THE RICH BILLIONAIRE'S SECRET

One Night Stand

Maybe he needed a vacation. Just to go somewhere and take some time to relax. He couldn’t remember a time when he wasn’t working, and time away might do him good. But where could he go by himself; surely it would be better to travel with someone else. He groaned and made his way to his bedroom, wondering why his thought kept taking him back to Daisy and Leo. Three days was a long time to wait, and now he was sure that he wouldn’t survive. Patience had never been his strong suit, not when everyone always went above and beyond to make sure that he was satisfied. Well, everyone except one person. Daisy had done what suited her and hadn’t bothered to think of how this would affect him. Well, tomorrow he would not let her go until he got all the answers that he was looking for.

"You did what?”

Nearly two days after Daisy’s conversation with Conrad, she finally told Emma about his offer. After that day, she had seen little of Conrad around the penthouse. He ate his breakfast in his bedroom for two days, and as soon as she served him dinner she immediately went home. Yes, Daisy wanted to believe he had an attitude towards her for rebuffing his offer. However, her mind bounced back between stubbornly ignoring him and accepting the proposition. It was a perfect offer and something that Mr. Carda had never offered.

Emma sat across from her on the couch, legs crossed. She stared at Daisy like she was a crazed stranger. Emma pointed to her and exclaimed, “You’re telling me that Mr. Engel wants to help you out and you refused.”

Daisy changed positions on the couch, trying to avoid the glare Emma was sending her. So, she sat straight and looked ahead. “I didn’t refuse.”

“Did you say yes?”

“He said the offer is still open,” Daisy offered, avoiding the question.

“So, you said no.” Emma stood and paced in front of the living room table. “I love caring for Leo, Daisy, don’t get me wrong, but this would help a lot.”

Daisy leaned over and rubbed her temples.

“He’s done this before,” Emma finally brought up. “Remember the weekend I went to my parents’ house?”

“I know.” Daisy sighed, her resolution breaking. “I know.”

Emma flopped down on the couch and looked at her. “It sounds like you know what to do.”

Daisy stared at Emma, who watched her intensely in return. Emma motioned towards Daisy’s phone laying forgotten on the living room table. After a few minutes, Daisy look away and shook her head.

****

This was the dinner service Daisy dreaded. It was Friday evening and Daisy stared at the plate of saltimbocca and creamy risotto as if was the last dish she’d ever make for Conrad.

Emma, you don’t understand. I have a lot more to worry about than this. She thought, before promptly shaking her head. No, Emma’s right. I’ve been on my own, being so independent after I left Mom’s that it’s hard to accept help.

The bathroom door closed and seconds later Conrad’s bedroom door opened. Daisy took a deep breath, forced herself away from the island countertop, and hurried down the hallway.

She stopped at Conrad’s bedroom door. After she counted to ten, she raised her fist to knock at the door. Daisy paused. She tried again but stopped when she realized it wasn’t working.

Just do something.

Daisy took a deep breath and said, “I accept your offer, Mr. Engel.”

The door quickly opened, causing Daisy to leap back. Conrad stood in the doorway, dressed in dark jeans and a matching polo shirt. He smirked. “Drop the ‘Mr. Engel’ and we have a deal.”

She nodded. “Listen, Conrad, I’ve been on my own for a while and I’m not used to asking for help.”

“I’m happy it’ll make your life easier,” he said, adjusting his collar.

She stared down at the carpet and nodded. After a moment, she told answered. “Yes, it will, and thank you.”

****

Daisy looked out the kitchen window, watching the snow pelt to the earth and dreading her trip back home. At this moment, Daisy wished she was Leo’s age, able to fall asleep anywhere with no worries. Presently, Leo slept in the king-sized guest bed after he fell asleep on the living room floor watching cartoons.

“I’m ready whenever dinner’s ready.”

Daisy jumped, quickly turning around to see a smiling Conrad. Conrad, dressed in jeans and a long-sleeve shirt, leaned against the island counter.

“It’s done. I’ll meet you in the dining room,” Daisy said as she rushed to the oven.

Conrad pushed up the sleeves, baring his forearms. He chuckled, glancing around the empty room. “I see Leo decided to take a nap.”

She stifled a laugh and shook her head. “I’m sorry that he acts like he owns the place,” she remarked as she served food on his plate.

“I think he just needs some time to nap.” He studied her. “I would sure hate it if Mother woke me up to go into a blizzard.”

“He’ll be fine,” Daisy told him absentmindedly as she grated cheese on his dish.

Conrad moved behind her, blocking the way to the fridge. She cleared her throat as her heart stuttered in her chest. His cologne intoxicated her, traveling back in time with her memories. Daisy bit her bottom lip as she stifled the desire to step back. Daisy remembered how good his rock-hard body felt against hers.

Conrad stepped forward, which made her close her eyes and enjoy his hot breath on her nape as he said, “Let Leo sleep. You can make another plate and join me for dinner.”

Daisy opened her eyes when she felt the plate leave her hand. She shivered after he stepped away. His body radiated such heat within her that Daisy wanted her wildest s****l daydream to come true. Why can’t you take me from behind? I need to feel you inside me. Her thoughts were running rampant, all too focused on the warmth Conrad radiated against her back. It’s been too long. Oh, Conrad, I need you to f**k me from...

“Behind,” she nervously said. “Behind.”

Conrad took a step away, turning to face Daisy and looking confused. “Behind?”

She felt her face turn red as she quickly fumbled for a spare plate and turned around. Daisy stammered, “I, um, I am so used to being in the kitchen where, uh, we say ‘behind’ so that we don’t bump into each other.”

He pointed to her with his free hand, understanding dawning on his face. “I think I remember hearing that on a cooking show once.”

Daisy exhaled. “I’ll meet you in the dining room.”

****

When Daisy walked into Conrad’s dining room, she almost didn’t recognize it. He’d set the lightning low enough to infuse the room with a hint of intimacy, but not enough to appear romantic. Conrad had even set the table. Instead of taking his usual seat at the head of the table, Conrad sat on the left side. He’d placed a table setting on the right side for her.

Conrad left the dining room and returned with a bottle of chilled cider. He poured the chilled cider into a stemmed glass, then showed her the bottle and commented, “It’s nonalcoholic.”

Daisy watched as he settled down on her side of the table, a comfortable silence overtaking the two of them. Daisy continued staring at her plate, avoiding his gaze.

“Please don’t think I’m intruding on your business,” Conrad started, pausing as he swirled the cider around in his stemmed glass, “But Leo’s such a great kid. I’d like to know more about him.”

“What do you want to know?” She cut into her veal.

“Was he born in a snowstorm or tornado?”

Daisy looked up in confusion before giggling. “No, not a tornado,” she commented. “He’s not a winter baby, either. He’s a spring baby.”

Conrad sipped his cider. “Did you have an easy labor?”

“I don’t think any labor is easy,” she said, placing her utensil on her plate. “I spent thirty-six hours in labor wishing for more pain relievers. Leo was breached and very stubborn.”

He took another sip of his cider before he chuckled. “Stubborn, huh? It sounds like you had a C-section.”

“My doctor told me I’d get a C-section in my thirty-fifth hour. They prepped me for surgery. When they checked me one more time, they found that Leo had turned around.”

“Sounds like a skilled negotiator.”

There was a long awkward pause where Daisy didn’t know what to say.

Conrad cleared his throat. “Was Leo’s father with you or just Emma?” he asked, instead.

“Emma,” Daisy answered quietly.

He leaned forward, voice low and distant as he considered Daisy’s answer. “Don’t hate me for saying this, but I’m starting to hate Leo’s deadbeat father.”

Don’t hate yourself. You didn’t know. Besides, we had s*x intending to have a good time, not to make a baby. Daisy searched his eyes. You don’t remember me, do you?

“How can a man know that he got someone pregnant and not step up?” he finally asked.

Daisy leaned back in her chair, not breaking eye contact. You don’t remember me. If we didn’t make Leo that night, I would be offended. The way you came inside me was one for the record books. She flashed a tense smile as she thought. Maybe I can talk to you without fearing that you’ll remember anything.

She cleared her throat and sipped her cider before she answered. “I don’t want you to think he’s a villain or anything. It was a one-nightstand. We had our fun, and that was that.”

“That was that, huh?” He sounded distant, and his eyes were starting to glaze over.

Daisy nodded. “No one is to blame. It’s not like we exchanged personal information before we...”

Conrad raised his left eyebrow but didn’t respond.

Daisy picked up her utensils again and clarified her previous statement. “I’m not proud of having a one-night-stand. In fact, it’s the only one I’ve ever had. But I learned from what happened, and it was all worth it to bring Leo into the world.”

He shook his head and remarked, “No one’s perfect.”

Daisy nodded and remained silent.

“Have you ever tried to contact Leo’s father? Maybe let him know about Leo?”

“Yes, I’ve thought about it,” Daisy said, without hesitating to tell the truth. “I just wouldn’t know where to start.”

Maybe I should tell you now. You’re Leo’s father. I know you don’t remember me. I guess having s*x with me wasn’t that memorable for you. Daisy made eye contact with him. She saw the questioning look in his eyes and assumed that he was waiting for her to say something. Daisy opened her mouth to speak. Conrad, thank you for giving me the best thing that ever happened in my life.

Daisy finally said, “Conrad, thank you for giving Leo time to nap. This job is one of the best things that happened to me.”

Conrad’s eyes widened. He moved his head from left to right and said, “You’re welcome.”

Silence.

Daisy tried again. “It haunts me to know that I did something like that. Having s*x with a stranger,” she clarified. “I’m lucky because I could have ended up in a dangerous situation—”

“Dangerous situation?” Conrad paused. “Like an STD or something?”

Daisy nodded, shame flitting across her features.

Conrad placed his hand on his chin. “Why’d you make love to a man you didn’t know?”

Long pause.

“Daisy, something had to happen for you to make love to a man you didn’t know.” He leaned forward and gave her a challenging stare. “I’m not judging. You’re tough. What happened?”

She took a deep breath. Is this what it’s like for Emma when she goes to talk therapy? It feels like he’s purging the heavy burdens surrounding Leo’s birth.

“It was a foolish thing. My now ex-boyfriend cheated on me during an event. I didn’t handle it well,” Daisy said, standing and motioning for Conrad to hand her his empty plate. “I’ve learned a lot since then.”

Conrad stood and followed her into the kitchen. She watched him stand next to her and run water into the sink. When he glanced at her, he explained, “We’re doing the dishes.”

“We?” she asked, startled.

He winked at her. “I wash, and you dry.”

Daisy playfully poked his arm. “Do you know that you own a dishwasher?”

He laughed. “I heard something about that when I purchased the place.”

“You get started while I check on Leo,” Daisy left the kitchen.

****

How can a person sleep in a king-sized bed and still have one side of their body hanging off the edge of the bed? Daisy wondered, shaking her head with a smile as she watched Leo. Still asleep and close to falling off the bed, he looked the picture of peace. She walked into the pale blue painted room with black furniture and no windows. Daisy shifted Leo to the center of the bed, expecting him to wake up with the movement. She laughed when he snored loudly. I won’t get out of drying the dishes.

Leo turned his head toward her, taking a deep breath in his sleep. She stared at him and wondered why Conrad couldn’t see the clear resemblance he had with Leo.

Should I tell Conrad?

No, he doesn’t need to know yet.

We had a lovely conversation.

But he’s a single man with no time for children—even his own.

Well, yes, but Conrad has a right to know. We made a baby, not me. I didn’t do it alone. Besides, he’s missed five years.

Well, wait, it isn’t like I’m not going to tell him. I will. In a couple of months, I’ll explain the whole situation to him and Leo. We’ll sit down and have a great talk. But not right now.

Daisy bit her nail as she backed out of the guest room. She closed the door, still arguing with herself. What would I want if I were in Conrad’s situation, seeing my son every day, without knowing his identity?

She shook her head. No, I would never be in that position. It’s not because I’m a woman, but because I would remember who I slept with. That’s Conrad’s problem.

Daisy entered the kitchen and saw Conrad scrubbing a pot. Her heart sank, but she slowly pushed up her sleeves.

Daisy thought about Leo and how he helped her washed dishes at home, making more of a mess than should be possible, but excited, nevertheless.

This should be about Leo. He would want to meet his dad, if given the chance. Fine, she thought, feeling the anxiety course through her. I’ll tell Conrad, but not right now.

Conrad glanced at her as she took up her position next to the sink, a clean towel in hand. “Is Leo awake?”

“No, he was dangling off the bed, still asleep. I don’t know how that happens.”

He shrugs. “I used to do the same thing. My mom used to tell me I would have to disclose it to my future wife, since there’d be no way she’d want to share a bed with me. But I eventually grew out of it.”

Daisy tried not to let that fact work her up, instead working quickly to dry and put away plates, pots, pans, and utensils without talking. Conrad washed the counters and kitchen table while Daisy swept the floor.

Once Daisy and Conrad finished cleaning the kitchen, Conrad held out his fist. She was amused about how proud Conrad looked, and finally indulged him with a fist bump.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Daisy told him as she walked to the kitchen door, ready to go rouse Leo.

Conrad briskly walked in front of her and blocked her path. He stared at her, expression unreadable.

Daisy stepped back and frown.

“You weren’t always a chef,” he said in a low, dangerous-sounding tone.

She folded her arms over her chest and shrugged. “Did I clean something wrong?”

Conrad lightly touched her arm. “It’s not the cleaning that’s the issue.”

“Is it the food? I thought the dish tasted great,” Daisy felt her body tense as Conrad continued to hold on to her arm.

“Yep, absolutely fantastic.” He nodded and took a step closer.

She took a step back.

He stepped forward again.

She took another step back, hitting the edge of the island counter with her hip.

Conrad placed his hand on each side of her and leaned forward. His eyes were so intense that she blinked twice. However, he didn’t blink. Instead, he smirked at her.

Minutes felt like decades to Daisy, with the silence echoing around them. Daisy took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

What are you doing, Conrad?

“A pretty waitress turned into a beautiful, sexy chef,” Conrad commented in a husky, low voice.

Daisy pressed her lips together. Look away, she demanded, finally casting her eyes down. Look away and play it cool. Daisy tried to laugh, but it sounded more like a cry for help.

Conrad glanced at the kitchen door and wondered if something was wrong with Leo because Daisy wasn’t back yet. He plunged his hand into the soapy water and grabbed a plate, scrubbing it with the dishrag. Conrad washed the plate, his mind thinking about their conversation a few minutes ago in the dining room. He rinsed off the plate and set it with the others on the counter.

Conrad shook his head and tried not to suppress the anger. f**k the past. I can’t change making love to Daisy and not getting her name. I also can’t change getting her pregnant or drinking too much that night.

Leo’s my son.

I have a son.

His name should be Leo Engel.

Hell, it will be Engel when I get my way.

He gingerly placed his hand deep into the water as he remembered the sharp knives sitting at the bottom of the sink. It took a few minutes for Conrad to finish washing the utensils before placing the pots and pans into the water. Conrad looked back at the door again.

Still no Daisy.

Conrad thought about Daisy’s explanation of that night and why she allowed him to make love to her. I’m pretty sure women have slept with me for less. Well, it’s not that I don’t believe her. I do. Did she know I had money at the time? She claimed that I was just some guy.

Conrad laughed. That stings.

How many times had someone approached him for a good screw?

Conrad grabbed a pot and threw the dishrag into the sink of water. He cursed under his breath. s**t, Father’s going to kill me. He’s told me to never put him in this position. Byron’s thinking about running for political office, and I have to tell him about my love child.

He scrubbed the dirty pot to release his frustration, straightening up as he finally heard footsteps.

Conrad continued scrubbing as he heard Daisy enter the kitchen.

Conrad glances at her. “Is Leo awake?”

“No, he was dangling off the bed, still asleep. I don’t know how that happens,” Daisy said, standing next to him with a laugh.

You have never seen me sleep. After all, you left. He shrugs. “I used to do the same thing. My mom used to tell me I would have to disclose it to my future wife, since there’d be no way she’d want to share a bed with me. But I eventually grew out of it.”

Conrad watched Daisy smile as she walked to the other side of the counter and grabbed a wet plate. She hummed as she tried it.

He returned to vigorously scrubbing the pot when all he really wanted to do was throw it against the wall. Of course she’s happy enough to hum. She gets to take our son home while I break my neck speeding home tomorrow to spend an hour with him.

Fuck it. There’s nothing I can do about it right now. Conrad exhaled, rinsing the pot as he thought about his series of meetings tomorrow.

Slowly, they worked as a team to wash, dry, and put away the dishes they had used without talking. Conrad washed the surfaces and maneuvered around the kitchen as Daisy swept.

One fist bump later and Daisy was ready to pack up. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Daisy walked to the kitchen door.

Conrad moved to block her path, standing in front of the door.

He watched Daisy step back and frown.

It’s now or never.

“You weren’t always a chef,” he said in a low, dangerous-sounding tone.

Conrad studied Daisy as she shrugged, arms crossed uncomfortably. “Did I clean something wrong?”

Conrad stretched his arm out. “It’s not the cleaning that’s the issue.”

“Is it the food? I thought the dish tasted great,” Daisy said, with a tone of frustration.

“Yep, absolutely fantastic.” He nodded and took a step closer. Though, Dinner wasn’t as fantastic as our lovemaking. Have you fit together so well with any other man? Did your cheating ex-boyfriend make you climax twice in one night?

Daisy took a step back.

Conrad stepped forward again.

She took another step back, stumbling with a wince as she hit the counter.

Conrad winked at her. Daisy didn’t move back. Slowly, he placed his hand on each side of her and leaned forward. His eyes were so intense that she blinked twice. However, he didn’t blink. Instead, he smirked at her.

Time ticked by slowly as they stared at each other. I want to kiss you so bad. Ever since that night, no woman has compared to you. I’ve been a stupid son-of-a-b***h because I was comparing every woman I dated to some phantom woman that didn’t exist. You do exist.

Daisy took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

Do you want to kiss me too, Daisy?

“A pretty waitress turned into a beautiful, sexy chef,” Conrad commented in a husky, low voice.

Daisy pressed her lips together.

I guess that’s a no on the kiss, huh?

Daisy tried to laugh, but it sounded more like a cry for help.

Conrad dropped his hands to his sides to make sure Daisy knew he wasn’t prohibiting her movements as he continued staring at her. He told her, “I attended a party where you worked as a waitress.”

Daisy slowly shook her head.

“Six years ago. It was in Soho.”

“I’ve never been,” Daisy stammered, and Conrad could sense the lie.

“Are you sure?” He pounced.

Daisy didn’t respond.

He gave her a once over, letting his gaze linger on her breasts. When they made eye contact, Conrad watched her nervously tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

“You’ll have to give me a break for not remembering immediately.” Conrad wagged his index finger at her as he studied her. “You have changed your appearance a lot.”

Daisy placed her hands on her hips. Although she didn’t move, she still commanded his attention. “I have to get home.”

“We made love that night. I remember every detail now.”

“Mr. Conrad, you’re making me feel quite uncomfortable.” She stared at the floor, back rigid as she kept talking. “You have me confused with someone else.”

Conrad slid his index finger against her chin and placed it under her chin. After he pushed her chin upward, he slowly caressed her cheek with his thumb.

“Tell me,” he wondered, “did I make you forget about your cheating boyfriend that night?”

Daisy opened her mouth to speak, but promptly closed it again.

He rubbed her bottom lip with his thumb. “Well?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she stammered. “Mr. Conrad, I’m sorry that you have me confused with someone else. You may have had a one-night-stand, but it wasn’t with me, okay?”

The more I look at Leo, the more I know he’s my son. The dimples, the nose, the cheeks—all those features came from me.

“Leo’s a great kid.”

She nodded and breathlessly told him, “He is, but he’s not your son.”

“No?”

Daisy pressed her lips together, looking down and shaking her head.

He leaned forward and pressed his lips against her cheek. His manhood stiffened when he heard Daisy let out a sharp moan. How long has it been since a man has made love to you the way I did?

He moved his lips inches away from her ear and remarked, barely above a whisper, “I’m glad I was your first.”

“My first?”

Conrad leaned back and chuckled. “Your first one-night-stand, that is.”

“Mr. Engel, I have to go.”

He took a couple of steps back. Amused, he asked, “No Mr. Conrad?”

“Huh?” Daisy waved her hands and quickly added, “I don’t know what your point is, but I am not the woman you slept with and Leo is not your son.”

“You’re free to leave, Daisy. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Conrad studied her as he slid his hands into his pants pockets.

She nodded and took one step forward.

Conrad tried one last time. “May I kiss you?”

“Kiss me?” she asked with a bewildered stare.

He shrugged and told her, “That’s the only way to settle this matter. I never forget a kiss. You know, if we kiss and I’m wrong, I’ll apologize.”

Daisy nodded and shrugged. It looked like she was trying to weigh her options. “We’ve never kissed.”

“So, I can kiss you?”

Slowly, she nodded. “I want your apology immediately.”

Conrad stepped forward and used the back of his left hand to caress her cheek. He leaned in, inches away from her lips.

She lowered her gaze. “Do you always remember the women you kiss?”

“Always. It’s my thing,” he told her, his lips barely touching hers.

Daisy shook her head and briefly bit her lower lip. “You’re not going to take Leo away from me, okay?”

Anger shot through his body as he took a couple of steps back. He ignored his growing erection. Think with the correct head. He shouted in his mind. She told you that you have a son.

“Promise, you won’t use your power and wealth to take Leo away from me,” she ordered.

“You kept my son away from me for five damn years. Now, you want me to promise you something.” He threw his left hand in the air and shook his head. “I’m not a man who takes his child away from his mother to even the score.”

Daisy’s shoulders sagged as she sighed. She wiped her eyes and walked past him. “If I still have my job, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He turned and watched her leave the room. When she reached the door, he angrily told her, “You’re not the woman I thought you were.”

She stopped.

Conrad thought she would turn around, but she didn’t. That didn’t stop her from squeezing one last comment in. “I’m still the chef you thought I was when you hired me,” she whispered.

He leaned against the counter with a groan, waiting to hear the guest room door open and close. Quietly, he watched as Daisy and Leo hurried across the living room. When they stopped at the front door, he made his decision.

“Bye, Leo,” he quickly called out, watching as Leo, bundled up in the blue coat he had left just days ago, gave a quick goodbye wave before continuing to rub his eyes in exhaustion.

Conrad had been thinking about Daisy and Leo all night as sleep eluded him. He was now connecting dots he was certain hadn’t been there before, and his thoughts began spiraling rapidly. Everything couldn’t be as simple as Daisy made it sound, could it? That she was just a young woman who wanted to do what was best for son and feared losing him. And that reuniting as his chef six years later had just been a coincidence. In his experience, people were never that innocent. There was something that she wasn’t telling him.

He found her later that morning in the kitchen, mixing some dough as if their conversation about Leo hadn’t happened.