Page 81 of Catnip, Claws, and Chaos

Sarah sighs. “You can't rent babies, Kate.”

“Well, you should be able to. It would solve a lot of problems.”

Despite the absurdity, Kate's suggestion sparks an idea. “I could ask him hypothetically,” I say slowly. “Just to see his reaction.”

“That could work,” Sarah agrees. “Just be careful. Men can be dense when it comes to hints.”

“Especially men who are actively avoiding emotional vulnerability,” Kate adds, pointing her fork at me. “And Logan strikes me as the poster boy for emotional constipation.”

She's right. Logan's built walls so high and thick around his heart, I'm not sure anything could break through.

“I'll figure it out,” I say with more confidence than I feel. “One way or another.”

I can do this.I will talk to Logan. Not about the baby, not yet. I need to know what this is between us. We decided againstlabeling our relationship, but circumstances have changed. I need to know if he feels what I feel. If there's any chance he might want this child, our child.

Yes, I’m still not ready to say it out loud, but I'm hopelessly in love with Logan Price. Fuck. I love him. God help me, I love him.

Outside his apartment, my heart pounds. The key feels heavy in my palm. As I raise my hand to unlock the door, screams erupt from the neighbor's apartment. I turn to see the door open. A tall man with dark hair and shadowed eyes appears. He cradles one of those baby carriers. Inside rests a tiny girl with hazel eyes shining with tears, though she remains silent. She looks fragile and perfect, with tiny fingers clutching at nothing and a rosebud mouth pursed in concentration.

“Hi, there,” I say. “Everything okay?”

The poor man has dark circles under his eyes, and his jaw is clenched tight.

“Is Logan in?” he asks without returning my greeting.

“I don't know. I just got here.”

His eyes move from my face to the keys in my hand. “Are you his fiancée?”

I bristle at the personal question from a stranger, but before I can respond, he waves dismissively.

“It doesn't matter. I need you to watch her for me.” He gestures toward the baby.

“Wait, what?” My voice rises an octave.

“Half an hour. I only need half an hour to?—”

“So you're dropping the brat off with the neighbor?” a female voice cuts in from inside the apartment. “I don't know why you invent these stories. The little monster's deaf anyway! She can't hear us fight!”

The man looks at me with despair. “Please. I'll owe you.”

“I...”

My grandmother's voice echoes in my memory.How would you feel, Emily, if, in your moment of need, everyone turned their back on you?

I nod, surprising myself. “Okay, but just for half an hour. And for the record, I have no idea how to look after a baby.”

“Neither do I,” he murmurs, handing over the carrier. “I'm Nathan. And this is Sophia.”

“Emily.” My gaze fixes on the tiny human before me. In a few months, will I hold my own child this way?

“Thank you, Emily. I'm in your debt.” He sets the carrier at my feet, gazes at his daughter with a tenderness that transforms his tired face, and then retreats to his apartment, nervously running his hand through his hair before closing the door.

I focus on the little girl. Did this really just happen? I stare as if she were an alien creature. “Hi,” I say awkwardly before remembering. She's deaf. She can't hear me.

My heart contracts. She seems so defenseless. I wave, and she chortles with delight, making me smile despite my nerves. At least she's not crying. I grab the handle and open Logan's door.

“Hey!” he calls from the kitchen. “Where have you been? I thought you didn't feel well.”

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