Page 38 of The Baby Bargain

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"What do you want from the guy?" Chase's voice is dead serious.

It's fair. This conversation is a big deal.

But I'm so tired of serious.

Since the day Dad sat us down to explain Mom's diagnosis, my life has been serious. My family has looked at me like I might have that same ticking time bomb inside me.

It's been there, in the back of my head, since I understood what cancer was.

This is serious, yes.

But it's not ugly, the way that is. It shouldn't feel heavy. It should be… not fun or easy.

Joyful maybe.

I guess asking for Chase's help and expecting joyful is foolish.

But he is capable of that. I saw him with Grace. He was happy. He—

He really does have a beautiful smile.

"Do you want a guy who will come inside you then never call again?" he asks.

I choke on my tea. Oh my God. Cinnamon and ginger burn. They're delicious on my tongue. But stuck in my throat—

I just barely swallow.

Ow. I take another sip. It helps. This chai is sweet, spicy perfection. It's a lot of caffeine, given my goals, but I'm not ready to give that up too. "Do you have to say it like that?"

"Yeah."

"But—"

"Call things what they are."

Okay. I guess it's strange to use words like ejaculate and semen and conception. Clinical isn't sexy. "Okay."

"Is it okay, princess?" His blue eyes light up. With delight. He loves the way the nickname sounds on his tongue.

I love it too. It's the opposite of clinical.

He's as direct as I am, but he makes his demands seem sexy. Whereas I use words like ejaculate and promiscuous.

I'm a stuffy nerd.

Chase is…

Skye would say he's yummy. Skye does say he's yummy. And she's right. He is yummy.

He's really, really yummy.

See, I can express things in a normal, non-clinical, totally sexy way.

Chase is yummy.

Chase is freaking delicious.

Chase is more delicious than the best chai latte in the world.

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