Page 139 of Chasing Sparks

Reaching out, I trace the hand-painted spine, the intricate design smooth beneath my fingertips.

Maybe he’ll be okay with the news. Maybe I won’t feel like a third wheel—or in this case, a fifth.

And it’s not like I can hide the pregnancy forever. He’ll find out eventually, unless I pack my things and return to the city.

I stand, a resolute feeling tearing through me. I’m going to tell him and rip off the bandage. Then, like Mina said, it’s done.

Not that I believe in fairytale endings anymore, anyway.

My phone buzzes. Damn Grand Central Station in here.

Ash: We’re ordering pizza over here, and I added a pie for you and Mina. The roads are getting icy, and I don’t want you driving out to get food.

Damn him for being so endearing. This is the side of Asher Hammond most people don’t see. Oh, they know he’s hot, charming, and wickedly funny, but they don’t get the cute moments where he’s this big, tatted teddy bear.

I lived for those moments.

Okay, universe, good enough.

I push myself to standing and suck in a deep breath. I can do this. I’ve done far harder things in my life.

Strolling over toBlack Lotus, I grin at Zane as I walk through the door. “Where’s the boss hiding?”

“In his office. How are you doing?”

“Okay.” For the first time in a while, I mean it.

I’ve got this.

But as I round the corner and raise my hand to knock on Ash’s door, I pause. Voices filter through the other side. Two of them.

It doesn’t take long to identify the female voice.

Lucille.

Of course.

“At least you haven’t cracked any fat jokes,” she says, her laugh light and annoyingly flirtatious.

“How stupid do you think I am?” Ash asks with a chuckle.

There’s a pause, and then Lucille speaks again, softer this time. “I’m worried, Ash. How am I’m going to do this?”

His response is immediate. “You’re going to be fine. You’ve got me.”

My stomach twists, and I press a hand to it instinctively, as if that will somehow stop the hurt from spreading.

You’ve got me.

But where does that leave me?

I can’t compete with her. She has all his firsts, and now I’m more aware than ever that I’m relegated to the role of runner-up.

I back away from his office door, my pulse pounding in my ears as I pass Zane.

“Where you off to so fast?” he asks, his eyes narrowing at my hurried stride.

“Gotta go,” I mutter, keeping my head down as I push through the door ofBlack Lotus.

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