16. Breakfast in Bed … For Three?
Chapter 16
Breakfast in Bed … For Three?
Ori
A sh isn’t the only one capable of surprises.
The man has been burning the candle at both ends, running on a few hours’ sleep per night and subsisting on whatever food he can grab on the fly. So, I’m bringing him breakfast in bed.
I’m fully aware he won’t stay there for long, but at least it gives him a healthy start to the day. Plus, I’m worried about him. Even with his insane schedule, he always took the time to text me goodnight, even managing a few sexy comments to keep me sated during our time apart.
But last night? His reply was brusque—cold, almost.
Since I know I haven’t done anything to anger him, something else must be upsetting him, and I intend to figure out what.
I pull up to his farmhouse, my gaze falling on an unfamiliar sedan parked next to Ash’s truck.
That’s odd.
But I shake off the thought and grab my basket of goodies from the backseat.
I stroll up the walkway and ring the bell but freeze when the door opens.
Standing on the threshold is a woman wearing a curious expression.
Trust me, lady, I’m wondering who the hell you are, too.
First thing I notice? She’s tall, at least 5’9”, and towers over me. The second thing? She’s stunning. Her bright pink hair tumbles over her shoulders, and her eyes are an almost jarring shade of blue. Tattoos travel the length of both arms and across her chest in a colorful floral motif, all accentuating her impossibly ample tits.
Yes, I look. No doubt with the shirt she’s wearing, that’s exactly what she intends.
Then I notice the third thing about this gorgeous stranger—her slightly distended belly. It’s not over-the-top obvious, but as a woman, I can tell.
She’s pregnant.
Guess that whole pregnancy glow isn’t a myth.
“Can I help you?” she asks, leaning against the doorframe.
I hope someone can, because I have a million questions about why Braden is dating a pregnant woman. Namely, is it his baby? If so, this discovery will devastate poor Mina.
Can’t say I blame her because I’d feel the same way.
I lift the basket of breakfast food. “I came to see Ash. Is he here?”
A soft smile touches her lips. “You must be Ori.”
“I am. And you are?”
She extends one hand, her grip friendly and firm. “I’m Lucille.”
Just like that, the bottom of my world drops out.
Lucille is not a common name. There’s zero chance that Braden is dating someone with the same name as the woman who broke Ash’s heart all those years ago.
Which means this is Ash’s Lucille—aka, his one true love.
Fuck, I need answers.
“Umm … are you visiting?” I stammer, my voice cracking under the dread.
“Staying here for a while. We wanted a safe place for the baby and me.”
We wanted a safe place? We, as in her and Ash?
I need to leave because I’m milliseconds away from a total meltdown. My chest tightens, and I can’t seem to get any air into my lungs as the reality of the situation settles over me.
Lucille is back, and she’s carrying Ash’s baby.
I need to go.
Now .
The familiar sound of Ash’s boots echoes down the hallway, growing louder until he steps into the doorway. His eyes widen when he sees me, and he sucks in a sharp breath. “Ori, you’re here.”
My lower lip trembles, but I force my voice to sound normal, unaffected by the blow just dealt to my heart. “I was worried about you not eating right, but … I see you’re fine. I’m leaving now.”
Tossing the basket aside, I race down the walkway, tears blurring my vision.
“Ori, wait.” Ash grabs my arm, spinning me around to face him. “Please, let me explain.”
“Explain what?” My voice cracks, raw with emotion. “Your great love is back, and she’s brought reinforcements. Congratulations on that, by the way. Banner day for you.”
Ash’s jaw tightens, his expression grim. “Trust me, you don’t understand. Come inside so we can talk.”
“You were with her last night?”
His gaze drops to the gravel, his voice a low rumble. “Yes. I didn’t know until yesterday.”
“Did you cheat on me?”
“Never. This was … before you and me.”
I wipe my eyes, but the tears keep falling, hot and relentless. “You told me you two had slept together, but I didn’t realize it was a few months ago.”
He drags a hand through his messy hair, the tension radiating off him. “It just happened. We’re not together.”
Is that supposed to make me feel better?
“Well, you should be,” I snap. “You’re having a baby. You’re a family.”
“It’s complicated.”
At that moment, I realize it’s not.
“No, it’s simple. You love Lucille. It’s only ever been her, and look how lucky you are—dreams do come true for some people.”
Ash’s hands slide along my face, his touch firm, forcing me to meet his gaze. “No way. I don’t love Lucille.”
His words hang in the air, doing nothing to soothe the ache in my chest.
And now I feel like even more of a fool for proclaiming my love for Ash during our vacation.
“Well, we both know you don’t love me.”
“Ori—”
I throw up my hands, cutting him off. “Honestly, just stop talking. Nothing you can say will make this situation feel any better for me. I’m just another name in your long line of women while you waited for Lucille’s return. I see that now.”
“You don’t see?—”
“Shut up,” I hiss, anger flooding my veins. “Just stop with the bullshit, okay? I was a fool for believing this meant something. That I meant something.”
“You mean everything to me.”
How is it that the vision in my head is so drastically different from reality? I knew Lucille destroyed Ash, but I never guessed he still carried a torch for her. There’s a fool born every minute, and this time, it’s me.
Dragging a hand under my nose, I turn and walk to my truck, but Ash is hot on my heels. As soon as I reach for the handle, his hand covers mine.
“I’m begging you. Please don’t walk away from me. You’re all I’ve got.”
“You don’t need me, Ash. You never did.”
“This was before you and I got together. If I had known?—”
“Don’t go there. Don’t wish that, ever.”
“You know what I mean. It’s been a fucking horrible night.”
I finally meet his gaze, peering into the green depths. He looks exhausted—dark circles under his eyes, worry lines creasing his forehead. He looks utterly haggard.
Neither of us has the energy to hash this out right now. Not that there’s anything left to discuss, aside from returning the few personal items we’ve left at each other’s places.
Hell, it took Ash a month to invite me to his home. It took Lucille one night to receive an all-access pass to live here.
The writing is on the wall. It’s likely always been there—I just didn’t want to see it. But my eyes are open now.
“Little one, I can’t do this alone.” His voice is low, trembling with emotion.
Damn me and my soft heart, but the man looks petrified. I want to hate him, but it’s not that easy.
“You don’t have to,” I reply quietly.
His eyes search mine, a glimmer of hope lighting them. “You mean that?”
“Of course. You have Lucille, and I’m sure your parents will help however they can.”
“What about us?”
“There is no us. I don’t think there ever was.”
“Please don’t say that. Don’t walk away from me now—I’m begging you.”
I pull open the truck door and climb inside. “I need time, Ash. Time to process this. When I’m ready, we can talk. But until then, I need space.”
I don’t wait to hear his reply. What can he say that will change any of this?
Although I’m crumbling inside, I slap on a false front of bravery. Years of mourning my father’s abandonment taught me how to fake it. It’s not for Ash’s sake—he has Lucille to lean on now.
No, this is for me. I deserve to leave here with the last shreds of my dignity. My heart is another matter. That I’ll leave at Ash’s feet, where he can walk over it a few more times, should the desire arise.
I put the truck into gear and glance through the windshield. Ash hasn’t moved. His eyes remain locked on me, sadness etched deep into his features.
Or maybe that’s just what I want to see.
Doesn’t matter either way.
My time with Ash is over. He’s going to be a dad, and I’m not the mom.
How stupid was I to think I’d ever have a starring role in Asher Hammond’s life? I was nothing but the understudy.
I pull onto the main road, my entire body trembling as a mixture of shock, rage, and heartbreak courses through my veins.
Now what? How do I coexist, working next door to the man I adore—a man who’s having a baby with his first love?
It’s too much to think about. All I can do is get back to the shop safely, throw myself into work, and seriously reconsider moving back to the city. Avoiding Ash at all costs is now my top priority.
Do I hate him? No. If what he says is true, this happened when my only interactions with Ash were angry glares and muttered curses.
So, he’s not an asshole who hid the truth while simultaneously wooing me.
It’s simply something that happened before Ash and me … not that there ever was an Ash and me.
I see that now.
And, oh joy, I get to add one more thing to my to-do list: get tested. If he had unprotected sex with Lucille and me, there’s no telling who else might be in the mix.
Today keeps getting better and better.
I know I should get it over with, but I can’t bring myself to handle one more blow right now. What difference will a week or two make?
If I develop symptoms, I’ll go immediately. Otherwise, I’ll wait until it doesn’t hurt to breathe.
Good plan. Actually, it’s a terrible fucking plan, but right now, it’s all I’ve got. Future endeavors are on hold until I figure out what the hell to do next with my life.
I have a terrible poker face, as evidenced by the concern crossing Mina’s features, when I walk into One More Page . She rushes over but says nothing. Instead, she envelops me in a hug, her embrace warm and comforting.
I need that comfort now.
Pulling back, she thumbs under my eyes. “What in the world happened? Don’t you dare say nothing.”
See? Terrible poker face. The worst.
“Where to begin?” I huff, slogging toward the coffee bar. I need caffeine. Gallons of it.
Hey, it’s better than whiskey, and trust me, that thought crossed my mind too on the way here.
I grab a mug and fill it, shaking off Mina’s offer of sugar.
Black and bitter, just like my soul.
“Judging by your face, you’ve heard the news.”
I twirl on my heel, forcing a smile for Braden as he leans against the coffee bar. “I just came from there.”
“What news?” Mina interjects, her wide-eyed gaze bouncing between Braden and me. “Care to fill me in?”
“My brother knocked up Lucille,” Braden mutters, tugging a hand through his hair. “I couldn’t believe it when he showed up at the farm with her in tow.”
Ignoring Mina’s shocked gasp, I focus my attention on Braden. “I take it you’re not a fan of hers?”
“Not even close. She fucked with my brother big time, and it took him years to get over her.”
“Apparently, that never happened.”
Braden shakes his head, accepting Mina’s offer of coffee with a thin-lipped grin. Seems smiling is as difficult for him as it is for me right now.
“He did. When he met you.”
I am not hearing this nonsense right now.
“Trust me, Braden. I was just another woman to your brother.”
“That’s not true. You were so much more. You brought the old Ash back.” He takes a long drink of his coffee, his expression darkening. “And now I’m stuck watching him repeat the same damn cycle. Lucille pulls him in, chews him up, and spits him out. It’s exhausting. I can’t believe I have to live with the woman. Hell, she’s making this big dinner tonight and asked me to join them. As if a meal could change my opinion of her. I told Ash I wasn’t going. In fact, I might need to find a new place to live.”
She can cook, too. Why am I not surprised?
Do I agree with Braden? On every count, but layering on insults will not help the situation.
“Go to the dinner, Braden. Your brother needs your support. No doubt he’s terrified, even if he won’t admit it. I think he’ll be a great dad, though.”
My sentiment is true. I know Ash will be top-notch in the parenting department. I just hope he hangs up his philandering ways and settles down with his family.
Their baby deserves that, because I know how painful it is to grow up wondering why you weren’t enough for them to stay.
Pretty much the way I’m feeling right now.
“What are you going to do?” Mina questions, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
“What do you mean? There’s nothing to do. I’m going to finish with the inventory for the shop and then speak to Eddie about the house renovations.”
Both Mina and Braden focus their gazes on me. Seems I’m not worming my way out of an answer.
Mina’s voice softens, her hand squeezing my shoulder. “Whatever you decide, you know I’m here for you, right? You don’t have to face this alone.”
I glance at her, my throat tightening. “I’ll be his friend. At least, as much as I can right now.”
“You don’t think you two can work through this?” Braden asks.
While we wouldn’t be the first couple to endure an outside pregnancy in the early stages of a relationship, I have zero desire to peg my love against Lucille.
I’m not a fan of losing, and that bet is a surefire loss.
“Honestly, I’m not up for that level of drama in my life. I have enough to worry about, and so does he. We’re better off as friends, or whatever we are now.”
“I totally disagree. Hell, I figured you two would get married and have a few kids.”
How wrong you are, Braden.
“The players have changed, but the game is the same. What did your parents say?”
Braden’s eyes widen at my question. “No idea. I’m sure as hell not telling them. My folks hate Lucille more than I do. They’re going to be pissed because they love you.”
“They don’t know me.”
“But they know how you changed Ash,” Braden replies. “They also remember what Lucille did to him. Fucking bitch.”
I lean against the counter, trying to find a silver lining in this scenario. Trust me, it’s not easy.
“Look, it sucks, right? And I plan on drinking heavily and eating cartons of ice cream for the foreseeable future. But you’re going to be an uncle, Braden, and that’s amazing.”
“I just wish it was with someone else.”
You and me both, buddy.
Enough of this. I need to focus my attention anywhere but on the festering pile that once was my heart.
Except I can’t escape it. The man I love—and his drama—are literally right next door. Every time I see his face, it will twist the knife a little deeper. Proximity isn’t just salt in the wound—it’s the whole damn shaker.
Lifting my mug of coffee, I motion toward my office. “The books are calling, and I must go. Thanks for checking on me, Braden.”
He leans across the counter, pecking me on the cheek. “Don’t give up on him. Maybe you two can figure something out.”
That’s the thing. I don’t want to figure out some workaround regarding this situation. Even if Ash claims to want that, I’d always feel like the other woman standing between Lucille and Ash’s family unit.
I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of that scenario.
Do. Not. Recommend.
Come to think of it, I don’t recommend love much anymore, either.
“Talk soon, Braden.” I watch him stroll next door before turning my attention to Mina.
“I love you, but I don’t want to discuss it. Not yet, anyway. Just let me work through it, okay?”
I don’t give Mina a chance to answer as I head for my office, sure of only one thing.
Love stinks, and I have zero desire to ever participate in this game again.
I’m knee-deep in organizing my new shipment of books when Lucille walks in, making a beeline for me.
Fuck my life. No doubt she’s here to remind me to stay far away from her man, lest I want a beating.
Okay, that might not be her plan, but I wouldn’t put it past her to issue a claim of ownership.
It’s Asher Hammond, for God’s sake. Women line up for his attention, but she’s the lucky bitch carrying his spawn.
Not that I would ever attempt to interfere in their … situation. I’m many things, but pathetic isn’t one of them. At least not outwardly. I’m a hot mess on the inside, but neither she nor Ash will ever know.
Might as well get this over with so I can return to the unnecessary rearranging of my store.
Hey, a woman needs something to keep her mind off life, and Mina has forbidden me from having any more coffee today. Apparently, my jitteriness was off-putting.
Better that than taking a sledgehammer to the breakable objects in the store—or to Ash’s handsome head.
“Hi, Ori.”
“Something I can help you with?” I brace for the inevitable warning, but Lucille turns her attention to the shelf, running her long fingers along the spines of the books.
“Baby books? I have zero knowledge on the subject, and Ash said you’re brilliant with pretty much everything.”
How quaint. I’m now the Girl Friday for Ash’s baby mama.
Dusting off my pants, I crook a finger at Lucille. “We have several on the subject, and I can always order more for you.”
I lead her to the baby section, an area I laid out with all the touches expectant and new mamas might want: stuffed animals, soft hues on the furniture, rocking chairs.
Sadly, I based it on my ideals of motherhood, an area I’d hoped to explore one day. That concept is now further off than ever.
Pulling a book from the shelf, I hand it to Lucille and motion to the rocker. “Have a seat. Would you like some tea?”
But she doesn’t sit. Instead, she grasps my wrist, holding me fast, her blue eyes boring into mine.
Here it comes.
“I know this must be hard for you, Ori. I hope you understand that neither of us wants to hurt you.”
Oh, but you did. In fact, you decimated me.
Plastering on a smile, I pull my hand free. “It was definitely a surprise, but Ash and I were never serious.”
Is it a lie? At least on my end, but I have to maintain face. I refuse to acknowledge that Lucille’s reentry into Ash’s life has destroyed all the plans I had for the two of us.
“That’s not true. He’s crazy about you. You’re all he talks about. He says you’re his best friend.”
Best friend? The words land like a punch, wrenching something deep inside me.
Not a girlfriend. Not a partner. Just … a best friend.
Wait a damn minute. How often were they talking? And why would he bring me up to her?
“What an interesting topic of conversation,” I reply dryly.
Lucille’s expression softens, and for a moment, she appears almost sad. “You’re important to him, Ori. More than you probably realize. This situation—it’s breaking him.”
Breaking him? What about me?
Her gaze drops to the floor, her voice barely a whisper. “He’s trying to do the right thing. For everyone.”
Damn it, I want to hate the woman, but there’s something so earnest about her. She doesn’t seem like the heartless bitch Ash and Braden talk about. She seems lonely, and a bit lost.
But looks can be deceiving.
“Braden says you’re fixing them a big dinner tonight.”
Lucille sighs, forcing a smile. “It’s the least I can do since they’re letting me stay there. You’re welcome to join us.”
Thanks, but I’d rather drink gasoline.
“I’m busy.” I pause, wringing my hands as I work up the courage to tell Lucille what I know she needs to hear. “Ash will do the right thing, Lucille. He’s a stand-up guy.”
“I know, but this isn’t what he wanted.”
Ouch. That even hurts me to hear.
Giving her hand another awkward pat, I muster a calming tone. “Give him time. I’m sure it shocked him to learn he’s going to be a dad.”
Sure as hell floored me, but I’m no one in this situation.
I hand her two more books. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Ori?”
Once again, I brace myself, unsure what Lucille might have left to say. “Yes?”
“Thank you for understanding. For being nice to me. Most women wouldn’t in your situation.”
A curt nod is all I can manage, and even that is a struggle. Winding my way around the piles of books I’ve strewn across the floor, I make a beeline for my office and shut the door.
Inventory can wait.
Right now, I need to fall the fuck apart.
When a knock sounds at my office door, I groan and press my forehead against the desk, the words spilling out before I can stop them.
“Not now. Please, not now.”