THE SURROGATE WHO STOLE HIS HEART

worked for two years. She thought it was almost funny that she was walking in the

oster led her to the top fl

ess, a blue one she'd splurged on years ago, and her sister's nice heels. She wanted to look profes

numbers go up, each floor taking her away from her normal job as a mark

was all glass and metal, with flowers that probably cost more than her car payme

rfect hair and a fake smile, gave Elena

carpet felt like walking to her doom. She'd been looking into Alexander Stone since she got the meeting inv

he was h

lexander Stone, the scary guy who showed up at meetings sometimes. Alexander Ston

how his nod made her both proud and scared. She'd spent the rest of the day wondering if

is office to offer to be

ge doors that looked like real

ill leave, make up an excuse, go back to her desk and pretend

. She'd tried everything.

ravery, the way she'd said I love you, Mama when Elena tu

and walked into Ale

uses that looked like toys from up there. The room didn't have much stuff in it, but everything was top-notch,

tanding up like a king

th wide shoulders that filled his expensive suit. His hair was perfect, and his face had sharp

she remembered, deep, serious, the kin

egs shaking, and sat on the edge

the windows, looking out at the city. It was

aid, not turning arou

Elena's voice was quiet. I gave

at her. You answered the questions we

presentation? There were a lot of peo

you,

is desk. We should probably be less

realized what was happening. This wasn't a job interview. T

ked over your application. Your health, money, j

looked into her. Guys like Alexander Stone

was born sick. The surgery she needs...

not even looking at his notes. Dr. Patricia Wi

ear about Sofia's health in this office, like her

said, and Elena's eyes opened wide. She said Sofi

s doctor? Elena whis

everything, Alexander said smoothly. Dr. W

already called Sofia's doctor, and already

ike he was talking about lunch. Pay the hospital, plu

art stoppe

er. The money will

wanted. Sofia could have her surgery, live a normal lif

t like she was looking at the devil, offer

I have to do

l the appointments, take care of yourself and the baby. He sounded like a robot.

ke that, it sounded awful. She woul

regnancy, with the last payment when the baby is born. Plus hea

e a hundred thousand, maybe two if she was lucky. But a million dollars wa

application said it started at f

. This is about being completely quiet, being available, and being committed. I need someone who

at she was just a way to get something done

work together. This stays separate from your job. You keep

How could she work near him every day, ca

one finds ou

lf. I've built my career on keeping things

rules were clear, take the money, have the bab

ess deal that would save S

she was making the wor

Elena said, sta

back down. Dr. Williams said we need to hurry

elt col

surgery won't help. Alexander looked a little softer.

. Of course. There was a deadline, a clo

tching her with a look she couldn't unders

iful, he sa

ooked u

cture in your file.

e last thing she expected, Alexander Stone

le world, El

he desk. That's why you'll do this. Because you'r

yes and the truth. He was right. She w

she said slo

r Sofia's surgery right away. She could

s daughter could

? After

to your life. I go back to mine. We nev

e word sl

d with the woman I marry. You'll just be a name

letely separated from a child she'd carry for

this surgery. Sof

, Elena said, surprised

ou're not exactly in a position

looked right at him. Whatever story we tell, sh

eyes, maybe surprise, maybe res

he was signing her life away

ve a deal, M

the man who could save her daughter, at

deal, she

should have made her feel better. Instead, it made E

as probab