Page 247 of The Baby Bargain
I'm not sure I can take that.
I turn my phone off, bury myself under the covers, and cry until I fall asleep.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Chase
Ireschedule my appointments for next week. Manage Inked Love from afar. Stay busy at the gym.
Nothing clears my head.
My thoughts stay on Ariel and the hurt in her dark eyes.
I want to call her. To go to her house. To hold her and promise her it will be okay.
But I can't lie to her.
Wednesday, I head to Inked Hearts for an appointment I can't move.
Forest is at the other shop. He isn't here, staring at me like I'm the scum of the Earth, but I still feel his disdain.
The entire shop hums with tense air.
Everyone knows I fucked shit up. Again.
Everyone knows I'm an anchor around the neck of the people I love.
Everyone knows I'm miserable.
Maybe that's the case. Maybe it's my fate. But I have to know.
After I finish the back piece, check my client out, accept congratulations, I leave.
I go to the only person with insight.
Chapter Fifty-Four
Chase
"Iguess I should offer you something to drink." Grace motions to the tiny dining table. "You still drinking coffee as black as your soul?"
"I like a splash of milk now."
"Your soul is lighter?" Her voice is soft. Teasing. A tone I haven't heard in ages.
I try to find a laugh, but it's not there. This is a snapshot of the life I could have had. Of the life I wanted more than anything.
Grace's lips curl into a smile. She's wearing the same red lipstick as always. Brighter than Ariel's shade. As bright as the sun.
It suits her.
"John's into coffee too." She moves to the counter. Pulls a carafe from the coffee maker. "He can't stand when I make drip."
"Hunter's the same."
Her laugh is easy. "How is he?"
"Sober."
