In her Billionaires and Babies novel, Cat Schield tells the story of a surrogate mother turned nanny turnedâ¦stand-in wife!
Billionaire Blake Ford has one summer to get what he wants. He trusted country-bred beauty Bella McAndrews as his surrogate. Now sheâs agreed to be his infant sonâs temporary nanny. It is only a matter of time before he convinces her to capitulate to his true desire: becoming his wife.
Blake believes his son deserves a motherâs love. And Blake is determined to win this womanâs love for himself, tooâ¦until a deep secret emerges, turning every truth upside down.
âWhy did you really want me here this summer?
âThere are hundreds of terrific nannies in New York. You could have had your pick.â
âI like your company. I thought youâd enjoy spending a couple months at the beach.â
Her scrutiny intensified. âNo ulterior motives?â
âSuch as?â he prompted, voice silky smooth, wondering if she was brave enough to voice the challenge in her eyes.
âWe havenât even been here two hours and already youâve kissed me.â The exaggerated rise and fall of her chest betrayed her agitation. She was practically vibrating with tension. âDo you expect me to sleep with you?â
âIâm considering the possibility,â he admitted.
Dear Reader,
I have always wanted to write a surrogacy story, so when I was offered the opportunity to do a Billionaires and Babies book I knew exactly what story to tell.
Bella McAndrews is a kindergarten teacher from Iowa with a soft heart and a fascination with wealthy New York businessman Blake Ford. She knows heâll never be hers, but she gave birth to his son and that has created a bond between them. One that Blake intends to fully explore.
Most of the book takes place in the Hamptons, a place Iâve never been, but which feels familiar thanks to all the television shows set there. One of the best things about books is the opportunity to take an armchair vacation. I really enjoyed soaking up some virtual sun and breathing sea air as I followed Bella and Blakeâs journey to love. I hope you do, too.
All the best,
Cat Schield
CAT SCHIELD has been reading and writing romance since high school. Although she graduated from college with a BA in business, her idea of a perfect career was writing books for Mills & Boon. And now, after winning the Romance Writers of America 2010 Golden Heart Award for series contemporary romance, that dream has come true. Cat lives in Minnesota with her daughter, Emily, and their Burmese cat. When sheâs not writing sexy, romantic stories for Mills & Boon>® Desire>â¢, she can be found sailing with friends on the St Croix River or in more exotic locales like the Caribbean and Europe. She loves to hear from readers. Find her at www.catschield. com. Follow her on Twitter, @catschield.
To my wonderful editor, Charles Griemsman.
One
Sleek black limos were a common sight parked in front of St. Vincentâs, one of Manhattanâs premier private schools, and Bella McAndrews barely gave this one a thought as she knelt down on the sun-warmed sidewalk to say goodbye to her students. It was the last day of school; a procession of twelve kindergartners hugged her and then ran to waiting vehicles. She bumped her chin against their navy wool blazers, emblazoned with the St. Vincentâs crest, her chest tightening as each pair of arms squeezed her. The children were precious and unique and sheâd enjoyed having every one in her class. By the time her final student approached, she could barely speak past the lump in her throat.
âThis is for you.â The boyâs blue eyes were solemn as he handed her a pencil drawing. âSo you wonât forget me.â
âAs if I could do that.â Bella blinked away hot tears and glanced down at the self-portrait. What she held was no ordinary drawing by a six-year-old. Justin had shown talent early and his parents had given him private art lessons. Bella couldnât help but wonder what her brothers and sisters could have accomplished if theyâd been given all the opportunities afforded Justin by his wealthy parents.
âThis is very nicely done, Justin.â
âThank you.â A grin transformed his solemn expression. Before Bella could be glad that he was acting like a normal six-year-old for a change, he became a serious man-child once more. âI hope you have a nice summer,â he finished in formal tones.
âYou, too.â
Pasting on a bright smile, she got to her feet. Inside, her mood reflected the gray sky above. She watched, her chest heavy, until he got into the back of a black Town Car. Most of her fellow teachers were as excited as their students as the end of the school year approached, but Bella wasnât fond of partings. If sheâd had her way, sheâd keep her kindergartners forever. But that wasnât how life worked. Her job was to guide their growth and prepare them for new challenges. As difficult as it was for her, she had to set them free. How else could they soar?