Free The Baby Contract (The Billionaire Bachelor Series) by Olivia Starke Page B

she had. She’d save the Double H and ease her family’s financial troubles. If Liam went back on his word, if he decided he’d steal her child away from her, he was in for one hell of a fight.
     

Chapter 9
     
    Liam stayed beneath the shade of a large patio umbrella. The crowd clustered around Charity’s in-ground pool consisted of women in a variety of string bikinis. Charity stood in their midst, looking rather pleased with the turnout. A woman in a scanty dress played a guitar and sang love ballads off to the side. A high privacy fence surrounded the back lawn. The home was in an exclusive gated community and sat at the end of a cul-de-sac. Prying eyes would be hard pressed to catch sight of the party.
    The only male in the middle of a pool party, most men’s fantasy, but Liam wasn’t in the mood to enjoy good fortune. And chances were most wouldn’t be interested in him anyway.
    “Hi, sugar. Good to see you made it.”
    Liam peered up and met a pair of designer sunglasses. Long, wet, blonde hair hung over the woman’s barely concealed breasts. Moisture from the pool beaded on her tanned and oiled skin.
    “Megan,” he said in greeting.
    “I know Charity’s sweet tea is famous, but how about some champagne?” Megan said, holding up her own flute. Strawberries filled the bottom of the glass.
    “I’m good, thanks,” Liam replied, taking a swallow of his tea. It was a bit too sweet for his taste. Though Megan had always been a pleasant person, his thoughts lay elsewhere. Particularly his coming week with Abigail, and all that it’d involve. Despite being surrounded by women, only one held his attention, and she wasn’t even present.
    A woman squealed, drawing his gaze to the pool. Two women toppled into the water, a bathing suit top flying into the air. Laughter broke out. Before night fell half the group would be topless, he knew Charity’s soirees.
    “A penny for your thoughts?” Megan took the chair next to his and sipped her champagne while watching the party.
    “I’m right as rain,” Liam returned.
    “Now I’m calling foul. We have too much history, Liam.” She placed her sunglasses on her head and leveled her brown eyes on him. “I know that look. You’re brooding over something.”
    “Business,” he said simply.
    “Ah yes, the ball busting Takeover Tyrant can never share what’s on his mind.” Megan gave him a picture-perfect pout then sighed. “So what threat did Charity hold over your head to get you here?”
    Liam couldn’t help but chuckle. “Nudity.”
    Megan’s lips turned up at the corners as she purred, “Nice. I’ve always been a fan of her threats.”
    “I fear they’re always empty.”
    Megan cocked an eyebrow. “For you maybe.”
    Charity looked their direction and winked before making her way toward them. She stopped in front of their table and placed her hands on her hips. “Are you ever going to move from that spot?” she asked Liam.
    Liam smiled. “Doubtful. I’m enjoying the view too much.”
    “Uh-huh, I’m sure.” Charity walked over and sat on Megan’s lap before wrapping her arms around the other woman. “I fear Liam has a schoolboy crush that’s distracting him from my wonderful party.”
    Megan giggled. “I see. Do tell me more, sweetheart.”
    “I’m afraid I’m sworn to secrecy on the matter.”
    Liam watched their playful exchange. He supposed he should’ve felt angry when Megan had left him for his lesbian assistant. They’d dated a month and a half, but things had been casual and their chemistry had been lacking. Charity had been determined to ignore the blonde, even though Liam had assured her they had his blessing. After a couple months the two had finally hooked up and they’d been together a year.
    Seeing the happy couple opened up that irritating hollow spot inside Liam. His mind played with the idea of him and Abigail finding something beyond simply sex. Then he just as quickly shot down the notion. God knew he didn’t need