A Pregnancy, a Party & a Proposal. Teresa Carpenter

event represented a major goal for the company. Yes, Tori was now married to the owner, but Lauren took pride in the fact that By Arrangement had earned the contract before they’d got engaged. Their work for Obsidian at the Hollywood Hills Film Festival had become legendary.

      For the past two months they’d been getting more work than they could handle. She’d gotten three new calls just this morning.

      Much as she loved her family, Lauren had been glad to see them go. Being around her mom and not telling her about the baby had just felt wrong. But Lauren wasn’t ready to confess her condition yet. Not just because she wanted Tori to be there when she revealed the news, but because Lauren needed to get used to the idea herself.

      Which also explained why she wasn’t ready to talk to Ray.

      In a perfect world she wouldn’t have to talk to Ray at all. She could dismiss him as a sperm donor and go about her life raising her child as she pleased. Unfortunately she possessed too much integrity for that option. Plus her work and his crossed paths too often for a pregnancy to go unnoticed.

      A knock at the door drew her brows together in a frown. She couldn’t think of a single person who might be calling. Setting her teacup on the ottoman, she made her way to the door. Where she caught sight of herself in the mirror over the hall table.

      She skidded to a halt on the hardwood floor. She didn’t have a lick of make-up on. After a bout of morning sickness she’d scrubbed her face clean and changed into comfy clothes. She’d barely run a brush through her hair before throwing the mass into a ponytail. She looked like a slightly hungover sixteen-year-old.

      With any luck it would be a Girl Scout selling cookies. Lauren could buy a box of chocolate mints and send the child away without too much embarrassment.

      A glance through the peephole proved she wasn’t that lucky. Ray stood on the other side of the door. Geez, how did he even know where she lived?

      Maybe if she didn’t answer he’d go away. As soon as that thought registered she reached for the doorknob. It smacked of cowardice—something she refused to allow.

      “Hey,” Ray greeted her.

      Of course he looked sensational, in black chinos and an olive lightweight knit shirt under a black leather jacket.

      “Can I talk to you? It’s important.”

      She’d bet her “important” beat his “important.” But she wasn’t ready to go there yet, so she really had nothing to say to him.

      “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She blocked the door. “We pretty much said everything yesterday.”

      “Not this. I have a job for you.”

      Uh, no. “You’ll need to call the office. I’m on vacation.”

      “I know.” He kissed her on the temple as he pushed past her. “That makes it perfect.”

      Gritting her teeth, she followed him down the short hall to the open-plan living-room-kitchen combo. She had no doubt his “never take no for an answer” attitude had contributed greatly to his success as an award-winning director. On a personal front, she found it highly annoying.

      “I don’t think it’s wise for us to work together at this time.” She lingered in the opening between the hall and living area, watching as he made himself comfortable on her overstuffed couch.

      “No one else will do for this particular job,” he said, with such conviction it sparked her curiosity.

      But she refused to be drawn in. She needed these next few days to herself, to re-evaluate and plan. To consider his part in her future.

      “I’m sure that’s an exaggeration.”

      “It’s not, actually.” He picked up her teacup and sniffed; he took a sip and nodded. “My grandmother’s birthday is this week.” He went to the kitchen and began opening cupboards until he found a mug. “I talked to her this morning. I’ve never heard her sound so down. All her friends are great-grandmothers and she’s pouting because she doesn’t have a baby to dandle on her knee.”

      “I’m sorry to hear that.” Lauren took the mug from him and set it on the counter. “What does that have to do with me?”

      “She asked me to come to her party. I’m hoping if I go it will cheer her up.”

      “Good luck with that.” She did wish him luck, knowing how stubborn her grandmother could be when stuck on that topic. “I still don’t see how By Arrangement can be of assistance. We have no connections in New York. If we’d had more warning we could have put something together for you, but at this late date—”

      “I don’t need your expertise as an event coordinator,” he broke in. “I need a date.”

      She blinked at him; let her mind catch up with his words. “You want me to go to New York with you?”

      “Yes. We leave tomorrow morning. I’ve already arranged the flight.”

      Of course he had. She pointed toward the door. “Get out.”

      “Lauren, I’m serious. I need your help.”

      “You’re insane if you think I’m going to New York with you.”

      “I don’t expect you to drop everything for nothing.” He treated her to his charming smile. “I want to hire you.”

      The attempt at manipulation and the reminder that his request was a job offer only made the whole thing worse. Fortunately it had the benefit of reminding her he was a client and as such deserved a respectful response.

      Drawing on her professional persona, she breathed deep, seeking calm. “As I already mentioned, I’m on vacation.”

      “Name your price.” He would not be deterred. “I need you. Mamó saw that tabloid picture of us a couple of months ago, and now all the internet pictures of us at the wedding, and is excited about the idea of me having a girlfriend. All she wants for her birthday is for me to bring you with me.”

      “I’m not comfortable with the idea of deceiving your grandmother. If that’s what you’re looking for I’m sure there are any number of actresses who would be pleased to help you.”

      “It’s not like that.” He scowled. “It has to be you because you’re the one in the pictures and because we do have a relationship.”

      “Did.” She corrected him. “We had a fling.” Calling their frantic rendezvous a relationship seemed a stretch. “It’s over.”

      He stepped closer, played with the ends of her ponytail. “It doesn’t have to be. We could have fun on this trip.”

      Gazing into his cheerful blue eyes, she experienced the irrational desire to lunge for what he offered. She didn’t think when she was in his arms—she just felt. An option that held huge appeal when her mind still whirled from the fact she was expecting his baby.

      “No.” She spun out of his reach, crossed her arms in front of her—protecting herself, protecting their child. “We couldn’t. I told you, there’s no future for us. I like to be in the driver’s seat and so do you.”

      “I don’t mind riding shotgun to a beautiful woman on occasion.”

      “Liar.”

      He laughed. “Okay, you got me. But we manage okay. What’s wrong with having a little fun?”

      “It’s not me.” Which was true—even if there wasn’t a child to consider. “And I’m too busy. Don’t forget the awards are this weekend. We’re handling the Obsidian party.”

      “But you’re on vacation. And we’ll be back by Saturday.”

      “I prefer to be available in case the new assistants need help. And, believe me, I have things to keep me occupied.” Like planning a new future.