THE BILLIONAIRE'S SURROGATE BABY

Chapter 11

                        ROME

Rome observed as Jess glanced around his house, her gaze lingering on the pictures of Georgia. He could sense her longing for his late wife.

"I really miss her," Jess confessed softly, walking over to join him. Memories of the tension between Georgia and Jess flashed through Rome's mind, though he still didn't understand the full extent of their rift because Georgia choose to not tell him the reason.

"I wish I had gotten the chance to meet her," Jess added, her hands resting on his shoulders. Rome tensed at her touch, uncomfortable with anyone other than Georgia invading his personal space. But he didn't want to be impolite to Jess, who was only trying to be kind.

"Do you have any kids?" Jess inquired, her attention fully on Rome.

"Not exactly," Rome replied evasively, not wanting to delve into his personal life with her. He couldn't shake the feeling of curiosity about why his mother was so close to Jess.

"What do you mean by that?" Jess pressed, her gaze probing.

Before Rome could respond, his phone suddenly rang, displaying Phoenix's name on the screen.

"Sorry, I have to take this," he apologized, answering the call and stepping away.

Jess watched with a mix of curiosity and concern as Rome spoke into the phone, unable to hear the conversation. She wondered about the nature of their relationship and why Rome seemed so preoccupied.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Rome's voice reached her ears, causing Jess to gasp softly. Something was definitely going on.

"When?" Rome inquired, his words leaving Jess puzzled.

"How much is it?" he asked next, prompting Jess to roll her eyes. Who was this girl asking Rome for money?

"Okay, but if that's what the baby wants, then no problem," Rome concluded, leaving Jess even more bewildered.

As Rome ended the call, Jess couldn't help but wonder about the mention of a baby. Had Rome impregnated someone?

"Oh, sorry, that was just..." he began to explain before his phone rang again, displaying the same caller ID. Jess frowned, sensing there was more to this and what the hell does she want??

As Rome pondered over the strange phone call.

"Okay, do you want some fruit?" Rome offered, attempting to change the subject.

"Yes, I need some grapes and... oh lord, I need to rest. Goodbye," Phoenix replied abruptly, ending the call before Rome could respond.

Rome glanced at Jess, offering her an apologetic look for the interruption.

"So... I wanted to ask," Jess began tentatively, drawing Rome's attention back to her.

"Okay," Rome replied, his curiosity piqued.

"Since I moved here, I haven't been able to find an apartment yet," Jess explained.

"Oh, you need an apartment? I can call someone right now, and they'll get you one immediately," Rome offered, misunderstanding Jess's intention.

"No, it's not that," Jess clarified, sensing Rome's confusion. "I was asking if I could spend the night at your house."

Rome's shock was evident as he processed her request. Why did she want to stay the night at his house? There were plenty of other options like hostels or motels, or she could even stay with his mother. Why choose his home?

With a deep sigh, Rome contemplated his next move. He couldn't simply turn her away, especially since it was already late. What should he do now?

"Do you have nowhere else to go?" he asked, still trying to understand her reasoning.