Elena blinked awake on a leather couch in what looked like a doctor's office. It smelled like cleaning stuff mixed with something warmer – that expensive cologne she knew was Alexander's. Her head was killing her, like she was coming up for air after being underwater.
Easy now, someone said softly next to her.
Elena turned and saw Alexander sitting close by, in a chair he'd pulled over. His suit jacket was gone, his sleeves were rolled up, and his hair was a little messed up. He looked really worried, which made her feel weird.
What happened? she asked, trying to sit up.
Alexander put a hand on her shoulder, helping her up gently. You fainted in the car. The doctor said it's normal – stress and the shot messing with your hormones. Your body's getting used to it.
Elena noticed she had a soft blanket over her legs. Alexander must have put it there while she was out. It was a sweet thing to do, and it surprised her.
How long was I out?
Twenty minutes. Alexander sounded… almost vulnerable. It felt like forever.
It was quiet for a second. Elena looked at his face, seeing past the big-shot CEO thing for what felt like the first time. His jaw was tight, and he had little lines around his eyes that showed he'd been worried.
You were scared, she said quietly, not really asking.
Alexander's laugh wasn't funny at all. Yeah. I've dealt with hostile takeovers, fights with the board, money problems – nothing was as bad as watching you collapse like that.
Something changed inside Elena, like a wall she'd built up was starting to crack. This wasn't the intimidating guy she'd signed a contract with. This was a man who'd been really worried about her, who'd stayed with her while she was unconscious, and who'd made sure she was comfy before she even woke up.
I'm okay, she said, meaning more than just that she felt better. Just… a lot to take in, I guess. It's all hitting me now.
Alexander nodded, like he understood. This is bigger than we thought it would be, huh?
Elena sat up a little more, and noticed Alexander's hands were close to her, like he was ready to catch her if she needed it. It made her feel warm inside.
When I signed that paper, she said slowly, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Have a baby for nine months, give it up, get the money, and walk away. Simple.
And now?
Elena looked at him – really looked at him. His fancy suit couldn't hide the man underneath, the one who'd been freaked out when she fainted, who'd put a blanket on her. Now I'm figuring out there's nothing simple about making a baby with someone.
Something moved across Alexander's face, too fast to see. Elena, if you're having second thoughts—
I'm not, she said quickly. Sofia needs that surgery. That hasn't changed. But I was dumb to think we could do this without it changing us.
Alexander was quiet for a bit, looking at her face. You're right. I've been trying to treat this like a normal deal, but seeing you like that… He stopped, running his hand through his hair. I've never really been responsible for someone's well-being before. Not like this.
What about your company? All those people who work for you?
That's different. That's work. This is… Alexander seemed to be searching for the right word. This is personal. More than I thought it would be.
Elena felt her face get warm from the way he said that. When did Alexander Stone stop being scary and start being… interesting? When did she stop seeing him as her demanding boss and start noticing how his eyes got darker when he was worried, or how gentle his hands could be?
We should probably have some rules, she said, but she didn't sound sure. You know, keep things professional.
Alexander leaned back, still looking at her. What kind of rules?
Elena tried to think of things that made sense – no going out to dinner, no sharing personal stuff, no touching that made her heart race. But looking at him, remembering him catching her, staying with her, those rules felt fake.
I don't know, she said. What do you think?
I think, Alexander said slowly, that we're stuck with each other for the next nine months whether we want to be or not. We're having a kid together, Elena. You can't just ignore that.
The words with each other made her feel fluttery inside. She thought about the ultrasound in a few weeks, all the doctor's appointments where Alexander would be there, the way he'd looked when the doctor was explaining how they were going to transfer the embryo.
This is going to be a mess, isn't it? she said.
Alexander almost smiled, but it looked sad. Elena, it already is.
Someone knocked softly, and Dr. Peterson stuck his head in. How are you feeling, Elena?
A lot better, thanks. Elena started to stand, and Alexander was right there with her, his hand on her back, like they'd been doing it forever.
The fainting isn't a big deal, the doctor said. Your blood pressure is fine, and everything else looks good. Just try to eat something before your next appointment, and drink plenty of water.
I'll make sure she takes care of herself, Alexander said, and his voice made Elena's skin feel warm.
The doctor smiled at both of them. You're going to be great parents.
Parents. The word hit Elena hard. She was going to be this baby's mom, carrying it and feeling it grow. And Alexander would be the dad – not just some guy who donated sperm, but a man who'd care about every ultrasound, every moment.
It should have scared her. Instead, it made her want something she shouldn't.
As they walked to Elena's car, Alexander's hand stayed on her back, making her feel safe. When they got to the car, he turned to her, looking serious.
Elena, I need you to know – if something had happened to you today, I would have never forgiven myself.
His voice was honest, and it made her hold her breath. Alexander—
I know we said this was just a business deal, he went on, but I can't pretend I don't care about what happens to you. And I'm not sorry.
Elena looked at him, seeing past the CEO thing to the man who'd been scared for her, who'd waited for her to wake up, who was looking at her like she was special.
I care about you too, she said softly. More than I should, probably.
It hung in the air between them, changing everything and nothing. Alexander stepped closer, and Elena could see little silver flecks in his eyes, and could smell his cologne.
What are we doing, Elena? he asked quietly.
Elena's heart was racing. I don't know. But we can't pretend this is just business anymore.
Alexander reached up and touched her cheek, his thumb moving softly. Elena thought he might kiss her. She kind of wanted him to.
Instead, he stepped back, his face all business again. You should get home to Sofia. She'll be worried.
Remembering her daughter was like a splash of cold water. Sofia. The eight-year-old who needed surgery, who was why Elena was doing any of this. Sofia, who could never know the truth about the baby Elena was carrying for Alexander Stone.
You're right, Elena said, fumbling for her keys. I should go.
But as she drove away, Elena couldn't stop thinking about the way Alexander had looked at her, the way he'd sounded when he said he'd been scared. For the first time, Elena wondered if the most dangerous part of this wasn't the pregnancy or the media or even her daughter.
The most dangerous part might be the way Alexander Stone was starting to look at her like she was more than just a way to solve his problems. And the scary part was how much Elena was starting to like it.