Page 66 of The Baby Bargain

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I feel good. Awake. Alive. Like I can handle telling any bossy man in my life to shove it.

"You're not the one fucking him. You don't get to tell me what I want" The electric current rushes to my fingers and toes. I don't talk like this. Not with this tone or this profanity or this focus on what I want in bed.

"You're right." His voice stays even. "But I don't trust that guy. I'm going with you."

"On my date?"

"I'll be at the shop. Just in case."

I should say no. Just to prove a point. To make sure he knows I'm in charge. But I want him there. I want him protecting me. I hate how much I want him protecting me. "Okay."

Ding.New Message. "Oh." I skim it quickly. "Bachelor One wants to meet Friday. At seven."Please come. Watch over me. Don't tell me what to do but stay nearby. So I feel safe.

"You want me to come?"

"Isn't that what you want?" My fingers curl into my jeans. I hate that I want his comfort. But I do.

"I'll be there."

"Thanks, Chase. I… I appreciate your help. But, uh—"

"Watch the sass?"

"Yeah."

"Not sure I can agree to that," he says.

"Oh. Well…"

"Kidding."

"Oh." I knew that. Totally. "I just… I'll see you Friday. Meet me here at six thirty. Help me pick out my outfit."

"Until then."

I hang up the phone.

Then I go straight to my room.

I try to push thoughts of Chase from my head. I try to stop imagining him rolling my jeans off my hips, dragging his hand over my thighs, growling dirty demands—

I fail.

Chapter Fifteen

Ariel

For the tenth time, I smooth my dress.

It still hugs my curves.

It still screamslook at me, I'm sexy.

It still makes me sick.

This is my break-up dress. The sexiest garment I own and the thing that reminds me I'm a loveless loser.

Not that I—

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