****
Wrapped in a silk robe, Eva descended the stairs in search of a piece of Svana’s chocolate cake. She hoped there was at least one slice left. If Saunders could help it, there wouldn’t be. He’d wolfed down two humungous pieces earlier, and she wouldn’t be surprised if he came back for more.
The kitchen lights were on, and she thought they’d been left on by mistake until she found Derrick, still dressed in his suit, sitting at the breakfast table in the corner with his head resting on his folded arms.
“Derrick?” She walked over and shook him.
Being a heavy sleeper, it took a minute for him to rouse. A frown marred his forehead as his eyes focused on her.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “What time is it?”
“It’s after one in the morning. You must have come in and sat down for a minute and fallen asleep.”
With a shake of his head, he straightened in the chair. “That’s exactly what happened.”
The fatigue on his face tugged at something inside her. How deeply had Phineas’s death affected him? Even though he wasn’t his biological father, Phineas was the only father Derrick had known all his life.
Maybe taking over his father’s affairs took a greater toll than she realized or he wanted to admit. Without much time to grieve his death, and the strain of keeping the business together resting on his shoulders, it was no surprise he had fallen asleep at the table.
“Are you feeling okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine.”
The clipped response was meant to keep her from asking any more questions, but she couldn’t help but be concerned. She loved—had loved him once. It was only natural to still care a little. But she had to remember that Derrick didn’t do emotions, so asking him about his feelings was a waste of time.
“You don’t look well. I know you’re preoccupied with work, but you still have to take care of yourself.”
Surprise lit up his eyes, and his voice held a hint of irony when he said, “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you actually cared.”
Stepping back, Eva cleared her throat self-consciously. “Of course I care, Derrick. You’re the father of my child.”
“What other reason would there be, right?”
She had the strange feeling he had expected her to say something else, and somehow she’d disappointed him.
“Don’t worry about me,” he continued. “You’re the one who needs to take care.” He looked at her stomach.
“I’ve been looking into doctors and have narrowed it down to three.”
“You might as well start putting out feelers for a nanny, too. Your assistant can help you find one.”
“I don’t need a nanny.”
He rose to his feet, intimidating at such close proximity. “You won’t need a nanny, but it’s a good idea. Managing this estate takes a lot of time, even with help from Saunders and Svana. There’ll also be social engagements we have to attend, and we can’t leave our daughter with just anyone. Whether we hire someone full-time or part-time, it’s good to have one.”
“I want to raise my child myself.” She wanted to be the kind of mother she’d had growing up and couldn’t imagine letting someone else interfere with that special bond.
“Getting outside help is no reflection on the type of mother you’ll be. I’m sure many more women would do it if they could afford to. We certainly can.”
“I’ll think about it.” Eva’s eyes scanned the room in search of the cake, needing a chocolate fix now more than ever.
“A nanny’s role is to help you, not take your place.”
“I said I’ll think about it.”
He fell silent. “It’s not as bad as you think. I had a nanny growing up.”
And look how good you turned out, Eva thought nastily.
“By the way, expect a call from Cassidy and Celeste. I forgot to mention it, but at the wedding, Celeste said something about taking you to lunch.”