Page 69 of The Baby Bargain
"He calls you princess?" Forest whispers.
"He always did," I whisper back.
Forest shakes his headno way.
I nodyes way.
"Seriously, Ariel. Be careful. I know how you feel about him."
"I don't—"
"You always have. I get it. He's a cute, older guy. He's brooding and miserable—"
"You're brooding and miserable."
"That's how I know."
That's ridiculous. I toss my mascara on my desk. Shove my lipstick in my purse. March toward the door.
Stumble.
March a little slower.
"Hey, Chase." I move down the stairs. "Forest was just—" Ugh, what the hell can I say he's doing? "Leaving."
"Nope," Forest says.
Whatever.
I hold the banister to steady myself.
Chase's eyes fix on me.
His pupils dilate.
His jaw drops.
"Fuck, princess." The words fall off his lips. "You're gonna knock 'em dead."
"On my date. With another man. Which is none of your business." I flip Forest off.
He shakes his headyou're going to get hurt. Don't be stupid. Listen to me. I'm never stupid like this. Yeah, he's behind me, but I can tell.
I move faster.
Trip on the last stair.
Chase rushes to help me. Wraps his arm around me. Pulls my body into his.
God, he's so warm and hard and strong.
My fingers dig into his t-shirt. "I, uh, let's um… talk on the walk. I think Forest and Skye want their privacy."
Chase chuckles. "They would."
Forest continues shaking his head. "Be careful."
"I will." I turn and follow Chase out the door.
