Just Curious: a short story from "A Gift Of Love" by Jude Deveraux

Karen Lawrence, a widow, had allowed her appearance to become drab. Her husband, Ray, died two years earlier, leaving her no reason to continue living. She has taken a very unattractive, boring job as a secretary in a company owned by McAllister Taggert. Her co-workers are all older ladies, who give her an eyeglass holder for her birthday just because she will undoubtedly wear glasses some day. Her days of being the prettiest woman at the country club are over.

Mac, McAllister, is a very wealthy business tycoon. He was deeply hurt by his fiance who stood him up at the altar several years earlier. He gives everyone around him the impression that he is heartless and without emotion. As each girlfriend becomes the potential Mrs. Taggert, a cold and unfeeling prenuptial agreement is given to them. So far, not one will sign.

The night of the company Christmas party she happens to be snooping around his office when he walks in on her. Feeling way beyond embarrassed, she quickly departs in a mad rush. Much to her dislike, she realizes she has forgotten her purse and has to go back to the office to get it. Mac is there again and after much insistence gets her to listen to an offer he has for a job. He needs a substitute fiance for a wedding he needs to go to. His ex-girlfriend was to stand up in it, and Karen happens to wear the same size dress. She agrees, but wants something in return . . . some of his sperm donated during her fertile time of the month. Donated in a cup, of course... Little did she know what would be in store for her...