Free Teddy Bear Heir by Elda Minger

apple tart and dark French roast coffee. They walked back to the office and had just reached the building when Michaela became dizzy.
    She clutched at Cameron as she stumbled and would've fallen if he hadn't caught her. With strong, sure hands, he guided her to the curb, where he eased her down and pushed her head between her knees.
    "Just breathe," he whispered, stroking her back in a comforting manner.
    She did. As her vision cleared she laughed self-consciously. "That was pretty stupid," she muttered.
    His blue eyes were shrewd. "How long has it been since you've seen a doctor?"
    "I'm healthy as a horse. I never go to doctors."
    "You seemed kind of... I don't know. Queasy. In the restaurant, when we first walked in."
    "That fish—it was such a strong smell."
    "I think I've been working you too hard."
    "Oh, no." She struggled to her feet and he insisted on giving her his arm. It was the sweetest sort of torture, being allowed to touch him.
    "You should take a few days off. A long weekend."
    How could she explain to him that the law firm of Coleman, Watts and Burrell frowned on personal days, personal emotions, even the concept of a personal life. More than once, Michaela had found herself wishing she had something along the lines of a wife. The male members of the firm had the luxury of having partners who kept the home fires burning.
    She had Gomez, Morticia, and two rows of tomato plants.
    Oh, stop feeling sorry for yourself. Now.
    By the time they reached the office, they were laughing.
     
    * * *
     
    Julian Black gazed down at the couple on the sidewalk below from his office window on the fifth floor. Absently his finger rubbed the little statue's belly. He'd brought her to the office. Even though he knew it was almost hopeless to wish for a miracle, he kept dreaming.
    He liked Nancy Kilpatrick. A lot. There was something very sunny and uncomplicated about the girl. She was emotionally whole and a hard worker.
    But he wanted Michaela for his grandson.
    He'd frowned in concern when he'd seen Michaela stagger and almost fall, then seen the concern in the way Cameron escorted her to the curb. The way he cared for her.
    Oh, he could've put the entire matter down to his grandson's upbringing. Mary had made sure Cameron possessed exquisite manners. They were reinforced daily by the expected behavior of both employer and employee at Teddy's Toys.
    But it was more than that.
    He'd watched than together in the office long before he'd issued the ultimatum he'd come to regret.
    I was so very sure...
    Julian continued to watch them until they entered the building, then turned away from the window with a deep sigh.
     
    * * *
     
    Tonight was the night.
    Cameron couldn't remember a night he'd ever felt better. He'd played racketball at the club this morning and put in a solid day's work. Mrs. Monahan had sent flowers to the house, several bouquets of the yellow daisies Nancy loved. And his ever-efficient assistant had also made reservations at one of the most romantic restaurants in the city.
    Dinner had been quite pleasant. But something wasn't right.
    Nancy seemed scared.
    Now, lying in the large bed in the master suite, Cameron listened as the water in the bathroom was abruptly turned off. He held his breath as the door opened. Nancy was illuminated in the doorway, dressed in a peach satin nightgown.
    She looked absolutely darling.
    He held out his hand, trying to encourage her, hoping to quell her obvious fears. She'd been a virgin when she'd come to his bed. Their wild night of sex had almost frightened him,   it had been that intense. So what did he expect?
    "Don't be afraid of me," he whispered. "I don't think I could bear it."
    He was rewarded by her shaky smile.
    She'd left her long blond hair loose as he'd requested. He liked the fact that she willingly obeyed him. It made things so much easier. As she sat down on the bed next to him and looked down at him, he slowly sat up, took her face in his hands and gently kissed