26. Black Cat Magic
Chapter 26
Black Cat Magic
Ori
A sh pulls into his driveway and gives my arm a gentle shake. “We’re here.”
“I see that.”
“Did you have a nice nap?”
I release a slow breath and shake my head. “I wasn’t sleeping.”
Ash gazes out the windshield, but I catch the furrow of his brow. Is he afraid I’m going to have a meltdown in front of all his friends?
Don’t worry your pretty little head, Ash. I know how to behave like an adult.
“You didn’t say a word the last twenty minutes,” he says, running a hand over his jaw.
“Not much to say.”
Actually, there’s a ton to say, but what’s the point?
“Looks like most people have left.” I wave a hand at the few remaining cars parked in the drive. “Seems I ruined your birthday, after all.”
Ash opens his mouth to retort, but I’m out of the truck before he can get a word in. I don’t need to hear his objections or some well-worded reassurance to make me feel like I matter.
Actions speak louder than words, and Ash’s message about our impending arrival is clear: say nothing, pretend everything is normal.
Like that’s a possibility.
I screech to a halt and throw up my hands in annoyance. “I don’t have clothes here.”
And if you tell me Lucille will lend me some, I’ll shoot myself right now.
Ash smiles, dragging a finger along my jaw. “We won’t need any.”
Nice try, but you’ll have to find a new dirty secret to fill that role, Ash.
When I don’t respond, Ash sighs and pulls me into a hug. “I’ll lend you a T-shirt and boxers. We’ll grab your stuff tomorrow. Come on, let’s get you fed.”
“Fine.”
Must remember it’s his birthday and despite being pissed at the man, I’ve caused enough upheaval for one day.
We walk into the finished garage, where Braden, Zane, Lucille, and a handful of others are chatting and lounging around.
“There you are. Everything good?” Braden asks, his gaze darting between us.
Oh, let me field this question, Ash.
“I’m fine. Just been working too much lately. The doctor says I need rest, and your brother was kind enough to let me stay here for a few days.”
“Mi casa, su casa,” Braden says, gesturing around the room. “Want a beer?”
“No, thanks. Where’s Mina?”
Braden clears his throat and grins. “I drove her home. She felt a bit out of place, and I couldn’t convince her otherwise.”
“Maybe you should have tried harder,” I reply with a wink.
A hint of color rises in his face. “Trust me, I did.”
My poor friend. I’ll have to apologize for deserting her and then have a serious sit-down about missing opportunities with hot, tattooed men.
“There are some more gifts for you, Ash.” Lucille motions to the stack of presents at the end of the bar.
“No one had to get me anything.”
“Fine, I’ll take them,” Braden says, reaching his hands toward the pile.
Ash shakes his head and moves between his brother and the gifts. “Back the hell up. Should I open them now?”
The remaining partygoers nod, and Ash tears into his gifts, while I stand stiffly to the side. Have to hand it to his friends, they have good taste. He scores with a new pair of motorcycle gloves, a mixology book dedicated to the 1920s, a gift card to the local motorcycle shop, and some new needles for his tattoo machine.
It’s a damn fine haul.
“Last one,” Ash says, grabbing a gift bag.
“That’s actually not a birthday gift,” Lucille interjects, snatching the bag away.
“Okay,” Ash replies, confusion furrowing his brow.
Lucille looks at me and then at Ash, a tremulous smile on her face. “It’s for the baby. Kathy made it.” She pulls a soft yellow blanket from the bag and passes it to Ash. “Cute, right?”
Shoot me now.
Ash nods, his tense smile doing little to conceal his uneasiness as he glances at me. “Yep.”
But his discomfort is nothing compared to what I’m feeling. I can barely force the air into my lungs as I stare at the blanket.
To most people, it’s just a soft, downy present for the new arrival. But for me, it’s yet another glaring reminder that while Lucille and Ash’s baby is well known amongst family and friends, my baby is a secret.
My baby isn’t good enough to share the limelight.
And neither am I.
It doesn’t matter what slick lines Ash uses when we’re alone. What counts is how he treats me when I’m standing in the bright sunlight, visible to all.
Tears spill down my cheeks, but I duck my head and swipe them away.
I hate crying with an audience. Even worse is crying in front of people who likely think I’m a moron for attempting a romance with Asher Hammond, particularly when his first love is now back in the picture.
That’s enough. I can’t hang out here pretending this is okay—or that I am.
I want to go home and crawl into bed, but I know Ash will fight me on it. At least I can escape this room—the air suffocates me.
“I’m going to lie down.” Pivoting, I glance at Ash. “Where can I crash?”
“We’ll go to my room.”
Oh, so fucking me isn’t a secret—just the outcome of that act.
Lovely.
Seems my anger is worsening by the second.
“That’s a terrible idea. I need to rest, and you’re a distraction. Plus, it’s your birthday, and your friends are here to celebrate. So, drink up and be merry.”
Boy, I’m laying it on thick.
“I enjoy being a distraction,” Ash says with a grin. “And I want to celebrate my birthday with you . Rewriting those fairytales, remember?”
Usually, his charm would work. I’m a sucker for the man, and my hormones are firing on all cylinders.
But knowing that the baby and I are secrets Ash wants to keep hidden swiftly overrides any carnal desires.
Besides, I feel Lucille boring holes into us as we talk, undoubtedly curious about the tension between us.
Lucille and I might be cordial, but we’re far from friends. And although they both claim there’s nothing between them anymore, I have a hard time believing it.
Hell, if that were true, why is she living here?
See all the things you’re willing to overlook in the name of love?
Love is a stupid, no-good, very bad idea.
And I’m over it because, no matter what Ash says, Lucille is the one woman he gave everything to.
Me? I’m breadfruit, at your service.
I still don’t know what the damn fruit looks like, but if I ever find one, I’m taking a sledgehammer to the thing. Just for kicks.
“I’ll take the back room where Merlin is sleeping. No one’s staying there, right?”
Ash shakes his head, clearly aware the conversation has gone silent as his friends watch our exchange. “You can sleep back there, if that’s what you want.”
“Thanks. Goodnight, everyone.”
“I’ll be in soon.”
“No need,” I reply with a dismissive shrug. “You have fun, Ash. Happy birthday.”
I’m freezing my ass off back here.
Even though the temperatures during the day hit near sixty, it still dips close to freezing at night, and Ash’s farmhouse, though gorgeous, is drafty as hell.
How come I never noticed the chill before? Oh, right—probably because I was too busy overheating during my numerous sexual escapades with Asher Hammond.
Hey, he knows how to keep a woman’s blood pumping … for hours on end.
And Merlin is an unwilling snuggle partner, especially since I’m intent on stealing the warm spot he’s created in the middle of the bed.
“You have fur. I guarantee you’re warmer than I am.”
Yes, I’m arguing with a cat, and judging by the side-eye he’s throwing my way, I’m losing.
“Fine,” I mutter as Merlin curls tighter into his space, clearly unmoved by my plight. “See if I bring you tuna treats again.”
The door swings open, and Ash steps in, huffing out a breath. “Well, this won’t do.”
“What?” I snap, sitting up and shooting him an annoyed look.
“It’s too cold in here.”
Of course, he’s right, but I’m in no mood to admit it.
“I have blankets.”
“That’s not enough. I’ll sleep in here. You can take my bed.”
“Ash, I don’t need rescuing. Go enjoy your night.”
He pauses, tilting his head as if trying to decide whether an argument is worth it. But then he rubs the back of his neck, a common tell that he’s reining himself in. “All right. I’ll grab you extra blankets, though I’m a much better heater.”
No argument there.
“Thanks,” I mutter, glaring at the quilt like it’s personally offended me.
Ash sits on the edge of the bed, tipping my chin up with his hand. “Hey. Smile, beautiful.”
“What for?”
“Aren’t you excited?”
I was, but you ensured that emotion didn’t last long.
“No, because I’m breadfruit.”
Ash blinks, his brow furrowing. “Huh? What the hell does that mean?”
“Nothing. Inside joke. Ignore me. Probably just hormones.”
“Ori …” He leans closer, his expression softening. “Please be excited. We’re having a baby.”
“I know.”
He takes my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing gently over my cheeks. His breath hitches for a moment, like he’s weighing every word. “We’re having a baby. You and me. How fucking incredible is that?”
Despite my inner turmoil, I smile, the warmth of his touch breaking through my defenses. “Pretty damn incredible. Thank you.”
“For what?”
I avert my gaze, plucking at a thread on the quilt. “For being supportive. I know this whole situation must be overwhelming for you. Not one, but two babies—with different mothers, neither of whom you’re dating. If it’s hard for me, I can’t imagine how much harder it is for you. So, thank you for being here.”
I chance a peek at Ash, just in time to see the smile fall from his face. Guess the truth hurts.
He presses a kiss to my forehead, lingering there for a few seconds. “I’ll grab some extra blankets. Get some sleep.”
At the doorway, he pauses, resting his hand on the frame. “It’s only ever been you, Ori. No matter what other narrative you’re convinced is true.”
With a small shake of his head, he smacks the doorframe and walks out, leaving me alone once more.
I can’t move.
Something is standing on my chest.
Something fat and furry, purring loud enough to wake the dead.
Blinking open my eyes, I chuckle and scratch Merlin’s ears, earning a pleased mew.
“You are quite the snuggle bug, aren’t you? Let me guess—you’re starving. Haven’t eaten in decades. Am I close?”
The sun streams through the blinds, and as I sit up, I catch the faint aroma of coffee wafting through the air.
Lord love caffeine … which I can’t have for another seven months.
Fuck my life.
With a groan, I push back the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed. The extra blankets Ash piled on kept me cozy, and I must’ve been more exhausted than I realized.
Mine was a heavy, dreamless sleep—a welcome reprieve from the chaos of my reality.
Gazing to my right, I notice a blanket tossed across the chair beside the bed.
Strange. I don’t remember doing that. Did Ash come in after I fell asleep? Either way, I’m too groggy to care.
I grab my phone and wince at the six missed calls from Mina.
Damn. I forgot to check in last night. She probably thinks I’m furious with her.
I dial Mina’s number, and she answers on the first ring. “Are you okay?”
Code for: Are you pissed at me?
“Yes, I’m fine. The doctor wants me to rest for a few days, but I need to stop by the shop to grab my laptop. I’ll be there in an hour or so.”
“I can bring you the laptop.”
“No need. Hey, why did you leave last night? Braden said he couldn’t convince you to stay.”
Mina laughs, but it rings hollow. “A few women showed up and showered him with affection. I felt like a third wheel.”
Welcome to my world.
“I think he was disappointed you wanted to leave.”
“Trust me, he was too busy with those women to care.”
Somehow, I doubt that, based on Braden’s version of events. Still, I’ll always back Mina first.
“Bastard. I’ll have a word with him.”
“Don’t bother. I’m just glad Ash isn’t like that with you.”
If you only knew.
“Are you okay?” I ask, flipping my friend’s initial question back on her.
“I’m fine.”
Damn, but we love that answer, don’t we?
Wrap your pain in a bow labeled ‘fine’ and hope no one notices you’re falling apart.
But I don’t argue with her response. We can hash it out in person, and then I can decide if Braden deserves to be strung up by his pinky toes or if he gets a reprieve—this time, at least.
I throw on my clothes from the day before. The one benefit of being on the sobriety bandwagon? My clothes don’t smell like smoke or beer.
I’ll take the win where I can get it.
After taming my hair into a braid and shoving my glasses onto my face, I peek in the mirror hanging above the dresser.
World, this is as good as it gets. Please lower your expectations accordingly.
Now watch—I’ll run into everyone I’ve ever met between here and the store.
Lucille sits at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of coffee. She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. Tension lines her face and the worry wafting off her is palpable.
No doubt she’s not thrilled Ash has another woman roosting here. Who can blame her?
“Good morning, Ori. Want some coffee?”
“I’m good, thanks.”
“You sure? Although it is decaf, so it lacks the kick.” Her tone sounds innocent enough, but I think she knows far more than she lets on about my sudden appearance at the farm.
But Ash wanted to keep everything a secret, so I’m Fort Knox. “No thanks. I’m headed to One More Page .”
“I thought you were supposed to be resting.”
“Just need a few things from my office. Are you working today?”
Lucille nods, her gaze drifting out the window. “Working from home. Be safe driving.”
Another innocuous reply, but it sticks in my craw—a reminder that I’m the runner-up, and as long as Lucille is here, I’ll always be on the outside looking in.
Time to hit the road. Dr. Fulton wants me to rest? Fine, but I’ll do it from my apartment. Staying here is far too stressful, and he did say stress is bad for the baby.
Don’t you love logic?
With a wave, I duck out the door and make a beeline for my truck. Funny how, only a month ago, this farm brought me such a sense of peace. Now it feels like enemy territory.
Truth be told, I’m the trespasser. Time for me to accept that fact.
I almost made it—I was this close to escaping.
If I hadn’t taken those extra fortifying breaths before shifting my truck into reverse, I would’ve missed Lucille’s frantic wave as she hurried toward me.
Stupid breath work. Totally overrated.
With a sigh, I lower the window. “Are you okay?”
“Can I ride in with you? I forgot a sketch at the parlor, and there’s no sense wasting gas. Besides, this gives us a chance to catch up.”
I nod, though I’d rather stick a burning poker in my eye than endure a thirty-minute ride with Ash’s baby mama.
Correction: his other baby mama.
I stifle a groan and force a smile as Lucille eases into the passenger seat.
She’s silent for the first ten minutes of the drive, humming along with the radio and gazing out at the first signs of spring cropping up along the highway.
I settle, hopeful it’ll stay this way for the duration. What would we talk about, anyway?
But then she speaks.
“So … you’re staying at the farm now,” Lucille hedges, her gaze sliding toward me.
“Yes. It’s stupid, really. The doctor wants me to rest, and Ash doesn’t think I’m capable of it.”
“Are you okay?” Her voice holds a note of concern, but I can’t tell if she’s sincere or fishing.
“Fine. Just tired.”
“Then shouldn’t you be resting instead of going to work?”
I shoot her a side eye. “Now you sound like Ash.”
Lucille chuckles, running a hand over her belly. “Heaven forbid.”
That’s enough focus on me. Let’s put her in the hot seat.
“How are you feeling?”
“Enormous, and I know it’s only going to get worse. Plus, I have constant heartburn, and everything is swollen.”
“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”
Do I really want to know? No, but these are basic questions, right? Shooting the shit about the weather, work, and baby mama drama.
“It’s a boy.”
I bite back a sudden flood of emotion, my eyes fixed on the road.
“A little boy. Ash must be excited.”
“He’s been amazing. But you know that about Ash.” She shifts slightly, her gaze narrowing. “When are you planning on joining this club?”
I choke on air, struggling not to swallow my tongue at her pointed question.
If she only knew.
How am I supposed to answer that question? Everyone knows I’m a terrible liar, and when I’m nervous—like now—it shows on my face.
“One day,” I croak, sending up a silent prayer of thanks when I turn onto Main Street. “I joked with Ash that I wanted twelve kids. Damn near scared the man into the priesthood.”
Lucille giggles. “Could you imagine him with a dozen babies?”
Sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised—not with Ash’s sexual history. But Lucille will always be first.
“Honestly, I have a hard time imagining him with one.”
“I know it’s a lot to handle, but you’ve been great, Ori. Thank you for making this such a smooth transition for me.”
What other choice did I have? Were there other options on the table?
“Are you two ready for your son’s arrival?”
“No, but is anyone ever ready? I’m fully prepared for this little guy to turn my world upside down. He already has—but in the best way.”
I park my truck and offer her a smile. A genuine one, this time. Even though she represents everything I’ll never be in Ash’s life, she deserves a modicum of happiness for her role in providing the first Hammond heir.
“You’ll do great, Lucille. I’ve no doubt.”
My driver’s door jerks open, and I glance up into Ash’s face. His very perturbed face.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Ash snaps.
“Relax. She was giving me a ride,” Lucille offers, her tone light. “Letting this pregnant woman rest.”
Wrong choice of words, Lucille.
“Is that so?” Ash drums his fingers against the door, his green eyes glaring holes into me. “ You’re supposed to be resting, Ori.”
“I’m fine.”
“We had a pleasant chat,” Lucille remarks, stepping out of the truck.
“About what?” Ash demands, his tone pointed.
Lucille’s grin widens. “Girl talk. You know, marriage, babies. All that shit.”
Then she strolls into Black Lotus , leaving me alone with a walking hissy fit named Ash.
“Did you tell Lucille anything?”
My anger flares to life at his accusatory tone. I jump out of the truck and grab my bag from the back seat. “Not a word. Just discussed your impending arrival.”
“I’m serious. This isn’t a joke.”
No shit, it isn’t.
“Ori,” Ash presses, grabbing my elbow. “Did you say anything to her?”
I jerk my arm free, shooting him daggers as tears sting my eyes. “About me? Not one damn word.”
Then I stalk into One More Page without a backward glance.
Screw Asher Hammond and his moral high horse.
It’s not as if I impregnated myself.
Mina slides a mug of coffee toward me as soon as I step into the store. “A special decaf blend I created this morning.”
I release a satisfied moan as the warm liquid hits my throat. “You need a raise. This is fabulous.”
“Tell me everything. How did Ash take the news?”
I shrug, still furious with the man after our parking lot altercation. “Fine.”
“That is not an answer.”
“He took it quite well, considering. Wasn’t angry or throwing things. He was sweet about it. Overprotective, even.”
“He loves you.”
I bark out a dry laugh, shaking my head. “No, he doesn’t. He’s just acting as a well-intentioned human being.”
“Ori, he loves you. You don’t see the way he looks at you, but I do. You’ve never seen it.”
“I wish that were the case, but you’re mistaken, and I have proof.”
Mina cocks her head to the side, her eyes narrowing. “Do tell.”
“Ash has requested that we not mention the baby to anyone. This includes Braden and Lucille. No one can know. Even you and Eddie need to zip your lips.”
Her jaw slackens in disbelief. “How come?”
“You’d have to ask him. I’m simply following orders.”
“That’s kind of messed up, isn’t it?”
“Tell me about it. Likely doesn’t want to kill his groove by having the town catch wind he’s knocked up two women. Even groupies have their limits.”
“Fucking men.”
“ Amen .” I take another sip of coffee, desperate to change the topic. “Spill it. What happened with Braden? Why did you leave?”
Mina shrugs, looking down at her hands. “Nothing happened. He’s always nice, but I have to face facts. He thinks I’m too young, and he will not go there. To him, I’m just a kid.”
I set the mug down, leaning forward to intersect her gaze. “Honey, trust me. The only time being too young is an issue is when your fake ID fails you. Otherwise, it’s the most amazing time, and you are beautiful, sweet, and talented. Screw Braden.”
Her lips twitch into a faint smile. “Is that an option?”
“Not a good idea if your heart plans on getting involved.”
Sadly, I know my words are true.
After all, I’m living it.
And it’s a living hell.