Alpha Billionaire Series
Love to Hate You Chapter 17

CHARLIE

After we return from California, I try my best to remain professional with Nash while we're in the office but it's so damn difficult. We're always sneaking touches, sharing heated glances and making excuses to disappear behind closed doors. It's getting late one evening when Nash slips into my office and shuts the door. I know that predatory took on his face but, unfortunately, I don't have time to play. As he loosens his tie and stalks forward, I raise a hand.

"Keep your clothes on, Beckett. I have a meeting in-" I glance down at the slim watch on my wrist- "twenty minutes."

"It's almost five," he complains. "Why so late?"

"It's the only time Jordan could come."

His face screws up in a frown. "I don't like him. He's got the hots for you."

I pretend like I don't know what he's talking about. "Don't be silly. He's just a client." Standing up, I walk around my desk and straighten his tie. "But I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't be here when he arrives. That look on your face is enough to frighten him away." "Good," Nash grumbles. I place a quick kiss on his lips. "Shoo!"

With an annoyed frown he turns and walks out looking like an angry, little boy who didn't get his way. Even though I roll my eyes, I love that he's jealous of Jordan.

After Ivy escorts Jordan down to my office, I ask her to bring us copies of the latest marketing reports on a new app. While she goes off to print them, Jordan smiles and makes his way around my desk to stand in front of the window. "Nice view," he murmurs. His gaze lingers on me a moment too long then he turns his attention to the skyline.

I'm a little surprised and uncomfortable that he's so close. "I like it," I say. I clear my throat. "Thank you for stopping by tonight."

"Thank you for seeing me so late," he says and turns to face me.

On the verge of taking a step back, I cross my arms instead and hold my ground. Jordan is an attractive, older man but I thought he had finally realized I wasn't interested. Something seems to have changed, though, as he studies me. "When it comes to women, I don't play games anymore, Charlie," he says. "So, I'm going to be blunt. I'm very interested in you."

Oh, God.

"Before you say anything, I want you to know that any woman I date, I treat like a princess. I buy them the best of everything and spoil them rotten. I respect them and I listen, Charlie. I listen to every word and, if it's in my power, I will grant them whatever they want." "Um, that's nice, but-"

"I want you to think about what we could potentially have together."

"I'm sorry, but I don't date clients, Jordan."

"If that's what's stopping you, I'll terminate the contract. You're worth it."

I'm about to tell him that I'm seeing someone else when he takes me by complete surprise, swoops in and kisses me. His lips move over mine, cold and thin, and it's nothing like when Nash kisses me. It's the complete opposite and I pull away just in time to see Ivy watching us, marketing report in her hands.

Fuck.Her timing is always impeccable, and I do not need any rumors going around the office about me and Jordan Lowe. I pinch the bridge of my nose as Jordan steps back and slides his hands into his pockets.

"You can leave those on my desk," I say, unable to meet Ivy's gaze. I feel horrible. Like I cheated on Nash or something.

"Sure thing," she says and it's not hard to hear the cheeriness in her voice. When I finally look up and our gazes meet, I see triumph in her eyes.

Dammit. She's going to try to use this against me. I just know it.

After Ivy leaves, I motion for Jordan to have a seat and then sit down in my chair with a sigh. "I respect you, Jordan, but I'm just not romantically interested in you. I'm sorry."

"Because of Nash?" he asks.

"What?" I try to play dumb, but Jordan Lowe is as sly as a fox. He must've seen something. Maybe an exchange or a lingering look between Nash and me. Who knows?

"Don't pretend, Charlie. If it's Beckett you're interested in, then I can handle it. Just tell me the truth and let me down easily." He flashes me a charming smile.

I clasp my hands together, place them on top of the desk then figure why the hell not be honest. "We've been seeing each other," I finally say. "Despite my better judgement, I'm exploring things with Nash, and I think-" To my horror, my voice catches. "You're falling in love," Jordan finishes with a knowing look. But he doesn't sound bitter at all. Quite the opposite and he almost looks happy for me.

"It's complicated," I say. "But, yes, emotions are getting involved."

Jordan nods. "I'm not sure if you know this or not, but I was married before."

"Really?" I had no idea.

"Elizabeth was the love of my life," he says, eyes lighting up. "We met in college, got married right after graduation and had three children. She was my world and when cancer took her ten years ago, I knew I'd never replace another woman as special as her." "I'm sorry, Jordan."

"The truth is once you replace that once in a lifetime love, no one will ever be able to take their place. You can try, you can date, you can sleep with other people, but there's always a little hole in your heart and soul. If Nash is your person, don't let him go, Charlie." Is Nash my person?"How do you know?" I ask and lean forward. "I mean, how do you really know for certain if someone is the right one for you?"

"Because you can't imagine your life without them," Jordan says.

I ponder Jordan's words all night and the next day. And I come to the conclusion that he's right. Because when I start to contemplate a life without Nash in it, my heart hurts and emotion swells within me.

I've given myself completely to Nash. Well, almost. My heart is still scared to jump into the mix but there's no denying that my body belongs to him. And my mind because I can't stop thinking about him. He consumes my every thought and fills my every night with so much pleasure it's intoxicating. Being around Nash Beckett makes me high and a part of me is nervously waiting for the inevitable crash that's bound to come.

Unfortunately, it comes today in two very different ways.

First, Square Enterprises calls and sets the date for our individual presentations. It's a strange situation to be in because we've become so close. I'm not exactly sure where Nash's head is, though. He whispers a lot of hot, seductive promises to me throughout the night, but he's never declared his love. Nor have I because now that I know he's the man I want, I'm terrified of being rejected.

Even so, I can't deny that I'm at the tipping point, so close to being all in with him. Yet for as smart as I am, I can't seem to express those feelings to him. To anyone, really. I've never been one of those people who can easily say I love you to anyone- friends, family or lovers. The words get caught in my throat and I end up choking them back down.

The night before the big presentation, after a pep talk from Mark and some of the board members, I'm standing in my office, gazing out over the Manhattan skyline, when Nash moves up beside me. "Hey," he whispers in my ear. "You ready?"

We had plans to go out to dinner and wish each other luck for our big day tomorrow, but I haven't been feeling well. "I think I'm going to skip dinner," I say. "My stomach has been a mess all day." "Probably nerves."

I don't think so, but I don't say anything. I've been experiencing nausea for the past week or so, on and off, throughout the day. I threw up twice this morning and the idea of a big meal right now makes me want to hurl again. "I think I have a touch of the flu," I say. "I'm sorry, baby," he murmurs and slides his arms around my waist. As he nuzzles my neck, my eyes slide shut.

What am I doing? What are we doing?I've been avoiding these questions for weeks while we've played, worked, talked, teased, shared secrets, slept together nearly every night and ran this company together as one united front.

Truth be told, it's been wonderful. I've never been happier. But everything is about to change because the partners are going to choose one of us to step up and take complete control. It's all I've ever wanted but suddenly it doesn't seem like the most important thing anymore. Being President of TB Tech has lost some of its appealing shine. Especially if that means I'm going to lose Nash.

And what if they choose him? How am I going to deal with that kind of rejection? I don't want to work for a group of people who don't appreciate me and all of the work I've put into this place.

I'm at a loss.

"What's going to happen tomorrow?" I ask, finally replaceing the courage to address my biggest fear.

Nash pauses, kissing my neck and turns me around in his arms. "We're both going to impress the hell out of Square."

"Don't give me the PC answer. What happens after that?"

He sighs. "I suppose one of us will impress them more and then the board will announce the permanent President."

I'm trying to read him, but he's not giving me anything. It's like a shield covers his normally expressive blue eyes and my guard instantly lifts. "And then?" I whisper.

"And then what?" he asks, voice cool.

A muscle flexes in his cheek and my heart sinks. It's so damn obvious that I want to know what's going to happen between us so why is he avoiding the question? Oh, God. The nausea hits hard and fast and I spin away from him. I race into the bathroom and puke into the toilet. I've barely eaten all day, so I don't even know what could've made me sick. I guess I must have a touch of the flu. But I don't have any other symptoms and-

My gaze lands on the small cosmetics case on the back of the toilet that holds tampons. The case that I haven't unzipped in weeks. Oh, f**k. Is there a chance I'm pregnant? Nash and I have had a lot- and I mean a lot of s*x. But we've used protection every single time.

Suddenly, his words come back to haunt me, and I can't move as fear creeps into my bones.

"Fuck."

"What?" I ask.

"It broke."

"What broke?"

He meets my gaze, blue eyes no longer full of heat. "The condom," he says.

"Holy hell," I whisper and puke again.

"Charlie?" I hear Nash move into the doorway behind me. "Are you okay?"

I shake my head and feel the sting of tears. My entire body starts shaking and suddenly Nash is there with a towel and wiping my face.

"Aww, baby, it's okay," he coos in a low voice.

Humiliation pours through me as he pulls me over to the sink and turns the faucet on. As I lean forward to rinse my mouth out, Nash gathers my hair and holds it back. I've been wearing it down nearly every day since our trip to California.

He's rubbing my back, murmuring soft, comforting words, and I stand up and grab my toothbrush. After I'm minty fresh, I sigh and lean against the sink, feeling exhausted.

"C'mon, I'm driving you home."

"No, you don't have-"

"Don't argue with me," he says, cobalt eyes shooting me a warning.

I let out another sigh and follow him back into my office. He helps me slide my jacket on and grabs my purse.

When we arrive at my apartment, all I want is for him to drop me off and leave. But Nash is so damn stubborn, maybe even more than me, and he makes sure I change into my pajamas. While I'm doing that, he sneaks off into the kitchen and replaces a packet of chicken noodle soup. I walk in to see him pouring hot water into the cup of noodles and stirring.

"Sit," he says and nods to the table where there's a package of crackers and a ginger ale already waiting for me.

"I'm really not hungry," I tell him.

Nash pretends not to hear and sets the mug of soup in front of me. "Careful. It's really hot," he says and hands me a spoon.

I reluctantly take the spoon and stir the steaming soup. He really can be sweet, I think, and look up into his serious gaze. But all I want is for him to go because I'm dying to run down to the nearby pharmacy and buy a pregnancy test.

"If you want to change the meeting, I'll call Square."

"No!" I set the spoon down with a clink. "I'll be fine."

"Maybe, maybe not. We can always reschedule if you don't feel well."

For a moment, I think about what it would be like if we were presenting together. Kind of like when we were in California. We work so incredibly well together that it's almost a shame that we have to compete for this stupid client.

A part of me doesn't even care anymore. Me- the workaholic who never had a life until Nash Beckett swept in like a whirlwind and made me care about something other than 12-15-hour work days.

I realize that if I'm carrying his baby then he's given me another thing to care about besides work.

"Please, Charlie," he says in a low, coaxing voice. "Just a few bites. I know you haven't been eating enough lately."

To appease him, I take a few small sips and eat a cracker. My stomach seems to have finally settled down and I think the bland food helps.

"Do you want me to spend the night?"

"No," I say, too quickly, and he arches a brow. "I mean, I'm just going to go to bed. I've been burning the wick at both ends, that's all."

Nash studies me closely for a moment too long. The man is far too perceptive for his own good. Finally, he nods, leans in and kisses my temple. "If you need anything, call me."

"Okay. Thanks."

"And that includes changing tomorrow's meeting."

"I'll be fine," I assure him.

He gives me a slow, accessing look. "If you say so. Good luck tomorrow, baby," he says, grabs his coat and walks out.

The moment he leaves, I hop up and grab my coat. I don't care that I'm in plaid pajama bottoms and I slip on shoes, grab my purse and keys, and practically run all the way down to the pharmacy on the corner.

There are a million choices when it comes to choosing a pregnancy test and I'm clueless because I've never taken one. I decide to go with brand recognition and grab one that is pricier but that I've seen on TV commercials. I figure now really isn't the time to be frugal. I need a very important question answered and I don't need fuzzy, illegible signs to confuse me.

Back home, I tear the box open and read through the instructions. Yep, just like I thought. Basically, pee on the stick. After doing what needs to be done, I wait. And that is by far the worst part. My thoughts are all over the place.

I know that I have options. If I want to keep on the trajectory I'm going, the most logical decision is to terminate my pregnancy. Working would continue to be the most important thing in my life and no one needs to know that I was ever pregnant. Not Nash or the partners.

That future makes me incredibly sad. Which is strange to admit to myself because at one point, it would've been a dream come true. Finally making it to the top and looking down over all I accomplished.

As the minutes tick by, I consider every single possible scenario and outcome. Becoming a mother changes everything, the course of my entire life. Is that something I'm ready for?

Suddenly the meeting with Square Enterprises and remaining the President at TB Tech doesn't seem quite so important anymore. I love my job and that hasn't changed but the idea of a new challenge is always exciting.

My hand slides down over my lower stomach. If I'm carrying Nash's baby, I would never be able to hurt it. Not in a million years. I might not know anything about babies or raising a family, but I know one thing for certain: I'm falling in love with Nash and I'm going to keep our child. Telling Nash, though, is going to be a whole other story and I'm not ready to go there yet.

When the time comes, I look down at the stick I've been clutching and slowly flip it over. My stomach drops when I see it's positive. I let out a long, low breath and the shock tilts my world.

I'm pregnant with Nash Beckett's baby.

Holy shit.If you would've told me this a year ago, hell, three months ago, I would've said you're completely insane. I hated Nash and he hated me. We were consummate enemies, out to beat each other at every turn.

But then the strangest thing happened, and the tables turned. I can't even place my finger on when everything between us shifted but here we are and I'm about to take on the biggest challenge of my life.

I've always put career first and having a baby doesn't mean that I need to stop working. But it does mean I can't be President at TB Tech. My mind rebels against the idea of bowing out now but, in my heart, I know that even if I am the better choice, the partners will never choose me if they know I'm pregnant. They're conservative, older men and they would want me to work less and focus on family.

I understand that but I also think the choice should be mine to make. No one else's, including them and Nash. Unfortunately, that's just not how life works and once again I'm reminded of the fact that I'm a woman trying to make my way in a man's world. I think it's about time I take a step back from that world and focus on what's best for me.

Morning comes far too quickly, and I put on my nicest suit. As I'm pulling my hair back, on the verge of twisting it into a chignon, I stop and instead shake it out, deciding to wear it loose.

I present at 9:00 a.m. and Nash follows at 10:00 a.m. We each have one hour to convince Square Enterprises to become a client and, to be honest, I'm not sure it's even possible. I've been trying to lure them in for a year now. I guess we'll see what happens. I've spent months getting the presentation perfected and I know it like the back of my hand. When I arrive at Square, the receptionist escorts me into their conference room and they give me a few minutes to set up.

My gaze moves over the men and women as they walk in and I smile, introduce myself and shake everyone's hand. After they all take a seat, I look out over the group and feel the usual excitement I get before an important presentation, but it's also a little diluted. Like this time around, the outcome really doesn't matter. I still give it my all and I spend the next 45 minutes convincing the directors here why they need TB Tech's newest software.

After I finish, I know I accomplished my goal. From the looks they exchange and the smiles on their faces, it's clear that we're about to have a new client. They ask a few questions which I easily answer and then I'm done.

Happy that I did everything to the best of my ability, I walk out of the conference room and abruptly stop short when I see Nash. He looks so damn attractive in a classic black suit and crisp white shirt. His mouth edges up. "How'd it go?"

"Knocked it out of the park," I say with a smile.

"I'd expect no less, baby," he murmurs.

For a moment we both stare at each other and then I start walking again. As I pass by him, I run my hand down his sleeve. "Knock 'em dead," I whisper and head toward the elevator.

I truly do wish him the best and back at TB Tech, I wait on pins and needles for him to return. In the meantime, though, I call my doctor's office. I'm facing the window, telling the receptionist I'm pregnant when I hear a gasp behind me. Spinning my chair around, I see Ivy standing there with a file. She quickly sets it on my desk and scurries out.

Damn.lvy Reeves is the last person I want knowing I'm pregnant. She has a big mouth and the hots for Nash. I guess there's nothing I can do about it now except hope that she keeps it to herself for the time being.

After scheduling an appointment with the OBGYN, my cell rings. "Hello, Mark," I say.

"Charlie! I hear you did an absolutely magnificent job this morning."

"Really?" I say and a huge smile lights my face.

"Square has decided to come onboard, thanks to your presentation."

My grin wilts as I wonder how Nash did. What happened? Did he blow it? "That's great," I force out.

"I just wanted to be the first to tell you that the partners and I are leaning toward naming you President. But you didn't hear it from me," he says with a chuckle.

My jaw drops and it takes a moment for his words to register.

"Charlie? You still there?"

"Uh, yes, sorry. I'm just really overwhelmed."

"You deserve it. We'll let you know when the final decision has been made but you're clearly the front-runner. Congratulations."

"Thank you," I say and a moment later we hang up.

My eyes slide shut and I'm not sure how to feel. My emotions are a swirling, confused mass of chaos and before I can dwell on it too long, the nausea hits. I jump up and race into the bathroom and get sick.

It's hard because even though I should be happy because I'm getting everything I always wanted, I now have a huge secret. One that's going to change everything. Once the board replaces out I'm pregnant, they'll rescind their offer, and my dream job disappears like a puff of smoke. Nash will take over and I'll be out or demoted.

One fateful rip during a moment of passion and my Fate's been sealed. Ironic since I never believed in Fate.

At least I can take comfort in the fact that I've proven to myself and everyone else my unwavering loyalty to Thomas and his company. God, I wonder what he'd think of me carrying his grandson?

More importantly, what is Nash going to think? I am so scared to tell him because I have no idea how he will react.

After brushing my teeth, I decide I need to get out of here and think. I'm about to have some very important conversations with some people, including the father of my child, and I need make sure I know exactly what I'm going to say.