Page 27 of Secret Baby for My Brother's Best Friends

God, I can’t even imagine. My reputation would probably be down the gutter. Even though Stacey made that 'slut' comment jokingly, I know that's exactly what people would think of me. It's the only time I’ve ever done anything like it, but no one would care or believe me.

As much as I want to pretend like that wouldn't affect me, like I won't care about the stupid sexism behind those who judge women harshly for exploring their sexuality, the truth is, I don't know if I'm strong enough or in the right mindset to take on something like that.

And my brother...James would lose his shit.

Yeah, no one can know. I don’t know how inclined the men are to keep the secret, but I’m hoping they are very inclined. I’ll have to talk to them, and maybe Jake especially, and tell him that what happened between us can never happen again.

I'll also have to caution him against flirting, especially in front of James. He might be one of those people who are just naturallyflirtatious, but James doesn't play that, and it's going to affect their relationship, which is the last thing I want.

I’ll also have to talk to them about the baby.

Oh fuck, the baby.

I truly didn’t think I would have to be faced with my decision so soon. Yes, I know I have to tell them eventually about it, but I thought I had time. I thought–

“Chelsea?"

The sound of my name drags me back into reality, and I realize I’ve just been standing there, staring at her for God knows how long.

“Sorry, um...” I say. "My mind is elsewhere. I have to go."

“Alright. See you later.”

"See you." I rush out, hoping that the men are already gone.

No such luck.

The large one, Sam, is standing there in front of the elevator. He looks like he’s waiting for someone, and the problem is that my office is on the other side of him. I try to pass by him as inconspicuously as possible. But he speaks up in that deep rumbling voice.

“Chelsea.”

I jerk to a stop, his smooth tone triggering a lot of memories.

He straightens off the wall as I slowly turn to regard his unsmiling visage.

"I don't think we introduced ourselves yet," he says. "I'm Sam."

I attempt a smile and nod. "Nice to meet you, Sam. I'm glad we'll be working together."

He opens his mouth, but frowns and closes it again. He tries a second time to say something, but it doesn't seem to be adequate either.

Finally, as I'm about to continue my quick escape, he says, "I hope that's not all we're doing together."

My heart jumps into my throat. "Pardon?"

"I'd like to take you out on a date," he says. "Anywhere you want. Or I can plan it, if that's okay." His eyes drop a little, and pinkness stains his cheeks,

He frowns fiercely after the words leave his mouth. Like they're not the exact words he wanted to say, but they came out of him anyway.

I'm so fascinated by his reaction that it takes a while for it to hit me...that he just asked me out on a date.

My jaw drops. "Seriously?"

"Yes. Is that so shocking?"

"A little bit." I thought at most, they'd want a repeat performance of what happened that weekend, but not like an actual date.

Because, well, why would a guy like that want to date me? He's way out of my league.