The Billionaire’s Forbidden Desire(99)

“That’s not what I heard. Shane would still be in Thailand if Dane hadn’t sent Ginger to bring him home.” Sophia shifted in her seat. “I’m surprised you never noticed his kindness.”

Vanessa blinked a few times, then shook her head. “You’re entirely too optimistic when it comes to Dane. Anyway, I’m not here to talk about him. I’m here to say that I’m sorry about what happened last time. I just really wanted to know what kind of person you were, and…you were nothing like I expected. Then when Dane stormed into my place…” She laughed shakily. “It’s just…not something I ever thought I would see. He generally doesn’t care much about women he’s with. Ice water in his veins and all that.”

Jeez. Did everyone in the family believe that?

Vanessa continued. “It’s not easy for me to be rational when it comes to my family. We’ve all had a difficult time growing up”—she flashed a sheepish smile—“which sounds ridiculous when we’ve had every material advantage. Our parents have always been rich, and we never lacked for anything…except affection and love. But I think Dane had it the hardest. He experienced what it could’ve been like. Our parents weren’t always so stilted and awkward around each other. They were actually in love at one point. So he saw the kind of ideal family life we could’ve had, only to have it yanked away from him. The rest of us didn’t have it quite that bad.”

It finally clicked for Sophia—the source for Dane’s anxiety. He thought what they had together would disappear, just like the lovely period from his childhood. She reached over and briefly laid her hand on the other woman’s. “Vanessa, thank you for telling me this. Really.” She smiled. “So does this mean you don’t think I’m a gold-digger?”

Vanessa shifted. “Believe me, one thing I’m not worried about is some woman taking financial advantage of Dane.” She shifted again, her eyebrows dipping into a V. Sweat beaded along her hairline.

Sophia peered at her. “Are you all right?”

“No. Or maybe yes. I don’t know.”

Vanessa was visibly panting now. Sophia put a hand on her shoulder, and Vanessa took it. “I think it’s the baby.”

“The…baby…?”

Vanessa nodded. “Yes. I think he’s about to come. I’ve been…having contractions since late morning, but…didn’t think…” She took several huffing breaths, then seemed to relax a bit. “I’ve had false alarms before. But I guess it’s real this time. I think my water just broke.”

Sophia’s mouth dried. She had no idea what was involved in child labor except what she’d seen on TV. “Tell me what to do. Who do I need to call?”

“Justin. But can you help me up first? I want to get to my car.”

Sophia put her arms around Vanessa and pulled her up. Her skin was flushed and clammy with sweat, and she was panting again. Sophia squeezed Vanessa’s hand and led her to the lobby.

“Where did you park?” Sophia asked.

“In the front. The concierge service downstairs has my keys.”

Right on cue, the concierge rep appeared like an apparition. He took one look at Vanessa then turned to Sophia. “Miss Reed?”

“She’s going into labor,” Sophia said. “Can you help me?”

He jumped into action, carrying Vanessa to the car and depositing her on the passenger seat. “Anything else?”

Sophia glanced at Vanessa, who shook her head. “No, thank you.” Sophia climbed behind the wheel.

“Call my husband. Please.”

“What’s the number?”

Vanessa groped blindly and pulled her phone from her purse. “Press one.”

A couple of dial tones and a warm male voice said, “Hello, sweetheart. How are you feeling?”

“This is Sophia. Vanessa’s going into labor right now. What hospital should I take her to?”

“I’m not having my baby at the hospital!” Vanessa bellowed, making Sophia jump.

“Ignore her,” Justin’s voice said in her ear. “I don’t care that it’s only two weeks early. I’m not taking any chances.” He gave her the name and address of a private hospital. “You know where it is?”

Amazingly enough, she did. “Yes.”

“Take her there. They’ll have everything ready. I’m leaving right now. Sorry to impose on you, Sophia. I should’ve insisted on a chauffeur.”

“I’m happy to help. Can you call the family and—?”

“I’ll take care of everything else. Just get Vanessa to the hospital.”