Page 102 of The First Spark

“Bullshit.” I laugh out the word, knowing full well it’s atotal crock, considering our initial meeting. “But thanks for the laugh.”

Ash tips my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze, dark and intense, those green eyes locking onto mine. “It’s the truth. You have the most gorgeous mouth. First thing I noticed about you. Of course, then you opened it.”

“Killing any attraction instantly.” I bite my lower lip, desperate to rein in the laughter dancing in my throat.

Hey, at least I’m smiling again. Turns out, we both are.

“Hardly. Despite your best intentions and haughtiest attitude, you were still really fucking pretty.”

There’s that line again, and I enjoy hearing it tonight just as much as I did the first time.

Ash traces his finger along the shell of my ear, once again igniting every cell in my body. Then he reaches up and pokes at the pencil wedged in my hair. “Interesting hairstyle you’ve got there.”

My temporary high crashes at his amused comment. For a second, I actually believed I was sexy and aloof. Silly me. I bet his dates never have pencils sticking out of a makeshift bun perched on their heads.

“What can I say? Library chic,” I quip, trying to mask the sting.

In other words, the polar opposite of the buxom, scantily clad hotties who warm his bed every other night.

“You have beautiful hair,” he murmurs, pulling his fingers through a loose strand. “You should wear it down more.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I arch a brow at the handsome tatted man whose body I know so well. “As much fun as I’m having with this fashion critique, I highly doubt you cameover here after closing just to comment on my hair. What’s up?”

Ash shoves his hands in his pockets, rocking back on his heels. “Me and the guys are leaving tomorrow for a tattoo convention in Vegas. We’ll be gone four days.”

Ah, there’s therealreason for him stopping by.

I plop down in the chair, reaching for my socks and boots. Best to end this conversation as quickly—and painlessly—as possible. “No worries, I’ll grab your mail for you.”

“Thank you, but that’s not why I’m here.”

Okay, I give up. “Then what do you need? You have more paperwork for me to sign or something?”

He perches on the corner of my desk, his foot tapping against the floor. “Is that what you think the other night was about? Your signature?”

“You tell me. Wasn’t it?” Averting my eyes, I return my attention to lacing my boots. “That’s what your girl Raven believes, anyway. She knew the reason you slept with me.”

“She’s not my girl, and she doesn’t know a damn thing about me. My guess? She got jealous because of how I was looking at you.”

I pause, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “How was that, exactly?”

Ash shrugs offhandedly, but a smile threatens to break across his face. “Like I wanted to devour you whole. Something like that.”

My entire body is now alight with tingles and sparks everywhere. Damn him, but that line felt so good.

So real.

Even if it’s just his schtick.

“Ugh,” I mutter, throwing in a roll of my eyes for good measure.

“What did I say now?”

“The right thing. The perfect response. As always. I swear, you’re the Pussy Whisperer or something. Every comment hits—bang—right there, with all the feels.” I motion toward my nether regions and huff out yet another sigh.

Ash doubles over, his laughter bouncing off every corner of the room. So glad I amuse him. “The Pussy Whisperer? That may be the best damn compliment I’ve ever received. I’m stealing that line.”

“Go ahead. You’ve earned it. Countless times.”

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