LITMIR.BIZ

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but Max is a special man and trust me, he requires special handling. I know he will provide financial support for your child. But you seem like an independent-minded woman, so I thought you might like some additional support of your own.”

      Confusion and wariness mixed inside her. “Additional support?”

      Kiki lowered her voice. “Here’s the deal. You leave Max, never come back and don’t get in my way and I’ll give you fifty thousand dollars.”

      Lilli blinked at the woman in disbelief. “Are you serious?”

      “Dead serious,” Kiki said. “Max is very important to me.”

      Incredulous, Lilli shook her head. “I can’t—”

      “Sure you can. Think about it. Imagine getting all that money and a clean break to do what you want where you want.” She paused a half beat. “If you make the move within a week, I might even throw in a bonus. You could buy yourself a little condo or house and be in charge of your own life. Trust me, if you stay with Max, he’ll have an opinion about everything you say and do.” She pressed a card into Lilli’s hand. “Call me. I’ll make it worth your while.”

      Lilli stared after the woman as she strode away. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. The conversation ran through her mind again, but it was almost too much for her to comprehend.

      “Hey, Lilli,” Mallory said, moving her hand in front of Lilli’s face. “Are you okay? You look a little sick. Should you sit down?”

      Lilli shook her head to clear it. “No, I just—” She sighed and headed back to the table.

      “Are you sure?” Mallory asked as she followed after her. “You look pale. Like you’re sick or you just had a close encounter with an alien or something. Some people don’t believe in that stuff, but I do.”

      Lilli shook her head at the irony. “That’s a pretty good explanation,” she said.

      “What is?” Mallory asked.

      “A close encounter with an alien,” Lilli said, crumpling Kiki’s card into a little wad and tossing it onto a passing waiter’s empty tray.

      Mallory nodded and whispered, “The place is full of aliens tonight, isn’t it?”

      Still shaken from her encounter with Kiki, but trying to get past it, Lilli returned with Mallory to the table just as dessert was being served. Max immediately stood and helped both Lilli and Mallory into their chairs while Lilli introduced Mallory.

      After they all sat down, he turned to Lilli. “Everything okay?”

      She gave a circular nod, but mustered a smile.

      “You want to explain that remark about Alex?” he asked.

      She felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment. “I was just commenting that it’s not fair for him—or you—to use your—” she searched for an appropriate word “—appeal to put a woman off balance.”

      His lips twitched. “Are you admitting I put you off balance?”

      She reached for her glass of water. “I’m not saying anything else. I offered my explanation.”

      “Sounds like you’re pleading the fifth.”

      “How is Kiki?” she asked, changing the focus off herself.

      Irritation crossed his face. “How is it that a woman can appear perfectly sane and rational at the beginning of a relationship then turn totally insane and irrational at the end?”

      “It’s all the man’s fault,” she said. “Men turn women into raging lunatics. They hint, they promise, they mislead.”

      “I am always up-front in my relationships with women. I make it clear that I’m not interested in marriage and—”

      “Why not?” she asked. “Why aren’t you interested in marriage?”

      “It needs to be the right woman at the right time. I’ve never found the right woman.”

      “Why not Kiki?” she asked, keeping her voice low.

      “This isn’t the best place for a private discussion, but I’ve never been serious about Kiki. She’s a beautiful, intelligent woman, but not right for me in the long run. I told her that from the beginning.”

      Ouch, Lilli thought. That couldn’t have gone over well. “Is there anything you did that might have led her to believe that you’d changed your mind and that you and her were getting close to a commitment?”

      He narrowed his eyes. “Why are you asking these questions?”

      She shrugged. “Just curious. She seems a little…”

      “A little what?”

      “I don’t know. Maybe possessive.”

      “I made it clear tonight that we’re through. Now, don’t you want to eat some of this dessert? It’s chocolate cake.”

      Lilli’s stomach twisted. “I’d love to, but I’m full.”

      He studied her for a long moment. “Something’s not right,” he began.

      “Ladies and gentleman,” Ann Wingate, the mistress of ceremonies announced, saving Lilli from replying to Max. “It’s now time for the Silent Auction. Please make your way to the display tables and loosen your purse strings. And remember, it’s all for a good cause.”

      “You’re sure you don’t want your cake,” Max said.

      She shook her head. “Thanks, no. I’m curious what they’ve put up for auction.”

      He nodded and stood, pulling her chair back for her to rise. “Pick a couple things you like and make a bid on my behalf.”

      “Oh, I couldn’t do that.”

      “Why not? It’s for charity.”

      “Yes, but—” She broke off. “It wouldn’t feel right.”

      He gave a heavy sigh. “Then pick out something I can donate to a good cause.”

      She liked that idea much better. “That could be fun.”

      With the exception of several interruptions, Max actually enjoyed himself during the next hour. Lilli’s careful assessment of the items amused him. He noticed she spent an inordinate amount of time studying an expensive baby stroller before she dismissed it and moved along.

      “Which should I buy to give away?” he asked, curious what her answer would be.

      “The spa and makeover packages for the women’s shelter downtown. The deluxe computer system for the homeless shelter.”

      “That’s all?”

      “I think they’ll provide good bang for the buck.”

      “You didn’t see anything you like? Jewelry? A luxury cruise?”

      She shook her head and he continued. “Baby stroller.”

      She gave a start then shook her head again. “That thing costs almost as much as a car. Crazy expensive.”

      Max couldn’t help wondering how long her attitude would last if she were exposed to luxury all the time. In his experience, women tended to easily grow accustomed to the finer things. She amused him at the same time that she attracted him. Her laughter affected him like a strong jolt of java and her determination not to brown-nose him startled him. He was surrounded by yes people and she didn’t hesitate to tell him no. Even though she was pregnant, or perhaps partly because of it, she drew his attention the way no other woman had.

      How could she possibly be so innocent and sexy at the same time? He couldn’t believe his half brother’s damn good luck in finding her. She couldn’t be perfect, though, he reminded himself.

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