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“Yes, but it’s different for me because of the PMOS.”

“So, you were going to ask Roger to be your baby daddy?”

Heat floods my cheeks. “Well, we’ve been dating for a few months, and I thought things were going well. We have a lot in common, so I hoped he might want to take the relationship further. Somehow, the conversation didn’t go as planned and suddenly he was saying stuff like, ‘I should talk to my mother about this’ and I was like, oh no no no…this is a big red flag.” I don’t know why I’m opening up like this, but he’s so easy to talk to and it feels good to be able to talk about it.

“Jesus, Luna.” He shakes his head. “Why were you even considering this with him? I mean, are you in love with him?”

I sigh, a little embarrassed now. “No. I just want a baby before it’s too late. And my life has been such a clusterfuck the last few years. I’m finally on the right track, you know? With my health issues, I can’t wait until I find the perfect guy.”

“Does he have to be perfect? Because if not, you could just ask me to do it.” His eyes twinkle, but I’d be lying if I said my heart didn’t skip a beat.

He’s not serious, though, so I play it off like it wouldn’t be the most amazing thing ever.

I chuckle. “Yeah, right. Like you’re in the market to make a baby with a veritable stranger.”

“I’m not not in the market. I wouldn’t be a bad dad.”

“No, you wouldn’t.” I can’t even imagine what that would be like, but I know he’s kidding. “But anyway, I’m not sure if our definitions of perfect are the same. I don’t mean perfect like movie star good-looking, a billionaire, approximately the same age, and hopelessly in love with me. I’m talking about a reasonable kind of perfect. Has a job. Actually likes me and doesn’t make comments about my weight or⁠—”

“Wait—do guys you date make comments about your weight?” He looks genuinely confused.

“Well, duh. I mean, look at me.” I motion down to my body.

“I am looking.” His eyes move over me briefly, an intensity in them that’s hard to identify, but they settle back on my gaze before I can be sure. “You’re beautiful, Luna.”

An unfamiliar flush of pleasure washes over me.

When was the last time someone that wasn’t trying to get in my pants called me beautiful? Hell, they usually don’t even do it then.

“I’m attractive,” I concede, “but we both know today’s beauty standards don’t apply to women my size. And even if I was thin, most guys don’t like a woman that’s nearly six feet tall.”

“Fuck them and fuck that. I love a tall woman.”

Chapter Six

Rage

Luna blinks up at me, lips parted in surprise.

Like no one’s ever said anything like that before.

Some men are really stupid, making a woman like her feel like she’s less than. Because she’s fucking gorgeous.

I didn’t see an opening like this opening up for me, and it seems like this might be the perfect time to lay some of my cards on the table. Just a few. To gauge her reaction.

“I’m a big guy,” I continue patiently. “Do you know how hard it is to have shower sex with someone more than a foot shorter than me? Or even straight missionary. I’m on top and my face is in the pillow while she’s being smothered by my chest. How is that fun?”

She looks genuinely confused for a moment, and I know I’m probably on thin ice with this conversation because I try to always be respectful. But she needs to understand that I’m not blowing smoke up her ass.

I think she’s spectacular.

“Princess, I can’t speak for all men. And I don’t body shame or skinny shame or anything else when it comes to women. I like them all. Tall, short, curvy, thin, blonds, brunettes—it’s mostly about what’s inside. But I’m human, and we all have a preference. I’m sure you do too. Some guys like a woman with blue eyes. Some guys like a woman with huge breasts. Grim has always had a thing for blonds. Me, I like a tall woman with meat on her bones. Period. So, when I pick her up, throw her over my shoulder and smack her ass a few times, I’m not worried that she’s going to break.”

Oh, shit. What did I just say? This is totally inappropriate for the office. Several things I’ve said tonight probably are, but I won’t take them back.

Her cheeks are bright red but she’s not acting like I’ve offended her either.

“I know this is inappropriate for co-workers, but hearing you talk about yourself like there’s something wrong with you…I couldn’t not say something.”