Page 183 of Chasing Sparks

“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’resupposed 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 intoBlack 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 discussedyourimpending 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 intoOne More Pagewithout 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.”

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