The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(24)

Jada’s heart warmed.

“I hope our daughter gets your gift of music.”

Jada was jolted out of her musical trance. “Our daughter?”

“I was just guessing. Do you know if you are having a boy or girl?”

“Yes,” Jada softened. “I’m…we’re… having a girl.”

She was moved to see Dallas’ eyes filled with tears.

“Thank you for including me,” Dallas said.

“Well, like you said, it wasn’t what I had planned. But I am a firm believer that God is in control. So though it wasn’t my plan, I believe it was God’s plan, and who am I to argue with that?”

Dallas smiled. “Excellent point.”

Jada feared Dallas was going to push the custody issue again, but he didn’t. He kept his focus on her the entire night. She felt special and important. She couldn’t help but be swept away by his attention.

At the end of the evening, Dallas guided Jada to the limo with his hand on her back. His touch gave her chills. She sat close to him in the seat. He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him.

He whispered in her ear. “I don’t want this evening to end. Would you like to come home with me?”

“I don’t know, Dallas. I’m really not that kind of girl.”

“I don’t expect anything but more conversation. I’d be happy to talk with you all night.”

Jada’s heart was fluttering. She relaxed in his arms and nodded.

Dallas directed the driver to go home.

Chapter 6

Getting To Know

Jada followed Dallas through the front door of the most luxurious mansion she had ever seen. She walked in and looked around at the marble floors, winding staircase, intricately designed walls… It was breathtaking.

“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s even more beautiful than mansions you see on TV,” Jaida said. “How many acres do you have here?”

“I have twelve acres with three sides surrounded by the lake. It’s more impressive in the daylight.” Dallas led her into the parlor. “Would you like a drink?”

“Yes, but I really can’t,” Jada answered.

“How ‘bout a Sprite with lemon?”

Jada smiled. “Okay, thank you.”

“Thank you, for taking such good care of our little girl,” Dallas said as he brought her the drink.

“I guess we better talk about what we’re going to do.” Jada rubbed her belly.

“Alright.” Dallas sat down on the couch and patted the place next to him for her to join him. “What do you want, Jada?”

Jada was pleasantly surprised by the change in Dallas’ attitude since the first time they met.

She took a deep breath in and out and sat down. “I think we could share custody. I’d like to be the primary caregiver, but I am not opposed to scheduled times with you.”

“Alright, that is a start,” Dallas said. “I have some concerns about your current living situation.”

Jada stiffened.

Dallas continued. “Come on, Jada, you have to admit, your apartment complex is crowded and noisy. I live here in this thirty-six thousand square foot mansion with a full time staff to take care of it. You could have your own wing here.”

Jada clenched her teeth. “I’m not interested in that. I want my baby to around family, not house staff. This was a bad idea. I knew you were going to try and control me. I won’t stand for it.” Jada stood up and started to leave.

Dallas grabbed her hand. “Whoa, now. I’m not against you, Jada, and I wouldn’t dream of trying to control you. You have made it perfectly clear that you do not stand for that. No need to get defensive, okay? We’re just talking.”

Jada sat back down and tried to relax. “You’re right. I got defensive. I just have a fear that you are going to use your money to take our baby and give her the best of everything. I think there is value in learning to work for your money. And I’m not ashamed to have my daughter see me work hard for everything we have. I don’t think handing her everything will teach her good values.”

“I hear you. And I admire that. Most women I meet try to use me for my money. You’re the first person I’ve known who dislikes me because of it.”

Jada laughed. “I don’t dislike you. I just have my guard up.”

Dallas sat closer to Jada on the couch. “There’s something you should know about me. I didn’t grow up wealthy.”

“You didn’t?”

“No. I got lucky. I was a video game nerd, and a creative person. When I was eighteen, I created a game that took off and made a lot of money. By the time I was twenty, I had a million dollars. I hired a great business investment coach and turned my millions into billions over the last ten years. I’ll admit, I enjoy the high life, but I also respect you and every other American out there working their butt off in factories and plants. And to be honest, Jada, your work ethic and your commitment to your values is inspiring, and something I didn’t count on, but am now so grateful that our daughter will learn from you.”

Jada was flattered and stunned. This man just kept surprising her.

Dallas looked at Jada’s face and stroked her face gently. “You are so beautiful, Jada, you take my breath away.” He leaned in and kissed her.