Baby Decision — Tina Gayle

Susan York faces the biggest decision of her life. A baby or college? Unmarried and confused, Susan is not looking for a guy. She only wants to get through her classes without getting sick. Colt Lefevour needs help with his English Lit homework until he discovers Susan is pregnant. Hurt from his ex-girlfriend aborting his baby, he wants to be the father of Susan's baby, but can he convince her to let him help. Excerpt: "Hey, Colt, can I talk to you a minute?" "You bet." He smiled and stopped beside her, letting the cute blonde who was walking with him go on ahead. "How are you feeling?" "Fine." Susan glanced around to make sure no one stood nearby. "I wanted to apologize for running out on your speech the other day." He shrugged. "No big deal. Mrs. Murphy explained the problem." A rush of dread washed over her. She grabbed the sleeve of his jacket, unable to stop herself from asking, "She told you I was pregnant?" Colt shook his head. A confused, almost pained expression passed over his face. "No, she said you warned her you might have to leave in a hurry because you have a sensitive stomach." "Oh." Susan quickly released his arm and turned away. "I, uh, have a problem with your cologne. It seems to upset my sinuses." She walked away from him, trying to escape and catch her breath. How could I be so stupid? With his long stride, he quickly matched her pace. "Is that why you've been avoiding me all semester?" She glanced at him. The pungent odor didn't invade her senses. "You're not wearing it today?" "I was in a hurry this morning and forgot." He smiled. "Well, uh, I'm sure most of the girls in our class enjoy the scent. I just can't seem to stand the, uh..." An increase of people in the open area told Susan their class would be starting in a few minutes. "You can't stand the smell of it," Colt finished. "Yes, well..." Susan hedged and grabbed the exit's door handle. "You could have told me," he said, holding the door open. "Right." People streamed passed her out the door. "And how do you go about starting that conversation?" In the hall, packed with students, no one was allowed to stand still for long. Susan walked forward, weaving her way down the hall and away from Colt. She hoped to escape him, but he kept up. He entered the classroom right on her heels. "I would have understood. My mother has allergies." He sat down in the desk next to her and took off his jacket. "I just won't wear my cologne to class anymore." "Thanks." Susan retrieved her notebook and wondered why he was still bothering to talk to her. He had to know she wasn't in the market for a boyfriend, not with her being pregnant. She couldn't think of a bigger turnoff for a man than a fat woman with another man's baby kicking around in her belly. And as a broke college student, he couldn't afford a ready-made family.