Page 198 of The Baby Bargain
"No."
"But…" I tug at his black shirt. "It's basically the same outfit."
"I didn't have time to spring for the red suit."
"God, it looks so much more stupid."
He nodsyeah. "I had to narrow it down by all black outfits."
My lips curl into a smile.
"Didn't leave a lot of options."
"You swear you didn't?"
"You had your strategy?" His fingers outline my bikini top. "I had mine."
"You think reminding me about your mommy issues and your martyr complex works?"
"Didn't it?"
A laugh spills from my lips. "Did you really?"
"No." He brings his hands to my waist. Pulls me into his lap. "Wanted something you'd notice."
"I'd notice you in anything."
"Wanted something that mattered to you." He cups my cheek with his palm. "Plus, it shows off my ass."
My smile widens. "It does."
"You telling me that doesn't help?"
"I love it when you're like this."
His eyes flare with hurt.
"Not that… I like all the versions of you. Well… No, I still like the Chase that blames himself for everything. But I don't want you to feel like that." I stare into his eyes. "You're such a great guy. I wish you could see it the way I do."
"Me too."
"I wish I could do more—"
"You are." He digs his fingers through my hair. Pulls me into a slow, deep kiss.
Mmm, he tastes so good.
"You need to talk more?"
I shake my head.
"Good." He kisses me again. It's faster, more demanding.
It erases my thoughts.
Convinces me we make sense.
God, there's so much to think about. It didn't happen this time, but it will.
