Page 139 of Burning Bridges Duet

“Where’s the birthday boy?” I ask over my shoulder, making my way into the living room.

“Liv,” River says urgently from behind me, but I’m already standing in front of Jaxon and Chase, who are sitting on the couch watching a movie.

“Hey,” I greet them both with a smile, setting the cupcakes down on the table in front of Chase. “Happy birthday!” I exclaim, but Chase looks at me with no emotion in his eyes. He stands up and walks out of the room, then I hear him shutting the door to his bedroom.

Confused and worried, I turn to Jaxon.

“What did I do?” I whisper shout, panic rising in my chest.

“Who told you it’s his birthday?” Jaxon asks, rubbing his temples, and I freeze.

“It’s not his birthday today?” I ask. Leave it to me to confuse the birthdays of my four boyfriends.

“It is. He’s like this every year,” Jaxon explains. “He doesn’t like celebrating his birthday.”

Just then, Ryder walks into the living room, but because he’s looking over his shoulder to talk to River, he doesn’t see me at first.

“Has grumpy boy said his goodbyes already?” Ryder asks worriedly, but his expression quickly changes when he sees me standing there, holding the balloons. “Hey, baby.” He smiles at me before noticing the cupcakes on the table. “Ah, fuck,” he mutters, playing with his lip ring. Jaxon gives him a knowing look.

“You told her it was his birthday but forgot to mention that we don’t celebrate it, didn’t you?” he says. I feel embarrassed and uneasy.

“Here, let me take them,” River offers before taking the balloons from my hand and bringing them into his room. If the situation weren’t so tense, I would laugh at how cute he looks with them.

“I’ll put these in the fridge,” Ryder says, grabbing the cupcakes. I look down at my feet, feeling guilty.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, wringing my hands. “Maybe I should just go, or I could try to talk to him and apologize? I don’t know which would be worse right now.” Jaxon steps in front of me.

“Eyes on me, Liv,” he says, and I give him my full attention. “You didn’t know, so it’s not your fault,” he assures me. “Chase needs to tell you his story himself, but just know that it has nothing to do with you. It’s sweet of you to bake him cupcakes,” he adds, stroking my cheek with his thumb. “Why don’t you try knocking on his door and ask him what he prefers? If he wants to be left alone, you can come back and watch the movie with me.” He kisses the top of my head, and I already feel much more grounded.

He’s right—I just need to ask Chase what he wants. Time to put on your big girl panties, Livy. Taking a deep breath, I make my way to Chase’s room and softly knock on the door.

“Chase, can we talk?” I ask, hoping he’ll answer.

After a moment of silence, he opens the door and looks at me.

“I’m sorry about the cupcakes and balloons,” I say, feeling guilty. “I didn’t know that you don’t like celebrating your birthday. I just wanted to do something nice for you because you mean so much to me.” I look down at the floor. “You don’t have to lock yourself in your room. I can just go home if you prefer. I won’t be offended. I’m sorry.”

It’s quiet for a moment before he finally speaks.

“No, I’m sorry, Liv. I didn’t mean to make you feel this way. You want to come in?” He opens the door a bit more for me to step in, and the lump in my throat gets smaller as I smile.

“Sure,” I reply.

Chase’s room is very neutral, without much personal stuff that I recognize. There aren’t any pictures or souvenirs, just a bed with dark red bedding, a TV on the wall, and a desk with a laptop on it. On the left side, under the window, there’s a bookshelf filled with books. Some are even stacked beside it because there’s no more room.

“Am I allowed to snoop? I didn’t the last time I was in here, even if I wanted to badly,” I ask, and his smile becomes a little more real.

“Have at it.”

I walk over to the bookshelf and read the titles. Most of them are fantasy, and I recognize the copy of The Hobbit that River read to me. I turn and make my way to the desk, noticing a bike part and a polishing cloth lying on it.

“I’m no expert, but wouldn’t it be better if that thing was on the bike?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood. I’m pleased when he huffs a laugh.

“The bike can still drive without it. It’s just not as silent anymore,” he explains.

“And that’s a good thing?” I ask, genuinely not understanding. He laughs again, looking at the floor and shaking his head.

“You’re fucking adorable, you know that?” he asks. I blush and make my way to his bed, sitting on the edge.