Page 195 of The Baby Bargain
It's just…
Why isn't he saying anything? Why isn't he sayingsorry, Grace, but Ariel is twice the woman you are, we have to go. I love fucking her and I need to do that now?
Okay, no one would ever say that.
And, well…
Uh…
"We should really go." I wrap my arm around Chase's waist. It's a possessive gesture. It's not like me. But I don't care.
Grace nodsof course. "You must be freezing in that."
I nodkinda. "I'll be okay, thanks."
"You sure? We're gonna leave, so we could give you a ride." She looks back to her boyfriendis that okay?
He shoots her areally?look, but he says nothing.
"No, it's not far." I nod goodbye. "I'm glad you're doing well."
"Yeah." She looks at me a little dumbstruck. "It was good to see you, Chase. Take care, okay?"
He just barely nods.
I pull him closer. Force myself to move forward.
He follows me.
I try to think of something to say, but my head is blank. I focus on moving forward—it's impossible to walk in this skirt. On turning the corner. On taking the next block.
It's a ten minute walk to Chase's place.
He fishes the keys from his pocket. Opens the door. Motionsafter you.
I step inside.
He closes the door behind him.
His apartment is quiet and warm and small.
It's like we're the only two people in the universe.
I turn to him. "Are you okay?"
He stares back at me, slowly formulating a response.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Ariel
Did you wear that costume for my sake or hers?
Are you thinking about her right now?
Do you think about her when you fuck me? Was that your go-to that time in my office? Is that why you needed me on my stomach?
Are you ever going to get over her?
