Free THE BILLIONAIRE'S BABY (A Secret Baby Romance) by Mia Carson Page A

ahead as he pulled into a parking spot at the fancy hotel. I was thankful for the darkness that hopefully hid my furious blush and swallowed hard as I tried to calm my nerves. Could he be any more overwhelmingly sexy?
    “Here we are. You nervous?” he asked in his deep voice after he’d turned the car off.
    I met his eyes again, for longer this time, as I thought about his question. One could really get lost in those icy blue eyes, and it wasn’t just their startling color but the level of passion and intelligence behind them that made his eyes almost unbearably penetrating.
    “Well,” I answered after I’d pulled my gaze away, “I’d say I’m half nervous and half excited. I’ve never been to anything close to this fancy. How many celebrities are gonna be in there?”
    Braden flashed his killer grin and replied, “Don’t worry about them, Lexi. Several big actors, models, pop singers, and a bunch of directors, screenwriters, and other film industry big-shots are attending. Stick close to me, and you’ll be fine. I can give you the low-down on everyone as we work the room during pre-dinner cocktails.”
    He didn’t wait for my answer but got out of the car and jogged around to open my door, holding out a hand to help me out. I put my hand thankfully in his, glad for the help with the three-inch heels I wasn’t used to, and a jolt of electricity buzzed through my hand and up my arm.
    “Thanks,” I murmured as I stood next to Braden while he closed and locked the door. He turned to look at me, and I added, “I’ll definitely stay close to you since I know virtually no one at this thing.”
    Braden faced me as he stood only a few feet away, and his expression darkened and became more pirate-like as he stared at me in the darkness. I shivered involuntarily and sensed the hungriness in his look.
    He offered me his elbow and said, “I’ll do my best to change that fact and make sure you and Rob Greenburg meet. Let’s go.” I draped my hand gently in the crook of his elbow, and we made our way to the grand entrance, which, though I could hardly believe it, had several photographers and video cameras along its red carpet.
    I blinked at the flashes of light from the cameras as we walked down the carpet and through the double doors held open by a doorman. By the time we entered the huge dining room with long tables, glowing chandeliers, and filled with elegantly dressed groups of people, I felt dizzy and suddenly very shy.
    As we walked over to a group that included the hottest male actor at the moment, Keith McCullough, my eyes darted around the room and I recognized several other big-shot actors and actresses, a few internationally acclaimed top models, and some famous directors. My nerves buzzed even higher. I was completely star-struck and felt small and out of place.
    My grip on Braden’s elbow tightened as we stopped next to Keith and his group of friends. Keith’s dark eyes fell on me like a predator, giving me a not-too-subtle once over before turning to Braden. “Well, well, and who might this be?”
    Braden’s jaw set as he smiled tightly at Keith. “This is my new personal assistant, Lexi—Lexi, this is Keith. Please ignore any bad pick-up lines he might try on you.” Braden tried to sound casual and humorous, but he looked at Keith with fierce blue eyes, like he was ready to start a fight if necessary.
    Keith let out a laugh and shook my hand. “Lexi, nice to meet you—and don’t worry, I’ll only use my good pick-up lines on you.” Keith winked at me and patted Braden’s arm. In a low voice, meant only for Braden, he mumbled, “I’ll bet she gets really personal at the office, huh? Nice one, bro.”
    My face flamed with humiliation, and I immediately removed my hand from the crook of Braden’s arm. Keith gave me a lecherous grin and walked to a bar against the other side of the room. Braden’s face had turned almost purple, and his jaw clenched and unclenched rapidly as his eyes