Praise for New York Times bestselling author
LORI FOSTER
âLori Foster delivers the goods.â
âPublishers Weekly
âThis fantasy plays out with sexy innuendos and steamy love scenes throughout the book.â
âRomantic Times BOOKreviews on Judeâs Law
âFilled with Fosterâs trademark wit, humor, and sensuality.â
âBooklist on Jamie
âFoster supplies good sex and great humor along the way in a thoroughly enjoyable romance reminiscent of Susan Elizabeth Phillipsâ novels.â
âBooklist on Causing Havoc
âFoster executes with skillâ¦convincing, heartfelt family drama.â
âPublishers Weekly on Causing Havoc
âSuspenseful, sexy, and humorous.â
âBooklist on Just a HintâClint
âFans of Fosterâs sexy romantic comediesâ¦will find much to like here.â
âBooklist on The Secret Life of Bryan
SHE WAS THE PERFECT WOMAN to have his baby.
Tony Austin continued to stare, analyzing her features, considering the construction of her body. Heâd already done so, of course, but now he was more thorough. She wasnât beautiful, but that was okay, because beauty wasnât essential to his plan. And she was striking, even arresting in her presence, her confidence and poise.
Though he tried to stop himself, his gaze was repeatedly drawn to her, and finally Olivia Anderson caught him looking. The small, curious smile she sent him took his breath away, but he shook his head, deciding his reaction was excitement for his plan and nothing else.
That was all it could be.
As always, she looked elegant. She wore a simple black dress and black heels, but that had little to do with his heightened interest. He had made a decision, and she was deeply involved in that decision whether she knew it yet or not. He rubbed his hands together, feeling his anticipation build.
Heâd been acquainted with her for three years now as a business associate, and he knew sheâd only attended his party as a means of furthering that association. Nothing in their relationship was of a personal natureâand he intended to keep it that way.
Just two days ago, sheâd presented him with a proposal to expand her business that would add one more of her novelty lingerie shops to another Austin Crown hotel. He hadnât given her an answer yet, but he would. Tonight. And then heâd have a question of his own to present.
For the first time in a very long time, he felt nervous on the verge of making a business proposition. Then Olivia started toward him with her determined, long-legged, graceful stride and all he could think of was what a beautiful baby they could create together.
He welcomed her with a smile.
HEâS GOING TO GIVE IT TO ME.
Olivia tingled with anticipation. Tony had been watching her, almost studying her, all evening. And there could only be one possible reason for that. The sense of impending victory thrilled her.
His gaze held hers as she neared. There was that slight tilting of his mouthâan unaffected sensual look that she knew got all the single women and even the not-so-single women excited. But Olivia would only get excited if he gave her the news she wanted.
Her business was her life, and she didnât allow herself the time or the desire for anything else. She was certain he didnât, either. At least, not with her.
She was well aware of Tonyâs reputation with other women, and it was the women building that reputation. They claimed he was a spectacular lover, though how many had firsthand knowledge she couldnât guess. He appeared very circumspect to her. He never spoke of his relationships. In fact, he seemed oblivious to the talk.
She tried to be oblivious as well; her only interest in him was business related. But she had to admit there were occasions when she couldnât quite stop her mind from wanderingâ¦
She stood mere inches from him and at five-eleven or so with her heels on she nearly looked him in the eye. They stood by the balcony doors, no one else within hearing distance, the ambience soft and intimate. Olivia dismissed her wayward thoughts and lifted her glass of soda to him in a mock salute. âTony.â
âHello, Olivia.â His voice was deeper than usual, his gaze more intent. âAre you enjoying yourself?â
He seemed almost watchful, and anticipatory, not wearing the cool persona he usually assumed in her company. She looked around at the newly decorated offices, pretending an interest she didnât feel. This party was to launch the renovation of his massive downtown hotel, which had been standing for decades. With its new upscale furnishings and classy decor, it was positioned to compete with other hotels where price was no obstacle. âEverything is lovely, Tony. Why wouldnât I enjoy myself?â
His lazy smile deepened, his gaze became probing. âI donât think youâre much for parties. You seem preoccupied.â He tilted his head slightly. âAnxious to get back to business matters?â