Page 13 of The Baby Bargain
"What?" I press my palms into the table. Blink twice.
She's still sitting across from me. Her brown eyes are still boring into mine. Pleadingplease help me.
"Don't you—" She has friends. Female friends. Coworkers. Other people more qualified to help. "Why?"
"I need to get pregnant in the next four months."
That doesn't clarify anything. "Why?"
"That doesn't matter."
I shake my head. That sure as hell matters.
"Can you help? Or do I need to ask someone else?"
"Ariel—"
Her eyes turn down. She stares into her drink like it might offer answers.
I try to formulate a response. Something more coherent thanAriel. Something both firm and kind. Betweenhell no, I'm going to stand outside your bedroom door so this doesn't happenandI wish I could Ariel. But are you sure this is a good idea?
"Princess—" My balls tighten. Calling her princess is supposed to send me back to when we first met. It's not supposed to fill my head with ideas of bending her over and growlingtake off your panties, princess.
The sliding door opens, cutting me off. Forest steps inside. He surveys the scene and raises a brow.
His eyes meet mine. They askis she okay?
They don't askwhat the fuck are you doing?Orare you taking advantage of my sisterorare you gonna fuck the drunk, lonely girl because you're that desperate?
He trusts me with his sister. He trusts me to act like an honorary brother. To end stupid ideas like getting knocked up at twenty-four.
Ariel presses her lips together. She shoots me a different look.Please don't tell him.
"I gotta go." I can't say no. Not until I convince her this is a bad idea. "Let's talk tomorrow." I look to Forest. "You coming by Inked Hearts?"
He nodsyeah. "We'll get dinner after." He looks to Ariel. "Why don't you come?"
Her eyes light up. "Yeah. That's a good idea." She finishes her drink. Stands. "I, uh, I'll see you later, Chase. Think about what I said, okay?"
As if I'll think about anything else.
Chapter Five
Chase
"How much will it hurt?" My client presses her lips together. She taps her toes against the tile floor. Pushes out a sharp exhale.
"This is your first?" It's obvious from her nervous eyes and her bare wrists. I know this kind of girl. She wants something tiny on a delicate spot. Wrists, ankles, hips, ribs.
For some reason, it's always the small, feminine women who pick the most painful spots for tattoos.
And Sara here—
She's torturing herself.
"It will hurt." I never lie to clients. Ever. But sometimes it's better to skip the gory details. "But you can handle it."
"Uh…"
