Page 135 of The Baby Bargain

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"I'm not gonna step in and mediate whatever's going on with you and your brother."

"It won't be a problem."

He makes thatI'm not sure I believe yousound. "You'd be a good manager. It's a good idea."

"When do you need an answer?" I ask.

"Paperwork should take a few weeks. Months maybe." His eyes meet mine. "Can you get the money to buy?"

"Yeah." I have healthy savings.

"I'll get you numbers as soon as I can."

"Yeah."

Compassion drips into his voice. "No one is going to think less of you if you decide you need distance."

That's not true. Everyone is going to think I'm a bitter asshole.

But it's not like that's a change from their current opinions.

I'm the guy who can't make nice with his brother.

I'm the guy who can't move on.

Am I ready to make a permanent status?

Am I ready to give up on a real relationship with Hunter?

That's a hard fucking question.

I offer Brendon my hand. "I will, thanks."

He nodssurelike he knows which way I'll go.

Maybe he's right.

Maybe I am hopeless.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Ariel

Ipress thepowerbutton. The hum of my Prius ceases. The music disappears. The air goes still.

Chase's apartment is right there. Right across the street. He lives in the suburban part of Venice with plenty of parking.

It's close to our place. I could walk.

But not with these, uh, conditions.

Seven o'clock. My place. No panties.

My sex clenches at the thought of his dirty demand. There's something about the low tone of his voice, something I've never felt before.

It wakes up some place that's sleeping.

It turns on something that's been off for far too long.

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