Page 88 of The Baby Bargain

"Ariel Ballard?" Hunter takes a step closer. It's tiny, a test. Like I'm a wounded cat that might run at any moment.

"Yeah," Wes says. "She doesn't even wear eyeliner."

Hunter's laugh is easy. "But she dresses exclusively in black." His eyes meet mine. His lips curl into a smile. "She's smart."

"Too smart for him," Wes says.

"Not that smart if she's into him," Hunter teases.

I try to laugh, but it's stilted. I can tolerate listening to the conversation. But I'm not at participating. Not like this.

"He does have a good body," Wes says.

"And the tattoos." Hunter nods. "Some girls are into it."

"With tattoo artist older brothers?" Wes shakes his headI don't think so. "Did that work for you?"

"I'm with Emma, aren't I?" Hunter asks.

"Yeah, but you have a certain charm." Wes looks from Hunter to me. "Nah, actually, you and Chase are both miserable assholes. If there's hope for you, there's hope for him."

Hunter flips him off.

I do the same.

Maybe I can do this. Maybe I can have an honest, easy conversation with my brother. "It did work for you, Hunter." There isn't enough lightness to my voice. But there's some.

For a second Wes's eyes go wide with surprise. Then he blinks and launches into teasing. "Yeah, not like Hunter has anything else going for him."

Hunter nodsyeah, still dumbstruck.

I run my hand through my hair, trying to project an easy, breezy attitude and failing miserably. "She… Uh…"

The opening door saves me. Footsteps move closer.

Forest and Holden move into the main room.

So much for salvation.

"Hey." Forest nods his usual hello. He takes in the scene—the three of us close enough to talk—and shoots me a look.Is everything okay?

I nodsure.

He stays apprehensive, but he doesn't push. "Can I borrow Chase?" He nods hellos to my brothers.

Wes shakes his headfuck, this is gonna blow up. He and Hunter exchange one of those brotherly looks—one I'm not a part of—then they grab Holden and move into the main room.

I brace myself forwhat the fuck do you think you're doing offering to impregnate my sister? You think I'd let someone like you touch her?

But Forest's voice drops to a completely different tone. An all business tone. "It's about work."

"Sure." I nod to the lobby.

He follows me into the empty space. Drops his voice to a whisper. "Oddball is closing. Owner is selling. We don't know if the new owner will want to keep us."

"I can talk to Brendon."

His eyes light up. "You sure?"