11. My Woman Loves Surprises
Chapter 11
My Woman Loves Surprises
Ash
I ’ll admit, Ori’s calm and collected response to my story about Lucille surprised the hell out of me—especially when I reiterated how I had no plans to change my opinion on love and marriage.
But she just smiled and carried on with our day. And what a day she made it—filled with laughter, a delicious home-cooked meal, and several rounds of mind-blowing sex.
The best part, though? When she fell asleep on me while we watched a movie, with my cat, Merlin, curled up beside us.
In those moments, just like on our first night together, I let my walls down and allowed myself to bask in her presence.
I may not be the man who can give her the life she dreams of, but she’s the one woman I’m willing to go the distance for—even if I have no idea what that looks like.
At first, I braced for Ori’s inevitable breakdown, convinced she’d sit me down and tell me that, after thinking it over, this relationship wasn’t what she signed up for—and I’d have to let her go, knowing it was what she deserved.
Even if it killed me.
But it never came.
After a couple of weeks, I stopped waiting for the other shoe to drop and focused on all the good in my life—and, damn, there’s a lot.
The speakeasy finally looks like a bar again, even if it’s still missing plumbing and seating. The polished oak counter stretches the length of the room, and the walls, painted a deep emerald green, glow softly under vintage sconces.
Every day, my team of contractors edges Rum & Ruin closer to completion.
Let me tell you, I never thought this dream would come to life, but here it is—the embodiment of the spirits which I believe still roam the streets of Sparkwood.
Black Lotus is busier than ever, thanks in part to Casey’s article in Ink Spot . And just the other day, I got another call from her—no, not that kind of call. Turns out, she meant it about the tattoo world tour. Now, it’s just a matter of hashing out cities and dates to ink in some of the finest parlors around the globe.
Talk about living the life. I’ve got a gorgeous woman, a thriving business, and a soon-to-be Sparkwood hotspot.
The only downside? The frigid temperatures which seem intent on sticking around until spring—and fucking Eddie .
I tried to convince Ori to hire someone else—someone who doesn’t grate on my nerves simply by existing—but she insisted on having Eddie restore the Dean Estate.
Sure, the guy has solid credentials, and his restorations in the area are impressive. But that doesn’t mean I have to like him. There’s just something about the way he always seems to be hanging around Ori that drives me nuts.
I get it. My woman is beautiful. But back the fuck up, okay?
He does not need to drop by One More Page every damn day. That’s why phones, email, and, hell, Morse code exist. Pick one.
At least the work he’s done on the carriage house is up to snuff—and trust me, I’ve checked. His crew has rewired and re-plumbed the entire place, and they’ll be ready to start hanging sheetrock soon.
Not soon enough, though. And even once the carriage house is done, I know he’ll be around for at least another year working on the main house.
Fucking joy of joys.
But today? I’m not worrying about Eddie or his dogged persistence.
Today, I’m celebrating—and it’s not just any celebration. Ori’s going to love this.
She has no idea what’s coming, but I can’t wait to see the look on her face.
A scowl replaces my smile when I walk into One More Page .
Once again, Eddie is here, and this time, he’s bent over the counter, examining an old book.
He looks up, shooting me an affable smile. “Hey there, Ash. How are you doing?”
I jerk my chin toward the book in a pseudo-greeting. “You should wash your hands before handling that—better yet, wear gloves.”
Eddie frowns, glancing down at the book. “Gloves? Seriously? Why?”
“The oils from your hands can seep into the pages and mess with the ink over time. That’s a first edition, and it’s worth a small fortune. Your fingerprints could wreck the value. Just saying.”
He straightens, his smile dimming slightly. “Didn’t know you were such a book expert.”
“Neither did I.” Ori walks over, a surprised smile lighting up her face as she tips her head up for a kiss. “Since when do you know so much about antique books?”
“Since my girlfriend owns a bookstore.” I shrug, pulling her slight frame against me and claiming her mouth in a hungry kiss.
Do I throw in some extra tongue action and an ass grab for Eddie’s benefit?
Damn right I do.
I meant what I told Ori—any man comes near her, and I’m breaking them into tiny shards.
No, it’s not love, but it is a fierce protectiveness if anyone dares to take what’s mine. And Ori is the most precious thing in my world, even if I don’t have the balls to tell her.
So, I’ll show her instead.
“Aren’t you spicy today?” Ori teases, licking her lips and giggling as she brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. “How are things coming along with Rum & Ruin ?”
“Why don’t you walk downstairs and have a look? We can take the newly restored bar for a test drive.”
I glance over Ori’s shoulder at Eddie, who’s looking increasingly uncomfortable. Good. Time for the old boy to take the hint.
“Sorry. Just can’t resist with her,” I say, squeezing her tighter to my chest, my grin as unapologetic as it gets.
Eddie shrugs, shifting his weight from foot to foot as he averts his gaze. “Have at it, man. Hey, it’s almost time to hang new light fixtures, and Ori mentioned you’d like to select them?”
I tighten my arm around Ori, a small, satisfied smile curling my lips. As much as I can’t stand Eddie, I love that Ori and I are working on the Dean Estate together. It feels like we’re building something real—even with him as the unwelcome third wheel.
“You saw the pendant lights I set aside in the main house?” I glance down at Ori, brushing a thumb across her cheek. “You like those for the apartment, right?”
She tilts her head to the side. “The Tiffany glass ones?”
“Yeah.”
“Those are beautiful. Can you hang those, Eddie?” Ori asks, her voice sweet and unassuming.
A broad smile stretches across Eddie’s face as he looks at her. “Anything for you.”
Seriously?
I grumble under my breath, refusing to be one-upped by a thirty-year-old contractor.
“Hey, little one,” I say, turning Ori’s attention back to me, “I need you to go home and pack.”
Her brow furrows as she glances up at me, confusion flickering in her eyes. “What for?”
“I have a surprise for us.”
Ori releases a nervous laugh as she bites her bottom lip. “I have a huge inventory due in a week.”
“I know,” I reply, not missing a beat as I brush a stray strand of hair from her cheek. “Mina said she and a few of the other girls will handle it.”
Her arms cross over her chest, her curiosity building. “What am I packing for, exactly?”
“Five days and four nights in the Keys.”
Her eyes widen as her jaw drops. “You booked us a trip?”
“First-class accommodations all the way,” I reply with a grin as I wrap an arm around her waist. “From the plane to the resort. Only the best for you.”
Her lips part, clearly trying to process the information. “What is this for?”
I shrug, my tone softening as I tilt her chin up to meet my gaze. “I could say it’s for Valentine’s Day, but it’s really because we deserve a break—and because I want to spoil you a bit. So, what do you say?”
“Who’s going to watch the store while we’re gone?”
“Braden and Mina. I’ve already spoken to them.”
“You really did plan this for us.”
“Imagine that. Now, I’ll ask one more time—yes or no?”
She jumps into my arms with an excited yip, her hands wrapping around my neck as she peppers kisses across my face. “That’s a hell yes. Five days to work on my tan. Nude sunbathing, here I come.”
I smile, but then her words register. “No, no, no. You’re not showing this body off to anyone but me.”
Ori rolls her eyes, her lips curling into a mischievous smirk. “Fine. Is a dental floss bikini acceptable? Ash, I have a fantastic ass. I need to show it off. You can wear a Speedo.”
I narrow my eyes, recognizing the teasing glint in hers. She loves getting a rise out of me. And I love putting her right back in her place.
Lowering her to the ground, I deliver a firm smack to her ass, well aware our buddy Eddie is still lingering.
But this time, it’s not just about sending a message to the overly friendly contractor.
Every day, I find it harder and harder to resist the tiny woman at my side.
Maybe you should stop trying.
For once, the thought doesn’t fill me with dread.
Maybe it’s time.
“What did she say?” Braden asks the second I stroll back into Black Lotus.
“It’s a go. You sure you don’t mind watching the store, too? I know it’s a lot, but I really need the downtime before the craziness of the speakeasy opening.”
Braden rolls his eyes. “You need a tropical vacation with your girlfriend.”
I wave my hand in agreement as I black out my schedule for the next week. “That too. I’ll mail you a palm tree.”
“Just send some blasted sun. I never thought I’d say this, but maybe Mom and Dad had the right idea, moving to Florida.”
“Spring will be here soon, and all will be right in the world. We just have to muddle through the shit until then.”
“Says the man boarding a plane to the Keys tomorrow.” Braden grabs a sticky note, waving it toward me. “Hey, change of subject—Lucille called and left a message for you. Wants you to call her back. Are you two talking again?”
“Not at all.”
It’s the truth. After her random, insistent call begging to meet up several weeks ago, she dropped off the face of the earth.
To be honest, any thought of the woman had slipped my mind—completely.
Huh. That’s never happened before.
And I know why—because of one tiny librarian who usurps my every thought. A tiny siren who has plans of strolling a beach wearing a dental floss bikini.
No way we’re ever leaving the hotel bed if she tries that. I’ll tie her gorgeous ass up and find a million ways to keep her occupied.
Braden shakes the piece of paper with the phone message under my nose. “What should I tell Lucille if she calls again?”
I shrug, not caring. “Tell her I’m on vacation and she’ll have to wait. Feel free to throw in a comment about Ori’s numerous assets, if you’d like.”
A slow smile lights up Braden’s face as he leans back in his chair. “Hallelujah. You’re finally past her.”
“I’ve been past her.”
“Bullshit. You pretended you were, but Ori got you past her. I could kiss her for that.”
“Don’t you dare touch my fucking woman.”
Braden smirks. “Look at you all possessive and shit. Just remember, I am not wearing a tux to your wedding.”
I shoot him a scathing glare. “Slow your roll. We’re going on vacation. I’m not marrying her.”
“Aww, here I thought I might have ignited the closet romantic in your soul.”
Fuck. The last person I needed hearing that line is the one now standing behind me.
Pivoting on my heel, I flash Ori a sheepish grin. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
She cocks a brow, crossing her arms as her lips twitch into a knowing smirk. “Yes, you did, but I’ll let it slide because you are taking me to paradise tomorrow.”
See what I mean? Without a doubt, the coolest chick on the planet. Hey, for all I know, maybe she’s good with our arrangement, too, and doesn’t want anything more.
Great times. Great sex. Tons of laughter. No need to muck it up with love and contracts.
So why do I hate that she heard me say those words?
Because you don’t mean them and maybe one day …
Braden cuts my thoughts short. “Hold up. You’re letting my brother get away with that?”
Ori shrugs, brushing her fingers over the counter. “Yep, although romantic guys get far more loving than ones who don’t believe in the concept. Pity for you, I suppose, Ash.”
She’s joking … I think. “I’ll find ways to convince you to cross to the dark side.”
“I’ve been on the dark side since we started hanging out together. Lucky for you, I kind of like it here.”
I pull her into an embrace, letting my arms linger around her waist as I nuzzle her neck. Her scent wraps around me—soft, warm, and forever inviting.
“I’m the lucky one,” I murmur, the thought slipping out unbidden.
Her gentle laugh vibrates against my chest, and for a moment, I wish I could keep her there forever, the rest of the world forgotten.
“What do you need, beautiful?”
“Something you can’t give me, so I’ll have to settle for the time of our flight tomorrow. Are we working part of the day?”
I shake my head. “Only on our tans. Our flight leaves at six-thirty.”
“Perfect, although I’m warning you, I’ll be running on sunshine and caffeine tomorrow, since tonight is all about packing.” She pecks my cheek and pulls from my embrace. “See you later.”
“Hey.” I grasp her fingers, giving them a gentle squeeze, my thumb brushing over her knuckles.
“Yeah?”
“What did you mean when you said you want something I can’t give you?”
Do I have a good idea what she meant? Of course, I’m not stupid.
But maybe I need to hear Ori say it to finally break free of the chains tethering me to my past. Maybe if she lays down the law and demands every part of me, I’ll stop being afraid of a future.
Or maybe hearing it will only heighten the fear.
Doesn’t matter either way, because my beautiful lady has no intention of spilling her secret.
Her only answer is to blow me a kiss and walk out the door.