Page 120 of The Baby Bargain
"No. It was all very consensual." I clear my throat.
Her eyes light up. She stifles a squeal. (She's very excitable, despite her love of black). "Tell me everything—" She turns toward the slightly open door. Presses her lips together. Motionsshhh.
Skye moves off the first step. Moves into whispering distance.
She motions to the doorForest is coming. "I won't tell him. Really."
It's a nice promise. Maybe she means it. Skye was like a big sister to me, especially after Mom died. I'm sure she believes she won't tell Forest.
But come on. They tell each other everything.
I might as well scream it right here, right now.
That's not happening.
I want Chase alive. I need him for another few months. And I like him. The world is a better place with Chase in it. Even if it's a moodier, more unable to move on place.
If only Skye or Forest were aware of their obvious crush. They could give me some advice about not moving on. Or maybe they're the worst people to ask.
Since they are so obviously stuck.
What could they say, besidesit's not so bad. Let him stay in love with her. Look at me. Sure, it's obvious my heart is devoted to Forest. And, yes, he looks at me like a little sister. But so what? I'm happy.
It's a whole different story, really.
They're attached at the hip.
Chase's ex is… Where is she? That information is easy enough to find—I'm sure she's all over social media—but I shouldn't pry. It's only going to feed the voice screamingChase is doomed to misery.
I'm going to help him.
In a normal, healthy way.
That's it.
That's totally it.
She leans in to whisper, "Was it good?"
I bite my lip. I want to tell someone. I should tell Skye. It's not like I can hide the reality of the situation from Forest. It's obvious I slept over. "Really good." My chest warms at the memory of Chase's groan. He's just so… mmm.
She stifles a squeal. "On a scale of you almost fell asleep to you're not sure if you can walk straight—"
"That one."
Her eyes go wide. She jumps backward. Claps her hands together. Swallows her smile.
Forest pulls the door open. Looks from me to Skye then back to me. "Where were you?"
She motionsmy lips are sealed.
Not that it matters. Not on this particular detail. "Spending the night with a man."
"What man?" He turns to Skye. Shoots her thatif you know something you better confesslook.
She shrugs like she has no idea. Sells it. A little.
"A man who had sex with me," I say.
