Page 40 of Secret Baby for My Brother's Best Friends

"I thought the opposite. She kept staring at you during the meeting, sometimes even while I was talking to her."

"Yeah, but was that a good stare or a bad stare?"

He exhales. "Maybe, Adam's right. Maybe we should let this go."

"Yeah," I respond, but in my head, I'm saying,Maybe you can, but I won't.

I don't know what the other two men are feeling, but the connection I sensed that night, even before we spoke to each other, even before she knew I existed, I can't let it go. I have to know if it's real or if it's imagined. I have to know if she really is the one for me.

I can't let her go now.

13

CHELSEA

Iready myself for the next meeting.

That last one was a disaster, but this one will be different. I refuse to be led around by my hormones anymore. I'm going to be firm, insist we meet in a public space–which I already arranged–and get through the presentation as quickly as possible.

I walk into the coffee shop, confident, although some of that dips when I see them sitting there.

God, they have the attention of everyone in the room, even as they recline in their seats, seemingly oblivious to it.

Adam sits straight, his eyes scanning the room watchfully. He always seems to be on the alert, and I wonder if he ever fully relaxes anywhere.

Jake seems the most relaxed out of all of them, with a careless confidence that speaks to a lifetime of getting this type of attention. It's like he doesn't notice it anymore. His head bobs smoothly, and he drums his fingers to the rhythm of the gentle jazz music playing in the air.

And then there's Sam, the most unreadable of the trio. The one with harsh features whose touch was so gentle I wanted to weep.

The din of the coffee shop fades into the background as I stare at them, my heart pounding in my own ears.

You can do this, Chelsea. Just be firm.

I swallow and walk to them now, and the minute they spot me, they all react.

Jake grins, mischief and genuine pleasure melding in his gaze.

Sam's eyes darken, smoldering.

Adam gives me a gentle smile as he rises to his feet in welcome.

All of which has my nerve endings singing, my heart skipping a beat.

God, can I really do this?

Yes. Yes, I can. I have to.

"Hey," I greet, my voice a little breathless. "Have you been waiting long?"

"Not long," Jake replies, as Sam rises to pull the seat out for me.

"Thank you," I say as I sit down.

"I got you coffee," Sam says. "Just how you like it."

"Oh." It's hard to hide my lack of enthusiasm. "Great."

"Try it," he suggests, and I reluctantly bring the cup to my lips, ready for the bite of bitterness once more.