Baby for the Billionaire(163)
“I had an interesting day, too.” He told her about the visit he’d gotten from the chairman of an infertility support group to whom Suzy and Michael had left a modest legacy. “Turned out that’s where they met.”
“It was driving me nuts—no one seemed to know.”
“They didn’t want people to know about what they saw as a humiliating flaw.”
“Neither of them were flawed,” said Victoria with some heat.
“I couldn’t agree more.” Connor finished the last bit of steak as Victoria down put her knife and fork. “I thought we might have some dessert.”
“That sounds lovely.”
But before he could signal to the waiter to bring the dessert menus, he heard someone call his name.
“Connor.”
He looked up. Dana was standing next to their table.
“It is you. I thought it must be, from the shape of your head.” Her gaze went past him and settled on Victoria. “I heard you’d gotten married.”
“Dana, our table is ready.” Paul came up behind her, and he didn’t meet Connor’s eyes. “We need to go through.”
She pouted prettily. “Soon, darling.” And turned back to Connor. “I didn’t think you’d ever marry.”
“The right woman came along.”
Annoyance flared in the dark-blue eyes. “How romantic, darling. I want to hear everything.” She shifted into the booth beside him, her black dress hiking up, and a stockinged thigh brushed his.
Instead of desire, all he felt was distaste.
By contrast, Victoria was smiling up at Paul and shaking hands as they introduced themselves. Elegant, gracious Victoria.
His wife.
Connor moved away from Dana imperceptibly.
Her hand landed on his thigh, high enough for her intent to be obvious. His distaste grew more pronounced.
“We came out to celebrate tonight,” said Paul. “Dana’s pregnant—she had a scan today.”
“A baby? How lovely.” But Victoria was looking at him, her hazel eyes velvety with concern.
“I always wanted a baby. Didn’t I, Connor darling?”
A wedding ring, more like. Threaded through his nose. Marriage to a wealthy man and a generous prenuptial contract had figured heavily in Dana’s goals. Her own success had not been enough. She had craved more. More money. More status. More power.
He met Paul’s gaze. “I wish you both every happiness.”
The tension in Victoria’s shoulders eased a little.
She’d obviously been worried he might create a scene. He wanted to reassure her, tell her that Dana truly meant nothing to him.
He smiled at her instead, a slow, sensual smile, and watched as awareness flared in her eyes. Heat spread through him. He suppressed a silent groan. What had he started?
“Does Victoria know you don’t intend to have children?” Dana’s comment was as unwelcome as a bucket of cold water.
But Victoria only arched a well-shaped brow. “I don’t think it’s true that Connor never wanted children. Otherwise, why did he choose to become a sperm donor?”
Connor tried very hard not to laugh. It made him sound like he’d done it for a living. Victoria was outrageous.
Dana’s mouth had fallen open. Even Paul looked startled.
“Connor donated sperm?”
“You didn’t know?” Victoria did great work of looking amazed. “Connor and I donated so that friends of ours could have the child of their dreams, didn’t we, Connor darling?” She drawled darling in a wicked imitation of Dana’s use of the endearment, and Connor bit down on the fierce urge to laugh.
“That was very generous—of both of you.”
“Suzy was my best friend. That’s what you do for friends, help make their dreams come true.” She gave an angelic smile as she encountered Connor’s arrested gaze. He wondered if only he knew that she was actually chastising Paul.
“Do you often see the child?” Paul looked sheepish.
“His parents were killed and—”
“—we decided to adopt him, didn’t we, Victoria?” He knew it was wrong to railroad her into something they hadn’t even discussed. But the last thing in the world he wanted was a divorce. He’d be foolish to let Victoria slip away.
“Er … yes.” Her eyes lit up with joy.
“So you only got married because of the child?” Dana had been silent, obviously thinking it through. Now her features relaxed in relief.