THE BILLIONAIRE’S DANCE(Billionaire Bachelors Book_Two)

Chapter Two

One Year Later

Joseph was meeting his good friend John for lunch. It’d been far too long since they’d gotten together.

“Joseph, so good to see you,” John said as he grasped his friends hand.

“Great to see you too. Tell me how things have been.”

“Everything is great. I have a new grandson who’s the light of my world. Here, I brought some pictures. Look how handsome he is,” the proud grandfather said as he handed over several photos.

“Congratulations, he’s a mighty fine looking boy. Did Jessica get married?” Joseph asked, knowing he hadn’t heard of any nuptials but it could’ve been done privately. Joseph was still upset that she and Alex hadn’t ended up together. He’d been so sure they were a perfect match.

“No, she won’t discuss the father. I’ve tried on several occasions to ask her about it and she closes right up. She said it was a one-time thing. The father didn’t know and she was keeping it that way. I tried to bribe her, threaten her and beg her, all to no avail. She’s being tight lipped about the whole incident,” John said with frustration.

“Was she seeing anyone around the time of her pregnancy that you could possibly question?” Joseph asked with sympathy towards his friend. He knew that if one of his sons got a lady pregnant he’d expect them to do the right thing. Hell, he hoped he’d raised them well enough that they’d do the right thing because it was what you did, not because it was expected from you.

“She hasn’t been in a relationship for a few years that I know of. She’s been hurt pretty badly. Her last serious relationship ended when she found the guy with another woman. She found out he’d been like many others before him and only after money,” he said with pain. John loved his daughter and it killed him to see her hurting.

“How old is the baby? Maybe somehow I can help you figure this out,” Joseph offered, although he didn’t have a lot of confidence in the plan.

“Jacob is three months and father or no father, he’s amazing. I’m so grateful he’s been given to us.

Jessica adores him. She loves being a mother and it’s lifted her out of the depression she was in for so long,” John said, instantly brightening up.

“She was in a depression?”

“It all started after that big fundraiser dinner last year at the Fairmont. She came home for a while and was so sad. I was actually a little relieved when she announced her pregnancy because she started taking better care of herself,” John said with a sigh.

Joseph sat up, on instant alert. “Can I see those pictures again John?” John was more than willing to share the pictures as many times as they were requested. This time when Joseph examined the photos before him he looked closely at the features. There was a real possibility that he was Alex’s son.

“John, has she given you any clues about the father?”

John was picking up on Joseph’s changed demeanor. “Do you think it could be one of your boys?” he asked with hope. John knew if it was either Alex or Mark, they’d step up and do the honorable thing.

“I think there’s a chance that he could be Alex’s. He was at that fundraiser and I’d asked him to look after Jessica since she was there alone. After the event, he came home and wasn’t himself not even going out. Then after a couple of months he went completely the opposite way and it seemed like he couldn’t get far enough away, like he was trying to outrun some demons or something,” Joseph finished softly.

“The only time she ever let something slip was to say that it was only one night and the guy hadn’t mistreated her in any way. She told me she’d made a mistake and wouldn’t make him sacrifice his life due to her indiscretion. I told her the father at least had the right to know and he certainly should own up to his responsibilities but she closed down after that and wouldn’t make any more comments on the subject.”

“I think we can get the answer of whether it’s Alex’s or not if I can see her and the child. I think we’ll be able to tell, from her reaction alone,” Joseph said with excitement. The possibility of having another grandchild was exhilarating.

“She’s coming over to dinner tonight. Why don’t you and Katherine join us?” John spoke with eager excitement.

“It’s a plan. John, if Alex is the father please don’t say anything tonight. Let me tell my son. I know he’ll do the right thing and I don’t want Jessica to think you or I forced him into it,” Joseph asked of his longtime friend.

“I can respect that and honor your wishes. I have no doubts Alex will take responsibility for any child of his,” John said with sincerity. “Joseph, I’m really sorry if he’s the father and she didn’t say anything. I’m sure she believed she was doing the right thing,” John finished sadly.

“I’ve known Jessica since she was a little girl John and I know that she would’ve had valid reasons for keeping this to herself. She most likely thought she was doing Alex a favor, since he hasn’t exactly portrayed himself as the stay-at-home with babies’ kind of guy,” Joseph admitted. “But I know if he’s a father, he’ll make a good one. I have to admit I’m really hoping the baby is his son because that means I have my first grandson,” he said with a smile.

They finished their lunch and went their separate ways, both anticipating the evening ahead. They’d receive answers to questions too long unanswered.

Joseph made sure to arrive before Jessica. When she walked into the dining room and saw Katherine and him sitting there, her face gave her away. She only took about two seconds to compose her features again and then greet his wife and him but in that unguarded moment, John and Joseph both had their answer.

Joseph and Katherine both admired the baby, taking turns holding him. Katherine didn’t know what was going on but she was drawn to the boy. She was reluctant to release Jacob at the end of the evening.

Jessica had a few tears in her eyes as she collected her son and left the house. She’d made a joke about post pardon blues. Joseph figured she was feeling some guilt about keeping the baby away. He knew if they all stood back and waited she’d come around on her own. She was simply too kind a person to keep her child away from grandparents that would love him.

Neither Joseph nor John were patient though and they weren’t going to wait for her to come around.

Alex was going to find out he was a father as soon as Joseph summoned him home.

Joseph had been hopeful last year Alex and Jessica would have an instant connection. He’d been disappointed when his son came home and didn’t say one word about her.

He’d then gotten his hopes up once more as he’d watched his son moping about and not in a hurry to travel off to faraway places. But after a month Alex started disappearing again and seemed to return to normal.

After lunch with John, Joseph knew why his son had been so down and out. Alex still had that void look about him but that was about to change. Alex walked in the door, not looking pleased that Joseph had asked him to rush home.

“You better sit down Alex. I have some news that’s about to change your life,” Joseph informed him.

He wanted to get right to the point and didn’t try to ease into things by making small talk.

“Just spit it out dad. I had a twenty-hour flight and didn’t get any sleep. I want a hot meal and to fall face first into bed,” Alex spoke wearily.

“You’re a father,” Joseph stated without adding anything else.

Alex stared at his dad, waiting for the punch line. They stayed there; eyes locked together, neither speaking for a full minute.

“Do you care to elaborate?” Alex finally asked.

“I met your child a couple days ago. You have a three month old son,” was the only elaboration he gave.

“That’s impossible…” he began, when he suddenly stopped. Joseph could see the wheels turning in his head.

Alex started thinking back to his night in the elevator with Jessica. He’d only had unprotected sex one time in his life. He began doing math in his head and the time-line fit.

Alex’s legs could no longer support him. He sank into the chair that was mercifully behind him.

“Why…why wouldn’t she tell me?” he managed to squeeze out of his constricted throat.

“I don’t know the why or how’s. All I know is I met your son and I knew. Would you like to see a picture?”

“Please.”

Joseph passed the pictures John had given him, without saying another word. Alex stared down at them and when he finally looked back up there were tears in his eyes. “He really is mine. I’m a father.” He placed his head in his hands and let it all sink in.

It didn’t take Alex long to go from shock to anger. How dare Jessica keep his son from him? He hadn’t mistreated her in any way and she had no right to keep something this big from him. She would explain herself and he wouldn’t miss out on any more of his son’s life. He couldn’t believe he’d be holding him in just a few minutes. The miles stretched on, as he weaved through traffic on the way to her apartment.

She was living in a secure complex. It didn’t take him long to get clearance to head up to her door though. When you were as well known as his family, you knew just about everyone. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He then knocked on her door and waited as the seconds ticked by, seeming more like hours. Finally she was standing in front of him, her eyes wide with shock and fear.

“Where’s my son?” Alex had already missed out on too much time and he wasn’t going to mince words.

There was no hello, it’s been so long. How are you? He wasn’t beating around the bush. He was tired and angry. He couldn’t believe she would dare to keep his child from him. Sure, he hadn’t bothered to call her but he had reasons for that.

She’d affected him unlike any other woman before her and he hadn’t trusted himself around her. Even with anger coursing through him she was the most beautiful sight he’d ever witnessed. Her hair was longer and thrown into a messy bun with several pieces cascading down her face and neck. She didn’t have a single trace of make-up on and there were smudges under her eyes from lack of sleep. She also had a glow about her that was beautiful.

Jessica was petrified. How had he found out? She’d been terrified the other night when she saw Joseph and Katherine but they hadn’t seemed to know the baby was their grandson. She couldn’t figure out how Alex knew.

He looked more incredible than ever. He seemed tired and his dark hair was mussed. It looked as if he’d run his hands through it a dozen times. His face had a sexy five o’ clock shadow, making him seem more touchable. His scent was invading her and she realized she’d missed him far more than she should. She thought about him often. Of course, how could she now when she looked at her son daily?

He looked so much like his father, especially in the eyes.

“Alex, what are you doing here?” she finally asked, trying to sound neutral.

He chose to ignore her question and repeated his, “I asked you, where is my son?” He wasn’t known for having a great deal of patience. He wasn’t going to stand in the doorway and miss another moment of his son’s life.

Before she was able to say anything more he heard a cry from inside the apartment. His eyes rounded with wonder at the first sound he heard from his son. He was done standing in the doorway. He grabbed Jessica by the waist and physically removed her from his path.

Jessica let out a shocked gasp and then chased after him as he followed the sound of his son’s cry.

“Alex, I did have a son but he isn’t yours,” she tried to lie. He’d reached the swing his son was in by that moment, staring in fascination at the tiny human.

The baby was wide awake and staring at his father, momentarily distracted from his angry howls at being left alone. At her words Alex whipped his head around to glare at her. She took a step backwards at the violence in his expression.

“Don’t lie to me for one more second. You’ve already stolen three months of my son’s life from me.

You won’t deceive me anymore,” he spat.

She knew to try and deny it again would only unleash more of his anger so she sank to the couch as her knees would no longer hold her up. She said nothing else, just watched as he stared at his son. The baby finally got tired of the staring game and let out a cry of displeasure. He wanted to be picked up.

Jessica started to rise but Alex was already taking care of it. “Hey little guy, you want your daddy to pick you up?” he lovingly spoke to his son. The adoration in Alex’s voice brought tears to her eyes. He unlatched the safety belt and gently pulled Jacob from the seat.

Alex cuddled Jacob close to his chest, staring into his face. He was amazed at the love flowing through him. How could something so small fully claim his soul in the space of a single heart beat? He had no doubts that this was his boy. He looked like an Anderson. Jessica had a lot to answer for.

He sat down on the other end of the couch and softly spoke to his son. The baby looked up at him and cooed for a while, before his face scrunched up and he let out another full-fledged roar of displeasure.

Alex turned to Jessica with a worried look on his face. “What is it?” he asked with concern.

“He’s hungry. Give him to me and I’ll take care of his dinner,” she said, reaching her arms out. She could feel the milk dropping in her breasts and she needed to feed him as much as he wanted food. She was going to embarrass herself at any moment by leaking through her thin shirt.

“I’ll feed him. Just grab me a bottle,” Alex said, not wanting to release his son.

Jessica looked uncomfortable and then Alex noticed the wetness on her shirt. His groin tightened as the thin fabric wasn’t hiding anything from his view. Her wet nipples were clearly showing through.

He didn’t say another word. He handed the baby over to her, then got up and walked out of the room giving her privacy.

Jessica was relieved when he left. She quickly quieted the baby and it brought a smile to her face. Her son took no time latching on and he always let out a little growl that seemed to say, finally mom, I was so hungry. Jacob was so much like his father. He had little patience when he wanted something.

She enjoyed these moments, brushing her precious son’s head while he filled up. He closed his eyes in concentration and made little gulping noises. She leaned her head back against the couch and sighed.

She tried to convince herself she’d imagined that look of instant lust in Alex’s eyes but she’d felt the same sensation.

Even in his anger towards her, which she knew he was feeling, he’d still felt desire and that reminded her how lonely she’d been herself. As much as she loved her son, it would’ve been nice to have someone to share those precious moments. She shook herself out of those kind of thoughts and focused on Jacob.

Alex wandered into his son’s nursery. She’d done a beautiful job of decorating it. There were hand painted stencils on the walls of various teddy bears in all kinds of pastel colors. He walked over to the crib and ran his hand along the quilt his son slept under every night. He looked at the wall and the breath rushed out of his lungs.

There on the wall, visible to his son was a frame with several pictures of him in it. He knew the baby was too young to recognize people but it filled his heart with joy that she’d thought to let his son know who he was. Some of his anger slipped away.

He couldn’t stand to stay away any longer. He quietly walked out of the nursery. He stepped into the living room in time to hear Jacob let out a loud burp, which Jessica praised. Then she cradled him back into her arms and he watched as he latched onto her breast.

Alex felt like an intruder, spying on the intimate moment between mother and son but he couldn’t turn away. It was obvious they had a strong bond together. He was feeling a bit jealous he couldn’t be a part of the ritual. He would love to be able to cradle her in his arms while she cradled their son.

Once the baby latched on she leaned her head against the couch and closed her eyes. He finally walked into the room and sat next to them. She jerked her head up and stared at him. Jacob, seeming to feel her tension, let out a small protest.

She forced herself to relax, which wasn’t easy, considering Alex was there, next to her, with her body exposed. “Can you please hand me that blanket?” she asked, trying not to sound as nervous as she felt.

He handed it to her and she covered herself up. He was disappointed to lose sight of his son but relieved to have her cover herself. She’d grown curvier since he’d been with her. He smiled inwardly, thinking there was a positive to pregnancy. He was surprised he could think such a thought with what she’d put him through.

Jacob apparently had enough. She started fumbling underneath the blanket, then she switched him to her shoulder and started patting him on the back. After a few minutes he let out another burp and then started cooing at his mother.

“That’s my big boy. Good job,” she praised Jacob. He rewarded her by talking more gibberish.

“Can I hold him again?” Alex asked.

Jessica reluctantly handed her son over. She wasn’t used to having anyone interrupt their normal routine. She was having a difficult time watching father and son together. It made her somehow feel like she wasn’t needed in the perfect picture they made.

“Why did you place pictures of me by the crib?”

“I wanted him to know his father.”

“He could’ve known his father in person had you just told me I was going to be one.”

“Alex, we both know you’re not the type of man to settle down. I wasn’t going to trap you into instant fatherhood because we had a one night stand in a dark elevator. I would’ve eventually told you about Jacob but I didn’t feel it was the right time.” She still stood by her decision.

“We’ll marry in three days. My father’s making all the arrangements. I spoke to your father on the way over here and he agrees with me. I won’t miss out on my son’s life.” He spoke the words matter-of-factly. He said them as if the deal was done and she had no say in it.

“I won’t marry you Alex. My son won’t be raised in a home with parents trapped into getting married.

I’ve seen far too many lives destroyed by making decisions like that. If you really want to be part of Jacob’s life then we’ll set up visitation arrangements.” Alex simply smiled at her. He’d made a decision and as far he was concerned there was no need to discuss the matter.

“Do you really want to have our son labeled a bastard?”

She was seething with rage. “How dare you?” she spat at him. “You won’t try and use my son to get what you want,” she finished.

“Jessica, we will marry. My son will have my name. I have the full support of both of our families.

We would both lose all of their respect if we did anything other than marry. I want my son in my life full-time. I don’t want to be a weekend father. You owe me for keeping him from me and your parents fully agree that we should wed right away. You’re dishonoring both of our families by not doing the right thing,” he finished. His voice was far more frightening to her because he wasn’t getting angry or threatening. He was talking as if he was simply stating facts.

Jessica sat their seething for a few moments, glaring at him. She finally got up and left the room. She walked into her office to make a phone call to her father.

John answered on the second ring, “hello.”

“Dad, what did you and Alex talk about?” she asked, not even bothering with any pleasantries.

“How are you doing?” he asked, ignoring her question completely.

“Dad, I asked you a question,” she said, in no mood to play games.

“We talked about your upcoming nuptials. When he found out he was a father he told me he wanted to do the right thing. He wanted to marry you and be a full-time father to his son. I support him Jessica. I know you had your reasons for not telling him but you don’t keep a father away from his child. You did him wrong by not telling him,” he said to her, with disapproval in his voice.

Jessica hung her head, not liking to disappoint her father but not ready to give up the fight. “Dad, I had my reasons. I won’t get married because everyone’s telling me what I should do,” she said, begging him to understand.

“Jessica, Alex wants to marry you and do the right thing for your child. He’s a good man. Are you willing to bring shame on Joseph by having people think his son would get you pregnant and then walk away?” he asked, knowing by her silence she was conceding defeat. She loved her family and had a lot of respect for Joseph and Katherine. She would never want to bring shame on their family.

They talked for a few more minutes and then Jessica hung up the phone slowly, feeling as if her world had been upended. She took her time walking back out to the living room. When she entered she felt a tear slip down her face when she saw Alex sleeping on the couch with Jacob held securely in his arms.

She picked the baby up, which jerked Alex awake. “I’ve got him…” he started to say.

“He’s ready for bed,” she quietly stated, then turned and walked toward the nursery. She felt Alex right behind her as she gently tucked her son underneath his blanket. She said nothing else as she walked to the kitchen with him following closely behind.

She prepared two cups of coffee and then sat down at the table. They both sat silently for a few moments, sipping from the steaming mugs.

“Jessica, we didn’t get off to a great start but I hope by now you understand what needs to be done,” Alex said in what he hopped was his most reasonable tone.

She held her head high and he knew he’d won the battle. She had defiance in her eyes, with a hint of defeat. He was overwhelmed with gratitude. He didn’t want to be away from his son for any length of time.

“Okay Alex, it looks like you’ve won this round. I’ll go ahead with this farce of a marriage but I’m telling you it’s not a real one. I’ll let you protect your family name and when the time is appropriate I’ll file for divorce,” she said with a strength that impressed him.

“There will be no divorce,” he stated. “We’ll make it work out because I don’t want to be away from my son. I never planned on marrying anyway so it’s not like I’m missing out on something else by being with you,” he added.

His words made her wince. He was basically telling her he could stand to be married to her because marriage meant nothing to him. She didn’t feel the same way. She’d always wanted to get married but had given up because all the men she’d dated had been willing to marry her only to access her money.

She knew Alex in no way needed her money. However, he still needed her for something other than herself. She guessed she was bound to end up in a loveless union. It would tear her apart but as a mother sacrifices were expected of you.

There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her son. Her only regret was their union wouldn’t be real and she wouldn’t be giving Jacob any siblings. She’d been an only child and had always wanted to have many kids when she was in her own relationship. She loved her son so much and the thought of never having that feeling of carrying a child inside of her again, of looking at her newborn for the first time, was almost enough to bring her to her knees with the pain coursing through body.

“Alex, I’m exhausted. Can you come back tomorrow and we will figure out all the details. Jacob is still waking up a couple of times each night and I wasn’t able to take a nap this afternoon.”

“I’ll sleep in the spare room. I want to be here when Jacob wakes up,” he said, once again with that voice of authority.

Jessica was far too tired to argue with him any further. The thought of him sleeping only one wall away from her, was enough to cause her stomach to tighten. She figured she would need to get used to it as they would reside in the same house soon. She knew he wouldn’t go for her staying where she was now. The entire reason he wanted them married was so he could be with his son and protect his family name.

“I’m going to bed,” was all she said, as she left the table.

Alex stayed where he was for several minutes after she left. He was barely able to stay awake himself but the thought of her in bed just down the hall was playing havoc with his senses. Their one time together had been in a dark elevator and over far too quickly. He would be able to bring them both so much more pleasure in a comfortable bed.

His groin strained against the zipper of his jeans. He groaned aloud and then headed towards her bathroom for a cold shower. He wouldn’t be taking them nightly. Once they were married, they wouldn’t be sleeping in separate rooms. That was the only thought keeping him from entering her room.

Alex was awakened by the whimpering sound of his son. He looked at the clock, noticing it was three in the morning. He was instantly alert. He walked into Jacob’s room and gazed down at him in the crib. He was so tiny and fragile. Jacob started kicking his legs in excitement as soon as he spotted Alex, which filled him with warmth.

Alex picked him up, feeling he had a full diaper. He was grateful for the days he’d babysat his beautiful niece. He’d learned how to change her so he knew what to do with his son. “You ready to get out of that yucky diaper?” he cooed to his son.

Jacob answered him with a giggle and kicked his legs some more. Alex changed him, then moved to the rocking chair and cuddled him for a while. Jacob’s temperament changed after about ten minutes though and he looked as if he was going to start throwing a fit again. Even after only a day with him, Alex knew his son wanted to be fed.

“Let’s go wake your mom. I certainly can’t feed you,” Alex said to Jacob with a little chuckle. He stepped into her room with the light softly shining in from the hallway. His breath was taken away by her unguarded, peaceful expression. In sleep she seemed so young and innocent. She didn’t look like she could possibly be old enough to be a mother.

Jacob started wiggling in his arms, reminding him that it was time to eat. That snapped Alex out of his trance. He walked over to the bed and sat down. The movement woke Jessica and she sat upright.

“What’s wrong?” she asked in a panic, getting ready to jump up.

“It’s okay,” Alex said, while placing a hand on her shoulder in reassurance. “Jacob woke up and he’s hungry. I already changed him, so if you feed him, then I will burp him and put him back to bed,” he explained.

Jessica was still disoriented but held her arms out for her child. “You don’t need to stay. We do this every night,” she pled. She really didn’t want him there with her body exposed. In the middle of the night it would be so much harder to not throw herself at Alex. She didn’t need to show him how much he still affected her.

“I want to be with him. If you got some of that bottle stuff then I could take over the night feedings,” he said hopefully. Jessica had to smile a bit at his lack of knowledge over the name, formula.

“No, I like our nighttimes,” she said simply. She figured it was dark enough she could feed her baby without having to cover him up. She liked to watch his precious face as he ate. She could gently caress his head and sooth him. He liked it too and would fall asleep quickly after he burped. When Jacob made a little growling noise followed by gulping sounds, Alex let out a quiet laugh, making Jacob jump. Surprisingly he stayed latched on and slurped away.

“My son likes his food,” Alex stated proudly.

Jessica smiled at Alex for the first time in the dim room. Her face had lost the guarded expression. He couldn’t help himself; he needed to have physical contact with both her and his son. He scooted a little closer on the bed so his shoulder was pressing against hers, then reached his hand up and brushed the soft strands of hair on his son’s head.

Their eyes were still locked together and he couldn’t resist reaching towards her. He gently touched his lips to hers. Her taste was exquisite and pleasure shot all through his overheated body. He wanted her so badly. He most likely would’ve taken her if his son wouldn’t have been attached to her.

She pulled back, her breathing uneven and looked down at Jacob’s head. His hand was still resting there and the edge of his thumb was touching her breast. She sucked in another sharp intake of air and twisted, so his hand would have to drop.

She pulled Jacob to her shoulder and quickly covered herself as she started to burp him. “Let me do that,” he said, while he gently took Jacob and placed him over his own shoulder. Jacob gave a loud burp and started rooting at his shoulder, looking for more food.

Alex knew there wasn’t any way he could sit and watch her feed his son. He wanted her far too much to sit next to her in the bed any longer. “I’ll let you finish up,” he muttered as he left the room. Two more nights, he told himself as he prepared for a restless night. He would be lucky to get even another few minutes of sleep with the way his body was on fire.

Jessica breathed a sigh of relief as she watched Alex leave the room. She still had tingles zipping through her body where he’d pressed up against her. She knew he was simply trying to be a part of everything but she didn’t think she had the willpower to resist him. She’d been so lonely and so in need of affection.

She would be glad when the newness of the baby wore off and he backed off a bit. If he kept coming into her room in the middle of the night she would end up grabbing him and having a repeat performance of their night in the elevator.

How could one night with a man imprint him so deeply into her soul? She looked at their son and sighed. But Jessica had to be honest with herself and knew it was about so much more than just their son. Alex was dynamic in a way no other man even came close to being. He was intriguing and gorgeous beyond what any man should be gifted. He’d made her laugh and burn in only a few hours’

time.

She finished feeding Jacob, placed him in bed and fell into a much needed deep sleep.