Read Online Expecting the Boss's Baby by Leanne Banks - Free Book Online

sudden?”
    “Yes,” Michael said, although he still preferred the idea of chartering an airplane to Las Vegas and taking care of the vows instantly. “It would have been sooner, but Kate’s mother wants a church wedding.”
    “Why the speed?” Dylan asked, his eyes narrowed as if he sensed there was more to the story.
    “Because there are no doubts,” Michael said. Except on Kate’s part. Michael was damned sure of what he was doing; he just wanted it done as quickly as possible.
    “Kate?” Justin said in disapproval. “The only Kate you’ve ever mentioned is your assistant.”
    “She’s no longer my assistant. She’ll be my wife.”
    “Something about this doesn’t smell right,” Justin said with a frown. “I could have sworn you were just as anti-marriage as I am.”
    “Don’t dig,” Michael said in a level tone. “I just wanted to invite you to the ceremony. Kate’s mother asked me to invite my family and I have none. You’re the next best sorry thing, so if you want to come, great. If you don’t, that’s okay, too.”
    Justin exchanged an uncomfortable glance with Dylan. He shrugged. “Well, sure, I’ll come. I just think you’re making a big mistake. Marriage is a messy, expensive business. It sucks the life forceout of your wallet like nothing else. Of course, kids are next in line for expensive, but—” Justin broke off as realization hit him. “Kids,” he said, shaking his head. “You didn’t—” He made a grimace. “Oh, damn. She’s not—”
    “Don’t dig,” Dylan cut in, correctly reading the closed expression Michael knew he was wearing. “What have you learned about the home for unwed teenage mothers?”
    “It’s a good cause. We should donate.”
    Justin took a swig of his beer and shook his head. “The irony is just too sweet.”
    A short while later, Michael entered his apartment. His conversation with his partners in philanthropy had left him irritated. The knowing expressions combined with the skepticism in their voices made something inside him twist. Michael wanted the marriage done. “Kate,” he called, ready to complete the next step. “Kate, I have something for you.”
    Poking her head out the bedroom door, she regarded him warily. “What?”
    “I brought you—” His phone rang, surprising him. It rarely rang unless someone was calling him from work. He picked up the receiver. “Hello.”
    A pause followed. “Kate Adams?” a male voice enquired.
    Irritated at the intrusion, he frowned. “She’s here,” he said. “Who’s calling?”
    “Jeremy,” the man said. “Jeremy Ridgway. We dated in college.”
    Michael thrust the phone at Kate. “Jeremy Ridgway. You’ve got thirty seconds to break his heart, or I’ll help.”
    Kate’s eyes widened. “Thirty seconds!”
    “How did he get this number?” Michael asked with a scowl.
    “Since I’m captive in your cave, I had my calls forwarded.”
    “Twenty seconds,” Michael said.
    Kate glared at him and turned her back to him. “Jeremy, it’s been a long time. Yes, my living arrangements have changed,” she said and paused. “Yes, you’re right, I always enjoyed sailing, but—”
    “Ten seconds,” Michael murmured behind her.
    “I can’t. My significant other,” she said, rolling her eyes at the term, “would object. Thanks anyway. Tell your sister I said hi. Take care. Bye now,” she said and hung up the phone. She shot him a chilling glance. “Was that necessary?”
    “Significant other?” he echoed, and ground his teeth.
    Kate shifted from one foot to the other. “I was rushed. Nothing else seemed right.”
    Michael counted to ten. He couldn’t remember a deal that had exasperated him more. Pulling the jeweler’s box from his pocket, he flipped it openand took the phone from her hand at the same time he handed her the box.
    Kate looked at the ring in complete silence. This time, however, he didn’t see horror on her face. She took a deep breath and finally met his