You Series Book 2

ASHLEY

“Time to rise and shine, sweetheart!” Jake’s voice nudged me from my sleep, but I just pulled the covers tighter around me, burrowing into his warm chest.

“Your finals are today, and you need to be at the college in an hour,” he reminded me, tugging at my sheets. I jolted awake. Damn it! I’d been up studying until two in the morning. This was all his fault.

“Jake, this is all your fault!” I leapt from the bed, dashing into the bathroom like a madwoman.

“How is this my fault? You were the one who couldn’t keep her hands off me all night,” he chuckled, and I groaned in response. He was right. I’d spent the day teasing him instead of studying. I took a quick shower and emerged in a bathrobe. He looked up from his phone, a grin spreading across his face.

“You’re too irresistible, Jake. I can’t help but want you all the time.” I playfully punched his arm before heading to get dressed, his laughter echoing behind me.

“I’m loving this.”

Of course he would. I pulled on my black jeans and a hoodie, not caring about my appearance.

“I’m going to be so late,” I complained, hastily tying my hair into a bun and grabbing my bag.

“Bye.” I leaned in to give him a quick peck, but he pulled me closer, deepening the kiss until my knees felt weak. I moaned as his tongue slipped into my mouth, but I pulled away with all my might.

“Jake, I’m already late. What are you doing? I swear, I’ll kill you.” I glared at him, and he just smirked in response.

“I didn’t do anything.” He batted his eyelashes innocently.

“You’re not getting any of this tonight,” I threatened, gesturing to my body.

He just rolled his eyes. “Sure, didn’t you say the same thing yesterday?” he retorted, raising an eyebrow.

I couldn’t argue with him. I always gave in to his touch, unable to resist him. “Whatever, bye.” I rushed out, skipping breakfast even though my stomach was growling.

Soon, I was on my way to college with Adam, Jake’s driver, at the wheel.

Today was my last day of college. Ever since Jake and I got engaged, I’d been looking forward to this day. We’d agreed to set a wedding date after my graduation, and now it was finally happening. I was over the moon.

We’d been planning the themes and decor for a while now. I remembered how Jake had asked my dad for his blessing before proposing to me and smiled at the memory. He was truly one of a kind. My parents were thrilled for us.

Emma was already planning the bridesmaid dresses. I’d been interning at a publishing company for the past year and they’d offered me a full-time position after graduation. Life was good.

“We’re here, Ms. Albright.”

Adam’s voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I gave him a smile. “For the hundredth time, Adam, call me Ashley,” I reminded him.

He chuckled and drove off.

I still had ten minutes before my exam, so I decided to grab a coffee. As I sipped my drink, my phone buzzed with a text from Jake.

I smiled at his message and quickly replied before finishing my coffee.

***

Two hours later, I walked out of the exam hall feeling confident. The exam had been a breeze. I pulled out my phone and noticed a missed call from Emma. I called her back as I headed toward the college entrance.

“It’s time to celebrate, girl! You’re finally done with college!” Emma’s excited voice rang through the phone, and I laughed. She was still the same old Emma.

“I’d love to, but I’m starving. Fix me some lunch and then we can party. I’ll be at your place in fifteen minutes.”

“See you soon!” She hung up, and I decided to take a cab instead of calling Adam. On the way, I tried calling Jake, but it went straight to voicemail. I sent him a text letting him know I was going to hang out with Emma and put my phone away. When I arrived at Emma’s place, I rang the doorbell.

“Coming!” Emma opened the door, looking as pretty as ever in a black tank top and shorts, her blonde hair cascading down to her hips.

“Your hair’s gotten longer. It looks great, Em,” I complimented her as I stepped inside.

“Thanks, I know. I’m making your favorite, lasagna.” She grinned, and I hugged her. I’d missed her so much. She rarely visited our house these days, probably to avoid Austin.

I wasn’t sure what had happened between them, but I didn’t want to pry. She still had a semester left before she graduated and was currently interning at a law firm.

“I miss you, Em. You hardly come over anymore,” I sighed, hopping onto the kitchen counter. Everything looked the same since I’d moved out. After her breakup with Justin, she’d moved back into her grandmother’s house.

“I miss you too, Ash. Law school and my internship keep me busy.” She pouted, setting a plate of lasagna in front of me. It was as delicious as always.

“Slow down, tiger.” She chuckled, and I rolled my eyes at her.

“I’ve been eating a lot lately, and I’m always hungry, Em. I hope I don’t gain weight.” She gave me a strange look, and I frowned in confusion.

“What?” I asked, my mouth full of food.

“When was your last period?” Her question caught me off guard, and my eyes widened as I realized what she was getting at.

My period was late. Oh my god, could I be pregnant? The thought left me reeling.

“I’m late, Em. Do you think I could be pregnant? What if I am? I’m on the pill. It’s not possible. I still have to graduate, and we’re getting married. I have a job lined up. I can’t be pregnant. I don’t even know if I’d be a good mom. I don’t know anything about this,” I rambled, panic setting in.

Emma came over and put her hands on my shoulders. “Honey, birth control isn’t foolproof. We can’t be certain, and even if you are pregnant, you’ve got a great boyfriend. You’re not going to be alone in this. You’re capable of anything, pregnant or not. I know how strong you are. So, stop freaking out.”

Her words were meant to comfort me, and I tried to breathe, nodding my head, even though my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. What would Jake’s reaction be if I’m pregnant? Would he be thrilled or would he panic and suggest an abortion?

I shook my head, forcing the negative thoughts away and decided to take things one step at a time. “So, we need to get a pregnancy test to be sure,” I said, my palms growing sweaty. I kept wiping them on my jeans.

“Way ahead of you, I’m heading to the store. I’ll be back in ten.”

She dashed out the door, leaving me to sink into the chair, my head in my hands. This wasn’t part of the plan. I didn’t want to be pregnant.

I wasn’t ready for it. I was only twenty-three, for fuck’s sake. I continued to eat in silence, my hunger persisting.

She returned in ten minutes, just as she’d promised, and we both headed to the bathroom. I opened the test kit with trembling hands, taking deep breaths to calm myself.

“Okay, now sit and pee on the stick. We’ll know the results in two minutes. I’m so excited,” she said, grinning.

“Should I tell Jake?”

“What if it’s negative? Let’s not worry him. Besides, one test isn’t definitive. If this one is positive, you can take another test with him.”

I nodded in agreement, and she stepped outside. After peeing on the stick, I came out and she set the timer for two minutes. I began to pace, the longest two minutes of my life stretching out before me.

“It’s going to be okay, Ash. I’m here for you. Who else is going to be the godmother of your baby?” she said, smiling and squeezing my hand.

The timer dinged, and we both turned toward the stick. I picked it up with shaking hands and looked at it. All I could see were two red lines staring back at me.

“I’m pregnant,” I whispered, the words barely escaping my lips.