Page 123 of The Baby Bargain

Forest's voice is the picture of calm reason. "I know you like him, but—"

"We've had this conversation," I say.

"And you haven't answered with a 'no,'" he says.

"Goodbye, Forest." I reach for the door.

Skye whispers something about how it's really not their business.

He replies with a scoff and something about how anyone who hurts his sister becomes his business.

And, sure, maybe I should appreciate that my older brother is looking out for me.

But there's only one thing in my head:

A neon sign flashing "Fuck."

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chase

It's a good day.

The sky is bright. The air is sweet. The coffee is strong.

And this mock-up, the one I've been struggling to figure out—

I finally have it.

An anatomical heart complete with four chambers and a home in the biggest.

I outline in black. Snap a picture. Send it to my client.

He sends back afuck, that's perfect.

I lean back in my chair. Bask in the glory of the moment. There's nothing like working out a tough design. The satisfaction is incomparable.

Well, maybe not incomparable.

Last night was—

"Hey." Forest steps into my suite. He leans against the half-wall, easy breezy.

It's not like him. He's not a ball of manic energy the way my little brother Wes is, but he's not exactly the picture of cool either. He cares too much for that.

"Hey." I nod back. Turn my sketchbook to him.

He takes it. Studies the design. "You've been working on this awhile?"

"Yeah." I check my cell. Read the message again. But that's not the only news on here. There's something from Ariel.

Shit, I can't check that with him hovering.

I should change her name to—

Fuck, I don't know. I've never done the whole sneaking around thing. Grace's brother knew what was going on day two. There was no hiding it.

"Talking to someone?" he asks.