23. Birthday Surprises
Chapter 23
Birthday Surprises
Ori
I can do this. I’m a strong, independent woman who has survived far worse than spending an hour with my ex-boyfriend and his baby mama.
An ex I desperately love.
A man whose baby grows in my belly.
A baby he doesn’t know about … yet.
Screw strong and independent. I’m fucking terrified.
Mina and I walk into the farmhouse, offering smiles to the people hanging out in the converted garage space. I’ll give it to the Hammond brothers—their house is always ready for a good time.
A pool table takes center stage in the room, while Zane works the small bar in the corner, mixing drinks like a pro.
“Did you know Zane was a bartender?”
Mina shrugs, glancing around the room. “I’m not surprised, with the way the man parties. You’d think they’d tire of endless drunken nights.”
It’s the oddest thing. Mina is only twenty-five, a good eight years younger than anyone else here, but in terms of lifestyle, she’s an old soul. All she wants is to find the perfect man and settle down.
And she has her sights set on one man in particular—Braden Hammond.
I can’t blame her in the slightest. Braden is gorgeous, like his brother, and a genuinely decent human being.
Unfortunately, Braden thinks Mina is too young, and he’d never use her for a one-night stand or as a casual plaything.
That’s not his style—especially since he knows I’d use his body in a science experiment if he ever tried.
Mina’s face lights up the moment she spots Braden, but the excitement fades just as quickly when her eyes land on the woman clinging to his arm.
“You’re way prettier,” I say, giving her a gentle nudge. And I mean it—Braden’s flavor of the moment might be attractive, but Mina is stunning. Not that I’d ever admit I’m biased because I love the woman.
“You’re a bad liar.”
“Good thing I’m not lying. Ready to leave?” Hey, I’m just being a supportive friend here.
Mina wags her finger at me. “You think you’re slick, don’t you?”
“Not at all, actually.”
“Well, we can leave as soon as you tell Ash your news.”
I tip my head back and groan. “You suck.”
Braden appears at our side, grasping Mina by the elbow. “Hey, I need a favor.”
“Anything.” Mina’s voice is even, but I see her cheeks flush from Braden’s touch.
Actually, I think this is the first time Braden has managed more than some casual pleasantries to Mina. Per Ash, Braden has a shy streak, too.
Seems a few beers have loosened his tongue. Hell, I might be watching love unfold in front of my face.
I could use a good romance right now, especially considering the state of my love life.
“See that woman?” Braden swings his gaze across the room. “She’s been hanging on me all evening. Keep me company in the greenhouse?”
I raise my brows and bite back a smirk.
Subtle, Braden.
Still, I’m glad he’s giving my friend a chance. She’s an amazing woman.
If he hurts her, I’ll kill him.
Braden smiles at me, nodding toward the kitchen. “Ash is inside. I know he’s waiting for you.”
“Great.” I flash a wide grin.
Is it fake? One hundred percent, but so is Braden’s claim.
I highly doubt Ash is waiting for me, but I might as well get it over with before the night gets any darker and the partygoers fall further into their cups.
I stroll into the kitchen, my feet heavier with every step as I clutch Ash’s present in my arms.
Ash glances up from where he’s leaning against the counter, a whiskey glass in his hand. His lips curve into a faint smile as he sees me. “You came.”
“Well, you invited me. Happy Birthday.” I thrust Ash’s gift into his hands. “I didn’t think it would arrive on time.”
“Thank you.” He runs a hand along the edge of the box, his thumb lingering on the ribbon for a moment before setting it aside, unopened, on the counter.
“Aren’t you going to open it?”
“Truth is, Ori, you’re all I wanted for my birthday. The rest is gravy.”
His sweet words take direct aim at my heart, but my armor is intact and ready. It has to be; the last time I let myself believe in his promises, Lucille walked in and reminded me where I stand—on the outside, looking in.
“Or in this case, whiskey.”
Ash narrows his gaze. “What?”
“Open your gift. I ordered it especially for you. For Rum & Ruin .”
Ash tears into the wrapping paper, his eyes widening as he pulls out the sleek, dark glass bottle. The custom label catches the light, with Rum & Ruin Reserve embossed in bold, elegant lettering over a minimalist design. The deep amber liquid gleams inside. He turns the bottle over, studying it.
“Holy shit.”
“It’s your own brand. Aged for five years, and the entire stock belongs to you. This is just a sample. I thought it’d be cool for the bar to have its own blend.”
“This is the best gift I’ve ever gotten. You are the queen of awesome presents.” He grins, setting the bottle down like it’s the most precious thing he’s ever held. “Come on, let’s sample the wares.”
I shake my head. “I’m driving soon, so I’ll pass. But please, go ahead.”
I follow Ash to the bar, where he proudly shows off his gift. A few of his friends glance my way, nodding their approval, and I manage a polite smile.
It’s then I realize how strange this must be for them—Ash’s baby mama and his most recent ex, together at a party.
And yet, none of them seem fazed. Maybe they’re used to watching Ash juggle women with effortless charm, as though relationships were accessories he could switch out at will.
To think I wasn’t nauseous until this very moment.
Lucille sidles up beside me, one hand resting on her belly. “Well done. That’s the greatest gift I’ve ever seen.”
“Hardly. I just thought it would be cool for him. How are you holding up?”
“Bumping along. Don’t believe anyone who says pregnancy is the best time of your life. They’re liars.”
Tell me about it.
Ash’s voice breaks through the moment, warm and inviting. “Oriana Thorne, this is incredible. Come on, have a sip.”
I wave my hand, declining his offer. “I tried some when I bought it. Glad you like it, though.”
He walks over and pulls me close, seemingly oblivious to Lucille standing right next to us.
His lips find mine with an urgency that steals my breath. His hands grip my waist as his thumbs brush along the curve of my hips. The heat of his touch seeps into me, making it impossible to think straight. Whiskey lingers on his tongue, smoky and heady, and I almost drown in it.
Almost.
But then reality claws its way back in and I pull back with an embarrassed laugh, shooting Lucille a stilted smile. “Don’t let the whiskey go to your head.”
“I’m not,” Ash chuckles, his hands still firmly clinging to my body. “This is all about you.”
Before I can respond, his lips claim mine again, slower this time, deliberate. His tongue traces the seam of my mouth, teasing, coaxing, until my knees nearly give out.
Do I want to lose myself in him? In this moment? More than my next breath. But things have changed, and we must change, too.
Pushing out of his arms, I press my hands against his chest. “You better behave.”
“Why?”
Oh, so many reasons, not least of which is your baby mama standing three feet away. It doesn’t matter that she seems unfazed by the display.
I’m affected by her presence in our private moment.
Hell, I’m affected by her presence in our lives. Period.
Ash senses my discomfort and laces his fingers with mine, giving them a squeeze. “Come on.”
Without a second glance at Lucille, he leads me into the house and down the long hallway toward the back bedroom.
We pause outside the closed door, my heart hammering in my chest. “What are we doing?”
His smirk says it all. “I have a ton of ideas. Let me show you.”
But it’s not that simple.
He’s not my man.
Not anymore.
And if I’m honest—really and brutally honest—he never was.
That was never an occupation Asher Hammond wanted.
At least, not with me.
No amount of kisses, however public or reassuring, are going to change the fact that the woman he once adored is carrying his baby.
Oh yeah, and so am I.
See? Once again, I’m relegated to second place. The runner-up. Or, as I lovingly call it, breadfruit.
I groan, realizing a split second too late that the sound needed to stay in my mouth.
Ash’s gaze widens. “Not the reaction I hoped for.”
“Sorry. It’s not you. It’s … life.”
He strokes the hair from my face, his fingers gentle against my skin. “Are you okay?”
For a man as big and burly as Ash, he’s also the king of the gentle caress.
Shrugging off the malaise, I force a smile and hope it doesn’t border on maniacal. Let’s get real—my psyche has lived through the wringer these last few weeks. “Absolutely. Just a bit sleepy. And wondering what we’re doing outside the bedroom.”
He winks at me before pulling me close and pressing that gorgeous mouth to mine once more.
“Anything you’d like,” he murmurs against my lips, his hands sliding to my ass and pulling me flush against him.
I stiffen, my hands flying up to push him away, but he doesn’t budge. If anything, his grip tightens—a silent reminder that, in his eyes, I belong to him.
Do I want to cave to his ministrations? Of course. But that’s not the point.
I don’t share my lovers or my loves.
“Ash, stop,” I whisper, my voice cracking.
His lips linger for one last moment before he finally pulls back. His eyes search mine, and I see the hint of frustration living there.
“I’m sorry,” he says quietly, stepping back with a sigh. He hesitates, like there’s something more he wants to say, but opens the door and motions toward the bed sitting in the center of the room. “I thought you might want to say hello to Merlin.”
For the first time since I arrived, a genuine laugh bubbles from my throat. I bound to the bed, leaping next to the bundle of fluff snuggled on the blanket. “Merlin, you lazy, fat cat.”
The black cat awakens and gives me a sleepy yawn, reaching out a paw to coax me into more pets.
Like he even has to ask.
Ash sprawls across the bed on the opposite side of Merlin, resting his head in his hand. But his gaze never wavers from me.
At this point, it’s unnerving.
It’s more than the man undressing me with his eyes. It’s like he’s trying to peer straight into my soul.
“Such a spoiled boy,” I murmur, rubbing Merlin’s stomach. “I’ve missed him.”
“He misses you, too.” Ash gestures to the three of us. “Our little family.”
His words pierce the armor around my heart, and I blink back tears.
If only ...
My mind races at his intimation, wondering if he knows.
Is that possible?
If I was brave, I’d take this moment and run with it. Tell him we’re expanding the family.
But my tongue is tied in knots.
Time to change the subject. I’ll circle back later.
I sit up, wringing my hands, trying to still the tremors reverberating through my body.
“How are things with Lucille?” I blurt out.
Ash’s eyes widen briefly before he rolls onto his back with a groan. “Why do you always have to bring up Lucille?”
“She’s your family, too.”
“No, she isn’t. She’s just a woman who can’t seem to avoid trouble, and I’m the lucky one who gets to clean up her mess.” He scrubs a hand over his face, his frustration giving way to guilt. “I don’t mean it like that, but this situation has turned my life upside down. And not in a good way.”
“Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected,” I breathe.
“Her situation is not one of them.” He leans over Merlin to place a soft kiss on my lips, his voice dropping to a murmur. “However, you are an entirely different story.”
“How so?”
“I told you. You’re my true north.”
I chew my lip, a small smile breaking free as Merlin scampers off the bed to chase a foil ball.
Ash reaches out, tucking a stubborn strand of hair behind my ear before scooting closer on the bed. “You look tired.”
“Is that a nice way of saying I look like crap?”
He snorts, dragging his fingers lightly along my side. “I’m not that stupid.”
I glare at him, but he holds up his hands in mock surrender, chuckling. “You’re gorgeous, woman. But you look tired. Are you okay?”
There’s another opening.
A perfect opportunity to tell Ash the reason for my exhaustion.
A moment I let slide by— again —as the blood pounds in my ears.
With a sigh, Ash pulls me into his arms, burying his face against my neck.
For a moment, I forget the outside world.
For a moment, we’re back on that beach in the Keys again.
I heave out a sigh, gearing myself up for the discussion. “Ash, can we talk?”
He nods against my skin, his beard a delicious tickle. “Just give me a second. I’m lost in you, and I’m not ready to leave.”
I settle into his arms, allowing myself the luxury of contentment for the first time in weeks.
The truth is, I’m happy staying right here forever. Reality be damned.
But reality isn’t content to wait outside.
“Ash, are you in there?” Braden’s voice comes from the other side of the door before it cracks open. “It’s not locked, so yell if you’re naked.”
“What do you want?” Ash asks, refusing to release his hold on me. “Can’t you see I’m busy?”
Braden sighs, shaking his head. “Lucille was wondering where you went. She picked up some fancy cake for you and wants to sing happy birthday. Figured I’d track you down before she did.”
Ash groans, his aggravation clear. “I’ll be right there.”
Just like that, the glitter falls away from our brief interlude.
Once again, I’m reminded that another woman lives with the man I love.
“You’d better go.”
“Nah, I’m happy here.” Ash’s arms tighten around me, his lips brushing my temple as if to prove his point.
“Ash, she’s pregnant.”
“I’m aware.”
I’ll bet you are.
“How far along is she?” I ask, even though I don’t care to know the answer.
He shrugs, his gaze flicking to the ceiling. “I’m not sure. Nineteen weeks, I think?”
“You think?”
“I don’t keep track,” he says flatly, dragging a hand through his hair.
“Huh.” I cross my arms, bracing myself. “What room are you making the nursery?”
His brow furrows, confusion clear in his expression. “None. She’s moving in with her cousin in a month or so.”
“Really?”
“Yep. In California.”
“That’s so far away.”
“That’s why they built planes,” he replies dryly, a frustrated tone to his voice.
“Won’t you miss them being here?”
He groans, leaning back against the headboard. “No. Not at all. In fact, if we’re being honest, I’m sick to death of her being here.”
My eyes widen at his biting remarks, and I press my lips together to hold back the sharp retort bubbling in my throat.
So much for Ash being a doting dad. Hell, he sounds like he’d be happier never seeing his child.
“Sorry,” he says after a moment, his voice softening as his gaze meets mine. He reaches out, brushing a hand over my arm. “I’m just tired of her coming in between us.”
But … she’ll always be between us.
“Ash?” Lucille’s voice echoes down the hallway, eliciting another groan from him.
“Yeah,” he snaps.
She peeks in, offering a small smile. “Sorry, but a few of the guys have to leave, and I wanted to do the cake.”
Ash nods curtly. “I’ll be right there.”
Lucille’s gaze flickers to me, and she offers a polite wave before retreating.
“Want some cake?” Ash asks, standing and running his hands over his beard.
“Actually, I have to get going.”
A muscle jumps in his jaw. “Why?”
“Long drive,” I say, keeping my tone light.
“Stay here and you won’t have to drive.”
“Honestly, I’m ready for a nap, so I’d be a buzzkill.”
He motions to the bed, his voice softening. “Go to sleep. Want me to kick everyone out? I will. Just say the word.”
It’s another sweet gesture, one of many from Ash, but this time, it isn’t enough.
His icy demeanor regarding his impending fatherhood has turned me cold on the idea of telling him. It’s obvious he wants nothing to do with being a father, and I refuse to ruin his birthday with such an unwelcome announcement.
“I hope you have a great night. Time for me to track down Mina.”
As I turn to leave, Ash grabs my wrist. “I wish you’d stop running.”
“Only way to stay safe,” I mumble, my voice and heart heavy.
Sadly, this time, I know it’s the truth.
I find Mina perched on a barstool, a glass of water in her hand.
“You ready?” I ask, nodding toward the door.
“Are we leaving?” Mina grasps my elbow, her expression concerned.
“You don’t have to, but I’m tired, and it’s a bit of a drive.”
“What did he say?”
I feign nonchalance, fishing my keys from my bag. “He loves the whiskey.”
“Ori, what did he say?” Mina’s voice sharpens as she steps in front of me, her eyes locking on mine.
“I didn’t tell him, okay?” I cry, the words spilling out before I can stop them. My voice cracks under the weight of my emotions, and I press my lips together, trying to rein them in. “We were talking, and I asked about Lucille and the baby, and he was so blasé about it.”
I blink rapidly, willing the tears to stay back. “He doesn’t know any details about her pregnancy and doesn’t care to know. Told me he couldn’t wait for her to move with her family so he could get his life back.”
My chest tightens, and I choke out the next words. “I figured at that point, telling him my news was a bad idea if I hoped for any type of positive reaction.”
Mina places a hand on my arm, her voice soft and cautious. “Maybe that’s not what he meant.”
I shake my head as the tears roll down my cheeks. “Or maybe it’s exactly what he meant.”
I need to leave—now.
A sharp wave of dizziness hits, and I sink to a squatting position, clutching the edge of the bar for support. A few partygoers glance my way, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern. I wave them off, forcing a weak smile.
No doubt they think I’m drunk. If only it were that easy.
“That’s it,” Mina says, her tone firm as she kneels beside me. “We’re going to the doctor right now.”
I know better than to argue. “Good.”
Wrapping an arm around my shoulder, she helps me to my feet and guides me toward the door. “Shit, I forgot my bag. I’ll be right back. Are you okay?”
I nod, but it’s not the truth.
I’m so far from okay, I don’t know when I’ll see that emotion again.
With a sigh, I slide into the passenger seat, crank the engine, and lean back against the headrest, closing my eyes.
Maybe I just need a rest. Hell, a ten-minute nap sounds perfect right about?—
The passenger side door jerks open, and my eyes snap open just in time to see Ash turn off the car and pull the keys from the ignition.
“Change of plans,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.