Page 89 of Bragg's Love

I grunt.

She snatches my hand and drags me toward the door. “You will pretend to be surprised or you won’t get the chance to experience drunken sex with Eden.”

I growl and she winks up at me. She’s devious. I love it.

She opens the door and we enter a dark bar.

The lights flicker on and everyone yells, “Surprise!”

I blank my face and grunt.

Elder points to me. “He knew.”

“How can you tell?” Brody asks.

“His grunt was fake.”

“He’s fake grunting?” Brody shakes his head. “Not okay, bro. Not okay.”

I cross my arms over my chest and cock an eyebrow. “Maybe you shouldn’t have told me about the party then.”

“You told him?” Eden screeches.

Brody holds up his palms and backs away. “I didn’t tell him, tell him. It was an accident.”

Elder throws an arm over Eden’s shoulders. “News alert. Brody can’t keep a secret.”

I shove Elder away from Eden. “Mine.”

Eden pats my chest. “Put the caveman away, Mr. Grumpy. Tonight is for fun.”

Brody rubs his hands together. “Speaking of fun.”

I glare at him.

“No tricks,” he claims. “It’s time for your presents and cake.”

Before I can protest, Eden starts hauling me across the room to where a table with a birthday cake shaped like a beer barrel is.

“Holy shit.”

“It’s awesome, isn’t it?”

Moon bows from behind the table. “You’re welcome.”

“You made this?”

Riley beams at his girlfriend. “She’s an awesome baker.”

Ashlyn elbows her way to the front of the crowd. “What’s this about an awesome baker? Everyone in town knows my husband is the bestest baker there is.”

“If that’s how you feel, I guess I won’t make your red velvet brownies anymore,” Moon teases.

Ashlyn gasps. “Take it back, Moon Star. Take it back!”

Her husband arrives and hauls her away. “You can’t silence me, Jeeves. I have rights.”

“Ignore them.” Eden hands me a gift. “Time for presents.”

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