Page 159 of Chasing Sparks

“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’maffected 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.”

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