Free Her Secret, His Love-Child by Tina Duncan Page B

relationship work, knowing it was the best thing for Samantha.
    Obviously, she’d chosen the latter.
    But—and it was a big but—she didn’t want her emotions to become involved. That was easier said than done; Alex was pretty hard to resist when he turned on the charm.
    After dinner they cleared the table. Katrina stacked the dishwasher and was about to retire to her room when Alex suggested she join him in the lounge for another glass of wine.
    ‘There are a couple of things I want to discuss with you,’ Alex added persuasively.
    ‘Fine. I’ll just check on Sam.’ She hesitated and then asked, ‘Do you want to come with me?’
    He nodded.
    Their daughter was sleeping peacefully in her cot, her fan-like lashes soft against her cheek.
    ‘Is there anything more innocent or more wonderful than a sleeping baby?’ Alex whispered.
    Katrina shook her head. ‘No.’
    She reached in and straightened the covers then moved aside to allow Alex some space.
    He brushed a gentle hand over the top of Samantha’s head before stroking a finger down her cheek.
    Returning to the lounge, Katrina sat down and folded her hands in her lap. ‘What did you want to talk to me about?’
    ‘A couple of things. First, transport.’ Alex dug into his pocket and came out with a set of keys. ‘Here, take these.’
    ‘What are they?’ she asked, automatically reaching out to take them.
    ‘They belong to the silver BMW I had delivered for you this afternoon.’
    Katrina put the keys down on the glass-topped coffee table as if they were a hot potato burning a hole in the centre of her palm. ‘I don’t need a car.’
    ‘Of course you do. I don’t want you relying on taxis. You need your own transport to get to and from appointments.’
    A car was a luxury she hadn’t been able to afford. The little second-hand sedan she’d owned before falling pregnant had been sold to help pay for all the additional expenses that went along with having a baby.
    Since Samantha had been born, Katrina had used public transport to get around, just like thousands of other mothers did every day. It was no mean feat, considering all the gear she had to take everywhere with her, but it was adequate.
    ‘I really don’t think it’s necessary. I’m quite happy to make do with public transport.’
    Alex frowned. ‘I had to make do when I was growing up. My daughter doesn’t. I don’t want you relying on public transport. End of story.’
    Katrina wasn’t happy with the way Alex had just laid down the law. She opened her mouth to argue and then quickly shut it again.
    Alex had as much right as she did to have a say where their daughter was concerned. And she had to admit that a car would certainly make life easier. At the same time, she was conscious of the expense.
    ‘OK, if you feel that strongly about it. But a BMW isn’t necessary. Any old second-hand car would be just fine for our needs. Is it too late to return it?’
    ‘Yes, it is too late. I’ve already paid for it. Besides,I don’t want to return it. I bought a BMW in the first place because it has an excellent safety record; that still stands. I want something that will protect you both in case of an accident.’
    Katrina was warmed by his concern, even though she knew she was going to be terrified driving such an expensive car. ‘Fine. If that’s what you want.’
    ‘It is. Now, to funds.’ He handed her a yellow envelope. ‘I’ve opened two credit cards in your name. Both have a five-thousand-dollar limit, so don’t go berserk.’
    Katrina shook her head. ‘No. No way.’ Even before she’d finished speaking, she’d placed the envelope down on the coffee table and pushed it towards him.
    ‘Yes way. You’re going to have to buy things for Sam,’ Alex said smoothly. ‘Prams. Car seats. Clothes. It will all add up. You’ll also have your own expenses. I’d prefer it if you didn’t return to work, so it’s only fair that I support you.’
    Katrina straightened her spine. She