Page 190 of Mexico Can Choke On It
I unlock the front door and reach for the zipper at my neck, letting the gown fall to the ground.
Bryce gulps audibly.
“Jesus, Petra. You wore the red dress?”
“What, this old thing?” I throw him a mock-innocent look. “You remember what I was wearing the first time you got me naked?”
Ruby shifts in her carrier, still blissfully asleep. I drop my voice to a whisper, then hook my thumb under one strap.
“Thought I’d remind you what this dress does to your self-control.”
My gaze drops deliberately to his pants, where evidence of my success is already showing. He lowers the baby carrier over his bulge.Cute. Like that’ll hide it.
I smirk. “Guess I still got it. Now be a good daddy,” I purr, brushing a kiss against his cheek. “Put her down for a nap, and I’ll help you take care of that. Then you can work me over untilIsleep like a baby.”
As I turn the doorknob, I slide the strap off my left shoulder, ready to let my dress fall to the floor.
“Pip, hold on—”
The door swings wide.
“SURPRISE!!!”
“Waaahhhhh!”
I scramble to cover myself while Bryce magically calms our baby with his daddy superpowers.
“Surprise?” he says sheepishly as he bounces her.
I pause in the doorway, soaking it all in. The living room is half designer showroom, half indie music festival. Bryce brought the symmetry and muted tones, I brought the vintage flair, framed concert posters, and my record player, which has finally graduated from milk crate slumlord to walnut cabinet royalty—summa cum loud-a. Together, it’s a magical mess. It’s our home.
But tonight, the whole place has been transformed into graduation central. A massiveCongrats Petra, you glorious badass!banner stretches across the living room wall in bold silver letters. Balloons in UCLA blue and gold bob from every surface. There’s a cake the size of a suitcase covered in edibleglitter—three tiers withPetra Sterling, College Graduatescrolled across the top in elegant script.
But the decorations aren’t what make my throat tight with emotion.
It’s the faces.
My living room is packed wall-to-wall with people, all here to celebrate… me.
I gape at the twinkling lights, the presents, the crowd—then at Bryce, who just shrugs like this isn’t the most romantic thing he’s ever done.
My throat goes tight. “You threw me a graduation party?”
“You deserved better than the one you got in high school. This is your do-over. And if I did it right, it will end with your lips all over me again.”
A runaway tear escapes down my cheek before I can stop it. I grab his face and kiss him hard, like I’m eighteen again. We don’t break free until Ruby squawks in protest.
“B, tonight you’re going to get the kind of thank-you that requires soundproofing.”
“Don’t ruin my magical evening with spoilers. Go greet your guests and take our little troublemaker with you.”
He transfers our baby into my arms, and she grabs a fistful of my hair like she’s claiming territory.
We step into the crowd, Ruby serving as a total conversation magnet. Everyone loses their collective shit over her genetic jackpot—my wild black hair paired with Bryce’s knockout blue eyes.
I stop dead when I spot Nigel standing at military attention near our bookshelf, Miss Muffy nestled in his arms. Fluffy, fabulous, and wearing theexact sameDolce & Gabbana wildflower dress as my kid.
“Oh my God, are you freaking kidding me?” I burst out laughing. “Miss Muffy, on behalf of my adorable offspring, I must formally ask that you remove that outfit immediately.”
