Page 96 of Filthy Devil

She doesn’t know it, but I booked a private dinner tonight on the beach. Just the two of us, under the stars and hopefullyeating some good food. Then, hopefully, we’ll fuck on said beach before we come back to this room and fuck again, either before or after dessert.

“Yeah, just give me a minute,” she says.

Then I hear her moving around the bathroom, and I can’t help but smile. I never had to wait on a clubwhore for anything. There was never a woman who I thought was worth waiting for, except Shawn and now James.

The door to the bathroom swings open, and she stands in front of me wearing a little white dress that isn’t skintight, but I can see everything I need or want to see. Holding out my hand, I wait for her to slip her fingers inside.

When she does, I curl my fingers around hers and gently tug her behind me. Together, we walk out of the suite and head down the stairs to the beach. The table is already set up with little twinkly lights hanging around the gazebo.

Pulling out a chair for James, I watch as she sinks down and thanks me. She’s been quiet on our walk down here. That doesn’t surprise me. I’m sure she’s reflecting. It’s our last night before we begin the rest of our lives.

Without a fucking clue about what that looks like—but I’m excited as fuck about it. But James is beyond quiet, far too quiet. I don’t like anything about it. Reaching out, I wrap my fingers around her wrist.

James lifts her gaze to meet mine, her eyes searching mine for a moment. “I’m pregnant, Nashville.”

Pregnant.

I stare at her, keeping my fingers wrapped around her wrist, unsure of what to say. What to do.

I stare and blink, then stare and blink some more, all in silence.

Pregnant.

“I’m sorry, Nashville. I know it’s probably not what you wanted so soon. We’ve only known each other for a few months, and we literally got married last week. I swear I didn’t do it on purpose, or maybe I did. I don’t know. I didn’t really pay attention to birth control or anything. I guess I should have. I’m sorry.”

“Shut the fuck up,” I snap. Her eyes widen at the same time her lips part in awe. I’ve never talked to her that way, but I needed her to stop fucking talking. “I’m happy, sweetheart. Holy shit.”

“Holy shit,” she whispers.

“We’re gonna have a baby.”

She smiles, leans forward, and whispers. “We’re gonna have a baby.”

JAMES

FOUR MONTHS LATER

Nash drives toward Pineville,the bike in the back of the pickup truck. He reaches across the truck, wrapping his fingers around my thigh, and then slides his hand upward to cup my belly.

“I can’t believe that in just a few months, we’re going to have a baby,” he murmurs.

It’s Chase’s first birthday party, and it’s the first time we’re coming to Pineville since our wedding. I am so excited to see everyone again. I have never felt as welcomed as I did with this group of people.

Every single person was kind, supportive, and even sweet. I can see why Nash would want to live here, but I’m not sure I want to settle somewhere so close to my parents. I still haven’tspoken to them, and I don’t plan on it. I have completely and totally mourned the loss of them.

I am in a good place, but I don’t want to live in the same town as them either. Nash guides the truck through town and thankfully pulls into the parking spot downtown that is right in front of Shawn’s bakery.

Without a single word, and before he can even shift the truck intoDrive, I am out of the truck and running toward the bakery. Tugging the door open, I hear the little bell above me jingle and take a step into the room.

The scents fill me instantly.

God.

It’s amazing.

Ryan is behind the counter. She lifts her head, her eyes find mine, and a smile takes over her entire face.

“James,” she calls out as she moves from behind the counter.

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