Читать книгу Bedded by the Billionaire / Tycoon's One-Night Revenge: Bedded by the Billionaire - Bronwyn Jameson - Страница 13

Seven

“You absolutely shouldn’t have gotten that baby stroller,” Lilli said in a huffy voice. “It was insanely expensive.”

“Butter bean will like it,” Max said.

She threw him a sideways glance as he opened the door to the house for her. “He would have been just as happy with a less costly model.”

“You don’t know that,” Max argued. “The cutting-edge aerodynamic design, which features an unparalleled smooth ride,” he quoted from the manufacturer, “may make a huge difference.”

“In that case, he’d better be flexible because my compact car gives a high five to every bump in the road.”

He chuckled.

She turned to face him. “But seriously, I cannot accept the jewelry.”

“It’s just sterling silver.”

“David Yurman’s top-of-the-line.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand why you bought it for me. I told you I didn’t want anything.”

“I’m sure that was part of it,” he said.

“You mean you gave me this just to be disagreeable?” she asked, her eyes rounding in surprise.

“It contributed, plus as the hostess kept saying, it’s all for charity.”

Her lips twitched. “You don’t believe any of it. You don’t believe the manufacturer’s brag about the stroller and you think it’s stupid to hold an auction to get donations.”

“It’s a lot easier to just guilt people into giving money through the mail,” he said.

“But for some people, it’s more fun to give it away at an auction.”

He nodded. “Depends on the people.”

She bit her lip and her expression changed. “Maybe.” She paused. “I still don’t understand why you got me the jewelry.”

“The blue topaz reminded me of your eyes,” he said.

He saw a hint of something deeper than desire flash through her eyes before she took a quick breath and looked away. “Oh.”

His gut twisted with a surprising instinct to pull her against him and kiss her. Take her. He swore under his breath.

She cleared her throat. “Well, you shouldn’t have, but it was very nice of you.”

“I surprised you,” he said. “You thought I was a selfish miser like Scrooge.”

“I never thought you were like Scrooge.” She paused and seemed to decide that she shouldn’t elaborate.

He would love to know what she was really thinking.

“Thank you again. I should go up to bed,” she said and paused. “I was wondering,” she began and abruptly stopped.

“Wondering what?”

“It’s really none of my business.”

“I won’t know if that’s true until you ask the question.”

“I was wondering,” she ventured. “Do you have any godchildren?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Why do you ask? Did someone mention that to you tonight?”

“At the auction?” she said. “Of course not.”

He tugged at his tie. “The truth is I have five godchildren.”

Her eyes rounded. “Omigoodness. So many.”

He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “I’m not expected to do any real parenting. I’m actually a co-godparent. The parents just want my financial management in case anything should happen to them. Along with the gifts and tuition,” he added.

“Gifts and tuition?” she echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“They’re counting on me to provide a significant college fund.”

“For five children?” she said. “Isn’t that a bit much?”

“I’ve got it,” he said. “But I’ve started dodging the opportunity to add any more godchildren.”

“I can’t blame you for that. My goodness, no wonder you’re so cynical.”

“No need for flattery,” he said, chuckling at her assessment.

Her gaze softened. “But it is very generous of you to accept the responsibility.”

“Financial responsibility,” he corrected.

She gave a slow nod. “Whatever would you do if, for some unforeseen reason, you became the guardian of five children?”

“Boarding school,” he said.

Her face fell. “Oh. That’s why I’ll never sign your agreement for butter bean.”

“You don’t really have anyone in mind to be the guardian for your child, do you?” he asked.

She looked away. “I really am working on it.”

He touched her arm. “Lilli, tell me the truth.”