Page 176 of Chasing Sparks

Newsflash: people only change for two reasons. They want the change for themselves, or they’re left with no other choice.

We all know which category these pregnancies fall into for Ash.

Will he do the right thing? Of course, because despite being a man whore, he’s a stand-up guy. He’s not going to leave a woman he knocked up in the lurch.

Not his style.

And knowing Ash’s prowess and charm with the ladies, even two baby mamas won’t ruin his chances with the women of Sparkwood.

That’s some kind of power.

“Ori, are you okay?” Ash reaches for my hand, but I inch away and flip down the passenger-side mirror to apply lip gloss.

I might be breadfruit, but I’ll be the best damn-looking one this side of the Mississippi.

“Just fucking fabulous.”

The sarcasm drips off my words, but I’m done playing nice.

In fact, I’m done playing at all.

Chapter 26

Black Cat Magic

Ori

Ash 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.”

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