Page 155 of California Wild

“You’re going to be a better dad than you think,” she whispered. “I just know it.”

Jesse kissed the top of her head, his voice low.

“And you’re gonna be the mommy they run to first.”

And for once—

they both believed it.

Chapter 23

Monday morning came too fast. For the past few days, Hayley had been living in two different worlds.

One, wrapped up in Jesse. Waking up in his bed, his arms draped over her like he was afraid to let go. Drinking tea that he made her, because he noticed she wasn’t feeling well before she even admitted it to herself. Wearing his old, soft, faded band t-shirts and barely moving from his couch while he hovered, doting in that quiet, intense way of his.

And the other world?

The one where she was Hayley Fox, frontwoman of Dead Run Riot. Where she had a label pushing her, a band relying on her, a career hurtling forward at a speed that made her dizzy.

And in that world, no one could know about Jesse.

Or the fact that she was pregnant.

For a man who was sharp edges and fire, Jesse had a way of making her feel safe. Cared for. Held. Hayley had noticed big changes in him, compared to the last time she crashed at his place, years ago. And maybe that was why it was so hard to get out of his bed that morning.

But it was time.

Time to sort her shit out.

Jesse was already dressed in his gear, all black, sharp, professional, the SEAL version of him fully engaged. He kissed her slow, deep, said something about seeing her later, and then he was out the door.

And now it was her turn.

She sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair before heading into the bathroom.

A quick shower, plain toast, clothes that weren’t just Jesse’s t-shirt.

Her stomach was still queasy, but she shoved through it, downing some crackers and ginger ale before heading out. Then she took a cab into the city, alone.

By the time she met Zoe outside their usual spot, a small indie café on the edge of downtown, she had smoothed out all her edges.

Hair brushed, makeup flawless, outfit that looked the part.

Everything tucked away. Hidden.

Zoe was already there, waiting beside her sleek black Tesla, latte in one hand, phone in the other.

“You are alive,” Zoe mused as Hayley slid into the passenger seat. “I was beginning to worry with how quick you disappeared last night.”

Hayley snorted, grabbing her own iced coffee from the center console. “I just needed sleep. I’m not getting any younger.”

“Well, I hope you enjoyed the early night.”

“Of course.” Hayley grinned, remembering Jesse’s lips on hers.

Zoe pulled out onto the freeway, merging into traffic, music humming low from the speakers. “You good for this? Big meeting today. Execs. Decisions. Future of the band. No pressure.”

Hayley swallowed, forcing a casual nod.

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