A Weekend Temptation by Krista Caley Page A

it.”
    “I’m pregnant.”
    A muscle pounded in his jaw, and his eyes darkened. They were the only indications that he’d understood what she’d told him, that her words affected him. Then he grabbed his cell, called Claudia, and ordered his fiancée to meet him for lunch, today.
    After he’d ended the call, Joel pierced her with his hard, expressionless eyes. She fought the urge to squirm in her seat. It took every ounce of her withering strength to tilt her chin up and hold his gaze even though it made her skin burn.
    “We used a condom,” he said.
    She frowned and gave him her best glare. “It must have failed. You’re the only man I’ve been with.”
    He nodded. “I know that.”
    Again he was so arrogant. But now wasn’t the time to argue. She’d given him the shock of a lifetime; she should let him absorb the news and decide what to do.
    “This doesn’t have to change anything. Claudia will understand,” she said.
    “I don’t care if she understands.”
    Ava flinched at the ice in Joel’s tone. “She’ll still marry you—”
    “No, she won’t, because I’m marrying you.”
    For the second time in one day, Ava froze in shock, her mouth gaping.

Chapter Ten
    Ava shook her head so fast her neck bones cracked. “No. I’m already engaged to a wonderful man.” She held up her hand, showcasing her new, diamond solitaire.
    Joel’s eyes narrowed as he took it in. “Get unengaged. Today.”
    “No. Alexander is the perfect man for me—”
    “Does he know you’re pregnant with my child?”
    “Not exactly. Not yet.” She hated the way her voice squeaked at the end of her sentence. Joel made her feel weak when she was usually a strong woman. With a strengthening breath, she lifted her chin. She would not let Joel make her into a mouse.
    “The minute you tell him is the minute he’ll break your engagement. If he doesn’t end it, you will.”
    “You may be able to order everyone else around, but you can’t boss me. I am going to marry Alexander, and you are not going to stop me, Mr. CEO-commander.”
    He shrugged an I-don’t-believe-you shrug, and her face steamed. She wanted to elbow him in the ribs, where it hurt. Instead she drank in another deep breath and started counting. She got to ten before she lost count, and her temper flared.
    How dare he tell her what to do as if he owned her. How dare he assume her fiancé would ditch her.
    Joel was such an arrogant ass. He was used to always being right, but today Joel would be wrong. Alexander loved her. Which meant even if she was pregnant with Joel’s baby, Alexander would still marry her. Sure, it would complicate things, but love was love. She and Alexander were perfect for each other.
    “You’re marrying me.” Another order from command central.
    “No.” She squeezed her arms over her sore chest and winced.
    “Are you okay?”
    She wasn’t about to tell him her breasts were tender from pregnancy. “I’m fine. Completely fine, just as you are completely wrong,” she said, congratulating herself. She’d found some strength in her tone. Joel wouldn’t see her crumble.
    She’d done what she needed to do, and now it was time to tell Alexander. Tonight she’d eat dinner with her fiancé, and he’d keep his commitment to her. Because Alexander loved her.
    ****
    “Your appetizer.” The waitress laid the calamari on the table in front of Ava and Alexander. Neither of them reached for the normally delicious dish.
    “I thought I could do this, but I can’t.” Alexander smiled, but it was one of those strained smiles.
    “Can’t do what?” she asked.
    “Joel Stanfield called this afternoon. He offered me money to break up with you.”
    For a moment she couldn’t react. Because what Joel had done was just too outrageous, too despicable to be true.
    “I know about the baby,” Alexander continued.
    “He told you about the baby?” Her blood started to warm. “That was my news to tell.”
    “He wants what’s best for you and