That Baby: A Small Town, Friends-to-Lovers Romance (That Boy Series Book 3)

Nicky: Will you please text Macy?

Me: Uh, sure. Any reason?

Nicky: Did Phillip tell you that she won’t see me or talk to me?

Me: No, he didn’t. He’s out of town today, visiting a client.

Nicky: I’m dying.

Me: Did she choose Peter?

Nicky: Not yet. Supposedly, she’s not seeing or talking to either one of us until she makes up her mind. She wants to see who she misses.

Me: And how long is that expected to take?

Nicky: I have no freaking idea. Honestly, I don’t think she does either.

Me: Remember the advice Phillip gave you?

Nicky: About not sleeping with her until she decided?

Me: Yeah. Did you?

Nicky: I might have slipped a few times. Well, quite a few times. Okay, so I could only resist once. Look, I’m not this kind of guy. I’ve never screwed around with a girl who has a boyfriend. Let alone someone who’s engaged.

Me: What about Karly?

Nicky: She told me she didn’t have a boyfriend.

Me: And Madeline?

Nicky: They were sort of broken up. So, fine, I have but not on purpose.

Me: Accidental cheating, Nicky. That’s why I love you.

Nicky: Shut up. I don’t run a background check on every girl I meet. We’re getting off topic here. YOU NEED TO TEXT HER AND FIND OUT WHAT THE HELL SHE’S THINKING BEFORE I GO BATSHIT CRAZY! I’m seriously ready to do something crazy here!

Me: Sometimes, crazy is good. But hang on. I’ll text her.

I glance at the clock, noting it’s nearly three. I can picture my bridesmaid sitting on her bed in the sorority house, her bubblegum-pink toes dangling off the bed and her dark brown waves pushed over one shoulder as she studies. With her piercing blue eyes and great body, she bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Megan Fox, only she has an adorable Southern twang.

Me: Hey, Macy! What’s up? I haven’t talked to you in forever! Do I get to see you at Lori’s shower?

Macy: Did Nick ask you to text me?

Me: Would it be a good thing if he did?

Macy: I miss him.

Me: He misses you. He’s going crazy. Actually, he said he’s going BATSHIT CRAZY.

Macy: Aw. 🙁 I hate that I’m doing this to him. Peter, too. He’s such a sweetheart. He just …

Me: Isn’t doing it for you?

Macy: Kind of. Everything is so hot with Nick. We have this amazing, incredible chemistry.

Me: And Peter?

Macy: He’s my best friend.

Me: Chemistry?

Macy: Not through the roof like with Nick. That’s why I’m so confused. Peter is a good guy. He’d be a good husband and a great dad. I know exactly what I’m getting with him. With Nick, I don’t even know if we’d end up married. Do I risk giving up my engagement to a great guy for a possible relationship with Nick?

Me: Nick said you aren’t supposed to talk to either of them. Have you?

Macy: Peter isn’t abiding by the rule. Does that mean he loves me more?

Me: It means, he doesn’t want to lose you. He’s fighting for you.

Macy: But Nick isn’t?

Me: Nick is trying to play by the rules you set. He’s being respectful, if you ask me.

Macy: OMG!

Me: What?

Macy: Some guy is outside the house with a big, glittery I LOVE YOU sign. It’s so adorable. And he’s blaring music. I can’t quite make out the song.

Me: Who is the sign for?

Macy: I don’t know. Let me take a closer look.

Macy: OMG! OMG!!! OH MY GOD!!! IT’S HIM!

Me: Which him?

Macy: NICKY!!! Holy shit! I’ve gotta go!