Chapter 1 Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1 Week 28: Baby's eyes partially open Twenty-eight weeks into your pregnancy, or 26 weeks after conception, your baby's eyelids can partially open, and eyelashes have formed. The central nervous system can direct rhythmic breathing movements and control body temperature. By now your baby might be nearly 10 inches long from crown to rump and weigh nearly 2 1/4 pounds. *** “Mandy Johnson?” Mandy hurriedly closed the magazine that she was reading and nearly dropped it in the process. She lurched to her feet. It was neither graceful nor pretty. Being seven-months along, Mandy had found that the simplest of tasks, such as standing, could be almost insurmountable. Mandy smiled at Dr. Roberts’ assistant who was standing patiently at the door. “It’s nice to have you back, Mrs. Johnson,” said the chubby middle-aged woman as she guided Mandy over to the scale. “Um, I’m not married, Tina,” Mandy said with a sigh. It seemed that she needed to remind Dr. Roberts’ medical assistant of this at every appointment. “Oh, I’m sorry, child,” she replied. “Up another three pounds this month.”“Is that bad?” Mandy asked as looked at Tina in horror. Tina laughed replying, “I have some women that gain almost seventy pounds with their pregnancies. You have gained twenty-one pounds which is perfectly normal. We did the urine sample while you were waiting, and everything came back fine. Shall we head into a room and listen to the heartbeat?” Mandy nodded and followed Tina’s wide hips to the third waiting room. From there Tina asked her climb up on the table and squirted some jelly on Mandy’s belly. With the fetal doppler, Tina quickly found the baby’s heartbeat and recorded it on the chart. “Are you experiencing anything unusual?” Tina asked, the tip of her pen resting on her full lips. Mandy frowned before saying, “You always ask me that. But it seems that no matter what I tell you is happening you tell me that it’s perfectly normal.” Tina raised a brow. “Pain, headaches, nightmares, heartburn, and occasional cramping are all typical of a normal pregnancy, Mandy. But should you come in with purple stripes and orange polka dots I promise to be properly impressed.” Mandy laughed. “I haven’t experienced stripes or polka dots, so I suppose I should be grateful. It is nothing like that.”“What is it, child? I have been seeing mother’s for over twenty years, and I don’t think that there is anything you could say that would surprise me.”“I keep having sex dreams!” Mandy blurted out. “About me?” Tina replied saucily as she winked at Mandy. “No! Well, I couldn’t tell you who they were about because that changes from dream to dream. But I have these hot dreams of lovers, sometimes two at a time. And, I wake up in desperate need, but my vibrator isn’t cutting it anymore.” Tina nodded sagely. “That is perfectly normal.” Mandy groaned at the word ‘normal ’. Dr. Roberts knocked on the door and slipped inside. He was a handsome man in his forties, and Mandy was been grateful he was able to slip her into his caseload. He was an excellent physician, but that didn’t mean that Mandy wanted to talk about her sex dreams with him. “You need to get laid,” Tina advised. Mandy’s cheeks heated and she looked to the floor. Dr. Roberts paused putting on the second latex glove. “Am I missing something?” Mandy wanted the earth to split so that she could sink into a deep hole. Tina answered, “Mrs. Johnson is having wild sex dreams. I told her that she needs to get laid.” Dr. Roberts cleared his throat and said, “While not completely medically ethical, I would have to agree with Tina. These dreams won’t harm you or your baby. But you might get some satisfaction from having an orgasm.”“Kill me know,” Mandy uttered underneath her breath. “Now,” Dr. Roberts replied with a grin that made him look younger and eminently more handsome. “There is nothing wrong with good sex, Mandy. It has been proven to solve many ailments.” Mandy pointed to her belly and said wryly, “And cause a few as well.” Dr. Roberts lips twitched. “That was just luck.” Tina giggled. “Or poor planning.” Dr. Roberts admonished his assistant. “Every baby is a blessing from God.” Mandy wasn’t sure what she thought about the peanut. Sure, at this stage of her pregnancy she’d gotten used to the idea that there was indeed a baby in there and this wasn’t alien-nation. But she wasn’t sure she was on the ‘blessing from God’ train yet. “You could always use a vibrator,” Dr. Roberts continued. “It’s not tickling her fancy,” Tina responded before Mandy could get a word in edgewise. “Besides, Mrs. Johnson has a hankering for two lovers.” Dr. Roberts looked impressed. “I don’t!” Mandy shoved her maternity top over her belly. “It was only a dream! And I’m not Mrs. Johnson!” Tina sniffed. “Apparently she is sensitive about a few things.” Dr. Roberts ushered Tina out of the room before Mandy could strangle her. “Tina is a good woman who can’t keep her mouth shut to save her life,” he said with a good-humored smile. “Everything is on schedule, Mandy you measure at twenty-eight weeks. Do you have plans for Christmas? It’s right around the corner you know.” Mandy grimaced. “I’m still living in my parent’s basement. It’s been hard to find a job being the size of a water buffalo. So, no, nothing is exciting in my life this Christmas." “Didn’t you say that you worked as a PA before?” Dr. Roberts threw away his gloves and began to wash his hands. “Yes,” Mandy replied as she climbed down from the examination table. “But they let me go when I vomited nonstop for five months.”“I have a friend who is looking for a personal assistant. I have his number here somewhere.” Dr. Roberts searched his pockets and came up empty. “Do you mind if I give your number to him?”“Thank you, Dr. Roberts, that would be incredible. You have no idea what it means to me!” The doctor smiled kindly at Mandy. “I can’t promise anything, Mandy. But he’s a good man and you will get an interview. Oh, and about the other thing?” Mandy looked at him in confusion. “The sexual dreams?” His smile was kind. “That is all perfectly…”“Normal,” they finished together. “Don’t let Tina bother you,” he said as he walked Mandy to the waiting room and bid her farewell. Mandy looked back at the magazine she’d been reading before her name was called. The story featured the best sexual positions while pregnant. Mandy glanced around the office and then walked over and picked up the magazine. She’d only read about the spoon, reverse cowgirl, and side by side. She’d five more positions to make herself feel worse about not having sex, and she wasn’t going to miss them. Walking out as nonchalantly as possible, Mandy made her way out of the doctor’s office and headed toward her older sister Kim’s coffee shop. Once she entered The Grind and smelled the familiar aroma of French roast and Columbian’s finest, Mandy began to unwind. She’d just finished up rear entry when her phone buzzed. Unknown: Amanda Johnson? This is Elliot Brand. I was given your name by Dr. Roberts about a PA position in my firm. Are you interested in coming in for an interview? Mandy gasped. That certainly had been fast! With fumbling fingers, she replied. Amanda Johnson: Yes, Mr. Brand. I’m interested. Unknown: Excellent. Are you available to interview tomorrow at 11 am? Amanda Johnson: Yes, sir. Unknown: Our offices are located on 5th and Main. I look forward to meeting you, Ms. Johnson. Mandy squealed with delight. Perhaps fate was finally on her side.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 Mandy threw another skirt onto the growing pile of clothes on her bed—nothing fit right anymore. “There was nothing wrong with that black skirt,” her older sister said as rolled her eyes. Kim had stopped by their parent’s home that morning for moral support. “I look like a fatty,” Mandy cried out in disgust. Kim’s lips twitched. “No, you look pregnant, which is exactly what you’re.” Kim had married Andrew five years ago, and they were blissfully happy. Or at least, they had always seemed like they were. However, they had not yet been blessed with children. When Mandy had first discovered she was expecting it caused a rift between the usually impenetrable sisterhood. It was only in the past few weeks that Kim had started acting more like her old self. Mandy had missed her sister more than she cared to think about. Flopping down onto the pile of clothes, Mandy moaned helplessly. “Why would Mr. Brand want to hire me? Who hires a woman in her third trimester?” Kim laughed as she got up from the overstuffed faded pink chair that they had picked up at a consignment store when Mandy was about twelve. Money had always been tight. But her sister had found a way to pay for the hideous thing. “Mandy, you’re smart, funny and talented. If this man doesn’t hire you, just because you’re pregnant, he is an idiot.” Mandy’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears. It seemed everything these days brought on emotions that she couldn’t quite control. “Do you really think so?” Kim picked up the black knit skirt that had been previously discarded. “Yes, now put this on, and I will curl your hair.” Mandy did as she was told and sat in front of her mirror as Kim grabbed the hot curling iron. Mandy had what she would call dishwater blonde hair. True, it was thick and shiny, but there was nothing spectacular about it. She took her bronzer and gave her pale skin a light dusting. It wouldn’t do to look like a zombie. Her dark blue eyes sparkled with the rose-colored eyeshadow, and her long lashes were coated with black mascara. After covering her pouty lips in pink gloss, Mandy added a hint of perfume behind her ears and at her wrists. Once Kim had finished curling Mandy’s hair, she sprayed it well with a long-holding hairspray. “You look gorgeous,” Kim said as she squeezed her shoulder as they both stared into the mirror. “I look like an elephant,” Mandy replied. “But it will have to do. Thanks, Kim, you’re a life-saver.” Kim smiled sadly at their reflection causing Mandy’s gaze to swing toward her. “I have been meaning to ask you something.” Mandy took her hand. “What is it?”“Do you think,” Kim asked nervously, “after the peanut arrives, that you might want help with childcare?” Mandy felt her heart lodge in her throat. With all of Kim’s infertility issues, Mandy knew how hard it would be for her sister. “Kim you don’t have to do that.” Kim nodded. “I know. I want to help. Andrew and I have both talked about it. We have more leeway at the coffee shop than you will working in an office.” Mandy felt a tear slip down her cheek. “If I can’t be with the peanut, you’re the next best thing. Most likely, you will be better. What do I know about parenting?” Kim brushed the tears from Mandy’s cheek. “Don’t mess up your makeup! You will be a fantastic mother, Mandy. Besides, we have a million examples of what not to do.” Mandy thought about their own mom and grimaced. “Indeed, we do.” Kim glanced at her watch saying, “You need to get moving if you need to be there by eleven.” The girls walked up the stairs and were immediately greeted by their mother. “Why are you walking around here like a whore?” Kim opened her mouth to argue but Mandy shook her head as if to say it wasn’t worth wasting her breath. “I will be back in a few hours,” Mandy’s tone was deceptively light despite the hurt that her mother had inflicted. Mandy knew what her mother was like. But it didn’t mean that her words still hadn’t the power to slice through her. “Get a job yet?” Their mother sneered as she puffed on a cigarette. “You shouldn’t smoke around a pregnant woman,” Kim replied angrily as she tugged on Mandy’s arm trying to get her to leave. “Shouldn’t fuck strangers and come home knocked up.” Their mother blew a cloud of smoke in their direction. Kim yanked Mandy out of the house. “I hate that woman. Why won’t you come and stay with Andrew and me?” Mandy gently untangled her arm. “You and Andrew live in a one-bedroom apartment above the coffee-shop. Now, before you try and offer me a job again that we both know you can’t afford, let me get going. Your shop is just now starting to turn a profit. I won’t ruin your lives to help myself, Kim. Don’t ask it of me.” Kim ground her teeth together but didn’t say anything as they walked to their cars. “Call me, after the interview, okay?” Kim asked as hugged her sister close. Mandy drank in the familiar smell of her older sister who had been much more of a parental figure than her parents ever had. “I will, I promise.” Kim pulled back and gave Mandy a bright smile. “Knock ‘em dead, kid!” ** Mandy still had a smile on her face as she walked into the massive office building on 5th and Main. Brand Enterprises took up an entire square block. Mandy had thought the glass building was incredibly intimidating. Just who was Elliot Brand? As Mandy approached a young man behind the reception desk. She noticed that he was wearing a headset and saying, “Mr. Brand isn’t available. May I take a message?” Seeing Mandy, the young man held up a silent finger asking Mandy to wait a moment. When he finished his call, he turned his attention to her. “Welcome to Brand Enterprises, my name is Ian. How may I help you?” Mandy was impressed with his engaging smile and pleasant demeanor. “I’m Amanda Johnson. I have an eleven o’clock appointment with Mr. Elliot Brand.” Ian’s perfectly sculpted brow rose exponentially. “Brave girl. I will tell him you’re here.” The nerves in Mandy’s stomach were dancing the tango, and she wanted to ask what in the hell he meant by ‘brave girl.’ But just as soon as Ian had made Mr. Brand aware of Mandy’s arrival, he instructed her to take the private elevator that only stopped on one floor—the top. Mandy felt ill. Her nerves were starting to get the best of her. She couldn’t help but wonder if this had been a mistake. She’d resolved to push the down button as soon as the elevator stopped at the top. With any luck, she hoped, Mr. Brand wouldn’t see her at all. The numbers seemed to crawl by at a snail’s pace. Mandy counted the numbers and floor after floor passed. Then suddenly it was the moment of truth, the elevator dinged, and the doors opened. Mandy stuck her hand out to return to the lobby. But instead of reaching the control panel, a firm hand met her clammy palm. She gasped as a tingle of desire wrapped around her skin and snaked up her arm. Mandy blinked as she gazed at the handsomest man she’d ever seen. Recognition rocketed through her—she’d seen him before! “Ms. Johnson?” his dark voice was terribly familiar despite the length of time it had been since she’d first heard it. Her stomach roiled and she prayed that she wouldn’t be ill. This was Mr. Brand? Her breath caught in her throat— it couldn’t be . Panic choked her lungs, and she couldn’t draw air. Those grey eyes, that dark hair, those sinful lips, she would know this man anywhere. The last time she’d seen him, he was burying his massive cock deeply inside of her. Concern knit his brows together as he helped her from the elevator. "Are you, all right?" his voice was like a caress. Mandy’s internal monitor was screaming something about how she may never be ‘all right’ ever again. But it wouldn’t do to continue to stand there like an idiot. She’d to say something. Mr. Brand led her to the opposite side of his desk and continued to stare at her. It took Mandy a moment to realize that she still hadn’t said a word to him. With a shaky voice she replied, “Of course, everything is fine. It’s nice to meet you.”

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3 Elliot was having a difficult time not staring at the beauty across from him. Her long honey blonde curls fell about her shoulders, with one dangling delightfully over her left breast. She was wearing a short black skirt that showed off her endlessly long legs. Her flowy top was somewhat sheer and low cut enough to showcase her fantastic tits. Not that he was looking, but let’s face it, they were glorious. Her top also revealed that Mandy Johnson was pregnant, and far along at that. Elliot had known Ms. Johnson was expecting, his friend Dr. Alan Robert’s had already filled him in on some of the finer details. While Elliot wasn’t running a charity house, he did have a soft spot in his heart for single mothers. His own had worked three jobs to keep a roof over their heads when Elliot was a child. Once he was one of the most successful billionaires in the city, his mother had worked tirelessly to help other women who were in the same situation. It wasn’t often to find someone in Elliot’s position that truly knew what hunger and poverty were like. From what Alan had expressed, Mandy needed employment and possibly a place to live. Elliot had almost turned him down. But there had been something in his friend’s tone that had Elliot pausing. He didn’t need anyone currently, and he couldn’t run a successful business helping every sob story that came his way. Alan insisted that all he had promised was an interview. Rather than bother his secretary, Elliot had texted the girl himself. He had just had an opening on his schedule and knew that he could squeeze in the interview, turn the woman away, and be on with his day. But all of that went out the window the moment he saw her. No, it wasn’t just that she was hot as sin, he reasoned. Then he had to reconsider the thought. His cock had certainly taken notice of the beautiful woman. There was something familiar about the curve of her cheek. Elliot shook the thought away. It wasn’t likely that he knew this woman. They came from completely different worlds. However, Elliot could have sworn that there was a flash of recognition in her eyes the moment she saw him. Maybe it was wishful thinking? He couldn’t be sure. But one thing was certain. He needed to know more about Mandy Johnson. Elliot watched as she glanced around his office. He knew what she would see. The floor to ceiling windows, showcasing the city below them. A fireplace on the interior wall with a cream-colored sofa across from it. Doors leading to a private bathroom with a walk-in closet. One never knew when you would get stuck at the office, and Elliot liked being prepared. A small bedroom that nobody entered except Elliot and the cleaning staff. Which left his massive desk and the two chairs facing it where Mandy currently sat. Elliot couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was lovely beyond description. He wanted to touch her again. The moment their hands had connected his pulse had raced to life, blood pumping in his veins, his mind sharper and brighter than before. Whomever this woman was, he wouldn’t let her slip between his fingers. “Are you feeling better?” Elliot asked after handing her a water bottle and watching her take a long sip of water. “I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Brand,” her husky tones had his dick, who was already aware of her allure, hardening in his slacks. “I must have gotten lightheaded.” He nodded. “I’ve heard that can happen during pregnancy.” Her eyes shot to his in surprise. “What is it?” he asked. “It’s just, most people ignore the fact that I’m expecting.”“I didn’t mean to offend you?” he said hurriedly. “You didn’t,” she replied with a smile. Elliot felt it like a kick in the gut. He didn’t think she was aware of just how attractive she really was. “Unless they are elderly,” Mandy continued. “Then they come up to you and touch your stomach like they know you. It’s weird having strangers touch me.” Elliot wanted to touch her. He swallowed that thought and said instead, “I can imagine how uncomfortable that would be.”“Yes.” Mandy nodded. Then she winked. “I suppose that’s normal. ” ** Mandy watched as Elliot’s face broke into a wide smile. That smile was one of the things that had first attracted Mandy to Elliot. Only she hadn’t had known his name back then. In reality, she hadn’t even seen all of his face. Mandy had been with her best friend Shay, working a private party downtown. They were serving drinks for a corporate event. Mandy had spent the entire day at her regular job only to race over to the party, slip into the skimpy uniform and black mask, to serve business moguls various alcoholic beverages. Rent was expensive in the city, and Mandy had often filled in as a cocktail waitress when Shay needed it. Her best friend ran a successful catering business, or at least she’d until the accident. Mandy shook her head to clear the past away, Shay’s car accident had been yet another tragic accident with terrible consequences. Mandy hated to say it, but she hardly even recognized her best friend anymore. “You do look familiar to me,” Elliot was saying as he peered closer at Mandy. She held her breath terrified that he would remember her from that night. It had only been the one night. But she supposed that it only took once. Elliot had been sitting at a table with three other men. But Mandy couldn’t have told you anything about the others. His gray eyes had caught hers and lingered on her figure. With a saucy smile, Mandy had flirted and teased with Elliot most of the night. It had started as a game, but the heat was palpable between them. Later, when Elliot had come across Mandy as she waited outside. Was it any wonder that things escalated to a point where they were headed for his hotel room? She’d fallen for every smile, every kind word, and his temptingly hot body. It was a combination that she couldn’t deny. When he had pulled her close for a kiss. His firm lips captured hers in a way that no other man ever had. Any resistance that she could have possibly had melted away. Her hands sank into his thick dark hair and it had felt like silk against her skin. She cradled his head and held on while he kissed the ever-living shit out of her. “Spend the night with me,” he had growled against her lips, grinding his thick arousal that had been burning her through her clothes. “Yes,” she whispered, and he had scooped her up as if she weighed nothing at all. And this was true. They hadn’t been introduced all those months ago. She hadn’t even known his name when they stumbled into that room. Hands, ripping each other’s clothes off as they desperately searched for bare skin. The first time had been against the door. Her back sliding up the cool wood as his cock rammed into her with lightning speed. The second time had been in his bed. It was slower, mind-melting as he slid his length into her depths, heedless of her moans of ecstasy. The last time she’d been leaving, almost to the door when he caught her arm and bent her over the couch. He had demanded her name, but she wouldn’t give it. The night had been magical, one that she would never forget. Mandy didn’t want to confuse reality with fantasy. Rich men did not fall in love in one evening, especially not with the help. And so, as he fucked her heedlessly over the couch. Mandy had savored every moment, knowing that this had been an opportunity of a lifetime, one she would never forget. She wasn’t stupid enough to suppose that it was anything other than a regular Friday night for her tall, handsome lover. And when she kissed him that final time, she knew it was her last. He had begged to at least see her home and Mandy hadn’t been strong enough to say no. All the way to her west side apartment that she shared with Shay. They had held each other’s hands. “You won’t tell me your name, Beautiful?” he tried one last time. Mandy smiled. She hadn’t removed her mask all evening. It was better this way. “Beautiful works for me,” and then she raced out of the car not looking back. Once it pulled away, she doubled back three blocks to her real apartment. It was then that she noticed Shay still wasn’t home. It would be three more hours before Shay’s parents would call and tell Mandy that there had been a car accident. Shay was going to be okay, but she’d broken her leg and several ribs. “No,” Elliot frowned, “I would have remembered if we had been introduced. My name is Elliot Brand, and I’m the CEO of Elliot Enterprises. Have you brought a resume along with you Ms. Johnson?” Mandy nodded and reached for her bag. She pulled it out and handed it over to him. His nose wrinkled as if he smelled something. Shit, Mandy knew the light scent he had discovered. “I don’t smoke!” the words flew out of her, “I know that smoking is bad for the baby.” Elliot’s brow rose, “I didn’t say you did.” Mandy flushed hotly, “I saw your face, as you took the paper. You had to have smelled it on me. It’s my mother. I’m staying with her for a while until I can find better arrangements. It is she that smokes.” Elliot’s brow furrowed, “I see.” Mandy could have kicked herself. There had been no reason to bring up the smell or her mother. She was ruining this every time she opened her mouth. “Perhaps, this wasn’t the best idea,” Mandy mumbled as she prepared to rise to her feet. “You’re that sure my company wouldn’t be a good fit for you?” Elliot’s words were calm and assured. Mandy swallowed, “What is it you’re hiring for?” Elliot blinked, trying desperately to come up with something. “I’m in need of a personal assistant to help out with my domestic affairs,” he was lying through his teeth. “I will need this individual to reside in-house. I own an apartment building on the east end where I live. This individual would be given their own apartment near mine and a living stipend as well as their salary. We have excellent paid maternity leave here at Brand. From the looks of your resume, I would say you’re more than qualified. What do you say, Ms. Johnson? Shall we give it a trial run?” Mandy stared, not quite believing that he had offered her the job. Not only would she be able to move out of her parents, but she would have a living stipend so that the peanut could have a crib maybe even a swing. “Yes, sir,” she couldn’t accept fast enough, “Thank you, for the opportunity, Mr. Brand. I won’t let you down.”

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4 “When can you start?” his gray eyes held her blue ones, and Mandy felt her stomach flip. “As soon as possible, Mr. Brand.”“Excellent, I will have movers come to your home in the morning,” he turned and pressed the intercom key on his desk. Mandy moved without thought touching his arm. The moment her fingers brushed the fabric of his suit coat he froze. It was as if she’d burned him. To make matters worse, she was now in his personal space. She could smell his spicy cologne and the mint on his breath. Immediately, Mandy backed away, “I beg your pardon, Mr. Brand.” He was frozen to the spot. His arm tingled where her fingers had just resided, and desire flared to life. Elliot was used to being around beautiful women. Hell, they threw themselves at him consistently. So, this insane attraction to a woman that was heavy with child was alarming to him. “Is there anything amiss?” his voice had deepened an octave. Mandy shivered as she remembered other things he had said in the same tone. Like, how amazing he found her tits and ass, and how he was going to fuck her until she couldn’t see straight. “Please, don’t arrange for movers. I will only have a few boxes. I can rent a bed and dresser to be delivered.” She would most likely buy a cheap air mattress, but he didn’t need to know that. He was an ass , Elliot thought to himself. Of course, she wouldn’t have furniture living at her shit-head parents’ home. “I do apologize if I didn’t make myself clear,” Elliot lied through his teeth, “The apartment is fully furnished, will that be a problem?” Mandy’s cheeks heated as a happy smile crossed her face, “No, sir. That would be perfect, Mr. Brand.” Elliot’s dick hardened at her use of ‘sir.’ That was something he could get used to. And then he felt disgusting for lusting after this pregnant woman. She was about to be a mother for fuck's sake! Pull yourself together! “I will see that someone is there in the morning to convey anything you wish to take with you to the new apartment, Ms. Johnson. For now, I will turn you over to Ian. He will get you into human resources to fill out paperwork.” Mandy nodded, “Of course, Sir.” His dick throbbed. This was going to be interesting. ** Mandy returned down the elevator feeling a kernel of hope flickering in her belly. For the first time in a long time, she felt like things were going to be okay. The peanut kicked, and she laid a hand on her belly, “I agree, Peanut, he is sexy as fuck.” Giggling at her own words, she exited the elevator when it opened and made her way back to where Ian was sitting behind the large reception desk. “Got the job!” he whistled, “Are you ready for this?” Mandy was beaming, “More than ready! Tell me, how long have you worked for Mr. Brand?” Ian wrinkled his brow in thought, “It’s been almost seven years now. He is tough. I won’t lie. But the man is fair. Hang in there, beautiful lady, we are happy to have you with us!” Mandy filled out all the necessary paperwork and then accepted the cab back to her sister’s coffee shop. She opened her purse to pay the man, but he smiled kindly at her and said that Mr. Brand had already accepted the charges. Mandy could hardly believe her luck. If she weren’t such a whale, she would have skipped into The Grind. As it was, she happily waddled inside to greet her sister Kim. But what she found, wasn’t her usually bubbly sister. There was a line almost out the door, and poor Freddy behind the counter looked as if he was going to explode. His hair was frazzled, and his usual frat boy smile was nowhere to be seen. “Where is Kim?” Mandy immediately walked behind the counter and grabbed an apron. Kim hadn’t wanted Mandy to work there, but she’d filled in on more than one occasion. “She and the prick are fighting in the office.” It was no secret that Freddy wasn’t a fan of Kim’s husband, Andrew. But Mandy had no idea why he felt that way. “They don’t usually fight?” Mandy said as she wrapped the strings around her swollen belly. Freddy scoffed and said something under his breath. Mandy turned to the next customer, “What can I get you?” As they rattled off their order, Freddy and Mandy got to work. It was another hour before the office door opened and Kim’s husband, Andrew came storming out. Across his cheek was a large red handprint. We wrenched our eyes to Kim who was next to appear. Mandy had seen her sister upset. She knew what Kim looked like when the world was falling apart. You didn’t grow up in their house without getting a few hard knocks, usually from their father but occasionally from their mother. But the look on Kim’s face startled her. Mandy had never seen Kim look so completely devastated—broken. Mandy didn’t think about it as she marched up to Andrew and smacked his other cheek, “What did you do?” He flushed a dark red, “You both are fucking crazy!”“Get out,” Kim’s low tone was almost devoid of emotion. That scared Mandy most of all. He huffed, “I won’t be back!” Kim’s lip trembled as she straightened her shoulders and Mandy knew that something dreadful had happened. This wasn’t just a run of the mill fight. “Go to your bitch. It’s over.” Andrew turned on his heel and slammed out of the coffee shop. Mandy immediately went to her sister and wrapped her arms around Kim’s waist. “He cheated on me,” her whispered cry almost ripped Mandy apart. “Kim, he is a bastard,” Mandy clutched her sister tighter as she felt Kim’s shoulders begin to shake. “He said that I put too much pressure on him to have a baby. He didn’t want kids, and he didn’t want to be tied down.” The words were tumbling out of her, every syllable like a punch to Mandy’s gut. “It’s been going on for almost a year,” Kim clutched at Mandy’s back. Mandy felt the peanut kick out against her belly. They were both pissed as hell. “Did you get the job?” Kim’s hesitant note caused Mandy’s heart to sink. “I can call and turn it down,” she said without a second thought, “I will move in here and help you, Kim.” Kim pulled back shaking her head, “You can move in if you want. But I won’t take your new job away from you.”“You’re more important than any damn job,” tears had gathered in Mandy’s eyes. “You’re the most important thing in the world.”“I will be here,” Freddy said gruffly. “I can work more hours. You won’t be alone, Kim.” Kim turned to look at him, “I should have believed you.” Freddy hung his head, “I didn’t know for sure. Something had just been off about him.” Mandy turned to Freddy, “You suspected Andrew was cheating?” He shrugged, “I thought he was a little too friendly with the female customers is all. I mentioned it to Kim, but I didn’t realize it went this deep. I’m terribly sorry.” And Kim fell apart in Mandy’s arms, “I’m pregnant,” she whispered in anguish. Mandy’s eyes grew wide as she met Freddy’s over her sister’s head. Freddy’s jaw clenched, neither one knowing how to respond. Kim and Andrew had been trying for a long time to conceive. Why now? Why when the world was crumbling did fate decide to smile on them? Kim pulled back drying her eyes, “I’m happy about the baby. I wanted to tell you, Mandy. I just was waiting to tell him first.”“Does the prick know?” Freddy said through gritted teeth. Kim nodded slowly, “That’s what started all of this.” Freddy swore and ripped his apron off, “I’m going to kill him.”

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5 7:28 PM Elliot Brand: A driver will arrive at nine to assist you with anything you would like to bring to the new apartment. 8:02 PM Elliot Brand: Ms. Johnson, I would like to confirm that you will be available at nine in the morning tomorrow. 8:47 PM Elliot Brand: Is something amiss? Have you decided not to take the job? Might I remind you, Ms. Johnson, that you signed paperwork this afternoon and are already a Brand Employee? 9:13 PM Elliot Brand: If I cannot reach you, I will come and speak to you face to face. Elliot was fuming by the time he pulled into the rundown neighborhood that could only be described as the slums. Sirens wailed in the night air, far louder than any crickets had hoped to achieve. The home looked to be held together with chicken wire and clapboard. Crumbling brick littered the front porch along with hundreds of cigarette butts. Elliot knocked firmly on the door. There was a rustle behind the curtains and then the lights went off. Did she think she could hide from him? He didn't want to admit such a thing even to himself. He knocked louder, “We both know that you’re in there, Ms. Johnson.” The door cracked open and the unmistakable sound of the gun being cocked ripped through his ears. “Amanda?” Elliot’s hands tightened into fists. How dare she pull a gun on him? The door opened a little further and he saw a woman in her fifties with a light between her yellowed teeth wearing a dirty housecoat . “What you want with Mandy? You the fucker that put that baby there?” Elliot could only stare. The woman raised the gun to be level with his chest, “Better start talking fancy man.”“What’s going on out there?” A man’s voice bellowed from somewhere inside. “Can’t a man get some sleep, damn it all to hell!”“I’m her new employer,” Elliot stumbled over the words just as he heard a rustling behind the woman. He looked up and saw Mandy. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, “Mr. Brand? What are you doing here?” Mandy scooted around her mother and unlatched the door. But rather than showing him inside, she went out onto the porch. Mandy had on a tank that had seen better days. The thin material left little to the imagination and he could make out her lovely nipples through the material. His cock was on high alert and tried to look elsewhere. But the tiny shorts she’d on weren’t helping. Her legs seemed to go on forever and even her baby bump was glorious and womanly. “Fuck,” he breathed, “I’m so sorry for bothering you.” Mandy tipped her head to the side, causing her honey blonde curls to wrap around one of her breasts and exposing part of her neck. “You have no reason to be sorry, Mr. Brand. I apologize for my mother, she probably thought you were the landlord.” Heat filled Mandy’s cheeks. “What can I do for you?” Elliot couldn’t tear his eyes away from this beautiful woman that was apologizing for things that she’d no control over. A wave of protectiveness washed through him. He couldn’t let her stay here, not for another night, another hour, or another minute. “I have found that I will need your services right away,” he stumbled over the words. “I tried to text you.” Mandy frowned, “My phone is dead, I’m sorry! My sister had an emergency at her shop, and I stayed late to help. I just got home a few minutes ago and plugged it in.” Elliot nodded, “Can I convince you to come tonight?” Mandy blinked and looked down at herself. She squeaked and covered her breasts, noticing how see-through her pajamas were in the porch light. “Of course, I just need a few minutes to pack.”“Can I come in?” Elliot surprised himself with the request. But he didn’t want to lose sight of her. Mandy hedged knowing that this man had no idea how they really lived. “I will need to carry the boxes,” Elliot added with a smile. Mandy let out the breath she was holding, “All right, Mr. Brand. But just a warning, we weren’t expecting company.” Elliot raised a dark eyebrow, “I think I realized that the moment the revolver was pointed through the crack in the door.” Mandy was mortified, “I truly am very sorry.” He held up a hand and placed a long finger against her bow lips. “Don’t be,” he whispered, “I’m glad that you’ve had someone to protect you.” Mandy’s eyes skirted away from his, “Yes, well, something like that. Please come in.” She opened the door and a wave of second-hand smoke hit them both. Mandy tried to ignore the way her mother was yelling at the television. She showed Elliot to the back stairs and then descended. The basement smelled of rot and was damp. However, the bedroom that she led him too was clean even if terribly small. Elliot’s voice was gruff, “Where are the boxes that you can use?” Mandy swallowed and walked out of the room and returned with three beat-up liquor boxes. Elliot smiled at her, “What can I help you with?” She blushed, “I don’t have much. Please just have a seat on my bed.” She wished that she’d a chair to offer him. He looked huge sitting on the edge of her tiny twin bed. As she opened one of the drawers of the dresser, Elliot stopped her. “I can put these items in a box if you want.” Mandy nodded gratefully and grabbed a different box to put her toiletries in. She gathered up her two nice pairs of shoes and a few dresses from her closet. The truth was that almost everything here was from before she was pregnant. When she’d finished, she turned to see Elliot staring at a black lace bra that was dangling from his fingertips. Mandy gasped, and Elliot dropped the garment as if he had been burned. “I beg your pardon,” his voice was gruff, and Mandy realized that the drawer underneath the one he had started on contained all her bras and panties. Mandy swallowed a hysterical laugh, “I suppose that you know more about me now than my last four boyfriends.” And then she wanted to kick herself for spraying that out into the world. “What do you mean?” Elliot took a step closer to her. Mandy shook her head, “I was being stupid, it is nothing.” Elliot moved until he was directly in front of her, “Amanda—tell me.” Mandy ran a nervous hand through her hair. “It is only that you have not only been to my house, which I have never brought anyone home before. But you have seen inside of my room, experienced my crazy mother, and then you packed my underwear, I think some of those have been around for the last century.” His lips twitched, “A century?” Mandy flushed, “Or longer.”“I will let you rifle through my underwear drawer if it makes you feel any better?” Elliot wasn’t sure who was more surprised at his offer, Ms. Johnson, or himself. But the moment laughter bubbled over her lips he had been damn glad that he offered. Mandy’s flushed cheeks and sparkly eyes had him captivated as she giggled. “You’re exceedingly kind, Mr. Brand. But I think I will leave your underwear alone for now.” Elliot smirked, “Well, just so you know the offer is still open. She laughed again, thinking that he was a good sport for helping her feel more at ease. Elliot wasn’t so sure that he wasn’t dead serious. He would let her see his underwear right now if she wanted to. And that shocked the hell out of him.