Page 52 of The Baby Bargain

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My laugh gets bigger. Louder.

She stares at me with confusion.

"It's perfect."

"You sure?"

"Yeah." Fuck, there's something about her lack of decorum. Something I really like.

After years tiptoeing around Grace's feelings—

It's a relief to hearyou're not that good at basketball.

Oryou're kind of obsessed with your ex.

Oryeah, you're hot, Chase, but your head is a mess. Why would anyone date you?

The furrow in her brow deepens. "Why would any guy be threatened by a woman's intellect?"

"Insecurity."

"That's stupid." Her dark eyes fill with frustration. "You're not like that, though."

"I try not to be."

"Good." Her gaze shifts to the food. "That looks good."

"Beef and broccoli."

"Oh. Am I interrupting? I texted, but you didn't reply and—"

"You're not." It's strange, having her here. But in a good way. In a really good way. "You want a plate?"

Her tongue slides over her lips. "Yeah." She pauses, like she's catching herself. Reminding herself of the rules of politeness. "If you have enough. I don't want to impose."

"Glad to share."

"You sure?"

I nodyeah. "Gets depressing cooking for one." I fix her a plate.

"You can come over. Cook for two." Her toes tap the carpet. "I… uh… Phil's parents taught me. But that's… I tried making spring rolls yesterday and I started crying."

"It's hard, walking away from someone."

"Yeah. I… uh… It's really all I know how to cook, Vietnamese food. They were so sweet. And I… uh… this looks good."

"It's not too close?"

"No. Vietnamese food is all fish sauce. This is soy sauce."

"You have a good nose."

"You can't really miss fish sauce." Her smile is sad. "This, um, this really does look good."

"Thanks." I bring the plates to the table.

She waits until I drop off silverware and waters. "You're a really paternal guy."

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