Page 50 of The Baby Bargain

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A knock on the door cuts through the music.

Then a soft voice. "Chase. Hey?" Ariel doesn't wait for a response. She launches right into her explanation. "I know we're supposed to meet on Friday, but I don't want to waste a prime date night."

She's driven. Incredibly driven. I've never seen anyone approach a goal with this velocity.

But I guess she doesn't have much time.

I thought a mom who abandoned me for a bottle was bad. But losing my mom completely? Knowing I was doomed to follow in her footsteps if I didn't take action?

All right, maybe it's not that far removed from my life.

But it's a hell of a lot more drastic.

I lift weights, avoid sugar, skip alcohol.

She's—

I really can't imagine.

"Sure." I move to the door. Pull it open. "Come in."

"Thanks." Her eyes move around the room. Take in the simple decorations. Black couch. Black walls. Bookshelf overflowing with comics.

Then they fix on me.

Her cheeks flush.

Her tongue slides over her lips—

It hits both of us at the same time. I'm only wearing a towel.

And, fuck, the way she's staring like she wants to tear it off and drop to her knees.

Blood rushes to my cock.

Not okay. There's no way to hide the situation in this.

I turn. So she won't notice the way the cotton is straining over my cock. "Why don't you set up?" I motion to the table. "I'll get dressed."

"Sure." She keeps staring.

I can't see her, but I can feel her gaze. I swear to God, I can feel her heartbeat picking up.

Or maybe that's mine.

It's been a long time since I've had a woman here. No, I've never had a woman here.

I moved out of the place I shared with Grace after she ended things.

This apartment is small, but it's mine. No memories of her. No floral shampoo scenting the crimson drapes. No Van Gogh prints adorning the wall.

No women.

Until now.

Now, Ariel is sitting at my table. The smell of oranges is wafting into my nostrils.

Her shampoo.

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