Page 70 of The Baby Bargain
It hits me as I step onto the sidewalk. I'm actually doing this. I'm actually meeting this guy. I'm actually holding Chase's hand.
The last one is the strongest.
But that doesn't mean anything.
* * *
Chase squeezes my hand.
I squeeze back. It's not enough to keep me steady. Not in these shoes. Three inch wedges. The shoes I wore to graduation. The only nice pair of shoes I own.
Okay, that isn't exactly true. I own a lot of nice business attire. When I interviewed for internships, I went all out. Mom imparted that wisdom before she left.
Looks shouldn't matter, but they do.
Sure, scientists get cut a lot of slack. But less when they're women. If I head into an interview in my usual outfit—black jeans, black tank top, black hoodie, black shoes—I get a look.
She's some goth weirdo.
She doesn't understand how to fit in.
She doesn't care enough to dress to impress.
It's ridiculous. Black goes with black. It hides stains. It holds color.
It's a very practical choice.
And, well, it brings out my coffee eyes. Complements my dark hair. That's what Mom always said when Dad would try to get me in color.
Not that it stopped her from buying everyLittle Mermaidthemed dress in the world.
Sure, I look good in crimson-red and regal-purple.
But they make me think of Mom.
So…
I guess that's a fun, new association for this dress. Break-up dress.Mad Menporn parody. Late mother.
Wonderful.
"You okay?" Chase turns to me. Studies my expression.
I try a smile, but it's stiff. "Nervous."
"This guy might father your child." Something slips into his tone, something I can't place. The he blinks and it's gone. "It's normal."
"Right. Yeah." I suck a breath through my teeth. Push out an exhale. "Forest thinks I have a crush on you." My cheeks flush. Why did I say that? It's so not the thing to say.
"Do you?"
"Oh." I don't know how to respond to that. I'm not a good liar. "I did. When I was younger."
"I know." He chuckles. "You were cute."
"I was not cute."
He nodsyou were. "You'd come into Forest's room when he stepped out, all sly, like you got away with something."
