Free Tug of Attraction by Ashlyn Chase Page A

was a love he could accept with the limitations she wanted to impose. 
    By the time lunch was finished, he’d made a decision.
    “Brigit. I’ll help you, but I’m not signing that damned contract.”
    She gasped. “You will? I mean, you’ll give me the baby I want with the limitations I asked for, but we’ll do it with a handshake or something?”
    He gazed out to sea. “Or something. I had a second lawyer look at the contract and he laughed. He said it would never stand up in a court of law. No judge in the country will make it okay for a father to shirk child support.”
    “So I got rooked out of $200.00?”
    “I’m afraid so.”
    “But...you’ll still help me?”
    “We need to hammer out some details.”
    “I already did that. Everything is spelled out in the contract. If it’s an agreement between you and me and no one else knows, you won’t be responsible. You haven’t talked to anyone other than the lawyers have you?”
    “Not directly.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “It means I posed the hypothetical question to Dru and Keith, but they both guessed it was you who asked me to do it.”
    “Damn.” She bit her lower lip. “But they’d never turn you in to the police or court system or anything.”
    “Probably not, but that doesn’t mean I won’t have an attack of conscience and turn myself in.”
    She leaned back and stared at him like he’d gone mad. Maybe he had.

Chapter 4
    B rigit entered Myranda’s occult shop, which stood on a busy street corner in Portsmouth. A young lady she hadn’t met rang up a customer at the cash register, while various browsers filled the rest of the store. Yvonne looked over from one of the display cases and waved to her.
    “Hey, Brigit. Are you here to pick up the donations for the animal shelter?”
    “Yes, and I was wondering if Myranda might have time for a reading.”
    “She’s already with someone, but if you want to hang around...”
    Brigit shrugged. “Sure. I’m not in a hurry.”
    She became one of the browsers and noticed some new items. She leaned in close to admire one of the wire wrapped pendants. It was a large moonstone cabochon with intricate silver curlicues gently holding it in place. 
    “Would you like to try that on?” Yvonne asked.
    “No. I’m trying to save some money. I have to get used to going without pretty things.”
    “Awww...” Yvonne crooned. “I hope whatever you’re saving for is worth it. I’m no good at delaying gratification.” She flashed her hands sporting about ten silver rings. “See?”
    One of the rings caught Brigit’s eye. “Oh! What a gorgeous amethyst.”
    Yvonne slipped it off her middle finger. “Here. Try it on.”
    “No. It’s yours. I shouldn’t.”
    Yvonne smiled. “Actually, there’s another one very much like it. The same designer made them both.” She opened the cabinet in front of her and pulled a ring display from the bottom shelf, then set it on the glass top.
    Brigit spotted the ring she was referring to immediately. It was slightly larger than the one Yvonne wore. “It’s beautiful, but you’re evil for tempting me.”
    “Evil!” Yvonne slapped her chest as if shot in the heart. “I’m no such thing. We have layaway.”
    Brigit chuckled. “What the heck. There’s no harm in trying things on, right?”
    “None at all.” Yvonne took the amethyst from the velvet box and handed it to her.
    Brigit slipped it onto her ring finger and it fit perfectly. She extended her hand at arm’s length and admired the gem.
    “It’s breathtaking on you. It almost matches your eyes. Purple is just about the best color for brunettes. Are you a February baby by any chance?”
    “No. It’s not my birthstone. I was born in late June.” She peeked at the price tag and squeaked, “Yikes. I can’t afford it anyway.”
    “Even with layaway?”
    “Can you take a couple of dollars a week for five years?”
    “Probably not.”
    “Then we’re done here.” She handed back the ring