Page 78 of The Baby Bargain

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"I think I know who I want."

My stomach clenches.

"I just… I guess I have to ask him."

Right. Of course. She has to make it official. With one of these guys.

I hate it.

Most of me hates it.

There's a part that's happy for her. "Who is he? Which guy do you want to knock you up?"

Chapter Seventeen

Ariel

Ican't say this.

I can't ask this.

I can't.

Chase is already offering so much. He's already helping so much. And there's nothing wrong with any of my eligible bachelors.

They're good guys. Attractive. Intelligent. Respectful.

On board.

Not in love with their exes.

I mean, maybe they are in love with their exes. I don't know and I don't want to know. That's why they're good options. Because we have clearly drawn boundaries.

That isn't the case with Chase.

Yes, he's not over his ex.

Yes, that makes him a safe choice in certain ways. It dampens my fear he'll get attached. It keeps me from getting the wrong idea. It's basically this dress.

Chase is into his ex.

Chase is never going to love me.

Chase is never going to want a partnership with me.

I know that. I understand it. I accept it. Hell, I embrace it.

Chase's locked heart is perfect for this mission.

But now he's doodling mended hearts.

And he's looking at me with all this concern.

And my stomach is fluttering.

The lines are fading already. If we start taking off our clothes?

I can't do it.

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