Pregnant by the Billionaire: Billionaires & Babies, #3

By Leslie North

Donovan Fitz lives by the saying: Go big or go home. And what could be bigger, and draw more attention to him and his mega-billion-dollar video game business, than creating a reality TV show about his quest for a wife? He'll just have to deal with the distraction of his sexy producer, Melissa Hampton, and try to forget the amazing night they spent together. It's all about the show, the attention, the ego-building blaze of publicity…until he finds out Melissa's pregnant with his baby. Now all Donovan wants is her. But the plot twist of becoming a father while still looking for a wife is ratings gold and could be the big-break Melissa deserves. If only he can convince the camera-shy Melissa that putting their story out there would be good for both of them. 

Melissa is terrified—and excited—at the prospect of becoming a mother. And if she's honest, Donovan's excitement about becoming a father is sweet. What's not sweet at all is the pressure to use her pregnancy as a dramatic twist in their reality show. She craves a quiet life at the edges of show business and doesn't want anything to do with the spotlight. In the end, though, Melissa knows she can't hide completely if their show is going to bring in the ratings. Too bad that means she can't trust a thing Donovan says to her while the cameras are rolling. 

The reality is, though, she's fallen in love with him, despite her determination not to. And now Donovan must figure out which will crush her less: killing her career-making show or letting her ignore just how right they are for each other.

This novel contains sexual content and profanity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leslie North
• Release date: Apr 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386557500

Book preview

1

Donovan looked out at the boardroom full of television producers. All attention was on him. It sizzled and spread through him, giving his confidence a big push.

He was here to not only pitch his idea but get that yes he needed. Not just for his company, but for his personal life.

"So picture this. Picture me." He sent the ten executives his best dazzling grin. The kind they needed for ratings. The one that Donovan knew made women, which accounted for half of the room, shake in their boots.

He’d spent the last eight minutes going over his proposal. Now he needed to drive it home.

The most eligible bachelor of the gaming industry. His gaze swept over the brunettes near the front, who had been frowning for most of his proposal. He zeroed in on the golden blonde at the back. She’d caught his eye since the second he entered the room. He amped up the smile.

And I need a wife, he went on. I needed a wife yesterday. I have no aversion to creating the sort of high jinks you need for ratings. I’m okay with nudity, even. A titter went through the room. And I clearly have zero problem being in front of an audience whose yea or nay could change the course of my future. He held his hands out from his sides, lifting a brow. So what do we say? Can we marry off this incredibly handsome gaming CEO for ratings or what?

Donovan stole a glance at his phone, which had just illuminated with a message. The clock showed he’d hit his ten-minute pitch timing perfectly. Now came the feedback.

Seats creaked as some executives leaned back and adjusted their position. Donovan had come up with this idea a few weeks ago in response to the bet launched between him and his friend Nick, after their best buddy Brian got hitched. Whoever found a wife first would win a cool million dollars. Donovan didn’t need the money—not by a long shot—but he wanted to win.

He and his buds had always seen competitiveness as akin to godliness. He who competes best—and hardest—wins. And what harder bet was there than marriage?

Donovan didn’t care about the happily-ever-after. He just wanted the prestige. And almost as much, he wanted the face time for his company. Being the star on a reality TV show meant automatic publicity for his company, Fitz Gaming. They were positioning themselves to take on the big names in the first-person role-playing games, with a hugely secret and potentially game-changing project in the works. This reality show couldn’t have been more perfectly timed.

But time was running out. It needed to get underway now if he was to have any hope of the timelines coordinating for both the bet and the launch of his company’s new project. Nick had sent one of his own developers to hone a matchmaking app, like setting a bloodhound on a fugitive.

If Donovan wanted to win, he needed to put a ring on it first.

He just needed one willing finger. Preferably with looks and brains to match.

But even that was negotiable.

Your idea is very compelling, one of the top-ranking producers purred, her black glasses sitting low on her nose. She’d been watching Donovan through slits, as though carefully ripping apart every word he said. And this area of television is almost always highly watched.

But it needs to be done well, another producer butted in, holding up a finger. "If it’s not done well, it doesn’t matter how many muscles the guy has. We saw that with Rock of Love. Donovan doesn’t want to be another Kid Rock."

There’s no way in hell he’d be another Kid Rock, another producer countered. But there’s no way in hell I’d take this project.

A lively discussion erupted, and Donovan tried to keep tabs on who said what. It was hard to follow over the hullabaloo. The producers didn’t agree—that much was certain. For every loud voice in favor, there was an equally loud voice with compelling reasons why not. Donovan didn’t let the smile or his straight back falter.

Donovan’s eyes kept flitting to that honey blonde at the end corner of the table. She’d been mostly silent, conferring quietly with those immediately around her, her silky-looking tresses pulled into a loose topknot. She looked every inch the casual California producer, but there was something else about her. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

She was deep in conversation with a producer at her side. The honey blonde said heatedly, No, but it’s worth it.

The producer at her side said, "But you’re junior."

All eyes turned to the two of them. Honey Blonde seemed startled that attention had turned their way.

Anything to add from down there? the slit-eyed producer asked.

Ian and I were discussing the viability of this show in the current market, the prettiest lady in the room said. A grin tugged at his lips as she spoke. I think this is a gold mine. And an extremely strong project.

But Melissa, the slit-eyed producer at the front of the table said. Ian is right. You’re junior. You’ve never headed a project like this before.

I can do it, Melissa said, pushing up her glasses. Big, brown eyes locked on Donovan, which made his stomach clench with anticipation. Please let this be the woman I get to work with.

I don’t have time on my schedule, a producer across the table from her said, but this project should get the green light. I’ll oversee Melissa’s work if that’s all it takes.

Another murmur erupted. The raven-haired production lead at the front of the table sat back, steepling her fingers. I do think this project deserves the green light.

Donovan pumped his fist internally.

But I’m not convinced we have the staff for it.

Melissa leaned forward, commanding the attention of the table with an assurance greater than her status should imbue. "I can do this. And more than that, I want to do this. It’s exactly the type of entertainment I liked to be involved in."

I want Melissa, Donovan blurted, pointing at her. And maybe he did want her—in more than one way. A pleased smile crossed her face, and something warm passed between them. Something that promised a hell of a good time. That’s the sort of enthusiasm I want for this show. Because yes, I know this is your company’s decision, but I also have certain objectives. Certain standards, let’s say. I want someone totally invested in this project.

That is absolutely me, Melissa said, nodding. And if any of you are concerned about my experience, trust Frank’s. She pointed at Frank across the table, who nodded his agreement. He won’t need to supervise much, though. I’m more than confident I will bring this show from greenlight to Emmy.

I’ve seen her in action plenty of times, Frank said. "She basically saved our asses in Vegas during the filming of You Against the House. She’s got this."

Donovan couldn’t stop the pleased grin. This was as good a yes as he needed. As far as he was concerned, this project was happening.

So this sounds like a go then.

The slit-eyed producer at the front sighed, shrugging. Let’s see it through.

Great. Donovan shut his folder of notes and zeroed in on Melissa. Melissa, may we speak a moment? The rest of the producers stood, milling around, and more chatter erupted.

She nodded and stood, adjusting her loose-fitting blouse. He couldn’t rip his gaze from her as she came his way. Delicate peep-toe shoes, skintight jeans, a style that screamed cute without much effort. No thousand-dollar nails, no hair that she refused to allow out of place lest a camera swing her way. She tossed him a bright smile as she came up, hand extended.

So we can formally introduce ourselves, she said, her small hand fitting easily inside his. I’m Melissa Hampton. Junior producer at Perspective Studios.

I’m Donovan Fitz. CEO of Fitz Gaming. And soon to be your newest plaything.

Melissa laughed, and a blush stained her fair neck. He’d made her blush within the first minute. Good work.

I want you to come over tonight, Donovan said. To my house, so you can get the lay of the land and we can start brainstorming what this show will truly look like. Does seven sound okay?

Melissa blinked, hooking her thumbs on her belt loops. Okay.

I’ll have dinner there, so you don’t need to eat beforehand. Any dietary restrictions?

She shook her head no, looking a little dazed. Donovan pulled out his phone, and they exchanged numbers.

I’ll text you my address later. Don’t be late. He sent her a wink, though it was definitely not standard protocol for business meetings.

Something about Melissa activated his flirt drive. Not that it took much to be activated. But he normally didn’t mix work and pleasure.

This, however, would prove to be something different entirely. This was inherently a combination of work and pleasure. And if that was the case, he might as well throw the rulebook out and just see where he ended up.

If all went well, it would end in marriage.

But in the meantime? He drank up Melissa’s figure from behind as she turned to collect her things.

In the meantime, this could be a lot of fun.

2

Melissa navigated to Donovan’s mansion carefully. Driving slower than she ever had in her life. Double and triple checking street names and GPS instructions.