Page 45 of Forsaken Trail (Runaway 4)

“But it’s not about me. And it’s not about you,” I said, splaying my free hand over my belly. “It’s about this baby. I don’t want our child to feel torn between two worlds.”

Brody had the right to be included in this baby’s life. He was as much a part of this as I was.

“I promised my boss two months. I’d like to give them a chance for a smooth transition, and I need to pack up my life here.”

Brody stared at me, my hand still tight between his. The shock on his face was much like Mark’s. Apparently, I was surprising the men in my life today.

“Is that okay?”

He dropped my hand and, in a flash, those warm palms were on my face, pulling me off my stool. Brody’s lips crushed mine, sending a zing down my spine. God, his lips were soft. The texture from his beard tickled my chin, and when his tongue darted out to lick the seam of my mouth, a whole new flutter rocked my stomach. This one the good kind.

A gasp escaped when he licked my lips again. His eyes opened.

And we stared at one another, our lips still locked. His hands still firm on my face.

As quickly as it happened, Brody must have realized what he’d done. He let me go and backed away, clearing his throat. “I, uh . . . Thank you.”

Disappointment rolled over me in a wave, sending me back to my seat.

There was no reason to be upset, right? It was just a grateful kiss. Nothing romantic. The two of us would be lucky to survive parenthood together. A romantic relationship? Never. We really shouldn’t be kissing.

“You’re welcome. Maybe we shouldn’t make a habit of kissing one another.”

He chuckled. “Sorry. I was excited. But you’re right. Let’s think of this as business.”

“Business.” I truly hated that word. People tossed it out there as an excuse to be cold and impersonal. “This is not a business arrangement.”

“Of course it is.”

My mouth dropped. “Seriously?”

“You’ll be running my new flower shop. That’s business. I mean, it’s not like we’re friends.”

My jaw dropped. “So you think of me like an employee?” Oh, hell. Maybe I’d quit The Gallaway too soon. Mark and Andy would hire me back, right?

Brody frowned. “You say that like being an employee of mine is a nightmare. I doubt your sister would agree.”

“I am not your employee.”

“I know that but—”

“No buts. We are equals, Brody. You’re the father. I’m the mother. I don’t need your goddamn flower shop. I can find another job. Any other job.” My temperature began to rise and I slid off my stool, pacing beside the table.

“Aria, I’m just being pragmatic. Please don’t take offense. I have a flower shop that needs a manager. You’re qualified.”

“Qualified. I’m qualified.” My molars ground together. When had this become a job interview? “I won’t work for you.”

“Why not?”

“Because that makes this entire thing weird.” I threw up my hands. Couldn’t he imagine payday? Here’s your check, Aria. Thanks for your hard work. And thanks for growing my baby in your uterus.

“If you don’t like the term ‘employee,’ then fine. I’ll deed the place over to you.”

“A gift. You’d give me a flower shop.” My hands dove into my hair. “Who does that?”

We weren’t even friends. We’d slept together once and were having a kid. Normal people didn’t gift flower shops.

He lifted a shoulder. “You’re moving. Consider it a relocation present. And it’s not like I can’t afford it.”