don’t need to hear about all my personal drama. You should leave your car here and let my driver take you home. He can pick you up in the morning to come get your vehicle.

Cara looked at him with big, brown eyes and sweeping lashes. Don’t you want me to stay? she asked seductively, weakening Brodie where he sat.

He stood and pressed his lips to hers for a simple, brief kiss. It took everything he had not to break down and let her stay, but he just couldn’t. I’d love it if you could, he said bravely, but I think we’d better call it a night. I’m as emotional as any new parent over the fact that I left my little boy with that horrible woman. I’m just...not ready for this, Cara.

Can I ask you something? she said softly.

What? he said.

What happened to his mother?

Brodie hesitated.

Sensing she’d overstepped her bounds, Cara quickly took her question back. I’m sorry. It’s okay if you don’t wanna tell me, she said.

She left us, he replied bluntly. When we got involved, it was just...convenient. It was really just an arrangement, but she got pregnant. I really liked her, thought she had a lot going for her. When she announced that she wanted to keep the baby, I respected that. The more I warmed to the idea of being a father, though, the colder she got about being a mother. She never showed any sign of second thoughts at all. I thought she was as excited as I was. I mean, why else did she continue with the pregnancy?

Right, Cara said, nodding her understanding. That doesn’t make much sense.

Brodie took a deep breath, preparing for full disclosure. "Well, I figured out why she wanted to keep him. I should have known. There was no straightforward discussion, so I had to figure it out. After Thomas was born, she got real quiet for a minute, then blurted, ‘I can’t. I can’t do this anymore.’"

Oh no! I can’t even imagine. Cara shook her head.

Brodie held up his hand to stop her. I know what you’re thinking, he said, but I can’t even go there. If I do, I’ll get bitter, and Thomas doesn’t need that. I have to remain as levelheaded as possible, ya know?

Yeah, that makes sense, Cara said, nodding again.

Brodie took Cara into his arms, and he could have kicked himself. She was a decent woman, yet he went out with her in the hopes of casually taking her to bed. His plan all along was to satisfy his needs, then show her the door. That was his signature, his MO, and it was also how he ended up with his son. He felt like a scumbag, because he certainly didn’t earn his son or deserve him. Admitting that to himself now worked on him like a cold shower.

I just don’t think the timing is right, he said. I hope you understand. Let me text my driver.

You don’t have to. I’ll be fine, Cara protested. I’m wide awake now, she said, but her kiss on his lips was lazy.

Overcome again by the guilt and anxiety over the fact that he had left his infant son with an irresponsible babysitter, Brodie had to break away.

What’s the matter? she asked.

I left him with the worst possible person, he said. Sorry for being a drama queen, but—

You’re not, she said with a smile, stroking his back to console him. You’re just a good daddy.

Soothed by her kindness, he smiled back at her.

You did the best you could. Stuff like this happens, unfortunately, she assured him. I’ve got a few connections. Maybe I can help you find a replacement nanny for Thomas?

Brodie looked at her in horror. A replacement? Already?

Cara faintly smiled. Poor darling, she said. I’m sorry I asked.

Sorry. It’s just... Well, I can’t even begin to think about that right now. Maybe when the time is right, he said.

Well, the offer is always on the table, she replied sweetly. I sure wish there was something I could do to make you feel better.

You’ve done so much already, he said, then paused. There is one thing though.

One thing? she said, raising her eyebrow teasingly.

Yes. At least let me give you a ride home. I’ll sleep easier. Besides, who turns down a limo ride?

Okay, she finally relented. I admit I’m a little tired, and a little luxury won’t hurt either!

For the second time that night, Brodie called his staff, this time to make arrangements to have Cara driven home. He loosely held her hand and led her out to the limo that pulled up front moments later.

As he held the door for her, she turned and took his face in her hands. She drew his face to hers and kissed him slowly. I’ll call you, she whispered.

I’ll see you in the morning, silly. I have your car here.

Oh yeah, she said with a smile and a blush.

Text me when you get home, he replied dutifully.

Chapter Three

CARA WASN’T A STRANGER by any means, but Brodie felt anxious engaging with her, as if they were boyfriend and girlfriend. To complicate matters even further, it wasn’t lost on him that she looked at him in a certain way, a thirsty way. She didn’t have dollar signs in her eyes like Thomas’s mother ultimately did, but she wanted something from him, wanted a piece of him that he wasn’t yet willing to give to anyone.

Just the notion of having another person to steal even more of his attention was too much for him to consider. They’d only been out for a couple hours, and already, he felt a strong urge to go check on his son. Even though he knew better, Brodie felt like he had abandoned his baby; though little Thomas was safe and sound asleep, his father needed to see him.

Brodie closed and locked the door behind him and scurried to Thomas’s room. He held a finger beneath his tiny nose to check for breath. Once he was satisfied that Thomas really was okay, he stripped down to his shorts and crawled under the covers of the double-bed that occupied the room. He needed the rest, because his nine a.m. conference call with IBC Bank the next morning meant he had to be up by seven to prepare. With no nanny to help him with the baby, negotiating multimillion-dollar deals seemed far more daunting and time-consuming than it used to when he only had his career to focus on.

Seemingly no sooner did Brodie’s head hit the pillow than little Thomas stirred in his crib. The boy’s cries tore Brodie from his sleep, and he sat up, struggling to clear his mind. Since he had taken on the role of fatherhood, sleep deprivation had been part of his life, something like being drugged constantly. I’ll get through this, he told himself time and time again. I have to. We’ll get through it together, Thomas and I. Only when the baby finally stilled again did Brodie welcome the restless sleep that came to greet him.

Despite his lack of sleep, Brodie awoke before his cell phone alarm blared. He moved about the room as quietly as he could, and Thomas continued to snooze soundly. In the end, though, the daddy couldn’t resist leaning over the crib to admire his child. As he looked down at the baby’s tiny face, he thought his heart would burst, and when he reached for his camera to snap a picture, the little one’s eyes fluttered awake.

Sorry, little guy, Brodie whispered, then dashed off to use the bathroom and wash up. While Thomas wailed his little lungs out, Brodie did his best to remain calm, remembering the pediatric nurse’s wise words. She’d talked to him numerous times warning him that Thomas would tense up if he did, so he struggled to keep his nerves at bay.

Back in the nursery again, he lifted his wee son and pressed his smooth little face to his lips. The baby calmed immediately, and Brodie smiled broadly. Maybe I’m doin’ something right after all, he said as he laid the little fellow down, changed him, and set about to fix him a bottle. A glance at the clock told him he still had plenty of time to review for the conference call.

The days were definitely getting longer, and as Brodie entered the kitchen, a full blast of sun streamed in through the sliding-glass door. He had a clear view of the driveway that bent around in an arch in front of the house, and he saw Cara’s car still parked out front. The sight of it consumed him with guilt, because he had simply forgotten about her.

He set Thomas down in his little swing and prepped his breakfast just as he had a thousand times before. He leaned down to smile at the baby, and Thomas mirrored his father’s grin. Brodie could have easily fed him while standing, but he couldn’t resist the urge to pick him up. He enjoyed a sweet, quiet moment with his son and looked forward to playing with him a little before he put him back down for his morning nap.

Thomas, however, had other plans, because every time his father put him down, he burst into tears, leaving Brodie with no choice but to work with the baby in his arms. When Brodie answered another call prior to the conference, Thomas insisted on crying the entire time and didn’t mellow out till Brodie hung up the phone.

Brodie grew increasingly tense, fearing he might have to reschedule the teleconference, which would only look bad to the dealmakers. He looked up at the ceiling and prayed for patience and strength. Other dads have to be in this position from time to time, he reasoned. How the hell do they handle it? And do moms have the same issues? Damn, this single father stuff is harder than I thought.

A knock on the sliding-glass door interrupted his thoughts. Hello? a familiar female voice called. You guys up this early?

Brodie sat straight up in his chair when he heard Cara; he had never been so glad to see another person in his life, especially because her ear-to-ear smile brightened the whole room. He hurriedly greeted her and let her in, and he almost heaved an audible sigh of relief when she immediately reached for the baby. He’s got good taste, murmured Brodie when he saw his son’s toothless smile.

So have I, she said and craned upward to kiss him.

I would love things to like this for a while, Brodie lied softly, his head instantly hatching a rather diabolical plan, spawned of his desperation, but I’ve got an important call comin’ in. I need to get him down for a nap, even though he just woke up a bit ago.

Let me, she said cheerfully. It’ll make my morning.

Feigning surprise, Brodie calculated his next words carefully, secretly proud of himself for still having his manipulating touch. Don’t you have to work?

Beggars can’t be choosy, she said.

Huh?

I work for a nonprofit, Brodie, she explained, her sweet smile never leaving her face. There are no rules or time clocks.

If you insist, Brodie said.

Without another word, the beautiful woman comfortably waltzed away to take Thomas to the nursery.

Damn, how did I get so lucky? Brodie thought as he made a pot of coffee, just another part of his plan. He had to play the gallant gentleman and offer her a cup before he hunkered down to prepare for the conference call. It was the least he could do for the woman unwittingly giving him free babysitting services.

Unable to stave off his guilt or curiosity, though, he had to sneak a peek into the nursery to see if Thomas was back to sleep already. He was so quiet that Cara didn’t notice him at first, and she seemed entirely entranced with his tiny son. Who can blame her? He’s just...perfect. Heck, I can’t stop looking at him myself.

Really, the whole thing surprised Brodie. Never in a million years would he have thought he could be so moved by the kindness of someone nurturing his tiny son, who was abandoned by his own mother. Stark, intense emotion flashed through