Page 108 of The Baby Bargain
"Even if it's with someone else?"
"I don't know." His voice strains. "I try not to think about that."
"But you do want her to be happy?"
"You want Phillip to be happy?"
"Yeah, but not for a little while." I dig my hands into my jeans. I'm back in my jeans and tank top. He's now wearing a t-shirt. But this is more revealing than anything we've done tonight. "I guess it shouldn't matter if we're over. But I don't want it to be easy for him to move on. Even though this was my choice. I want him to have loved me enough that it's hard." I press my lips together. "That's selfish."
"Yeah, but it's normal."
"You're the same?"
"I was."
"But now?"
He chuckles. "Anyone else, they'd be sure I want her pining for me forever."
"Maybe your friends don't know you as well as they think they do."
"Maybe."
"Or maybe that's what you want them to think."
"Maybe it is."
It is. But why? Why does Chase want everyone thinking he's a miserable jerk?
He's even convinced himself.
I should believe him. Keep my heart locked. Keep my focus on the curves of his lips and the lines of his body.
I really should.
But I can't.
I need to help him. I don't know why. It's not logical or reasonable or smart.
But my heart is sure.
He's offering me so much. I need to do something for him too.
I need to help him get over his ex.
No matter what.
* * *
I changethe topic to Chase's comic book collection, but it stays in my head.
I need to help him.
I need to pry open his heart.
I need to sew it back together.
Okay, maybe not those last two. But I can help him without falling in love with him. Even if we're planning to spend the next few months having sex. And he's giving me everything I want.
