Part 6 (2/2)

”But I can at least try.”

”Yeah, go ahead and try,” Colby replied, offering him a sweet smile. ”And if you try with as much gusto as trying to learn how to knock, I can relax in knowing that a year from now my opinion of you will still be the same.”

”Really?”

”Yes, really.”

Sterling's fingers began toying with the stem of a winegla.s.s that he'd picked up off the table. ”Speaking of a year, I thought about what you said about needing more time to breast-feed my child.”

It seemed that automatically Sterling's eyes lifted from his preoccupation with the winegla.s.s and concentrated on the curve of Colby's b.r.e.a.s.t.s outlined through the blouse she was wearing.

”What about it?” she asked in a hoa.r.s.e voice when it became evident just where his gaze was dead-centered. The room suddenly became quiet except for their uneven breathing.

His eyes met hers again, and from their intense darkness she could just imagine where his thoughts were. He gave her a slow smile, which indicated she probably was right in her deduction.

”I've decided to extend your time in our agreement from six weeks to one year.”

The smile that lit Colby's face at that moment, to Sterling's way of thinking, was as sweet as wine and, like a fool, he drank it up.

”Do you really mean that?”

”Yes. And I've already notified Edward of the change. He'll be by tonight to drop the papers off and give you a chance to look over them. He'll return tomorrow for our signatures.”

Colby nodded. At the moment she was too happy to say anything else.

”I'll leave you alone now to enjoy the rest of your dinner.”

He turned to leave the room but before closing the door behind him, he turned back around and said, ”I think you'll discover this extension may not be such a good idea after all, Colby.”

She lifted her brow. ”Why?”

”The longer you stay around my child, the harder it will be for you when the time comes for you to leave. And you will will be leaving. I don't want you to ever think otherwise. The only reason I extended your time was because I want the very best for my child, not because I need a permanent wife.” be leaving. I don't want you to ever think otherwise. The only reason I extended your time was because I want the very best for my child, not because I need a permanent wife.”

He turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Colby refused to let his words put a damper on how elated she felt. The Lord had answered her prayers and she'd been given more time. She was determined to use that time wisely. Somehow she had to convince Sterling that a permanent wife was the very thing he did need.

She stared blindly across the room at the closed door. For some reason, she wanted more than just the baby between them. An inner part of her wanted him to want her as well. That thought came to her unbidden. She knew he wouldn't be the easiest person to get along with, but she felt he needed something more in his life than what he was getting now. She could sense that even with all his riches and fame, a part of him held something back. There was something about him that hinted he was afraid to let go, afraid to reach out.

And as inconceivable as it seemed, she wanted to be there for him and not just for their child.

Chapter 8.

Edward Stewart and his trusted secretary, Marva Webster, arrived at Colby's suite before noon the next morning.

”Are you absolutely sure you don't want to consult your own attorney before we get started, dear?” Edward asked Colby.

She shook her head. ”No. The less people knowing about this the better.”

”But there may be some areas of concern you may want-”

”No, I read over everything last night, and I'm fine with it.”

Colby actually felt better today than she'd felt in the past few days. Knowing about the year extension had made her heart feel lighter and less burdened. No matter what the doc.u.ment said, she had no intention of getting out of Sterling Hamilton's life a year after the birth of their child.

”It seems Colby will be glad to get her hands on the money after all,” Sterling said icily. His muscular body filled a wingback chair that sat across the room.

Colby's eyes narrowed at him. ”For your information, Sterling, I still have no intentions of getting that money-at least not for myself. I've instructed Edward to donate a portion of it to the school where I teach. It's an inner-city school that can use all the extra funding it can get. The money will go on record as a generous contribution from you to the school. The rest of it will be used to help other needy inner-city schools around the country.”

A look of total disbelief was etched on Sterling's face as he stood and looked at Colby as if she had lost her mind. ”You're giving all that money away?”

”No, you you are. It's all being donated in your name. I told you in the very beginning my child wouldn't be bought. All I want is for Wingate Cosmetics to stay out of Morton Industries' hands. You've a.s.sured me it will, and I believe you.” are. It's all being donated in your name. I told you in the very beginning my child wouldn't be bought. All I want is for Wingate Cosmetics to stay out of Morton Industries' hands. You've a.s.sured me it will, and I believe you.”

Then she turned back to Edward. ”Where do you want me to sign?”

”Wait!” Sterling's single word echoed loudly in the room and everyone turned to him.

”What is it now?” Colby asked with annoyance in her voice. She wanted to sign the papers and get things over with so she could return home to Virginia. Somehow she had to find a way to break the news to James about her pending marriage without giving away the real reason she was doing it.

Sterling met her gaze evenly. ”You are aware there'll be other papers for you to sign prior to the marriage?”

At Colby's confused look, he said, ”A prenuptial agreement. I do expect you to sign one.”

Colby released an exasperated sigh. Sterling Hamilton was getting on her last nerve. ”Certainly,” she returned before turning to Edward. ”Where do I sign?”

Sterling signed the papers after her, and Ms. Webster signed as a witness. After their departure, Colby found herself alone with Sterling.

”Hungry?” he asked, breaking the silence in the room.

She shook her head. ”I've suddenly lost my appet.i.te.”

”It will eventually come back,” he said smartly.

Colby opened her mouth to give him a tongue-las.h.i.+ng retort, then immediately closed it. What good would it do anyway? Besides, she was not in the mood to argue with him.

”You're probably right,” she said, knowing her response was not what he'd expected.

<script>