Falling For The Biker: The Vice President's Girl Chapter 73

Wren

It's Ezra's birthday today.

How do I know?

I don't.

Well, I didn't until noon when Beth called to ask about the birthday boy. Apparently, he tends to forget.

Ezra's been out all day, as he has for the past week. He's been working with others concerning Reggie.

Frankly, everyone's on edge. Me, most especially, because I'm flanked by bikers every time I step foot out the door.

And here I thought Ezra was worse with his hovering.

Yes, Ray succeeded in placing three bikers per shift, on the house. Quincy absolutely hates it.

"Jesus Wren, that's the ugliest ribbon bow I've ever seen," Judi snorts from my screen. "Trust me, I've had options."

I huff. "I called you so you could help me, not taunt me."

"If I watch this atrocity anymore, it's going to shrivel the interior designer in me."

"Wow. You're a whole lot of help, Judi."

She laughs. "I know. Okay, fine—no, put it through the other loop....oh god, Wren, the other loop...do you not know what a loop is?"

I glare. "There's only one loop here, Judi."

The line quietens.

When I lift my gaze to her, I see why. Judi's red in the face, cheeks puffed up and eyes watering as she struggles to hold her giggles.

"You know what?" I say. "I think the internet will be of better help."

A burst of laughter rips from her throat, tears streaming down her face. Honestly, I think she's exaggerating, but whatever.

I look down at the roll of ribbon in my hands, and the—well, the caricature of whatever this is. Throwing it off, I pack up all the ribbons.

"I'm sorry," Judi chortles, gasping for breath. "I'm trying so hard to stop laughing, b-but..."

"You're not trying hard enough."

Somehow, it makes her laugh harder and I throw up my hands, giving up.

I wanted to do something sweet for Ezra. I got the cake, I got some nice Italian food, I even got some balloons and ribbons for decor.

Unfortunately, I am terrible at decorating.

Judi breathes, finally. "Can we try—"

"Nope."

"I'm sorry, but we can try again. Maybe we should—"

"Nothing that involves ribbons anymore, Judi. I'd just set the table, play some music and burn some scented candles."

"That's...well, that's not so bad. It's even more intimate for your boyfriend." She wiggles her brows.

Okay, yes, I gave in. Sue me.

I told Judi about Ezra and I, but she swore to secrecy plus, I couldn't just keep such information to myself.

Telling Quincy would keep me on edge more especially after she said Ray's been asking questions.

I hum. "Yea." The time reads a little past 4p.m. "Ezra would be back soon, I'll call you later, okay?"

"Alright honey, let me know how it goes."

"I will. Thanks for nothing, by the way."

She grins wide. "You love me."

"Unfortunately."

Her laughter echoes as I end the call. The mess glares at me the same way I glare at it.

Sighing deeply, I get to work.

Need to do something sweet for my boyfriend.

Boyfriend.

A blush stains my cheeks. I still can't get over that title.

As soon as I light the last candle, my phone rings from somewhere in the house. Since I got off the phone with Judi, I haven't seen my phone.

I'm dressed in a little dress, hair up in a ponytail as I take in my handiwork. The dining table is set, the cake in the middle surrounded by a bottle of champagne, glasses and food.

This is much better than ribbon bows and what-nots. A wide smile takes over my face, but quickly drops when my phone rings again.

Shoot.

Frantically I search for where it's ringing from, and find it between the sofa pillows.

It's Ezra.

"Hi ba—"

"Wren!" He cuts in. "I'm coming home with your brother."

I freeze.

"Hey Chirp," Ray's voice comes in.

My throat thickens. "Ray," I croak. "H-hey. You're coming here?"

"You don't sound excited."

"I am...I'm just a little surprised. Why are you coming again?"

Ezra clears his throat. "It's my birthday, and Ray doesn't want me spending the last few hours of the day bored out of my mind."

Bored.

Right, because Ezra has no reason to be talking to me.

God, Ray.

I look over at the things I laid out. Do I pack them up? Do I leave them?

Some days I'm ready for Ray to find out and get it over with, but Ezra...he's not ready.

What if he never is? What if we never make it past hiding and sneaking around?

"Chirp? You good?"

I blink rapidly, slowly remembering that I'm on a call. With Ezra...and my cockblock of a brother.

My eyes catch the cake again, and I pale. Inscribed in icing is 'Happy Birthday, my grumpy man.'

Oh, no.

No way Ray's gonna see this.

"Oh god." My heart kickstarts. "Oh god, oh god..."

"You good darl—Wren?" Ezra asks.

"Yup!" I grab a knife and hurry to the cake. "How soon until you get here?"

The line cackles softly.

"We're pulling in now, so—"

I don't wait for Ray to finish answering.

Kicking into action, I flip all the lights on, scrape the inscription from the cake. When I see how horrible it is, I slice it.

I divide the cake into triangular sizes, sweep up all the petals on the table.

The sound of engine purrs just outside the house.

Oh gosh, oh gosh.

Swinging out a large bowl from the kitchen, I pack up all the scented candles, blowing them off with all my breath.

Some don't turn off immediately, but who cares?

I push them all into the bowl and run up the stairs just as footsteps echo behind the front door.

Without wasting any time, I disappear into the bathroom, dumping all the candles in there.

Sweat rolls down my back, my heart beating in my chest.

Once I catch my breath, I steel my spine and tiptoe down the stairs.

They're in the house, but no one's saying anything.

And then I see them.

They're both staring at the dining table, Ray looks confused, while Ezra...he looks surprised.

As if sensing my presence, Ezra cuts his gaze to me. His brows shoot up. I can see the questions in his gaze, the apprehension.

"Happy birthday, Ezra!" I grin too wide, forcing a happy prep in my step while my stomach cramps up when Ray turns to me.

"You threw EJ a birthday party?"

"Hello to you too, Ray. Won't I get a hug before the questions come in?"

Ray scowls, but hugs me anyway.

Ezra uses the opportunity from behind Ray to give me a small smile and a shake of head.

"I didn't know," he mouths. "I'm sorry."

"I love you," I mouth back.

Ray holds me at a distance. "So, you threw EJ a birthday party?"

I roll my eyes. "No. I just did a little something to appreciate his new age, and his hospitality."

His eyes narrow between Ezra and I.

"You shouldn't have," Ezra says.

"You've been good to me," I reply. He's been more than good, actually. But Ray doesn't need to know that. "Also you didn't tell me it was your birthday, but I forgive you."

His lips twitch. "Thank you."

Ray crosses his arms, glaring at me. "Wren, I need to talk to you."

"Okayyy." I frown.

"Privately."

Ezra's eyes dim, fists clenched at his side.

My mouth dries. "This way."

I lead him to the kitchen, shutting the door behind us.

"What is the prob—"

"Do you still have that silly crush on EJ?" Ray spits, face hard.

The breath leaves me, and I gape. "What?"

"Do you still have a crush on him?"

"Why are you asking me that?" I bristle, jaw ticking.

"Answer the damn question, Wren!"

His voice booms, lips twisted into a hard frown.

"If you're so curious," I snap. "No!"