Page 16 of Twin Babies for the Pucking Billionaires

“Peanut?”

“Peanut just seemed right, you know? He’s small and kind of nutty, but sweet as hell. Did I tell you that he already chewed on the little toy you bought? He tore right into it!”

I grin, enjoying her playful explanation. “Yeah, he’s definitely got that puppy energy.”

She nods, her fingers absentmindedly playing with her fork. “So, Chase, did you have a pet growing up?”

I lean back in my chair, considering her question. “Yeah. I’ve always loved animals. When I was a kid, I used to bring home stray animals all the time. My mom wasn’t too happy about that, but it was worth it.”

Millie laughs. It’s a warm sound that fills the room. “Sounds like you were a handful.”

“Maybe still am,” I tease, earning a chuckle from her. “What about you? How did you get into baking and all the social media stuff?”

She sets her fork down, leaning forward a bit. “Well, baking has always been my thing. It’s like therapy for me. And the social media...that just kind of happened. Someone I knew once encouraged me to get started on it. I started posting my baking experiments online and people liked it. Now, here I am.”

I nod, genuinely interested. “That’s pretty cool. You must have a big following.”

She blushes, a hint of pride in her smile. “Yeah, it’s been...unexpected, but fun. I get to share what I love with people all over the world.”

“That’s awesome,” I say, genuinely impressed. “You seem really passionate about it.”

“I am,” she admits, her gaze softening. “I took a little break from it, but I’m getting back into it. It’s one of the few things that keeps me sane these days.”

I notice a flicker of something in her eyes, like a shadow that crosses her face briefly. “Everything okay?”

She hesitates, then nods slowly. “Yeah, just...going through some stuff. Messy relationship stuff, you know?”

“Relationships? You mentioned an ex yesterday…”

“That’s the messy relationship I’m talking about actually.”

I nod sympathetically, my heart going out to her. “I get it. Relationships can be...complicated.”

She lets out a sigh, looking down at her plate. “I just don’t want to drag you into it.”

I reach across the table, gently touching her hand. “Millie, you’re not dragging me into anything. I’m here because I think you’re very beautiful and interesting to talk to. And if I didn’t make it clear earlier, I’m interested in you. Not just because of Peanut or dinner tonight.”

She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine for a moment. “Chase...”

“If you’re not ready or if this isn’t what you want, I understand,” I say quietly, giving her space to decide. “I will still help you with Peanut if you let me.”

She hesitates, chewing her lip for a moment. Then, with a soft smile, she squeezes my hand. “Please don’t leave.”

Relief washes over me and I can’t help but smile back at her. “I’m not going anywhere.”

She exhales softly, her shoulders relaxing. “Good.”

We sit there for a moment, the air between us charged with something unspoken yet palpable. I want to lean in, to kiss her and feel her lips against mine, but I hold back, respecting her space.

“Hey, how about we take Peanut for a little walk after dinner?” I suggest, trying to lighten the mood.

Millie nods, grateful for the change of topic. “That sounds nice. It’s a beautiful evening.”

Her puppy must sense that we need some levity in the room because he comes running in. He looks happier and healthier despite being in her care for less than twenty-four hours.

“Hey buddy,” I rub his little belly and then watch as she lifts him into her lap. She plays with him as we continue talking. She tells me about her father’s chicken farm in Alabama, her best friend Jade who is studying to be a physical therapist and her love for everything mint chocolate chip.

We finish our meal, clearing the table together.

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