Page 107 of The Baby Bargain
My eyes go to his. "Who are you trying to figure out?"
"Everyone."
"You seem… you seem like you understand."
"Maybe it's just Grace then."
My chest gets heavy. I already hate her name. I hate her. She was nothing but pleasant to me. She even bought me a few birthday presents over the years. But I hate her stupid light hair and her tattoos and her ability to apply makeup and her hold on Chase's heart. "You don't hate her."
"Why would I?"
"She broke your heart."
"It wasn't out of malice." His gaze shifts to his plate. "I don't want to hate her. I don't even want to forget her. She was a big part of my life."
"What do you want?"Do you want her back?I have to know, but I can't ask. I'm too afraid of the answer.
"That's a hard fucking question."
"If it's your entire life, sure. But I'm only asking about Grace."
His chuckle is soft.
"I said something stupid?"
"No. It's just…" His eyes meet mine. "Nobody gives me the benefit of the doubt."
"Because…" I'm not sure what he's saying.
"Everyone thinks I'm a lost cause. This guy who's hopelessly in love with his ex. They imagine me sitting around, pining for her, spending every waking moment poring over memories or planning to get her back."
"It can't be every waking moment. I mean, I hope it wasn't—" I nod to the bedroom.
His smile widens. "It wasn't."
"Good." I take another bite. It's good. Better than my last. Crunchy broccoli, chewy beef, firm rice, that perfect mix of savory and salty. "You're a good cook."
"You're…" He laughs. "Whatever you're thinking, it's all over your face."
"Oh?"
"Yeah." He takes a long sip. "You don't think I'm hopeless, but you don't buy that I'm—"
"I know you're not over her." I swallow hard. "But I believe you're capable."
"Do you?" He raises a brow 'cause your face says no fucking way.
I do. Maybe. "It's not for me to say, is it?"
He nodsfair. "I'm not sure."
"Not sure?"
"There are too many things I want. That changes every day. But there are a few that stick."
"Yeah?"
"More than anything, I want her to be okay."
