Page 30 of Billionaire Hunt

He nodded. “Definitely, and I plan to someday...but maybe now is some day since I don’t know when I’ll have another surrogate lined up.”

“Well, I think adoption is a great option, but you shouldn’t give up on your surrogate plan. Just be patient.”

He started pacing, clearly frustrated. “I’m sick of being patient.”

I didn’t know what else to say. And I sensed that Erik might want to be alone tonight.

“I think I should be leaving...”

He walked toward me and pulled me into his arms. “I want you to stay, but I’ll probably ruin the rest of our night by being moody and angry.”

“I get it,” I said, slowly pulling away from his warmth. “Everyone needs a little space sometimes. We’ll catch up later this week.”

He surprised me by kissing my cheek and trailing a hand through my hair. He tilted my chin up to look in my eyes. “Sorry for messing up tonight.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m a wild sleeper anyway...I probably would have kicked you in the face or something.”

“I value my teeth, so maybe it’s best if you never spend the night.”

“Hey!”

He hugged me close to him and placed his chin on top of my head. “I’m joking. Just joking. Tonight’s out, but some other night...maybe.”

“Maybe,” I replied. He kissed me again and let me go. I dressed silently and as I was leaving, I said, “Try to get some sleep tonight. Maybe things will be different in the morning.”

“You’re an optimist.”

“Actually, no, just a realist. People change their minds all the time. Maybe your surrogate will realize she actually doesn’t want to get back together with her ex.”

“Maybe, but if that’s what makes her happy...I can’t really begrudge her that.”

He looked sad and I touched his shoulder one last time. “You’re a good guy, Erik.”

He shrugged. “I do my best.”

I walked away and he grabbed my hand. I looked into his eyes, filled with raw emotions. This was hitting him harder than he wanted me to know.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Just thanks. Thanks for being here...thanks for listening.”

I shrugged. “That’s what friends are for, right?” I stood on my tippy toes, kissed his mouth and made my way off his yacht. When I looked back he was watching me from the lounge area. I waved to him and he waved back before disappearing back into his room.

I drove away that night feeling contemplative. First Wyatt and now Erik. Both men were forming a family. And again, I was the odd woman out. It made me feel deficient for some reason that I couldn’t quite figure out. I almost felt defective, for lack of a better word, and conflicted. Children weren’t for me. Right? Then why did I find myself questioning my wants and desires...especially when it came to Erik? Why was I jealous of a surrogate that I’d never met? I hadn’t been jealous of Wyatt’s lover. I didn’t even know or care to know her name. I guess it all came down to the fact that deep down, I wanted Erik to want more. Or maybe I wanted more with Erik. Yes, we were developing a relationship, a friendship of sorts. But we were just friends with benefits, right? Then why when he let me go did my body instantly miss him? His warmth?

That’s all physical, Misha. All physical. It’s just sex, I told myself. Then why was I so upset when he took my hand, but still let me go?